Simulations are powerful tools for solar energy systems design, offering a number of advantages, as outlined in the previous sections. However, there are limits to their use. For example, it is easy to make mistakes, such as assuming wrong constants and neglect important factors. As with other engineering calculations, a high level of skill and scientific judgment is required to produce correct, useful results (Kalogirou, 2004b).
It is possible to model a system to a high degree of accuracy to extract the required information. In practice, however, it may be difficult to represent in detail some of the phenomena taking place in real systems. Additionally, physical world problems, such as plugged pipes, leaks, poor system installation, scale on heat exchanger surfaces, problematic operation of controllers, and poor insulation of collectors and other equipment, cannot be easily modeled or accounted for. Moreover, simulation programs deal only with the thermal behavior of the processes, but mechanical and hydraulic considerations can also affect the thermal performance of solar energy systems. An exception to this is the use of artificial intelligence systems when data from real systems are used, where possible problems are embedded into the data used for training the systems.
It should be noted that there is no substitute for carefully executed experiments. Additionally, a combination of system simulation and physical experiments can lead to better understanding of how processes work and thus to better systems. These can reveal whether or not theory is adequate and where difficulties are present in the design and/or operation of the systems. As a conclusion, simulations are powerful tools for the modeling, design, prediction of performance, and research and development of solar energy systems. They must, however, be used very carefully.
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