- Author
- Fanney, A. H. | Dougherty, B. P.
- Title
- Photovoltaic Solar Water Heating System at Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
- Coporate
- National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD
- Report
- Pamphlet, 1997, 2 p.
- Distribution
- Obtain additional information on the system Contact: Paula Svincek, NIST, Bldg. 226, Rm. B320; Fax 301-975-5433; E-mail pvsolar@nist.gov
- Keywords
- water heaters | solar energy
- Abstract
- The hot water used for hand washing in the rest rooms at the Sugarlands Visitor Center within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is being heated by a photovoltaic solar water heating system. The system uses photovoltaic cells, that convert sunlight to electricity. The voltage and current at which the photovoltaic cells operate at maximum efficiency varies with solar intensity and ambient temperature. A microprocessor continuously selects various combinations of six heating elements so that the resulting voltage and current closely coincide with the values at maximum efficiency.