Annual heating and hot water load reduction effect of air-based solar heating system using thermal simulation

Abstract

This study examines the effect of an air-based solar heating system that can be used directly for convection heating while minimizing thermal leakage. To compare the effect of reducing the heating and hot water load when using the system, a simulation model of the system is created, and annual load calculations are performed. The results of the simulation study show that the annual heating load is reduced by 5.39 GJ and the hot water load is reduced by 10.32 GJ when using the air-based solar heating system, resulting in a 48.3% annual load reduction effect. In addition, by analyzing the thermal balance of the indoor space based on the application of the air-based solar heating system, the problem of the existing system is elucidated. In order to improve the performance of the system as shown in the thermal balance, it is necessary not only to improve the performance of the collector, but also to review its thermal storage, insulation, and proper control.