A scoping review on recent advancements in domestic applications of solar thermal systems
1School of Electrical Engineering, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, India
J Ther Eng 2022; 3(8): 426-444 DOI: 10.18186/thermal.1117446
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Abstract

The rapid growth in smart technology and green energy contributing crucial role in taking our homes into next level. Meanwhile the solar powered thermal systems (STS) are much desired for energy conservation and management of houses. Domestic application of STS will not only reduce electricity consumption but also reduce carbon emission. This paper gives a scoping review on role of various types of STS namely, solar water heating, solar active and passive space heating and cooling, solar thermal water pumping, solar cooking, solar drying, solar distillation, solar green house, solar photovoltaic thermal systems (PVT) and solar thermal energy storage systems in domestic applications. The recent advancements with respect to each type of STS is outlined. Starting from various collectors and materials for STS, each system’s working principle and technological advancements in the view of adopting it to domestic applications are discussed in detail. Also, performance evaluation and role of each different STS in home application is elucidated. The research gaps and potential barriers for adopting STS for domestic homes are explored.