Evaluation of Renewable Energy Modelling Methodologies within Domestic Building Design Compliance Procedures
Abstract
This work involves an analysis of the methodologies by which PV and solar thermal technologies are assessed to contribute to energy generation and carbon reduction projections for domestic dwellings. Using comparative analysis with advanced software simulations along with measured data from field installations, the evaluation is focussed upon the projected energy contributions and CO2 emission reductions arising from these technologies in the context of dwellings’ overall design targets. Specifically, methods used by SAP to estimate solar irradiation are evaluated with potential limitations quantified and described, and comparisons to simulations made using PV-GIS and meteorological data for three locations in the south, midlands and north of England respectively. The annual solar energy available to a solar thermal system predicted by SAP is compared with modelled and measured data for Camborne, Nottingham and Durham. The impact of DHW demand and occupancy of a household on solar input and fuel savings made is then investigated using measured data from (Forward & Roberts 2008) and SAP predicted values.