Preliminary performance of CSU Solar House I heating and cooling system

Abstract

The SF/CSU Solar Hou e l solar heating and cooling system became operational on l July 1974. During the first month of operation the emphasis was placed on adjustment, "tuning", and fau lt correction in the olar collection and the solar/fuel /cooling ubsy terns. Following this initial check out period, analys is and testing of the system utilizing a full year of data was begun. This paper discusses the preliminary performance of the heating and cooling system. During the period l August 1974-3 1January1975, approximately 40 per cent of the cooling load was provided by solar energy. Solar heating over the same period of time provided 86 per cent of the space heat ing load and 68 per cent of the domestic hot water heating load. These percentages represent a total solar contribution of 33,996 MJ delivered to load (8061 MJ to the cooling unit ; 20,687 MJ to heating; 5248 MJ to hot water). atural gas accounted for 22,442 MJ, total. In add ition, preliminary analysis has provided several significant results associated with the operating characteristic of the solar system and the individual com ponent .

Experimental and analytical systems studies of a combined thermal-photovoltaic residential solar system. Technical status report No. 5, April 1-May 31, 1980

“…Recent . $tudies [2,3,4],indicate significant performance degradations due to the transient behavior ~f residential size. solar "fired" absorption ~ater chillers.…”

Solar absorption cooling feasibility

“…For example, we may utilize some previous experimental data [14,28] to assume the values of some of the parameters in equation (4) An intermediate observation is that the fraction of the cooling load carried by solar has a minimal effect on ns; i.e., f has a minor effect on the thermodynamic efficiency of the solar/auxiliary system for the condition where the above assumption s are applicable.…”

“…Noteworthy experiments have been conducted by Ward, et al [12,13,14,15], Namkoong [16], San Martin,etal [17,18], and Jacobsen [19]. Numerous other experimen tal cooling systems have been designed and fabricated, but extensive performance data are not yet available.…”

Handbook of experiences in the design and installation of solar heating and cooling systems

“…Leaks are easily detected Access for repairs is relatively easy Disadvantages If installed within the conditioned space and used to store heat during the cooling season, it could add significantly to the cooling load [23]. Also, an improperly insulated storage could lead to overheating of the space during the heating season .…”

“…While some Trombe walls can be 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 cm) thick, walls thicker than 12 inches (30 cm) may radiate stored heat many hours later than desired [23]. Therefore thermal lag times of walls should be considered.…”