Analysis of Hydraulic Design Options for Medium-sized Solar Combisystems
Abstract
The hydraulic set-up of a typical solar combisystem consists of at least four hydraulic loops (solar, auxiliary heating, domestic hot water preparation and space heating loop). A huge variety of options exist for the design of each loop and the interconnection of the loops. The objective of this investigation was to find recommendations for the selection of an appropriate hydraulic design for solar combisystems that allows the highest possible energy savings, depending on the specific boundary conditions of a heating system. First, a market analysis was carried out to identify and analyze all possible options. After that annual system simulations were performed for the most promising options. Based on these results two alternative design options are proposed, one for the integration of unpressurized storages and one for storages operated under pressure. In focus are medium-sized solar combisystems for one- and two-family houses with a collector area of more than 15 m² and a storage volume of more than 2 m³.