Thermal Modelling & Parametric Study of Transpired Solar Collector

Session 12 Paper 1, CIBSE ASHRAE Technical Symposium, Imperial College, London, UK
18th and 19th April 2012

Being a cost effective solar application, Transpired Solar Collector (TSC) system has been widely used in North America and Europe. In order to estimate the energy performance of TSC system, software programs such as RETScreen and SWift are currently available. These software programs’ empirical models are specifically designed for the analysis of TSC. However, TSC estimation tools have rarely been critically analysed by other researchers.

This paper introduces a new estimation tool for modelling the energy performance of building integrated TSC. The program is called SBET (Sustainable Building Estimation Tool). This paper focuses on three parts of calculation algorithms, i.e. the capture of solar energy delivered, together with destratification and insulation savings. The calculation algorithms for these savings are presented here together with an explanation of their derivation. Lastly, the TSC thermal performance results of SBET estimation tool is compared with those of currently available software programs, using a consistent benchmark design parameters and weather data.