Performance analysis and instant/delayed characteristics of a solar heating system used in cold regions

Solar energy is widely used to meet the building heating energy demand in the cold region. Performance of the solar heating system is significantly influenced by the heating terminal. This paper firstly makes a comprehensive comparison between the air supply system and the radiant floor system in solar heating circumstance. A hybrid solar heating system combining the advantages of convective and radiant terminals is proposed to achieve 24-h diurnal heating with daytime limited insolation. Hot air heated by a solar collector is firstly delivered to the hollow cores in the radiant floor. After passing through the cores, the air subsequently enters the room, while room air returns to the collector to complete the cycle. Simulation models are built to analyze the performances of different air-based solar heating systems. It is indicated indoor operative temperature (T-op) of the proposed system could be controlled between 18.0 similar to 20.9 degrees C, where the average T-op is 3.4 degrees C and 1.0 degrees C higher than those in the air supply system and radiant floor system respectively. It's with superiorities in both indoor temperature satisfactory and solar utilization efficiency. Influences of different parameters such as floor structure, solar collecting efficiency and air flow rate are also investigated. This research preliminarily shows the probability of this combined solar heating system for cold regions with sufficient solar radiation.

Automated summary

Solar energy is widely used for building heating in cold regions, with the performance of the system being significantly influenced by the heating terminal. This paper compares air supply and radiant floor systems, proposing a hybrid system for 24-hour diurnal heating. Simulation models show superior indoor temperature control and solar utilization efficiency compared to traditional systems.