Improving Thermal Performance of Solar Heating Systems

The efficient use of solar radiation heat accumulated during the summer months for heating requires the use of high-volume storage tanks. Another option is discharging excess heat outside the system during the summer. This publication concerns the latter solution. A model of the solar heating system for a residential building and pool with a storage tank powered by solar energy has been developed. Simulation calculations were performed, which showed that the removal of excess heat is a beneficial solution, especially when this energy can be used to heat water in the pool. The calculations concerned the heating of a single-family house in a temperate climate. Lowering the temperature of the water in the storage tank contributes to minimal heat losses from the tank to the environment (ground), and supplying the solar collectors with lower-temperature fluid increases the driving force of the heat transfer process.