OPTIMIZING SOLAR THERMAL SYSTEMS FOR DOMESTIC HOT WATER: A CASE STUDY ON LOW-FLOW TECHNOLOGY

This paper presents an in-depth analysis of a residential solar thermal system designed for domestic hot water (DHW) production in a single-family dwelling located in Mangalia, Romania. Positioned at a latitude of 43.894� and a longitude of 28.422�, Mangalia benefits from an annual global irradiation of 1403 kWh/m?, providing favorable conditions for solar energy utilization. The study evaluates the system's performance over the course of a year, focusing on energy consumption, solar fraction, and environmental benefits. The solar thermal system in Mangalia achieves a performance ratio of 2.02, indicating that each unit of auxiliary energy input generates over two units of useful thermal energy. Notably, 64.3% of the household's total energy demand is met through solar energy, significantly reducing the reliance on conventional energy sources. Further analysis reveals that the system produces a total annual thermal output of 2661 kWh, with energy savings reaching 2801 kWh per year. These savings correspond to a reduction of approximately 1502 kilograms in CO2 emissions, underscoring the environmental advantages of solar thermal technology in this region. By integrating detailed operational data, this paper highlights the system's efficiency in harnessing solar energy, particularly in the context of Mangalia's climatic conditions. The findings emphasize the potential for optimizing system design to maximize energy efficiency and reduce environmental impact. The paper concludes with recommendations for enhancing the adoption of solar thermal systems in residential settings across similar geographical locations, contributing to the global transition toward sustainable energy solutions.