Real‐time experimental performance, economic and environmental impact assessment of solar‐assisted vacuum deaeration heating system

1. AbstractThis research evaluates the performance of a solar-assisted heating (SAH) system for makeup water in a vacuum deaeration process. The system integrates solar energy into the heating process, with parametric analysis conducted across varying water flow rates. Based on experimental outcomes, a TRNSYS simulation model is developed, followed by an assessment of the system's economic and environmental impacts. The analysis shows that a water flow rate of 0.4 LPM achieved the target temperature of 61°C for the deaeration process. Thermal efficiency peaked at 62.60% under a solar radiation of 900 W/m. The TRNSYS model aligned well with experimental data, showing a root mean square error of 2.77°C for outlet water temperature and 3.54% for thermal efficiency. Economic analysis reveals a return-on-investment (ROI) period of 2.57 years and an annual reduction of 1.486 tons of CO2e emissions in the first-year operation. Overall, this finding provides valuable insights into the performance and economic feasibility of the SAH system for makeup water heating in the vacuum deaeration process.