Whole system energy and cost optimization of residential swimming pool pumping systems

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Copyright: Zhao, Jianzhou
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Abstract
Filtering and solar heating of residential swimming pool systems were investigated with respect to energy and cost savings. A typical residential pool was investigated that used 5.5 kWh/day to filter the whole volume (37.5 m3) of water once per day at a Business as Usual (BAU) flow rate of ~3.7 L s-1. Reducing flow rates is known to save energy however it was found that pool chlorinators and pressure driven cleaners do not work well under very low flows (< 1 L s-1). A robotic cleaner performed best and running a variable-speed pump (Viron P320 eVo) at ~1 L s-1 achieved a 70% energy saving compared to the BAU scenario. The energy efficient pool filtering system can be powered by a 2 kW PV system cost-effectively in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. Quantitative measurements showed water chemical concentrations were well-maintained. Experimental results for a residential solar pool heating system under low pump speed, low flow conditions (0.02 kg s-1 m-2) achieved 60% pumping energy savings and a coefficient of performance of ~29 (for BAU, COP is ~10 at 0.076 kg s-1 m-2) without compromising the pool thermal performance. The throttle valve was adjusted to reduce flow rates and to ensure the vacuum relief valve remained closed. A numerical model was developed, which showed excellent agreement with the experimental data (R2 > 98%). Annual simulations found an optimal mass flow range of 0.016 – 0.03 kg s-1 m-2, which is below current recommendations by International and Australian Standards. Residential PV/T pool heating systems were also found to be technically and financially feasible to operate under low flow conditions, achieving better energy efficiency and improved pool thermal performance compared to high flow conditions. When pumps were optimally sized for a collector area, then a comparable system performance was obtained, irrespective of the collector area. Thermal modelling over the whole swimming season showed unglazed PV/T systems are preferred in a humid subtropical climate (Sydney and Brisbane), whereas glazed systems suit a temperate oceanic climate (Melbourne). For PV/T systems, discounted payback periods of ~10 years were achieved in comparison to grid-supplied BAU solar pool heating systems.
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Author(s)
Zhao, Jianzhou
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Sproul, Alistair
Bilbao, Jose
Macgill, Iain
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Publication Year
2019
Resource Type
Thesis
Degree Type
PhD Doctorate
UNSW Faculty
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