Solar Powered Water Heaters Utilizing Thermo Electric Coolers for CENER

For a study abroad project, I worked with a multidisciplinary engineering team on a renewable energy initiative for CENER, a Spanish research group. In Pamplona, Spain, most residents use solar water heaters, but their efficiency drops during the cloudy winter months. Our task was to evaluate whether integrating thermoelectric coolers into these systems could effectively supplement water heating during low-sunlight periods.

We utilized TRNSYS, a simulation tool for transient systems, to model solar water heating performance in the Pamplona region. Using local solar data, we simulated water temperatures with and without thermoelectric coolers to assess effectiveness. We then compared energy consumption and cost between thermoelectric coolers and traditional water heaters. Through circuit and financial analysis, I determined that thermoelectric systems could become cost-effective within 4–5 years of installation.

We presented our findings to CENER, demonstrating that integrating thermoelectric coolers into solar water heating systems is an efficient and economically viable solution compared to traditional heating methods.