Evaluation of a solar collector system with thermal storage for preheating ventilation air in farm buildings

Abstract This paper describes the investigation of a wall mounted solar collector and hydronic thermal storage system for preheating ventilation air for livestock buildings in a cold climate. A simulation model is developed, based on the measured performance of a system installed on a swine gestation barn. The verified simulation model was used to evaluate solar collector-thermal storage options in an economic analysis. The most economical system was determined to be a collector system without any form of thermal storage.