2019/07/29 by Barakat, S. A., Sander, D. M.
#Heat performance #Performance thermique #solar energy #solar heating #windows
paper · doi:10.4224/40000529
The heating energy requirements for houses may be estimated by a simple calculation using the concept of a seasonal solar utilization factor. Solar utilization factors were derived using an hour-by-hour computer simulation with actual weather data for five Canadian locations. These utilization factors are presented for various levels of thermal storage as a function of the ratio of seasonal solar gains to seasonal building loads. Curves are presented both for conditions of constant room temperature and for temperature swings of 2.75 and 5.5 degrees C. Experimental data obtained from the NRC Passive Solar Test Facility are shown to agree with calculations using the utilization factors.