Size a thermal energy storage tank for solar hot water or solar heating systems based on collector area and load.
Input Parameters
Results
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Tank Volume
liters
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Stored Energy
kWh
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Recommended Height
m
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Standby Loss
kWh/day
Note: Rule of thumb: 50-75 liters storage per m² of collector. Tall, narrow tanks promote thermal stratification for better performance.
Reference
Tank Volume = max(Collector Area x 60 L/m², Daily Load x 1.5)
Stored Energy = Volume x ΔT x 4.186 / 3600 [kWh]
Height/Diameter ratio ~ 2.5:1 for stratification
Heat Loss = Surface Area x (T_tank - T_ambient) / R_insulation