Performance Evaluation of a Thermosiphon Floor-Heating System. Final Report

摘要

A unique passive solar heating system in a residence in Santa Fe, New Mexico, is described. The system utilizes a 395 sq ft air-cooled thermosiphon collector (also called natural convection collector) to heat a shallow rock bed under the entire floor area of an 1850 sq ft house. The rock bed is segmented by branch ducts to promote even air flows, and the heat recovery to the house is by radiant floor heating. Construction on the system was completed in September 1980, and intensive monitoring during January and February 1981 provided excellent data. Despite some minor problems, the performance was exceptionally good; the estimated solar fraction for a thirty day winter period was 97%, with day-night temperature swings of only 4 to 5 exp 0 F. The design of the system is included, as well as the monitored performance. Detailed evaluations of all system components are also presented. (ERA citation 07:046338)