Track: Environmental Engineering

Abstract

The Zimbabwean government and corporates have intensified construction of vertical housing dwellings such as flats. This is being done to save on limited space and comfortably accommodate many residents. In some cases, these housing development schemes are followed up by installations of single dwelling solar domestic heating systems, and at times solar photovoltaic systems. These two energy systems usually compete for occupying the same space. On instances where solar thermal/photovoltaic collectors or modules are built or integrated as two-in-one assemblies, issues of efficiency and maintenance may become compromised. Previously, the Zimbabwean weather conditions were mild. This would not warrant hot water infrastructure to be included in design and installations.  Nowadays, because of climate changes the winters are becoming severe, which demands designs and installations of hot water systems for household uses to be incorporated at every stage of construction. Considering these recent developments in both climate and technology, a corncob agricultural residue-fired district water heating system is being proposed, designed, and recommended for use to the Government of Zimbabwe, corporates into housing projects and other agencies. This renewable energy district water heating system which does not use wood or fossil fuels is meant to mitigate against adverse effects of climate change, especially global warming and at the same time pave way for solar photovoltaic infrastructure on buildings’ rooftops. Expansion of this new energy form for use in newly developed areas will also relieve pressure being encountered in the national electricity power grid, which often sheds some load.