Energy analysis between traditional hot water circulation system and an innovative pipe-in-pipe system

Abstract: We are at a time when energy efficiency and the reduction in the use of non-renewable energy is an important objective in all aspects and will continue to be so, therefore it is necessary to try to reduce energy and heat losses in the systems used in homes and, in particular, in the domestic hot water (DHW) system. This study aims to find out the advantages and disadvantages of an innovative pipe-in-pipe (PIP) system for DHW circulation with respect to the conventional system of two separate pipes. Previous studies have shown that DHW circulation is indeed an important point of energy losses in the home and that it is possible to reduce these losses by using the innovative system under study. The properties and coefficients defining the heat transfer system have been obtained for both the traditional and innovative systems by using empirical equations and iterative processes, indicating a 32% reduction in heat losses in favour of the pipe-in-pipe system. However, this result has been obtained in a kind of case study, using some simplifying assumptions, needed to accomplish to work within limited time. So the result could vary if a somewhat different system is studied, which is why it is necessary to carry out further studies and research on this subject in order optimize DHW systems in buildings.