Simple Solar Systems for Heating, Hot Water and. Cooking in High Altitude Regions with. High Solar Radiation

C. MOller/K. Schwarzer/H. Kleine-Hering*
Solar-Institut JOlich / Solar Global e. V./ *Ecoandina
Heinrich-Mussmann-Str.5, 52428 JOlich
Tel.: (0049-2461) 99 35 70, Fax: (0049-2461) 99 35 70
E-Mail: c. mueller@sij. fh-aachen. de,

Internet: http://www. sij. fh-aachen. de

1. Introduction

In connection with a BMBF research project (FKZ 17104.01), a new system has been developed to provide solar heating and hot water. The system is designed to be used in areas with high solar radiation and low ambient temperatures, conditions which occur typically in high altitude regions. The main considerations in develop­ing this system were robust technology, low cost and easy maintenance. To ensure robustness, air is used as the heat transfer medium. Air has the advantage of a low thermal capacity and enables the system to be immediately ready for use, and does not have the disadvantages of water at temperatures below the freezing point. The units were installed in two public buildings in the Argentinean Altiplano at an alti­tude of 3600 m, as part of a BMZ (Ministry for Cooperation) project. The local partner in the project was Ecoandina.

Because of the high level of direct solar insolation in this area, concentrating solar cookers for families and institutions have a very high acceptance. As part of the BMZ project, four community cookers with Fixed-Focus reflectors (Scheffler reflec­tors) each with 3 kW power were installed. Further installations included solar hot water systems, drip irrigation systems with solar pumps and parabolic cookers for families. One of the villages equipped with these units is now to receive an award for being the first Solar Village in Argentina.