Increasing the Solar Share for Domestic Hot Water, Heating and Cooling in the Built Environment

Abstract

The chapter describes solar thermal systems implemented in the built environment to produce thermal energy for domestic hot water, heating and cooling. A design algorithm of the solar thermal systems is discussed, starting with the assessment of the thermal energy demand and of the solar energy potential used in sizing the main components. The optimization of the solar thermal collectors’ output according to the thermal energy demand is addressed by considering forward tracking to increase the thermal output and inverse tracking to protect against overheating. Theoretical and experimental results are analysed for both tracking modes applied to flat plate solar thermal collectors integrated on building facades and rooftops. A novel solution to increase the solar energy share in meeting the thermal energy demand in a building and the architectural acceptance is discussed, relying on small-sized solar thermal collectors having trapezoidal and triangular shapes and non-conventional colours (red, green, orange, etc.). Renewable energy mixes are analysed for simulated and existing nearly Zero Energy Buildings. Economic and financial aspects of the solar thermal systems are discussed.