ABSTRACT
The use of air to transport solar heat is undergoing a renaissance in Europe. Solar air systems offer technical and economic advantages relative to water-based systems or purely passive systems. What solar air systems are, how they have been successfully used, and what unique advantages and limitations they possess are the subjects of this paper. Six generic system types have been identified as the most promising by the participants of a new research task of the International Energy Agency (IEA). Each system type is explained and illustrated with building examples provided by the task experts. Outputs of this international activity are previewed and opportunities to become involved are identified. Finally, the future of solar air systems is forecast.
