Date of Award

1-28-2026

Thesis Type

Masters

Document Type

Dissertation

Divisions

Institute of Advanced Studies

Department

UM Power Energy Dedicated Advanced Centre (UMPEDAC)

Institution

Universiti Malaya

Abstract

This research evaluates the performance of a solar-assisted heating (SAH) system for makeup water in a vacuum deaeration process. The system integrates solar energy into the heating process, with parametric analysis conducted across varying configuration of total solar radiation and water flow rates. The total solar radiation at the experimental site in Kuala Kangsar, Perak, Malaysia, characterized by tropical weather, fell within the range between 414W/m2 to 568W/m2. Performance analysis showed that a flow rate of 0.4 LPM achieved the target temperature of 61°C required for the deaeration process. Thermal efficiency peaked at 62.60% under a solar radiation of 900 W/m2. In terms of energy fraction, the thermal collector’s contribution in the system increased substantially from 54.1% to 95.2% as total solar radiation rose from 550W/m2 to 750W/m2. The use of an auxiliary heater can be omitted when total solar radiation exceeds 800W/m2. Exergy analysis indicated a thermal exergy efficiency peak of approximately 3.5% under 880W/m2, with entropy generation increasing linearly with solar radiation. The TRNSYS simulation model developed aligns well with experimental data, showing a root mean square error of 2.77°C for outlet water temperature and 3.54% for thermal efficiency. Economic analysis revealed a return-on-investment (ROI) period of 2.57 years. Over the SAH system’s expected 15-year lifespan, it is projected to yield cumulative electricity savings of RM 6,499.58 by reducing reliance on conventional heating for makeup water in the vacuum deaeration process. In terms of environmental impact, SAH system achieved a reduction in CO2e emissions of 1.486 tons through electricity savings of 2033 kWh in the first year of operation. By the end of the SAH system’s lifespan after 15 years, it is estimated to have prevented a total of 20.012 tons of CO2e emissions. Overall, these findings provide valuable insights into the performance, economic feasibility and environmental benefits of implementing the SAH system for makeup water heating in the vacuum deaeration process.

Initial

khm 

Additional Information

Dissertation (M.A.) – Institute of Advanced Studies, Universiti Malaya, 2026.

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