Performance effects of Trombe wall control strategies

Abstract Trombe wall performance is analyzed for a variety of control strategies in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Santa Maria, California and Madison Wisconsin. Controls were considered in both the presence and absence of backup energy. The analysis was performed using hourly simulations on Solmet weather data in a thermal network model. Sensitivity of the results to wall thickness and size, building azimuth and house insulation levels is computed. Proper controls were found to reduce backup requirements as much as 50 per cent. Alternatively, they appear to provide equivalent solar fractions with thinner and smaller walls. Finally, in the absence of backup energy, proper controls on thin walls provide better performance than standard walls of double thickness. The results given in this paper are based entirely on computer simulations and are therefore intended to enhance the reader's insight into the Trombe Wall control problem. Efforts are underway to verify the major conclusions in test structures and real houses.