A Rating Procedure for Solar Domestic Water Heating Systems

A rating procedure for solar domestic hot water systems is described which combines the advantages of short-term system tests and correlations of long-term thermal performance. The testing procedure consists of two indoor tests which are in accordance with ASHRAE Standard 95-1981, except for one additional measurement needed only for systems employing a heat exchanger between the collector fluid and the potable water. The test results are plotted in a manner in which they can be used to estimate the long-term performance of the solar water heating system for any location where site-specific, monthly-average meterological data are available. The annual solar function obtained in this manner provides the recommended rating indicator. The validity of this rating procedure is first demonstrated by simulations. Further support is provided by experiments conducted at the National Bureau of Standards.