Modelling the effect of realistic domestic energy demand profiles and internal gains on the predicted performance of solar thermal systems

This work investigates the importance and consequent complexity of gaining a reliable estimate of the temporal energy demands made of active domestic solar systems. Twelve typical Welsh dwellings are modelled in TRNSYS. The influence of weather data, thermal comfort operating schedule, lighting and plug loads, on the predicted thermal energy demands that are to be met by solar thermal combi-systems with heat storage is studied. It is revealed that the balance between potential solar contribution and the need for heat storage are strongly influenced by these input variables, and the effects are more marked in recent, heavily insulated housing. Consideration of the potential range of demands for space heating and cooling of a particular house type is thus found to be imperative in designing a system that is efficient and robust across varying occupancy and climatic conditions. Furthermore the temporal relationship of energy supply and demand profiles could be the main determinant of the appropriate strategy for meeting the energy needs and system aims efficiently. The study demonstrates also that dynamic system simulation tools like TRNSYS can handle the complexity of elaborate building modelling descriptions but highlights the need for more suitable modelling methods which incorporate comprehensive, building-focused interfaces.

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