Performance and economic evaluation of evacuated tube solar collector with auxiliary electric heater for rural heating

Abstract The evacuated tube solar collector with auxiliary electric heater (ETCAEH) was presented for rural heating in this study. The examined building heating system with evacuated tube solar collector was designed and constructed in Jinan city, china. The aim of this study is to analyze the feasibility of building heating system presented. Thermal performance and economic analysis of ETCAEH for rural heating were investigated. The results show that the heating room indoor air temperature can meet heating demand by adopting ETCAEH. Furthermore, ETCAEH used in rural area has applicative enough for their advantages in economy by comparing with coal-fired boiler and air conditioning. It is said that this study will provide guidance for designing and economic feasibility of ETCAEH used in building heating.