Theoretical variations of the thermal performance of different solar collectors and solar combi systems as function of the varying yearly weather conditions in Denmark

To link to full-text access for this article, visit this link: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.solener.2008.10.009 Byline: Elsa Andersen, Simon Furbo Keywords: Measured weather data; Solar radiation variations; Solar heating systems; Solar collectors; Thermal performance; Utilized part of solar radiation Abstract: The thermal performances of solar collectors and solar combi systems with different solar fractions are studied under the influence of the Danish design reference year, DRY data file, and measured weather data from a solar radiation measurement station situated at the Technical University of Denmark in Kgs. Lyngby. The data from DRY data file are used for any location in Denmark. The thermal performances of the solar heating systems are calculated by means of validated computer models. The measured yearly solar radiation varies by approximately 23% in the period from 1990 until 2002, and the investigations show that it is not possible to predict the yearly solar radiation on a tilted surface based on the yearly global radiation. The annual thermal performance of solar combi systems cannot with reasonable approximation be fitted to a linear function of the annual total radiation on the solar collector or the annual global radiation. Solar combi systems with high efficient solar collectors are more influenced by weather variations from one year to another than systems with low efficient solar collectors. The annual thermal performance of solar collectors cannot be predicted from the global radiation, but both the annual thermal performance and the annual utilized solar energy can with a reasonable approximation be fitted to a linear function of the yearly solar radiation on the collector for both flat plate and evacuated tubular solar collectors. Also evacuated tubular solar collectors utilize less sunny years with large parts of diffuse radiation relatively better than flat plate collectors. Author Affiliation: Department of Civil Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, Building 118, DK-2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark Article History: Received 24 May 2007; Revised 1 October 2008; Accepted 3 October 2008 Article Note: (miscellaneous) Communicated by: Associate Editor Yogi Goswami