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

Legua C.; Enrique Ortiz-Vidal L.; Cuisano J. · Proceedings of the LACCEI international Multi-conference for Engineering, Education and Technology (2026) · DOI: 10.18687/laccei2026.1.1.2577

Resumen

The transition towards energy sustainability demands the continuous optimization of water heating systems. In this context, vacuum tube solar water heaters stand out for their high thermal collection capacity. Traditionally, temperature regulation in these systems is delegated to the user, whose operational fluctuations lead to significant energy and water losses. The objective of this study is to optimize hot water consumption in a vacuum tube solar heater through the development of a PID control system aimed at reducing water tempering time and thermal fluctuations, coupled with IoT-based real-time monitoring. To this end, an experimental test bench was implemented, integrating sensors and mixing actuators for thermal system modeling and controller design. Its performance was contrasted against manual operation, evaluating the increase in the available volume of tempered water at the user's desired set-point. Preliminary results demonstrate a reduction in stabilization time of between 50% and 66.7% compared to manual control. This improvement translates into a larger available volume of tempered water at the comfort set-point (37 °C). The proposed integration demonstrates that control design is a determining factor in enhancing both water and energy efficiency.

Instituciones: Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú