ABSTRACT
A primary consideration in the use of several components in the heating of buildings is their integration into a functional system. This chapter shows that how these components can be effectively and economically combined with the other elements in a space heating system. It discusses systems analysis, which includes system simulation and testing against laboratory and/or field measurements, is essential to this development and is emphasized. Based on system simulation, and coupled with parametric studies, solar heating system performance can be satisfactorily predicted for virtually any climate. The chapter also discusses standardized methods for performance optimization, which are becoming widely used. The simplest design tools are "rules of thumb." A number of these are discussed in the chapter, but should be used with caution because of their approximate nature. It describes enable the designer to determine the performance of the collectors and associated solar components in an active space heating system.
