ABSTRACT
The optimum collector array size for a solar space heating system in a given geographic location and for given load characteristics is dependent on economic factors. To determine the future cost of fuel saved by the solar system, the system performance, in terms of the fraction of the load met by solar must be ascertained. Heat delivery performance correlations can then be used to develop simplified design and sizing methods that do not require the use of a computer. Detailed hour-by-hour computer simulations have been run for 25 United States and Canadian cities. On the basis of these simulations, a method has been devised to allow the designer to estimate system performance based on monthly data of horizontal solar radiation and heating degree-days. As opposed to design heating or cooling load calculations based on steady-state solar system design and component selection are based on annual system performance.
