Active Charge/Passive Discharge Solar Heating Systems: Thermal Analysis and Performance Comparisons

摘要

This study analyzes the performance of active charge/passive discharge solar space heating systems. This type of system combines liquid-cooled solar collector panels with a massive integral storage component that passively heats the building interior by radiation and free convection. The TRNSYS simulation program is used to evaluate system performance and to provide input for the development of a simplified analysis method. This method, which provides monthly calculations of delivered solar energy, is based on Klein's Phi-bar procedure and data from hourly TRNSYS simulations. The method can be applied to systems using a floor slab, a structural wall, or a water tank as the storage component. Important design parameters include collector area and orientation, building heat loss, collector and heat-exchanger efficiencies, storage capacity, and storage-to-room coupling. Performance simulation results are used for comparisons with active and passive solar designs. Economic comparisons are based on these data and additional system features, such as cooling augmentation and integration of heating components with structural members. (ERA citation 06:028489)