Simulation Modeling and Optimization of the Performance of the Solar Water Heating System at the Southland Leisure Centre

Abstract

The Co-Generation heating system at Southland Leisure Centre (SLC) uses solar energy and natural gas to provide the necessary hot water supply for the swimming pools. This is one of the largest solar heating systems in Alberta. The system was modeled using TRNSYS software and its components to represent the various parts of the solar heating system. Experimental data from a previous project was simulated and used to assess the accuracy of the modeling. After the model was set-up and validated, the software was used to simulate the current SLC heat management system. The model was also used to investigate several possible system improvements. A number of operational and maintenance concerns have been identified, including lack of verification of current quality of glycol, overheating of the water-glycol mixture and data loss from the SLC building management system. Recommendations to improve system performance, include changing the temperature setting for when the system turns ‘on’, increasing the amount of energy the system can store and turning on the make-up water feed at the ideal times. The SLC solar heating system was found to not be financially beneficial under current energy prices. Future projects should ensure constant heat demand to maximize productivity. Analysis of the solar heating system at SLC provides important information to help future projects become more competitive.