Possibly compare different systems such flate plates collectors , evacuated tubes and heat pumps for a selected region.

Using TRNSYS for solar water heating systems involves modeling the components and their interactions within the software to simulate and optimize the performance of the system. Here are some new ideas and examples:

Hybrid Solar Water Heating Systems

Combine solar water heaters with other renewable sources, like wind or geothermal, to create a hybrid system. Use TRNSYS to model a system where solar thermal collectors are supplemented with a small wind turbine. This can provide additional heating during low solar radiation periods.

Smart Control Algorithms

Implement smart control algorithms that adjust the operation of the solar water heater based on real-time data and predictive analytics. Use TRNSYS to simulate a control system that integrates weather forecasts and user consumption patterns to optimize the heating cycle and storage management.

Seasonal Thermal Energy Storage

Integrate large-scale seasonal thermal energy storage systems to store excess heat during summer for use in winter. Model a system in TRNSYS where excess heat from solar collectors is stored in a large underground thermal energy storage tank. The stored heat is then used during colder months to reduce reliance on conventional heating.

District Heating Integration

Use solar water heaters as a part of a district heating system to provide hot water to multiple buildings. In TRNSYS, simulate a network where solar water heaters are distributed across a community and connected to a central thermal storage tank. This system provides hot water to multiple residential and commercial buildings.

Photovoltaic-Thermal (PVT) Systems

Combine photovoltaic panels with thermal collectors to simultaneously generate electricity and heat water. Use TRNSYS to model a PVT system where the thermal energy extracted from the PV panels is used to heat water, improving the overall efficiency of the solar energy system.

Visit the Auroville, Pondicherry site in India. They are one of the leading research centers in solar energy in India today. They have a solar cooking system where more than 300 people's food is being cooked daily without using any other energy. It is also an automatic sun-tracking system to harvest the maximum energy from the sun daily.