Why not include more storage?
The efficiency would go up because cooler water would be running through around~about the same collector temp.
The total cost would not increase much at all? After the collector, pump(s), controller, heat dispersement equipment, excavation, etc, It looks like adding an extra "foot or 2 or 3" of storage length is a minor consideration.
My take on those combined is more efficiency, and more heat when I could use it or more saved for tomorrow.
My perception is certainly skewed. If it is sunny in the winter months here, we don't need much heat, or its nearly so cold fire freezes. It is cloudy the rest of the time. :( G-[ Parent ]
I've not actually run numbers on it, but my feeling is that you can go to far with the storage. If you have a few cloudy days, the tank continues to lose temperature, and then when you do get sun, it takes the tank a while just to recover up to the minimum usable temperature. I suspect its one of those things where there is an optimum amount of storage somewhere, but the drop off on either side of the optimum is slow.
Its been snowing off and on all day today, and its supposed to get down to 1F tonight -- in October!!
GaryGary gary@BuildItSolar.com www.BuildItSolar.com[ Parent ]
