Design, Implementation, and Monitoring of Hybrid Heaters with Solar-LPG Energy and Solar-Electric Heater Energy for Obtaining Domestic Hot Water

This project addresses the issue of high energy consumption and pollution generated by traditional domestic hot water (DHW) heating systems (electric and LPG) in Cuenca homes. The main objective is to develop and implement hybrid DHW heating systems that integrate solar energy with an auxiliary source (LPG or electric). The methodology includes an initial diagnosis of current energy consumption, a study of the state-of-the-art in hybrid solar systems, and the design and installation of two prototypes using vacuum tube collectors in pilot homes. Subsequently, exhaustive monitoring of key variables such as temperature, flow rate, pressure, and auxiliary source consumption will be carried out. Finally, a technical-financial analysis will be performed to assess the economic viability, implementation cost, and potential savings derived from the reduction in electricity and LPG consumption, aiming to offer a sustainable comfort solution.<br/><br/><b>Goal</b>: <br/>To design, implement, and monitor hybrid water heaters for domestic hot water (DHW) that combine solar energy with LPG or solar energy with electric heaters, in order to establish efficiency indicators that justify their implementation.<br/><br/><b>Research lines</b>: <br/>Optimization of energy and renewable energies