Solar Cooling for the Sunbelt Regions
Poster
April 2024 - PDF 1.52MB
By: Uli Jakob, Daniel Neyer, Manuel Ostheimer

The energy demand for air-conditioning is growing faster than any other energy consumption in buildings. The main share of the projected growth for space cooling comes from emerging economies and will more than triple by 2050 to 6,000 TWh/a globally.
 

Solar Cooling for the Sunbelt Regions

Solar Cooling for the Sunbelt Regions: First results of Task 65 Activity A1 on Climatic Conditions and Applications Poster
April 2023 - PDF 1.49MB
By: Uli Jakob, Daniel Neyer, Salvatore Vasta, Richard Gurtner

Poster presented at S-@ccess, International Conference on Solar Technologies and Hybrid Mini-Grids to improve energy access, Spain, April 26-28, 2023.

Solar Cooling for the Sunbelt Regions: First results of Task 65 Activity A1 on Climatic Conditions and Applications Poster

A modern heritage office building looking at energy and users satisfaction
Lighting control and automation system, combined with daylight in the Ministry of Mines and Energy (MME) in Brasilia
May 2022 - PDF 2.26MB
By: Ayana Dantas, Flavia Bukzem, Gabrielle Toledo, Igor Silva, Adriana Sekeff

The modern building designed in 1958 by Oscar Niemeyer is an architectural heritage, limiting interventions on facades. The electric  lighting control and automation system optimizes light integration and reduces energy use, while improving user satisfaction. The building makes good use of daylight, thanks to the laminar shape; most offices are located in east façade to prevent glare and overheating.
 

A modern heritage office building looking at energy and users satisfaction

Advanced lighting upgrades in daylit offices improve comfort and lighting quality
High-resolution lighting and shading controls enable comfortable, energy efficient, daylit work office environments
May 2022 - PDF 1.9MB
By: Luís L. Fernandes, Taoning Wang

Four types of LED lighting with high-resolution, luminaire-level controls and automated roller shades were evaluated in a 3700 m2 Living Laboratory in New York City. The innovative systems delivered significant lighting energy savings with enhanced indoor environmental quality and comfort.
 

Advanced lighting upgrades in daylit offices improve comfort and lighting quality

Good daylighting design can exploit use of lighting controls
North and south oriented facades, internal courtyard, limited depth, and large windows shielded this building from direct solar radiation
May 2022 - PDF 2.21MB
By: Ayana Dantas, Flavia Bukzem, Gabrielle Toledo, Igor Silva, João Francisco Walter Costa and Adriana Sekeff

At this office building in the University of Brasilia daylighting is the main lighting source thanks to the building shape, the internal courtyard, and well-designed solar protections. Daylighting and view out with high quality improve user´s satisfaction in the workplaces. Energy use for lighting is high and it could be exploited using electric lighting controls.
 

Good daylighting design can exploit use of lighting controls

Horizontal light pipe brings natural light into office at high latitudes area
Horizontal light pipe brings distinctive features of daylight to the back part of the office, increases light level, and saves energy
May 2022 - PDF 2.1MB
By: iljana Obradovic

In this long-term pilot study at Norconsult AS, a horizontal light pipe (HLP) was used to bring daylight to the back part of the office. HLP brought up to 400 lux of natural light to the desk closest to the back part of the office, increased user appreciation of the space, and saved energy.
 

Horizontal light pipe brings natural light into office at high latitudes area

LED lighting for improving well-being in a psychiatric hospital – A first look
A simple solution with separate day and night lighting systems, attempts to provide better experiences for staff and patients
May 2022 - PDF 1.46MB
By: W. Osterhaus, I. Erhardtsen, M. Gkaintatzi-Masouti, K. Nielsen and F. Dobos

At Slagelse Psychiatric Hospital, they apply a simple strategy in an attempt to improve the well-being of staff and patients. In patient rooms,
daylight and three downlights with a warm colour appearance provide sufficient light during the day. At night, two downlights reduce light levels and colour temperature to help create a calmer atmosphere.
 

LED lighting for improving well-being in a psychiatric hospital – A first look

Light and shadows in an Amazon building
Challenges to integrate daylight and solar protection elements in an iconic building of the Brazilian modernism
May 2022 - PDF 2.19MB
By: Ayana Dantas de Medeiros, Derick Lucas, Leslie Oliveira, Nathalya Melo, Poliana Pires

In a representative Amazon building daylight use and solar control elements are examined. Occupants are satisfied with the indoor space, despite some changes done to the original design. Computational simulations suggested good daylighting design overall, with little risk for  lare occurrence, as in the intention of the original design.
 

Light and shadows in an Amazon building

Low-cost manually activated shades and tunable lighting in historical building
Motorized roller blinds and dimmable-tunable LED to improve comfort and save energy at Abazia San Lorenzo ad Septimum
May 2022 - PDF 1.45MB
By: Michelangelo Scorpio, Giovanni Ciampi, Niko Gentile, Yorgos Spanodimitriou, Roberta Laffi, Sergio Sibilio

A low-cost manually controlled system, consisting of two motorised roller blinds and six dimmable and tunable led-based luminaires, was installed in a “Living lab” at the Abazia San Lorenzo ad Septimum to investigate the integration of artificial lighting system with shading systems and to guarantee user satisfaction, while energy savings were achieved by simply training the users.
 

Low-cost manually activated shades and tunable lighting in historical building

NAVITAS – A Testbed for Integrated Daylighting and Electric Lighting Aspects
Largest low-energy building in Denmark provides good daylighting and allows for a detailed study of integrated electric lighting and solar shading
May 2022 - PDF 1.83MB
By: W. Osterhaus, M. Gkaintatzi-Masouti, K. Nielsen, T. Baumann and F. Dobos

A study of integrated lighting at a research and education centre reveals that a highly energyefficient building could be further improved through relatively simple measures. Such measures include shades that automatically return to a fully open state at the end of a day, a manual on-switch for electric lighting and better light sensor positions.
 

NAVITAS – A Testbed for Integrated Daylighting and Electric Lighting Aspects

Office space with light redirecting structures in upper part of the façade
Large-scale micro-optical panels were integrated into the upper part of a façade. The lower part is operated with venetian blinds for sun and glare protection.
May 2022 - PDF 1.25MB
By: Carolin Hubschneider, Yuen Fang and Daniel Neves Pimenta

At the Fraunhofer IBP in Stuttgart, large scale micro-optical panels were integrated into glazing units and integrated into the upper part of the façade of a lab room. The evaluation of the performance of the lighting conditions and the energy related parameters were compared to a second identical room, with blinds in the upper part of the façade.

Office space with light redirecting structures in upper part of the façade

Office space with light-emitting structures in upper part of the façade
Large-scale micro-optical panels were integrated into the upper part of a façade. The lower part is operated with venetian blinds for sun and glare protection.
May 2022 - PDF 1.07MB
By: Carolin Hubschneider, Yuen Fang and Daniel Neves Pimenta

At the Fraunhofer IBP in Stuttgart, large scale light-emitting panels were integrated into glazing units and integrated into the upper part of the façade of a lab room. The evaluation of the performance of the lighting conditions and the energy related parameters were compared to a second identical room, with conventional lighting.
 

Office space with light-emitting structures in upper part of the façade

Test and verify to take the guesswork out of achieving high performance goals
Following through on design intent across construction and commissioning phases helped owners achieve high performance goals
May 2022 - PDF 2.34MB
By: Andrew McNeil, Christian Kohler

Monitored, full-scale, outdoor mockups were used to finetune design and control system details then, in the final building, performance was verified with monitored data prior to occupancy.
 

Test and verify to take the guesswork out of achieving high performance goals

Building System Design for an intelligent building
Building System Design offers intelligent solutions using the example of the DIAL headquarters in Lüdenscheid
April 2022 - PDF 3.01MB
By: DIAL GmbH

At the DIAL headquarters, an intelligent building was created with the help of modern technology. The aim was to find solutions that satisfy the needs of people, employees and visitors, without staging technical solutions as an end in themselves. Technology and architecture go hand in hand in a holistic concept. The result is an energy-efficient building with the highest standards of comfort and aesthetics.
 

Building System Design for an intelligent building

Daylighting integration is an asset for the retail sector
Generous windows, daylight harvesting and Human-Centric LED Lighting in the pilot project IKEA Kaarst store
April 2022 - PDF 2.96MB
By: Rafael Campama Pizarro

At IKEA Kaarst daylight was brought into the exhibition area. This, combined with clever integration of electric lighting, has improved the shopping experience for customers and left the mark on a bunch of enthusiastic employees.
 

Daylighting integration is an asset for the retail sector

Dynamic electric lighting and daylight can lift up office life
An integrative lighting system dynamically changing in colour and intensity during the day was well valued by office workers
April 2022 - PDF 2.93MB
By: Rawan Abdulhaq and Ceren Yilmaz

The Spark, a new office building Lund, Sweden, combines abundant daylight with new LED ceiling panels delivering cooler light in the morning, and warmer dimmed light during the afternoon. The system was appreciated by four office workers. It seemed also to increase their alertness, mostly when access to daylight was limited.
 

Dynamic electric lighting and daylight can lift up office life

Enhancing workplace quality in existing buildings with dual-zone shades
Indoor shades with an upper daylight zone and lower view zone in a pilot office demonstration in California
April 2022 - PDF 1.55MB
By: Christoph Gehbauer, Anothai Thanachareonkit

A novel, operable shade left a positive impression on office workers by opening up views to the outdoors and increasing daylight and comfort compared to conventional shades. 80% of occupants were satisfied with the dual-zone shades. Cooling and lighting energy consumption were reduced by 20%.
 

Enhancing workplace quality in existing buildings with dual-zone shades

Evidence-based management to monitor and improve indoor lighting
Queensland’s first WELL platinum certified open plan office building with daylight responsive controls and active management team
April 2022 - PDF 2.04MB
By: Kieu Pham and Veronica Garcia-Hansen

Daylight responsive lighting controls, electrical lighting, user responses and the luminous conditions were evaluated in a Green Star and WELL platinum certified office building in Brisbane Australia. Combining smart technologies with POE surveys delivered practical solutions to mitigate issues of glare and improve individual control.
 

Evidence-based management to monitor and improve indoor lighting

Human Centric Lighting in an office building
Improving the light environment of an office building with different technological solution
April 2022 - PDF 1.76MB
By: Luo Tao

In this office building, a lighting retrofit with Human Centric Lighting (HCL) system is provided..The HCL can fully change brightness and colour temperature. Based on ZPLC (Zero Power Line Communications) technology, it takes less than three months to complete the replacement and commissioning, without changing the original power line. After renovation, the luminous environment was greatly improved, while achieving more than 60% energy saving compared to the previous lighting system.

Human Centric Lighting in an office building

Integrated design for daylight and electric lighting in Olympic competition venue
ETFE inflatable pillow, daylight harvesting and High-power LED Lighting in National Aquatics Center
April 2022 - PDF 1.64MB
By: Luo Tao

In National Aquatics Center, daylight was brought into the competition area. Combined with highpower LED and intelligent control lighting system, this venue improves the race experience for athletes and meets the requirements for various competition modes in winter and summer.
 

Integrated design for daylight and electric lighting in Olympic competition venue

Integration for daylight and electric lighting plays an important role for NZEB
Integrated solutions for daylight and electric lighting in NZEB office building
April 2022 - PDF 1.65MB
By: Luo Tao

In CABR NZEB office building, the integrated solutions for daylight and electric lighting have improved the luminous environment and achieved
nearly 75% energy-saving rate.

Integration for daylight and electric lighting plays an important role for NZEB

Integrative lighting for health and well-being in a rehabilitation facility
Lighting with added vertical focus creates better daily rhythm for patients and staff, but light levels at night and controls need attention
April 2022 - PDF 1.39MB
By: W. Osterhaus, I. Erhardtsen, M. Gkaintatzi-Masouti, K. Nielsen and F. Dobos

A first study of the dynamic LED lighting installed in a section of the rehabilitation centre allows for comparison with the old fluorescent lighting and suggests that patients and staff experience better sleep under the new system that meets the target values for morning and evening circadian lighting suggested by state-of-the art research.

Integrative lighting for health and well-being in a rehabilitation facility

Lighting at the heart of an integrated building control system
Integrated lighting solutions enable biologically active lighting in the glare-free Living Lab in the Bartenbach R&D building
April 2022 - PDF 1.99MB
By: Sascha Hammes and David Geisler-Moroder

In the Bartenbach R&D building a high level of daylight integration is realized while maintaining glare and heat protection. In combination with workstation-zoned LED lighting with color temperature and intensity control adapted to the time of day, the occupants experience a lighting environment that provides both visual comfort and biologically activating effects satisfying individual preferences. To exploit the energy effects of integral concepts, the heating and ventilation trades are also controlled in addition to the day light and artificial lighting trades.

 

Lighting at the heart of an integrated building control system

Lighting in shared spaces to support a sustainable and collaborative workforce
AECOM Brisbane promotes sustainable and collaborative work practices using practical lighting solutions
April 2022 - PDF 1.67MB
By: Kieu Pham and Veronica Garcia-Hansen

A POE assessment was carried out in a Green Star commercial o?ce building in Brisbane Australia. Lighting strategies were evaluated which included observations of user behaviour and surveys. The combination of occupancy sensors, side-lighting and manual blind shades delivered a pragmatic solution for indoor lighting in shared environment, with room to improve energy e?ciency and comfort.

Lighting in shared spaces to support a sustainable and collaborative workforce

Saving energy with integrated lighting design: the headquarter of IDOM
Skylight, daylight harvesting and microperforated façade in a southern European landscape office in Madrid
April 2022 - PDF 2.85MB
By: Julio Fernandez Amodia

A range of daylight and lighting design strategies has been applied in the IDOM office building. The design is focused on the performance and well being of the workers as well as reduction of the electric lighting. Simultaneously the prevention of solar gains with blinds and a double skin façade has been successfully implemented.
 

Saving energy with integrated lighting design: the headquarter of IDOM

Switchable windows demonstrated to provide increased view in offices
Transparent electrochromic windows increase user options for tuning their environment to satisfy personal preferences for daylight, view, and comfort
April 2022 - PDF 2.17MB
By: Luís L. Fernandes, Anothai Thanachareonkit

Low-emittance windows were replaced with variable-tint, electrochromic windows in forty private offices. 85% of the occupants preferred the electrochromic windows, citing increased view and visual comfort.
 

Switchable windows demonstrated to provide increased view in offices

Visual comfort and non-visual requirements for an ageing population
Implementing daylight and electric light strategies in a care home in Brussels (Belgium) through a simulation-based approach
April 2022 - PDF 1.3MB
By: Donatienne Carmon

A series of daylight and electric light strategies were proposed in a care home in Brussels (Belgium) to improve the visual comfort and circadian wellbeing of residents. The strategies were based on 3D simulations evaluating the quality and quantity of luminous exposures over time in several residents’ living spaces.
 

Visual comfort and non-visual requirements for an ageing population

Task 65 Solar Cooling for the Sunbelt Regions
January 2022 - PDF 0.46MB
By: Task 65

The goal of IEA SHC Task 65 is to focus on innovations for affordable, safe and reliable solar cooling systems for the Sunbelt regions worldwide. This will require a combination of cost reduction, system simplification and stimulation of market conditions through policies.

Task 65 Solar Cooling for the Sunbelt Regions

Task66 Flyer
January 2022 - PDF 0.75MB
Publisher: IEA SHC Task 66 Solar Energy Buildings
Task66 Flyer

FACT SHEET: Certification Protocols
Enhancing the use of the European standard EN 16883:2017
October 2021 - PDF 0.29MB
By: Elena Lucchi, Alessia Buda, Tor Broström

This is part of a series of fact sheets meant to facilitate and enhance the use of the European standard EN 16883:2017 Conservation of cultural heritage – Guidelines for improving the energy performance of historic buildings.

FACT SHEET: Certification Protocols

FACT SHEET: Guidelines and Standards
Enhancing the use of the European standard EN 16883:2017
October 2021 - PDF 0.27MB
By: Alessia Buda, Tor Broström

This is part of a series of fact sheets meant to facilitate and enhance the use of the European standard EN 16883:2017 Conservation of cultural heritage – Guidelines for improving the energy performance
of historic buildings. This particular fact sheet presents other guidelines and standards that can be used as a supplement to EN 16883.
 

FACT SHEET: Guidelines and Standards

FACT SHEET: Life Cycle Analysis - LCA/LCC
Enhancing the use of the European standard EN 16883:2017
October 2021 - PDF 0.3MB
By: Tor Broström

This is part of a series of fact sheets meant to facilitate and enhance the use of the European standard EN 16883:2017 Conservation of cultural heritage – Guidelines for improving the energy performance of historic buildings.This text presents tools and guidelines for life cycle analysis (LCA) and life cycle cost (LCC).

FACT SHEET: Life Cycle Analysis - LCA/LCC

FACT SHEET: Literature
Enhancing the use of the European standard EN 16883:2017
October 2021 - PDF 0.4MB
By: Alessia Buda,Tor Broström

This is part of a series of fact sheets meant to facilitate and enhance the use of the European standard EN 16883:2017 Conservation of cultural heritage – Guidelines for improving the energy performance
of historic buildings. This particular fact sheet presents literature that provides exctended background and more in depth knowledge for the different parts of the standard.

FACT SHEET: Literature

FACT SHEET: Methods for Assessing Heritage Values in Historic Buildings
Enhancing the use of the European standard EN 16883:2017
October 2021 - PDF 0.35MB
By: Petra Eriksson, Tor Broström

This is part of a series of fact sheets meant to facilitate and enhance the use of the European standard EN 16883:2017 Conservation of cultural heritage – Guidelines for improving the energy performance
of historic buildings. This particular fact sheet provides information about methods for assessing heritage values in historic buildings: Methods, approaches and practices for heritage value assessment and applied conservation principles.

FACT SHEET: Methods for Assessing Heritage Values in Historic Buildings

FACT SHEET: Simulation Tools for Historic Buildings
Enhancing the use of the European standard EN 16883:2017
October 2021 - PDF 0.27MB
By: Fabrizio Leonforte, Harold E. Huerto, Niccolò Aste, Claudio Del Pero,

This is part of a series of fact sheets meant to facilitate and enhance the use of the European standard EN 16883:2017 Conservation of cultural heritage – Guidelines for improving the energy performance of historic buildings.

FACT SHEET: Simulation Tools for Historic Buildings

B.1.1 - Application of PC Method to Large Collector Arrays
February 2021 - PDF 2.32MB
By: Daniel Tschopp, Pierre Delmas, Mathieu Rhedon, Sacha Sineux, Alexis Gonnelle, Philip Ohnewein, Jan Erik Nielsen

The Performance Check (PC) method can be used for a simple check of the collector array performance of a solar thermal plant. It has been proposed recently as an input to a new ISO standard. This fact sheet provides an application of the PC method to large collector arrays. The goal of this fact sheet is to evaluate the methodology and provide practical insights for the application of the PC method.

B.1.1 - Application of PC Method to Large Collector Arrays

A.4.1 - Supervisory control of large-scale solar thermal systems
January 2021 - PDF 0.77MB
By: Markus Gölles, Viktor Unterberger, Valentin Kaisermayer, Thomas Nigitz, Daniel Muschick

Overview on different approaches for supervisory control strategies, deciding on operating modes and set points for the controls of the different plants and components integrated in solar thermal systems.

A.4.1 - Supervisory control of large-scale solar thermal systems

A.4.2 - Control of DHC networks and Reduction of the operating temperatures in DH systems
January 2021 - PDF 0.83MB
By: Markus Gölles, Daniel Muschick, Viktor Unterberger, Paolo Leoni, Ralf-Roman Schmidt, Gunnar Lennermo

Overview on different approaches for the control of the heat distribution networks in case of the integration of large-scale solar thermal systems, and different possibilities for the reduction of the operating temperatures in DH systems.

A.4.2 - Control of DHC networks and Reduction of the operating temperatures in DH systems

B.3.1 - Control of large scale solar thermal plants
January 2021 - PDF 0.36MB
By: Markus Gölles, Viktor Unterberger

Overview on the control of large-scale thermal plants, limited to plants feeding into DH networks as well as their key components, i.e. the actual collector circuit and the heat exchanger between primary and secondary circuit.

B.3.1 - Control of large scale solar thermal plants

B.1.2 - Review of In Situ Test Methods for Solar Collectors and Solar Collector Arrays
December 2020 - PDF 1.03MB
By: Sven Fahr, Daniel Tschopp, Jan Erik Nielsen, Korbinian Kramer, Philip Ohnewein

This fact sheet presents three in situ test methods for solar collectors and solar collector arrays, namely In situ Collector Certification (ICC), Performance Check for Collector Arrays (PC) and Dynamic Collector Array Test (D-CAT). A comparison is made regarding their scopes and use cases, methodologies and outcomes, which could serve as a decision-making aid for stakeholders in selecting the procedure that best suits their needs. The analysis shows that the methods do not contradict, but rather complement each other.

B.1.2 - Review of In Situ Test Methods for Solar Collectors and Solar Collector Arrays

B.2 - Collector fields – Check of performance
December 2020 - PDF 0.47MB
By: Jan Erik Nielsen

Procedures to give power output guarantees for large collector fields and heat exchangers
Procedures to check power output guarantees for large collector fields and heat exchangers.

 

B.2 - Collector fields – Check of performance

A.1.2 - Techno-economic comparison of the collected examples
November 2020 - PDF 0.41MB
By: Paolo Leoni

Subtask A “Network analysis and integration” focuses on the overall aspects of district heating and cooling networks with integrated solar thermal (ST) technologies. Particularly important are the cases in which the solar share is such to significantly influence the operation of the network and the other heat/cold supply units. In the present factsheet, the best-practice examples collected in the factsheet A-D1.1 are analyzed and compared.

A.1.2 - Techno-economic comparison of the collected examples

A.1.1 / D.3.2 - Identification and Preparation of Best Practice Examples
October 2020 - PDF 2.34MB
Publisher: The authors are indicated in the best practice examples

This publication of IEA SHC Task 55 shows 18 best practice examples of Solar District Heating (SDH) systems in six countries worldwide. Additional systems are described in the brochure “Solar Heat for Cities” and in the factsheets A-D3.1 and A-D3.2
 

A.1.1 / D.3.2 - Identification and Preparation of Best Practice Examples

A.2.1 - The future of DH and the role of solar thermal energy
October 2020 - PDF 0.7MB
By: Ralf-Roman Schmidt, Paolo Leoni, Hamid Aghaie

Solar thermal (ST) energy is one of the few renewable heat sources that is available almost everywhere and can bring multiple benefits to district heating and cooling (DHC) networks (on an environmental and systemic level) with very low operation costs and risks. However, the current share of ST in DHC networks is almost zero on a global scale.

A.2.1 - The future of DH and the role of solar thermal energy

A.2.3 - Solar DH – network hydraulics and supply points
October 2020 - PDF 0.25MB
By: Eduardo A. Pina, Luis M. Serra, Miguel A. Lozano, Adrián Hernández, Ana Lázaro

The present factsheet summarizes the study ”Comparative Analysis and Design of Solar Based Parabolic Trough - ORC Cogeneration Plant for a Commercial Centre” performed by the Universidad de Zaragoza (Spain) and published in 2020 [1]. Two novel solar based PTC-ORC cogeneration systems, producing power and cooling, were pre-designed, considering commercially available pieces of equipment, to cover the annual energy demands of a commercial centre located in Zaragoza (Spain).

A.2.3 - Solar DH – network hydraulics and supply points

C.2 - Seasonal pit heat storages - guidelines for material and construction
October 2020 - PDF 1.69MB
By: Morten Vang Jensen, Jan Erik Nielsen

Guidelines for design of seasonal pit heat storages.

C.2 - Seasonal pit heat storages - guidelines for material and construction

C.4 - Modular conception and construction
October 2020 - PDF 0.72MB
By: Lukas Feierl, Maria Moser, Hannes Poier

The factsheet gives a high-level definition of designing solar thermal systems for district heating. In addition, modules are introduced which can be used for modelling systems and finally, methods for estimating energy yield and costs of systems are described.

C.4 - Modular conception and construction

D.4 - Market development for large scale SDH/SDC systems in country reports
October 2020 - PDF 2.56MB
By: Magdalena Berberich

This publication of IEA SHC Task 55 describes the market development of Solar District Heating and Cooling in seven countries. Within country report presentations during the eight taskmeetings, the market developments in the participating countries were presented and discussed in the international expert group and the information is summarized in this factsheet.
 

D.4 - Market development for large scale SDH/SDC systems in country reports

A.3.3 - Large-scale thermal energy storage systems to increase the ST share in DHC
September 2020 - PDF 1.78MB
By: Paolo Leoni, Nicolas Pardo-Garcia, Fabian Ochs, Abdulrahman Dahash

This factsheet focuses on large-scale hot water storage technologies adopted to integrate large shares of ST in DHC systems. After an overview of role and integration schemes of large storage systems in existing and future-oriented DHC, the state of the art is described and the highlights of international applications are reported, including a comparison of the different technologies in terms of strengths and weaknesses.

A.3.3 - Large-scale thermal energy storage systems to increase the ST share in DHC

B.3.2 - Automated monitoring, failure detection of key components, control strategies and self-learning controls of key components
September 2020 - PDF 0.79MB
By: Lukas Feierl, Peter Luidolt

Recommendations for an automatic monitoring process of solar thermal systems are given - starting from sensors to data acquisition, data storage, computation of benchmarks and fault detection.

B.3.2 - Automated monitoring, failure detection of key components, control strategies and self-learning controls of key components

Design guidelines for PVT collectors
Report B2
July 2020 - PDF 0.36MB
By: JC Hadorn, M. Lämmle, K. Kramer, G. Munz, G. Ryan, M. Herrando, L. Brottier
Publisher: IEA SHC Task 60

Report B2: Here is a one page fact sheet providing many design guidelines for PVT collectors, for covers, encapsulant, rear covers, absorbers, heat transfer medium, insulation, casing, air vents, fluid outlets, sealing, and junction boxes.

Design guidelines for PVT collectors

A.3.1 - Integration concepts of central ST systems in DHC
June 2020 - PDF 0.85MB
By: Paolo Leoni, Jan Erik Nielsen

This factsheet focuses on the integration hydraulics and control of central ST systems in DHC. The first part gives an overview of the typical integration concepts and operating modes implemented in the state of the art. The second part illustrates general aspects of the integration of heat pumps to achieve higher shares of ST and describes recent projects: two implementation projects (Crailsheim and Salzburg-Lehen), and one feasibility study performed by the Technische Universität Dresden.

A.3.1 - Integration concepts of central ST systems in DHC

A.3.2 - Integration concepts of decentral ST systems in DHC
June 2020 - PDF 1.8MB
By: Paolo Leoni, Gunnar Lennermo

This factsheet focuses on the integration hydraulics and control of central ST systems in DHC. The first part gives an overview of decentral feed-in: international state of the art (including comparison and selection criteria of the different integration schemes), hydraulics and components, details of the return-to-supply scheme (challenges, pump operation, control). The second part describes concepts for the secondary-side integration of ST without feed-in. The third part illustrates selected best-practice examples in Austria (Wasserwerke Andritz and Berlinerring in Graz) and Sweden (Ystad).

A.3.2 - Integration concepts of decentral ST systems in DHC

ALMAbuild Toolbox for MATLAB Simulink - Fact sheet
May 2020 - PDF 0.25MB

ALMABuild is an open library based on MATLAB SIMULINK for the dynamic modelling of a building, To facilitate the creation of the model ALMABuild uses a series of Graphical User Interfaces (GUIs) by means of which all the properties of each building element and each thermal zone can be defined. GUIs facilitate the use of ALMABuild also for users without skills in the use of SIMULINK: the system is able to create automatically the SIMULINK model of the building simply starting from the input data. The import of the envelope geometry from SketchUp is supported. Compatibility with the CARNOT library and native integration with MATLAB Toolboxes.

ALMAbuild Toolbox for MATLAB Simulink - Fact sheet

carnotUIBK Toolbox for MATLAB Simulink - Fact sheet
May 2020 - PDF 0.26MB

CarnotUIBK for MATLAB Simulink is a tool for dynamic building energy simulation based on the MATLAB object oriented language and Simulink. It bases on the Toolbox CARNOT. A GUI for a comfortable handle of the input data and the results is available. Import of different kind of data formats is supported. Import functionality for gbXML (B.I.M.), Excel and PHPP are available. A Toolbox for Simulink is provided with the a range of physical calculation models, i.e. hygrothermal models and advanced air flow models. The use of existing CARNOT models is supported.

carnotUIBK Toolbox for MATLAB Simulink - Fact sheet

EnergyPlus model for OFFICE CELL - Fact sheet
May 2020 - PDF 0.34MB

This set of EnergyPlus and Matlab models can be used as a reference for evaluating solar active systems using simulations. The model set contains the EnergyPlus implementations of the IEA SHC Task 56 typical reference office (see Deliverable DC1) and a Matlab/EnergyPlus implementation of the air-to-air heat pump and façade integrated PV model (see Deliverable DC2). This model set was developed by Samuel de Vries and Roel Loonen from Eindhoven University of Technology.

EnergyPlus model for OFFICE CELL - Fact sheet

Modelica model for OFFICE CELL - Fact sheet
May 2020 - PDF 0.26MB

DYMOLA simulation environment was used to develop the numerical model of a typical office space using models from the Modelica library and Buildings library. Here infiltration, ventilation, shadings, internal gains and occupancy schedules are characterized as reported in Deliverable DC1 of IEA SHC Task 56.

Modelica model for OFFICE CELL - Fact sheet

PHPPsheet for HP monthly calculation and PV self consumption - Fact sheet
May 2020 - PDF 0.44MB

PHPP is a Design Tool for Passive Houses and renovations with Passive House components. PHPP accurately predicts the energy consumption of a building on monthly basis and includes algorithms for HVAC such as heat pumps systems and RE (ST, PV). A new worksheet is developed to calculate the PV self consumption per month having as basis the PHPP. In addition an algorithm was developed to calculate the monthly electricity consumption of a heat pump having as input the annual electricity consumption from PHPP ‘HP’ sheet.

PHPPsheet for HP monthly calculation and PV self consumption - Fact sheet

TRNSYS model for OFFICE CELL - Fact sheet
May 2020 - PDF 0.26MB

TRNSYS simulation software was used to develop the numerical model of a typical office space. Here infiltration, ventilation, shadings, internal gains and occupancy schedules are characterized as reported in Deliverable DC1 of IEA SHC Task 56.

TRNSYS model for OFFICE CELL - Fact sheet

A.2.2 - SWOT analysis of ST integration in DHC systems
February 2020 - PDF 0.4MB
By: Paolo Leoni, Ralf-Roman Schmidt, Roman Geyer, Patrick Reiter

Solar thermal (ST) energy is one of the few renewable heat sources that is available almost everywhere and can bring multiple benefits to district heating and cooling (DHC) networks (on an environmental and systemic level) with very low operation costs and risks. However, the current share of ST in DHC networks is almost zero on a global scale.

A.2.2 - SWOT analysis of ST integration in DHC systems

D.5.2 - ENRSIM Software
February 2020 - PDF 0.34MB
By: Nicolas LAMAISON

Due to their ability to distribute large amounts of renewable energy, District Heating Networks (DHN) are expected to exhibit a considerable development in the coming years. The ENRSIM software, cofounded by the French Renewable Energy Agency (ADEME), aims at providing a simple tool to size DHN production plants with renewable production units and storage.
 

D.5.2 - ENRSIM Software

D.4.1 - ELSEVIER paper: Large Scale Solar Thermal Systems in Leading Countries
January 2020 - PDF 9.85MB
By: Daniel Tschoppa, Zhiyong Tianb, Magdalena Berberichc, Jianhua Fand, Bengt Perersd , Simon Furbo

Large-scale solar thermal systems are a cost-efficient technology to provide renewable heat. The rapid market growth in the last decade has been concentrated on a small number of countries, with the outstanding position of Denmark followed by China, Germany and Austria. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the market and common technological solutions for large-scale solar thermal systems in these countries.

D.4.1 - ELSEVIER paper: Large Scale Solar Thermal Systems in Leading Countries

Solar Heat for Cities: The Sustainable Solution for District Heating
November 2019 - PDF 4.09MB
By: Sabine Putz & Bärbel Epp
Editor: Bärbel Epp

The brochure contains very useful info charts and general information about large scale SDH as well as several case studies of SDH installations in Denmark, China, Serbia, Austria, France, Latvia and Germany.

 

Solar Heat for Cities: The Sustainable Solution for District Heating

C.1.1 - Simulation and design of collector array units within large systems
October 2019 - PDF 1.2MB
By: Simon Furbo, Weiqiang Kong, Jianhua Fan

Investigation of measured long-term field performance in relation to standardized collector test information and tools/models for annual performance prediction at different operating conditions and field designs.

C.1.1 - Simulation and design of collector array units within large systems

C.1.2 - Simulation and design of collector array units within large systems
October 2019 - PDF 1.05MB
By: Jianhua Fan, Zhiyong Tian, Simon Furbo, Weiqiang Kong, Daniel Tschopp

Solar radiation data is necessary for the design of solar heating systems and used to estimate the thermal performance of solar heating plants. Compared to global irradiance, the direct beam component shows much more variability in space and time. The global radiation split into beam and diffuse radiation on collector plane is important for the evaluation of the performance of different collector types and collector field
designs.
 

C.1.2 - Simulation and design of collector array units within large systems

C.1.3 - Simulation and design of collector array units within large systems
October 2019 - PDF 0.7MB
By: Weiqiang Kong, Simon Furbo, Jianhua Fan

Solar collectors are the core components of solar district heating plants. Annual solar heat yield of solar heating plants on average is around 400-500 kWh/m2 in Denmark. Most solar collectors in the large solar district heating plants in Denmark are ground-mounted flat plate collectors. Arcon-Sunmark A/S is the main manufacturer of the large flat plate collectors for district heating in Denmark. Arcon-Sunmark A/S has installed more than 80% of the world’s large solar heating plants connected to district heating networks.

C.1.3 - Simulation and design of collector array units within large systems

C.1.4 - Simulation and design of collector array units within large systems
October 2019 - PDF 0.86MB
By: Jianhua Fan, Weiqiang Kong, Simon Furbo

By the end of 2017, solar heating plants with a total surface of more than 1.3 million m2 were in operation in Denmark. Most solar collectors in the existing solar heating plants are typically flat plate collectors (FPC).
 

C.1.4 - Simulation and design of collector array units within large systems

D.1 - Business Models of Solar Thermal and Hybrid Technologies
February 2019 - PDF 0.83MB
By: Patrick Reiter, Hannes Poier, Christian Holter, Sabine Putz, Werner Doll, Maria Moser, Bernhard Gerardts, Anna K. Provasnek

District Heating required annually 600 TWh in the European Union and represents more than 10% of the EUs heat demand. Fossil fuels are the major source for heat production. Approximately 5000 district heating grids in the EU are operated by burning fossil fuels valued at € 18 billion (600 TWh) and emitting more than 150 million tons of CO2 emissions every year.
 

D.1 - Business Models of Solar Thermal and Hybrid Technologies

INFO Sheet B03: Reduction of Maintenance Costs by Preventing Overheating
October 2018 - PDF 0.43MB
By: Bert Schiebler (ISFH Hameln), Federico Giovannetti (ISFH Hameln), Stephan Fischer (IGTE Stuttgart)

After sale costs of solar thermal systems represent a significant part of the overall costs of the delivered solar heat. In practice, high stagnation loads have a strong impact on the maintenance efforts, which impair the cost-efficiency and generally the attractiveness of solar thermal installations. To prevent high temperature loads in solar circuits, different approaches are usually pursued. Most of them are based on additional cooling systems or collector draining strategies (drain back), which require more complex hydraulic installations and control technologies respectively.

INFO Sheet B03: Reduction of Maintenance Costs by Preventing Overheating

INFO Sheet B04: Manufacturing Costs
Cost reduction during production by product standardisation and reduction of product variety in China
October 2018 - PDF 0.46MB
By: Ma Guangbai, Su Shiqiang, Stephan Fischer

China's market demand for solar energy products vary greatly, resulting in a large number of product models of production enterprises; large number types of the raw material, which leads to the high cost of raw material procurement, causes great difficulties to the production organization. An effective way to reduce the production and procurement cost is to reduce the number of products, so as to reduce the number of raw materials. The reduction of support materials and installation costs by prefabricated mounting brackets is another way to reduce the cost of the balcony installation solar system.

INFO Sheet B04: Manufacturing Costs

INFO Sheet B05: Levelized Cost of Heat for Solar Thermal Systems with Overheating Prevention
October 2018 - PDF 0.49MB
By: Bert Schiebler (ISFH Hameln), Federico Giovannetti (ISFH Hameln), Stephan Fischer (IGTE Stuttgart)

Solar thermal systems are state-of-the-art devices to cover part of the heat demand for the domestic hot water supply and space heating of buildings. Depending on the system design and the heat demand more or less intensive stagnation periods can occur. Usually high stagnation loads require a complex hydraulic system design, affect the operational safety and lead to high maintenance efforts, which impair the cost-efficiency and the general attractiveness of solar thermal installations.

INFO Sheet B05: Levelized Cost of Heat for Solar Thermal Systems with Overheating Prevention

C.3 - Thermal and hydraulic investigation of large-scale solar collector field
September 2018 - PDF 1.57MB
By: Nirendra Lal Shrestha, Ophelia Frotscher, Thorsten Urbaneck, Thomas Oppelt, Thomas Göschel, Ulf Uhlig, Holger Frey

Large collector fields are increasingly being integrated into district heating systems. Due to the operation mode of these networks, the solar system must provide the desired supply temperature. Therefore, knowledge of thermal-hydraulic behavior and energy efficiency are very important for planning, operation and control. The study presents the investigation of two large-scale solar collector fields in Chemnitz (Germany).

C.3 - Thermal and hydraulic investigation of large-scale solar collector field

INFO Sheet A15: Reference multi-family solar domestic hot water system. France
September 2018 - PDF 0.5MB
By: Daniel Mugnier

This document lists the minimum information needed for the definition of a reference system. A reference system is a solar thermal system serving as benchmark for any other solar thermal system having the same fractional energy savings with respect to the levelized costs of heat (LCoH).

INFO Sheet A15: Reference multi-family solar domestic hot water system. France

INFO Sheet A16: Reference System, France Drain-back multi-family solar domestic hot water system
September 2018 - PDF 0.47MB
By: Daniel Mugnier

This document describes the reference drain-back domestic hot water system for multi-family houses in France. It lists the minimum information needed for the definition of a reference system. A reference system is a solar thermal system serving as benchmark for any other solar thermal system having the same fractional energy savings and the same scheme (drainback for multifamily buildings) with respect to the levelized costs of heat (LCoH).

INFO Sheet A16: Reference System, France Drain-back multi-family solar domestic hot water system

INFO Sheet D01: Review of Installation Costs
September 2018 - PDF 0.16MB
By: Daniel Mugnier (TECSOL), Sandrin Saile (Fraunhofer ISE), Daniel Philippen (SPF)

Task 54 has permitted to investigate installation costs among installers by distributing questionnaires in Austria, Switzerland, France, Romania, Denmark, the Netherlands and Germany. Besides, complementary data have been provided by German Authorities to deepen this database. From this work, several indicative lessons can be presented in terms of costs.

INFO Sheet D01: Review of Installation Costs

INFO Sheet D02: Obstacles in Installation and Recommendations
September 2018 - PDF 0.18MB
By: S. Saile, Fraunhofer ISE, D. Mugnier, TECSOL, D. Philippen, SPF

Task 54 investigated obstacles in installation of solar-thermal systems and developed recommendations for improvement of the installation process by evaluating respective questionnaires from installation companies in Austria, Switzerland, France, Romania, Denmark, the Netherlands and Germany. From feedback by 23 installers from 7 countries, recommendations and wishes for working with solar thermal systems can be deduced. This info sheet provides insight on soft factors that influence the day-to-day business of solar thermal installation and highlights recommendations for a positive transformation of future installation routines. The info sheet is a direct follow-up to info sheets D 1 “Overview of Installation Costs” (http://task54.iea-shc.org/info-sheets).

INFO Sheet D02: Obstacles in Installation and Recommendations

INFO Sheet A10: Reference System, Germany Solar Combisystem for Multi-Family House
July 2018 - PDF 0.5MB
By: Sonja Helbig (ISFH), Oliver Mercker (ISFH), Federico Giovannetti (ISFH)

This document describes the reference solar combi system for domestic hot water preparation and space heating in multifamily houses (MFH) in Germany. The system is modelled with TRNSYS to calculate the fuel consumption and electric energy needed to provide the required domestic hot water and space heating as well as the substituted fuel provided by the combi system. Using these results the levelized cost of heat (LCOH) for the substituted fuel is calculated using eq. 1 and the reference costs for the investment of the system, installation, fuel and electricity costs. System model and cost assumptions are based on [1] and [2].

INFO Sheet A10: Reference System, Germany Solar Combisystem for Multi-Family House

INFO Sheet B02: Effects of Technological Measures on Costs
May 2018 - PDF 0.39MB
By: Daniel Philippen, Marco Caflish, Michel Haller, Stefan Brunold (SPF, CH)
The potential to reduce market prices of turn-key domestic solar thermal systems in Switzerland was recently analysed within a study financed by the Swiss Federal Office of Energy. The study focussed on the cost effect of new technological approaches regarding single components and the whole heating system. Based on a market survey for single and multi-family buildings, the cost structure of actual offers for solar thermal systems in existing buildings in Switzerland was analysed. Relevant cost drivers were identified, strategies for implementing new and cheaper technologies were proposed, and their possible effect on the market prices was quantified.
INFO Sheet B02: Effects of Technological Measures on Costs

INFO Sheet D04: End-Users Decision Making Factors for H&C Systems
April 2018 - PDF 0.36MB
By: Stefano Lambertucci (Solar Heat Europe)

The EU-funded FROnT project (Fair Renewable Heating Options and Trade) aimed at promoting a level playing field for Renewable Heating and Cooling (RHC) in Europe, and at developing strategies for its greater deployment. It improved transparency about costs of heating and cooling options (using RHC or fossil fuels), RHC support schemes and end-user key decision factors. This knowledge has helped towards developing Strategic Policy Priorities for RHC to be used by public authorities in designing and implementing better support mechanisms. It also supported the industry in engaging more effectively their prospective clients. The project was run by eleven organisations from across the continent and was active from 01/04/14 until 31/12/16. It was funded by the European Commission’s IEE programme.

INFO Sheet D04: End-Users Decision Making Factors for H&C Systems

INFO Sheet A14: Heat Changers
January 2018 - PDF 0.91MB
By: Marisol Oropeza, Stefan Abrecht

Reviving solar thermal is not only a matter of cost reduction but also one of visibility. New marketing strategies and ways to inform about the technology are crucial elements for strengthening the market for solar water heating. This info sheet presents the recently launched Heat Changers campaign as showcase project for innovative communication and promotion activities.

INFO Sheet A14: Heat Changers

INFO Sheet A01: LCOH for Solar Thermal Applications - Guideline for levelized cost of heat (LCOH) calculations for solar thermal applications
December 2017 - PDF 0.5MB
By: Yoann Louvet, University of Kassel; Stephan Fischer, ITW Stuttgart; Simon Furbo, Technical University of Denmark; Federico Giovanetti, ISFH; Franz Mauthner, AEE Intec; Daniel Mugnier, Tecsol; Daniel Philippen, SPF

In the framework of the IEA-SHC Task 54 appeared the need of assessing the costs of the heat produced by solar thermal systems over their life time in order to compare different designs and technological solutions with one another. The levelized cost of heat (LCOH), a measure based on the concept of levelized cost of energy, widespread in the electrical power sector, was chosen. This info sheet builds on the work of the FRoNT project [1] who laid the foundations for the application of the method to any heating technology. It aims at detailing the methodology to calculate the levelized cost of the heat substituted by solar thermal energy. Furthermore, an extension of the concept is suggested in order to estimate the cost of the heat generated by the entire solar assisted heating system, or the conventional sources of heat supply.

INFO Sheet A01: LCOH for Solar Thermal Applications - Guideline for levelized cost of heat (LCOH) calculations for solar thermal applications

INFO Sheet A02: Reference System, Austria Conventional heating system for single-family house
November 2017 - PDF 0.49MB
By: Thomas Ramschak, François Veynandt

This document describes the reference conventional system for domestic hot water preparation and space heating in a single-­family house in Austria. The system is modelled with TSol to calculate the fuel consumption and electric energy needed to provide the required domestic hot water and space heating. Using this result the levelized costs of heat (LCOH) for the reference conventional system in Austria is calculated using Equation 1, with the reference costs for the investment of the system (including installation costs), fuel and electricity costs.

INFO Sheet A02: Reference System, Austria Conventional heating system for single-family house

INFO Sheet A03: Reference System, Austria Conventional heating system for multi-family house
November 2017 - PDF 0.5MB
By: mas Ramschak, François Veynandt

This document describes the reference conventional system for domestic hot water preparation and space heating in a multi-­-family house in Austria. The system is modelled with TSol to calculate the fuel consumption and electric energy needed to provide the required domestic hot water and space heating. Using this result the levelized costs of heat (LCOH) for the reference conventional system in Austria is calculated using Equation 1, with the reference costs for the investment of the system (including installation costs), fuel and electricity costs.

INFO Sheet A03: Reference System, Austria Conventional heating system for multi-family house

INFO Sheet A04: Reference System, Austria Solar domestic hot water system for single-family house
November 2017 - PDF 0.55MB
By: Thomas Ramschak, François Veynandt

This document describes the reference solar domestic hot water (SDHW) system for domestic hot water preparation in a single-family house in Austria. The system is modelled with TSol to calculate the fuel consumption and electric energy, as well as the substituted fuel provided by the SDHW system, which are needed to provide the required domestic hot water and space heating. Using this result the levelized costs of heat (LCOH) for the substituted fuel is calculated using equation 1, with the reference costs for the investment of the system, installation costs, fuel and electricity costs.

INFO Sheet A04: Reference System, Austria Solar domestic hot water system for single-family house

INFO Sheet A05: Reference System, Austria Solar Combisystem for single-family house
November 2017 - PDF 0.54MB
By: Thomas Ramschak, François Veynandt

This document describes the reference solar combined (combi) system for domestic hot water preparation and space heating in Austria. The system is modelled with TSol to calculate the fuel consumption and electric energy, as well as the substituted fuel provided by the combisystem, which are needed to provide the required domestic hot water and space heating. Using this result the levelized costs of heat (LCOH) for the substituted fuel is calculated using Equation 1, with the reference costs for the investment of the system, installation costs, fuel and electricity costs.

INFO Sheet A05: Reference System, Austria Solar Combisystem for single-family house

INFO Sheet A06: Reference System, Austria Solar domestic hot water system for multi-family house
November 2017 - PDF 0.54MB
By: Thomas Ramschak, François Veynandt

This document describes the reference solar domestic hot water (SDHW) system for domestic hot water preparation in a multi-­-family house (MFH) in Austria. The system is modelled with TSol to calculate the fuel consumption and electric energy, as well as the substituted fuel provided by the SDHW system, which are needed to provide the required domestic hot water and space heating. Using this result the levelized costs of heat (LCOH) for the substituted fuel is calculated using Equation 1, with the reference costs for the investment of the system, installation costs, fuel and electricity costs.

INFO Sheet A06: Reference System, Austria Solar domestic hot water system for multi-family house

INFO Sheet A07: Reference System, Germany Conventional heating system for single-family house
November 2017 - PDF 0.55MB
By: Stephan Bachmann, Stephan Fischer, Bernd Hafner

This document describes the conventional reference system for domestic hot water preparation and space heating in single-­-family houses in Germany. The system is modelled with TRNSYS to calculate the fuel consumption and electric energy needed to provide the required domestic hot water and space heating. Using this result the levelized costs of heating (LCOH) for the conventional reference system for Germany is calculated using Eq. 1 and the reference costs for the investment of the system, installation costs, fuel and electricity costs.

INFO Sheet A07: Reference System, Germany Conventional heating system for single-family house

INFO Sheet A08: Reference System, Germany Solar domestic hot water system for single family house
November 2017 - PDF 0.58MB
By: Stephan Bachmann, Stephan Fischer, Bernd Hafner
Publisher: 10.18777/ieashc-task54-2017-0008

This document describes the reference solar domestic hot water (SDHW) system in Germany. The system is modelled with TRNSYS to calculate the fuel consumption and electric energy needed to provide the required domestic hot water as well as the substituted fuel provided by the SDHW system. Using this result the levelized costs of heating (LCOH) for the substituted fuel is calculated using Eq. 1 and the reference costs for the investment of the system, installation costs, fuel and electricity costs.

INFO Sheet A08: Reference System, Germany Solar domestic hot water system for single family house

INFO Sheet A09: Reference System, Germany Solar Combisystem for single-family house
November 2017 - PDF 0.59MB
By: Stephan Bachmann, Stephan Fischer, Bernd Hafner

This document describes the reference solar combisystem for domestic hot water preparation and space heating in single-­family houses in Germany. The system is modelled with TRNSYS to calculate the fuel consumption and electric energy needed to provide the required domestic hot water and space heating as well as the substituted fuel provided by the combisystem. Using this result the levelized costs of heating (LCOH) for the substituted fuel is calculated using Eq. 1 and the reference costs for the investment of the system, installation costs, fuel and electricity costs.

INFO Sheet A09: Reference System, Germany Solar Combisystem for single-family house

INFO Sheet A11: Reference System, Switzerland Solar domestic hot water system for multi-family house
November 2017 - PDF 0.48MB
By: Daniel Philippen, Marco Caflisch

This document describes a Swiss reference solar domestic hot water (SDHW) system for multi-­-family houses that uses a gas burner as auxiliary. The system is modelled in the simulation software Polysun [1] with template No. 8a that was adapted for a larger heat demand of a multi-­-family house. The reference system is taken from [2]. The costs for investment and maintenance of the gas burner (the device) are allocated to the room heating and are not taken into account here. However, the costs of gas for preparing DHW are included into the calculation.

INFO Sheet A11: Reference System, Switzerland Solar domestic hot water system for multi-family house

INFO Sheet A12: Reference System, Denmark Solar domestic hot water system for single-family house
November 2017 - PDF 0.44MB
By: Simon Furbo, Janne Dragsted

This info sheet gives information on a reference solar domestic hot water system for Denmark.

INFO Sheet A12: Reference System, Denmark Solar domestic hot water system for single-family house

INFO Sheet A13: LCoH calculation method: comparison between Task 54 and Solar Heat WorldWide
November 2017 - PDF 0.66MB
By: François Veynandt, Thomas Ramschak, Yoann Louvet, Michael Köhl, Stephan Fischer

Comparison of the levelized cost of heat calculation methods for solar thermal applications in IEA-SHC Task 54 (LCoHs) and in Solar Heat Worldwide (LCoH)

INFO Sheet A13: LCoH calculation method: comparison between Task 54 and Solar Heat WorldWide

INFO Sheet B01: Optimized Systems, Denmark - SDHW System with Heat Storage and Polymer Inlet Stratifier
November 2017 - PDF 0.46MB
By: Simon Furbo, Janne Dragsted (Technical University of Denmark)

This info sheet gives information on an optimized solar domestic hot water system with heat storage with polymer inlet stratifier in Denmark.

INFO Sheet B01: Optimized Systems, Denmark - SDHW System with Heat Storage and Polymer Inlet Stratifier

INFO Sheet C03: One-World-Solar-System
November 2017 - PDF 0.63MB
By: Max Wesle, Robert Buchinger

Sunlumo Technology is researching and developing future-oriented products and solutions in the field of solar heating. Mission and creed is to make a One-World-Solar-System available; to provide solar heating for literally everyone on earth. To realise this vision, Sunlumo developed a novel solar collector and the associated system components like pump group and piping to be mass-produced fully automatically.

INFO Sheet C03: One-World-Solar-System

INFO Sheet A17: Reference single family solar domestic hot water system for France
October 2017 - PDF 0.49MB
By: Daniel Mugnier

This document lists the minimum information needed for the definition of a reference system. A reference system is a solar thermal system serving as benchmark for any other solar thermal system having the same fractional energy savings with respect to the levelized costs of heat (LCOH).

INFO Sheet A17: Reference single family solar domestic hot water system for France

B.1 - Improved in situ performance testing of line-concentrating solar collectors: Comprehensive uncertainty analysis for the selection of measurement instrumentation
October 2016 - PDF 1.46MB
By: Annie Zirkel-Hofer, Stephen Perry, Sven Fahr, Korbinian Kramer, Anna Heimsath, Stephan Scholl, Werner Platzer

Accurate and complete performance evaluation is playing a major role in the further development of concentrating solar collectors. To ensure dependable test results, an appropriate testing and evaluation procedure is required. Moreover, the selection and installation of suitable  measurement instrumentation are essential for obtaining reliable data for the performance evaluation. The quality of the measurement instrumentation greatly influences the representativeness of the test results. Details on the measurement instrumentation recommended for the testing of low-temperature solar collectors have already been provided in the testing standard EN ISO 9806:2013.

B.1 - Improved in situ performance testing of line-concentrating solar collectors: Comprehensive uncertainty analysis for the selection of measurement instrumentation

INFO Sheet C01: Cost Drivers and Saving Potentials (1): Material substitution
October 2016 - PDF 0.47MB
By: Karl Schnetzinger, Advanced Polymer Compounds (APC), Austria / Gernot M. Wallner, University of Linz (JKU), Austria

Due to the specific characteristics of polymeric materials (e.g., variety of property profiles, ease of processing, mass production capability, freedom of design) this material class has been used to replace metal parts and components in various industrial sectors. In this case study the cost reduction achieved by material substitution is described and discussed exemplarily for industrial pumps.

INFO Sheet C01: Cost Drivers and Saving Potentials (1): Material substitution

INFO Sheet C02: Cost Drivers and Saving Potentials (2): Production, installation, design
September 2016 - PDF 0.51MB
By: Alexander Thür, University of Innsbruck (UIBK-EEB), Austria

A main challenge of the solar thermal market is the reduction of the production and installation cost finally following by the reduction of the market price of solar thermal systems. Installation costs are a major share of the total costs for solar thermal systems. Good ideas for cost reduction are needed. This sheet will give input for the discussion of this topic.

INFO Sheet C02: Cost Drivers and Saving Potentials (2): Production, installation, design

Introduction to the Task 39 Info Sheets
July 2015 - PDF 0.15MB
By: Michael Koehl, Sandrin Saile, Fraunhofer ISE
Task 39 ”Polymers for Solar Thermal Applications“ of the International Energy Agency’s Solar Heating and Cooling Programme (IEA SHC) was a joint endeavor by polymer and solar thermal experts from industry and research. It started in 2006 with a variety of studies on polymeric materials’ suitability for the application in solar heating components. Investigations on novel designs that allow for alternative materials were elaborated as well as accompanying studies on the cost-reduction potential resulting from the efficient combination of material and product design.
Introduction to the Task 39 Info Sheets

100 Percent Renewable Energy Scenarios – Relevance of Plastics for Solar Thermal Technologies
IEA-SHC Task 39 INFO Sheet A2
May 2015 - PDF 0.35MB
By: Klaus Holzhaider, Gernot M. Wallner, Harald Kicker, Reinhold W. Lang, Robert Hausner
In order to estimate the future demand for polymeric materials in solar thermal systems, the Institute of Polymeric Materials and Testing at JKU Linz (AT) and the AEE-Institute for Sustainable Technologies in Gleisdorf (AT) analyzed global and European scenarios that aim at a 100% renewable energy supply by 2050. Those scenarios were compared to European market scenarios established by ESTIF (European Solar Thermal Industry Federation). Based on these scenarios the resulting polymeric material demand until 2050 was calculated, and the results were compared to the potential development of the total global oil reserves and plastics production.
100 Percent Renewable Energy Scenarios – Relevance of Plastics for Solar Thermal Technologies

All polymeric thermosiphon system
IEA-SHC Task 39 INFO Sheet B8
May 2015 - PDF 0.38MB
By: John Rekstad, Michaela Meir
The challenge to develop a thermosiphon system (TSS) based on polymeric materials was background of the EU FP7 research project SCOOP. A patent related to two TSS designs based on extruded, structured polymeric sheets was submitted for evaluation [1]. The present INFO Sheet deals with the Aventa TSSconcept only. The second was presented in Piekarczyk et al., 2014 [3]. Major advantages using polymeric materials are: low material costs, advanced processing techniques allowing mass production and low manufacturing costs, low weight, easier handling, transport and installation.
All polymeric thermosiphon system

Architecturally appealing solar thermal systems - A marketing tool in order to attract new market segments
IEA-SHC Task 39 INFO Sheet A6
May 2015 - PDF 0.38MB
By: Ingvild Skjelland
Architectural integration is a major issue in the development and dissemination of solar thermal technology. Unfortunately, the architectural quality of integrated solar thermal systems in many existing buildings is poor, which often discourages potential new users. Because solar thermal systems are relatively large in relation to the building envelope, the architectural quality of their integration has a major impact on the visual quality of the building. This should, together with the fact that public acceptance of solar energy to a high extent depends on the quality of the architectural integration, stimulate and motivate a much stronger focus on making solar thermal systems visually appealing– something people really would want to put on their houses and something architects would want to implement in their design of new buildings.
Architecturally appealing solar thermal systems - A marketing tool in order to attract new market segments

AventaSolar collector system
IEA-SHC Task 39 INFO Sheet B16
May 2015 - PDF 0.6MB
By: John Rekstad
The motivation for the development of the AventaSolar concept was to offer architecturally appealing and cost competitive solutions for solar thermal energy production to the end user.
AventaSolar collector system

Bioplastics for solar collector components
IEA-SHC Task 39 INFO Sheet C5
May 2015 - PDF 0.3MB
By: Katharina Resch, Andrea Klein, Gernot Oreski
Numerous research and development activities carried out by renowned research facilities and the global players in the polymer and solar industry – presented and discussed also within the framework of IEA SHC Task 39 – demonstrate that polymers are the materials of choice for next generation solar thermal systems. In addition to classical polymers made from petrochemical resources bioplastics (i.e. polymers based on renewable resources and/or biodegradable polymers) have been introduced as a sustainable and seminal alternative.
Bioplastics for solar collector components

Case study: Accelerated UV-Aging
IEA-SHC Task 39 INFO Sheet C7.1
May 2015 - PDF 0.39MB
By: Andreas Piekarczyk, Karl-Anders Weiß
Polymeric materials for solar thermal applications have to be tested thoroughly before they can be used for the construction of novel collectors. Used as absorbers, glazing or framing, just to mention a few applications, polymers are exposed to a broad variation of different environmental influences which may affect physical and mechanical properties of the materials and limit their service life time. Three major environmental influences, so called degradation factors are: temperature, UV radiation and humidity. One of these factors, the UV radiation, is of great impact on all organic macromolecules, like polymeric materials.
Case study: Accelerated UV-Aging

Collector Overheating Protection with Backcooler
IEA-SHC Task 39 INFO Sheet B5
May 2015 - PDF 0.54MB
By: Alexander Thür, Claudia Hintringer, Norbert Hauer, Wolfgang Streicher, Robert Hausner, Alexander Kaiser, Gernot Wallner
Within the Austrian project SolPol-2 (www.solpol.at) the concept of a flat plate collector, which can be completely produced with cheap plastic (max. temperature 90°C) with integrated overheating protection was investigated and functional models were developed, constructed and tested.
Collector Overheating Protection with Backcooler

Conceptual solar domestic hot water systems
IEA-SHC Task 39 INFO Sheet B12
May 2015 - PDF 0.34MB
By: Christoph Reiter, Dr. Sebastian Brandmayr, Dr. Christoph Trinkl, Prof. Dr.-Ing. Wilfried Zörner
A workshop was held to identify concepts for solar thermal systems with polymeric collector suitable for further cost reductions of solar domestic hot water preparation and to show possibilities of the extended use of polymeric materials in the solar thermal system, including the solar circuit and buffer storage.
Conceptual solar domestic hot water systems

Developing plastic-based solar collectors for the volume market
IEA-SHC Task 39 INFO Sheet B15
May 2015 - PDF 0.39MB
By: Robert Buchinger and Max Wesle
Recent estimates have shown a steadily rising need for solar collector panels worldwide, from 10 to 15 percent annually. By 2020 the annual demand for collector surface is thought to be around 200 to 400 million square meters. This demand will be met with great difficulty only, if at all, when relying on conventional aluminum or copper panels. Materials for traditional collector panels are scarce and, therefore, too expensive to produce or sell collectors as an affordable mass product. Sunlumo’s R&D is geared to bridge this gap between the two poles – of a sufficient raw material supply on the one hand and of low prices for the volume market on the other. Their R&D is thus focused on innovative technologies, new materials such as polymers, and manufacturing options for the mass market.
Developing plastic-based solar collectors for the volume market

Evaluation of thermosiphon systems by adopting a total cost accounting approach
IEA-SHC Task 39 INFO Sheet A4
May 2015 - PDF 0.41MB
By: Bo Carlsson, Michaela Meir, John Rekstad, Andreas Piekarczyk, Regine Weiß, Dieter Preiß,
To assess the suitability of polymer based solar thermosiphon systems three polymeric systems under development have been selected and compared with thermosiphon systems in which traditional materials like metals were used. For the comparison, a total cost accounting approach is adopted, which involves the analysis of differences in thermal performance, end-user investment costs, operation and maintenance (O&M) costs, reliability and long-term performance, climatic and environmental performance in relation to the costs of the polymeric systems versus those of the traditional ones.
Evaluation of thermosiphon systems by adopting a total cost accounting approach

Fully Polymeric Thermosiphon System
IEA-SHC Task 39 INFO Sheet B7
May 2015 - PDF 0.41MB
By: Andreas Piekarczy, Karl-Anders Weiß
While the development of fully polymeric collectors is proceeding very well, one of the major questions to address is the integration of polymeric collectors into existing systems. Considering the large number of thermosiphon systems sold worldwide, in many regions the focus should be on the development of costefficient thermosiphon systems. Comparing the actual market situation, the requirements on a thermosiphon system from the consumers point of view can be summarized: low investment costs, small systems for easy modular expansion and direct usability.
Fully Polymeric Thermosiphon System

Ideas for design and manufacturing of plastic storage tanks
IEA-SHC Task 39 INFO Sheet B14
May 2015 - PDF 0.33MB
By: Michael Plaschkes, Kibutz Magen
In the last years plastic solar collectors have been developed and manufactured by various companies. Plastic pipes are used in these solar systems (PP, PEX, CPVC) but storage tanks are still mainly metallic. This info sheet presents some ideas for manufacturing low cost thermoplastic pressure storage -tanks for DHW solar systems.
Ideas for design and manufacturing of plastic storage tanks

Life cycle analysis for polymeric solar thermal collectors
IEA-SHC Task 39 INFO Sheet A3
May 2015 - PDF 0.37MB
By: Regine Weiss
When developing new solar collectors with novel materials, the reduction of their environmental impact should be considered. In this context, several studies were published analyzing the environmental impact through polymeric materials and comparing them with conventional metal based collectors and systems by using life cycle analysis methodologies.
Life cycle analysis for polymeric solar thermal collectors

Market and cost effects for polymeric solar thermal collectors
IEA-SHC Task 39 INFO Sheet A1
May 2015 - PDF 0.35MB
By: Andreas Piekarczyk, Karl-Anders Weiss
Talking about polymeric collectors, the reduction of production costs is one main argument for the use of polymeric materials instead of metals. This cost advantage can be split into two categories: lower material costs of the polymeric materials on the one hand and lower manufacturing costs on the other hand. Comparing just the prices for raw materials per kilogram is not sufficient and only little can be said about the saving potential of polymeric materials. In the here presented manner, using some assumptions, a detailed analysis of the cost effects of polymeric materials for the use in solar thermal applications can be performed.
Market and cost effects for polymeric solar thermal collectors

Overheating protection
IEA-SHC Task 39 INFO Sheet B4
May 2015 - PDF 0.34MB
By: Christoph Reiter, Dr. Sebastian Brandmayr, Dr. Christoph Trinkl, Prof. Dr.-Ing. Wilfried Zörner
In order to enable the usage of cost-effective polymeric materials in flat-plate collectors, approaches to control and reduce the maximum absorber temperature are necessary.
Overheating protection

Overheating protection thermotropic layer
IEA-SHC Task 39 INFO Sheet C3
May 2015 - PDF 0.31MB
By: Katharina Resch, Andreas Weber, Dieter P. Gruber
In recent years thermotropic overheating protection glazings are in focus of interest both, in solar thermal collector technology and architectural design of buildings. A thermotropic glazing changes its light transmittance from highly transparent to light diffusing upon reaching a certain threshold temperature autonomously and reversibly. Among different thermotropic systems, especially thermotropic systems with fixed domains (TSFD) are considered to have the highest potential for practical application. In TSFD scattering domains are embedded in a polymer matrix, which exhibit a sudden change of the refractive index upon reaching the threshold temperature. At low temperatures the layer is translucent, as the refractive indices of matrix and domain are almost equal. If the difference of the refractive index of both components increases due to warming up to a determined temperature (switching threshold) the thermotropic film turns opaque
Overheating protection thermotropic layer

Performance requirements (general)
IEA-SHC Task 39 INFO Sheet B1
May 2015 - PDF 0.43MB
By: T. Ramschak, D. Preiß
A crucial aspect of using polymeric materials in solar thermal systems is the exact knowledge about the occurring loads especially for temperature and pressure changes. The limited thermal property in various polymers in comparison to the present primarily used materials (copper, aluminum or glass) in reference systems makes it inevitable to determine load profiles. In the framework of the national project SolPol investigations were made to create temperature and pressure load matrices for the main components of solar thermal systems. To achieve a broad knowledge-base, different applications (domestic hot water in single and multifamily houses, combi-systems) and systems concepts for the main climate zones of the world have been investigated. Furthermore, modified polymeric solar thermal systems with overheat protection (backcooling, ventilation, thermotropic layer) and without overheat protection (drain-back, thermosiphon) have been examined. Extended simulations form the basis to deliver load profiles for solar thermal systems based on polymeric materials. Building on the results (system efficiency) derived from reference systems, the accompanying INFO Sheets B2: “Thermal stress” and B3: “Pressure stress” give an overview about the performance requirements for the materials which will be investigated.
Performance requirements (general)

Performance requirements (pressure stress)
IEA-SHC Task 39 INFO Sheet B3
May 2015 - PDF 0.54MB
By: T. Ramschak, D. Preiß
Conventional system behavior during stagnation is well understood and measures to handle this state are known. Nevertheless for economically priced polymer collectors stagnation will be a considerable challenge caused by the high temperature and pressure stress during standstill times of the solar system. In closed systems the pressure development is directly related to the temperature development. Therefore measures to overcome this disadvantage have already been mentioned in the accompanying INFO Sheet B2: “Temperature stress”. Open drain-back systems offer the ability to reduce the pressure stress.
Performance requirements (pressure stress)

Performance requirements (thermal stress)
IEA-SHC Task 39 INFO Sheet B2
May 2015 - PDF 0.6MB
By: T. Ramschak, D. Preiß
Solar thermal systems that reach the stagnation state will overheat, resulting in high temperature and pressure loads for the collector and the surrounding components. Depending on how well these loads can be limited without reducing the efficiency in normal operation, determines whether high performance polymers or low-cost engineering or commodity plastics can be used.
Performance requirements (thermal stress)

Polyamide based integrated storage collector
IEA-SHC Task 39 INFO Sheet C2
May 2015 - PDF 0.43MB
By: Gernot M. Wallner, Thomas Lüftinger, Karl Schnetzinger, Klaus Lutschounig, Dieter Preiß
Integrated storage collectors (ISC) offer a high potential for domestic hot water preparation in tropical, dry and moderate climate zones. In commercially available pressurized single-loop ISC systems the absorber/storage-tank is made from costly metals such as stainless steel or copper pipes. A specific objective of the European Union collaborative research project SCOOP (Solar Collectors made Of Polymers) is to develop and evaluate plastics based ISC tanks manufactured by well-established, high-throughput injection moulding technologies. This info sheet describes the collector concept, most-promising engineering plastics grades, experimental tools and manufacturing processes and the performance of functional model components.
Polyamide based integrated storage collector

Polymeric Liner Materials for Hot Water Heat Storages
IEA-SHC Task 39 INFO Sheet C7.3
May 2015 - PDF 0.36MB
By: Klemens Grabmayer, JKU Linz
Hot water heat storages are important components of solar thermal systems. Various polyolefin-based material grades are material candidates to serve as liners in hot water heat storages. In order to fulfil the requirements, characterization of the aging behavior is indispensable for material selection.
Polymeric Liner Materials for Hot Water Heat Storages

Polymeric solar collectors and recycling
IEA-SHC Task 39 INFO Sheet A7
May 2015 - PDF 0.31MB
By: Michael Feuchter, Katharina Resch
Today recycling has become one of the key topics in the last years because of the increasing amount of waste and the waste itself is already an important resource of raw material. The amount of polymeric waste has increased significantly over the last decades, especially. As a consequence different recycling options for polymeric materials were established which are outlined in the following. Subsequently challenges and opportunities concerning recycling of polymeric solar collectors are discussed.
Polymeric solar collectors and recycling

Polymeric solar heating systems Building integration and scalability of components
IEA-SHC Task 39 INFO Sheet B13
May 2015 - PDF 0.52MB
By: Michaela Meir
Polymeric materials for solar thermal applications open the way for new processing techniques that can provide modular and scalable solutions for solar thermal collectors and system components. During the Subtask B Industry Workshop at the 15th SHC Task 39 Experts Meeting in March 2013 in Mallorca, participants investigated which products could be found in the market. In a brainstorming session, experts examined how various scalable polymeric solar thermal components could be combined into a complete system and how the system could be presented to a broad professional audience.
Polymeric solar heating systems Building integration and scalability of components

Polypropylene absorber materials
IEA-SHC Task 39 INFO Sheet C1
May 2015 - PDF 0.4MB
By: Gernot M. Wallner, Markus Povacz
Polypropylene (PP) grades offer a high potential for use in solar thermal absorbers, in particular for flat plate collectors with adequate overheating control. For unglazed swimming pool collectors blackpigmented PP grades are state of the art. PP absorber grades for glazed collectors have to be tailored according to the specific loadings conditions and performance requirements which are significantly dependent on collector and system type. In this info sheet a PP grade widely used for swimming pool absorbers and a novel PP grade investigated within the collaborative research project SolPol-2 are evaluated as to their applicability for glazed collectors with full overheating protection.
Polypropylene absorber materials

Standards, Certification and Regulations
IEA-SHC Task 39 INFO Sheet A5
May 2015 - PDF 0.31MB
By: Stephan Fischer,
To ensure the quality of the products in the rapidly growing solar thermal market, national and international standards for solar collectors, hot water stores and complete thermal solar systems have been established. In these standards, basic requirements for products as well as testing methods for the verification of these requirements are specified. Furthermore, test methods for the determination of the thermal performance are standardized. The target groups for the standards are manufactures and planners as well as testing institutes for thermal solar systems and components.
Standards, Certification and Regulations

The Art of Stabilization – Analytical Evaluation of Stabilizer Systems
IEA-SHC Task 39 INFO Sheet C7.2
May 2015 - PDF 0.36MB
By: Susanne Beißmann, JKU Linz
Without proper stabilization, polymers are susceptible to degradation caused by reactions with oxygen or UV-light, which lead to undesirable changes in the properties of the polymer. A stabilization system is normally added to the polymeric material, which is responsible for maintaining mechanical properties like strength and toughness. Unfortunately, it is not yet fully clear which combination of stabilizers provides the best performance for a specific application. Furthermore, interactions between different stabilizer classes have to be carefully investigated as they may lead to exploitable synergistic or avoidable antagonistic effects.
The Art of Stabilization – Analytical Evaluation of Stabilizer Systems

Thermal limitation of glazed collector for DHW
IEA-SHC Task 39 INFO Sheet B6
May 2015 - PDF 0.62MB
By: Michael Plaschkes, Kibutz Magen
A plastic collector using a Polyolefin absorber, a Nylon glass reinforced casing and a double wall Polycarbonate glazing were designed. In order to limit the dry stagnation temperature to an acceptable level (120 °C) it was necessary to invent a venting system which would function without external intervention.
Thermal limitation of glazed collector for DHW

Thermal loads at components of state-of-the-art flat-plate collectors
IEA-SHC Task 39 INFO Sheet B9
May 2015 - PDF 0.66MB
By: Christoph Reiter
Apart from the maximum absorber temperature according to DIN EN ISO 9806 (2014), the thermal loads inside solar-thermal collectors are widely unknown. However, the use of cost-effective polymers requires a detailed knowledge about the thermal conditions the collector components are facing. Therefore, a conventional solar-thermal system integrated in a four person one-family house was analyzed in a fieldtesting (cf. Reiter et al. 2010). The house was equipped with a solar hot water and space heating system with 20m² of standard flat-plate collectors.
Thermal loads at components of state-of-the-art flat-plate collectors

TISS coating as added value for polymeric solar absorber
IEA-SHC Task 39 INFO Sheet C4
May 2015 - PDF 0.35MB
By: Ivan Jerman
Polymer based solar collectors are one of the important parts of modern architecture. Market demands are oriented to the colored absorbers to fulfil the demand of architects and integrate the collectors in new buildings. One of the options for production of colored collectors is usage of the Thickness Insensitive Spectrally Selective (TISS) paints. TISS paints are tailor-made, multifunctional materials based on a variety of organic macromolecules and functional and processing additives. The material aspects of the colored TISS paint coatings are focusing on pigments, metallic and metallized flake pigments and polymeric resin binders used for the production of solar paint coatings with the help of dispersant molecules in order to achieve uniform distribution of the finely ground pigment particles in the polymeric resin binder. An important prerequisite for the successful selection and use of pigments in solar-thermal systems is the usage of high absorptivity pigments with their high loading in combination with the low thermal emitting binder.
TISS coating as added value for polymeric solar absorber

Tool box for basic characterization of plastics
IEA-SHC Task 39 INFO Sheet C6
May 2015 - PDF 0.51MB
By: Gernot M. Wallner, JKU Linz
Plastics are tailor-made, multifunctional materials based on a variety of organic macromolecules and functional and processing additives. An important prerequisite for the successful selection and use of plastics in solar-thermal systems is the comprehensive definition and description of application-relevant loading profiles and the deduction of property requirements. For specified plastics grades reproducible material quality has to be controlled and assured. In this info sheet a tool box for the basic characterization of plastics for solar-thermal systems is described. Relevant features and properties are exemplarily depicted for absorber materials based on polyphenyleneoxide (PPO) and polyphenylenesulfide (PPS).
Tool box for basic characterization of plastics

UNISOL – solar combistore evaluation and optimization
IEA-SHC Task 39 INFO Sheet B18
May 2015 - PDF 0.34MB
By: Ricardo Amorim, Jorge Facão, João C. Rodrigues, Maria João Carvalho
UNISOL is a national project aiming at the development of an innovative, autonomous and intelligent universal system for management and accumulation of solar heat that can practically use any solar collector in the market. The system will simultaneously pre-heat domestic water (DHW) and space heating (SH). The main component is a combistore which includes a two-way heat exchanger.
UNISOL – solar combistore evaluation and optimization

UNISOL – universal solar system for pre-heating water
IEA-SHC Task 39 INFO Sheet B17
May 2015 - PDF 0.37MB
In any solar thermal system, from the absorption, accumulation and distribution sub-systems, accumulation is the one that defines the principles and controls the other two and thus, the overall efficiency of the system. From this assumption, the Unisol project aims to develop an integrated set of R&D activities to design a universal, innovative, independent and intelligent system that manages the accumulation of heat that is capable of using almost any solar collector. This system is intended for pre-heating domestic hot water (DHW) as well as for low-temperature space heating, and also to simplify integrated systems (IS) for the support of individual subsystems in multifamily housing buildings. The project introduces several new peculiarities, such as its unique principles of universality and integration inside and outside of buildings and a reversible heat-exchanger circuit. The main promoter is JPrior - Fábrica de Plásticos Lda, a private Portuguese company, Aveiro University and the National Laboratory of Energy and Geology (LNEG).
UNISOL – universal solar system for pre-heating water

ESCo models – General
IEA-SHC INFO SHEET 45.C.2.1
April 2015 - PDF 0.39MB
By: Sabine Putz, S.O.L.I.D.
ESCos are companies that provide a full range of energy services with repayment in generated savings. They offer a complete package, from design, finance and installation to operation, including maintenance and fuel supply. Energy service companies (ESCos) could be a way to increase the uptake rate of large scale solar heat projects in larger buildings in the public and private sector.
ESCo models – General

ESCo models – General
IEA-SHC TECH SHEET 45.C.2.1
April 2015 - PDF 0.74MB
By: Sabine Putz, S.O.L.I.D.
ESCos are companies that provide a full range of energy services with repayment in generated savings. They offer a complete package, from design, finance and installation to operation, including maintenance and fuel supply. Energy service companies (ESCos) could be a way to increase the uptake rate of large scale solar heat projects in larger buildings in the public and private sector. Since the type of ESCo for delivering renewables is relatively rare, this approach is poorly understood. Thus, the project will analyze issues central to ESCo establishment, such as investment models, contracts and other relevant issues with regard to which information is limited and dispersed in the EU and worldwide. This work will also deepen our understanding of the hurdles which ESCos are faced with and will provide information on ways of overcoming such hurdles in practice. At the moment, the perceived risks and uncertainty decrease the prospect for switching to sustainable methods of either generating or using renewable energy. It is envisaged that by managing these risks, the ESCos of this kind will bring about a change in the perceptions of potential recipients.
ESCo models – General

ESCo services, best practise example: Caixa Geral de Depósitos, Lisbon, Portugal
IEA-SHC TECH SHEET 45.C.2.2A
April 2015 - PDF 0.68MB
By: Sabine Putz, S.O.L.I.D.
In Lisbon a large office building of the bank Caixa Geral de Depósitos (CGD) are supported by solar heat and cold. The collector area is installed in roof of the office building. The office building has 17 floors with an office space of 100,000 m². During the working time 6,000 employed persons are permanently in the building. The generated energy is used to power an absorption chiller. Furthermore, the energy is used for the reheating system of the ventilation appliances as well as contributing to the heating of hot water.
ESCo services, best practise example: Caixa Geral de Depósitos, Lisbon, Portugal

ESCo services, best practise example: Wasserwerk Andritz, Graz, Austria
IEA-SHC TECH SHEET 45.C.2.2B
April 2015 - PDF 0.74MB
By: Sabine Putz, S.O.L.I.D.
Solar.nahwaerme Energiecontracting Gmbh is a subsidiary company of nahwaerme.at Energiecontracting GmbH, which is an Energy services company. It was established and operates in collaboration with local partners, systems based on renewable energy sources. In the project “Wasserwerk Andritz” a large scale solar thermal plant was erected on the ground of the local water supplier. The system supports the local heating system (LH) of the office buildings of the local water utility. The surplus heat is fed into the district heating grid (DH) from the city of Graz. With the installed high temperature (HT) flat plate collectors, the necessary temperatures for district heating supply can be achieved. On the local water conservation area, enough open space was available for construction of the plant.
ESCo services, best practise example: Wasserwerk Andritz, Graz, Austria

Requirements & guidelines for collector loop installation
IEA-SHC TECH SHEET 45.A.2
April 2015 - PDF 1.96MB
By: Samuel Knabl and Christian Fink (co-authors: Philip Ohnewein, Franz Mauthner, Robert Hausner)
Large-scale solar thermal plants (gross collector area of more than 500 m² resp. 0.35 MWth) provide a huge potential for reducing the consumption of fossil fuels and CO2 emissions. Especially in the context of district heating, industrial processes and thermal cooling, large-scale solar thermal plants are becoming more and more important. Numerous projects in Europe (especially in Denmark) but also internationally (China, Canada, Saudi Arabia, etc.) constitute powerful examples for this trend. The implementation of solar thermal energy has already proved to be technically and economically feasible and sustainable in the practical context. However, the potential is still far from being exhausted. This document focuses on the remaining practical challenges concerning the implementation of large-scale solar thermal plants. For this purpose, the state of the art of hydraulics (collector and collector array hydraulics) and safety (including stagnation) aspects of the primary solar loop is presented and analysed in a theoretical as well as practical framework, also referring to examples of successfully implemented projects. It is based on international know-how collected by IEA networking activities, presented in a condensed form in this document.
Requirements & guidelines for collector loop installation

Correction of collector efficiency depending on fluid type, flow rate and collector tilt
IEA-SHC INFO SHEET 45.A.1
February 2015 - PDF 0.35MB
By: Federico Bava, Simon Furbo, Alfred Brunger
The efficiency of a solar collector is influenced by the solar collector fluid, flow rate and collector tilt. However, test institutes usually determine the collector efficiency for only one combination of fluid type, flow rate and tilt angle. This fact sheet describes investigations on the influence and importance of variations of solar collector fluid, flow rate and collector tilt on the efficiency and thermal performance of different solar collectors. Additionally, the effect of a fluorinated ethylene propylene foil used as convection barrier between glass cover and absorber is investigated.
Correction of collector efficiency depending on fluid type, flow rate and collector tilt

Correction of collector efficiency depending on fluid type, flow rate and collector tilt
IEA-SHC TECH SHEET 45.A.1
February 2015 - PDF 0.82MB
By: Federico Bava, Simon Furbo, and Alfred Brunger
In its basic form, a solar thermal collector is designed to intercept solar radiation, absorb that radiation to convert it into heat energy, and then deliver that heat to a heat transfer fluid. Therefore, the performance of a solar thermal collector is influenced by all variables that affect either the optical or the thermal properties of the collector. For example, the incidence angle of solar radiation onto the solar collector can affect the optical performance of the collector. While typically not a strong factor for solar thermal collectors, the changing spectral quality of sunlight with changing atmospheric conditions can influence the fraction of the incoming solar radiation that gets transmitted and absorbed by the collector. Tilt angle, especially for glazed flat plate collectors, affects internal and external convective heat transfer coefficients, and thus influences collector thermal performance. Heat transfer fluid flow rate and fluid thermal properties influence the heat transfer coefficient inside the fluid passages of the collector, and thus influence the collector efficiency.
Correction of collector efficiency depending on fluid type, flow rate and collector tilt

Simulation of large collector fields for system design and optimization
IEA-SHC TECH SHEET 45.A.4
February 2015 - PDF 0.46MB
Simulation is a very useful tool for design and sizing of a solar collector field. To get a good accuracy it is important to start with a load analysis and secondly to find accurate enough local weather data. Also a time resolution of at least hourly weather data is needed. The split into beam and diffuse radiation is also very important, to derive a good all-day simulation accuracy. Then of course the component models and accuracy of the input data is very important too. Below some hints are given to make a good collector field simulation.
Simulation of large collector fields for system design and optimization

Simulation of large collector fields for system design and optimization
IEA-SHC INFO SHEET 45.A.4
February 2015 - PDF 0.31MB
By: Bengt Perers and Simon Furbo
Simulation is a very useful tool for design and sizing of a solar collector field. To get a good accuracy it is important to start with a load analysis and secondly to find accurate enough local weather data. Also a time resolution of at least hourly weather data is needed. The split into beam and diffuse radiation is also very important, to derive a good all-day simulation accuracy. Then of course the component models and accuracy of the input data is very important too. Below some hints are given to make a good collector field simulation.
Simulation of large collector fields for system design and optimization

Categorization and applications of large solar heating and cooling systems
IEA-SHC INFO SHEET 45.C.1
December 2014 - PDF 0.23MB
By: Sabine Putz, S.O.L.I.D.
The large solar thermal systems can be categorized according to applications.
Categorization and applications of large solar heating and cooling systems

Categorization and applications of large solar heating and cooling systems
IEA-SHC TECH SHEET 45.C.1
December 2014 - PDF 1.43MB
By: Sabine Putz, S.O.L.I.D.
Solar thermal systems use free energy from the sun (solar radiation) to heat water in a first instance. The solar radiation which is received on the earth plane is called "global radiation", which is made up of direct and diffuse radiation. Depending on the type of collector, in addition to the direct radiation it is also possible to use the diffuse radiation. The generated heat can be used for different applications and combinations of applications. In the TASK 45 the following classification will be used: 1. General Heating (GH) 2. General Cooling (GC) 3. Process Heating (PH) 4. Process Cooling (PC) 5. Water Heating (WH) 6. Swimming Pool Heating (SH) 7. Relevant Combination (GH & GC)
Categorization and applications of large solar heating and cooling systems

Template for ESCo contract – extended version
IEA-SHC TECH SHEET 45.C.2.3
December 2014 - PDF 1.21MB
By: Sabine Putz, S.O.L.I.D.
Example template (extended) for an “Energy Performance Contract”, here named “Solar Energy Provision Agreement” for services done by an “Energy Service Company” (ESCo.)
Template for ESCo contract – extended version

Template for ESCo contract – short version
IEA-SHC INFO SHEET 45.C.2.3
December 2014 - PDF 0.36MB
By: Sabine Putz, S.O.L.I.D.
Example template (short) for “Energy Performance Contract” for services done by an “Energy Service Company” (ESCo.)
Template for ESCo contract – short version

Guarantee of Annual Output
IEA-SHC INFO Sheet 45.A.3.2
April 2014 - PDF 0.37MB
By: Jan Erik Nielsen, PlanEnergi
This method for giving and checking annual output of collector fields takes into account that the weather and operating temperatures may vary from year to year. The method works with monthly average operation temperatures and hourly average weather data and will work for systems having approx. constant operating temperatures on a monthly basis – like e.g. solar district heating systems. The basic idea of the method is described in brief below.
Guarantee of Annual Output

Guaranteed Power Output
IEA SHC INFO Sheet 45.A.3.2
April 2014 - PDF 0.32MB
By: Jan Erik Nielsen, PlanEnergi
The performance guarantees described here relate to the power performance of a collector field and a heat exchanger under some restricted (“full load”) operating conditions. The procedures described here do not pretend to give and check a guarantee on the annual output of the system. For annual output guarantee, see IEA-SHC Fact Sheet 45.A.3.2 “Guaranteed annual output”
Guaranteed Power Output
Guaranteed Power Output
IEA SHC TECH Sheet 45.A.3.2 (R1)
March 2016 - PDF 0.73MB - Posted: 4/8/2016
By: Jan Erik Nielsen, PlanEnergi & Daniel Trier, PlanEnergi
The performance guarantees described here relate to the power performance of a collector field and a heat exchanger under some restricted (“full load”) operating conditions. The procedures described here do not pretend to give and check a guarantee on the annual output of the system. Revised version (March 2016)

Guaranteed Power Output
IEA SHC TECH Sheet 45.A.3.2
April 2014 - PDF 0.62MB
By: Jan Erik Nielsen, PlanEnergi & Daniel Trier, PlanEnergi
The performance guarantees described here relate to the power performance of a collector field and a heat exchanger under some restricted (“full load”) operating conditions. The procedures described here do not pretend to give and check a guarantee on the annual output of the system.
Guaranteed Power Output