Optimization of hot water consumption in a vacuum tube solar water heater pilot using PID control and IoT-based monitoring

Resumen

Abstract– Manual control of water mixing in solar water heating systems compromises efficiency and limits hot water availability. This project develops a PID control system for optimal water tempering, integrating sensors and mixing actuators into a vacuum tube solar collector pilot. The objective is to optimize hot water consumption through real-time IoT-based monitoring, thereby increasing the available volume of tempered water at the desired setpoint. The thermal system is modeled, the controller is designed, and its performance is validated against manual operation. Results demonstrate an approximate 20% improvement in operational efficiency and user comfort, achieving a 150% expansion of the useful volume by delivering 300 liters of water at 37°C from a 120-liter tank.