Solar cooling as an optimization of conventional solar thermal systems for existing buildings’ upgrade interventions.

Number: pap. 565

Author(s) : BRITES G., BRITO N., COSTA J., et al.

Summary

Although a great majority of solar thermal systems is designed for new construction, assuming insulated boundaries and efficient acclimatization systems, the achievement of the Energy Performance for Buildings Directive goals is highly dependent on retrofitting actions in existing buildings, 98% of the built area. In fact existing buildings in city centers, in particular those in “historical centers”, face great limitations that require active approaches to compensate the inherent impossibility to change buildings’ orientation and frequent difficulty to add insulation to the interior or exterior boundaries. In this paper an ongoing case study is used to identify the potential advantages of using solar cooling strategies to maximize solar collectors design for domestic hot water (DHW) production and eventual acclimatization purposes in winter. The evaluated system combines flat-plate collectors with a small cooling adsorption unit to dissipate excess heat in summer and mid-seasons. Although this cooling effect is not enough to guarantee ideal conditions to the building’s occupants, its use can reduce indoor air temperature by several degrees Celsius when outside air temperature is extremely hot, and open the way towards new perceptions for existing buildings upgrade.

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Pages: 10 p.

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Details

  • Original title: Solar cooling as an optimization of conventional solar thermal systems for existing buildings’ upgrade interventions.
  • Record ID : 30009348
  • Languages: English
  • Source: Clima 2013. 11th REHVA World Congress and 8th International Conference on Indoor Air Quality, Ventilation and Energy Conservation in Buildings.
  • Publication date: 2013/06/16

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