ENERGY PERFORMANCE IN A FLOOR HEATING SYSTEM OF THERMAL ENERGY STORAGE, USING SOLAR DIRECT GAIN AND AIR SOURCE HEAT PUMP

(Part1) Introduction of the experimental system and verification of solar direct gain

Abstract

The authors have built a small test cabin to promote utilization of solar heat energy and have been conducting measurements of temperature, solar radiation, heat flow, electric power and so forth in the cabin. Four important elements were introduced into the cabin in order to make high energy performance and enough thermal comfort. Namely, there are highly insulated envelope, much solar direct gain, a floor heating system including PCM packages for thermal storage and air source heat pump in the cabin. The paper describes outline of specifications for the test cabin and mechanism for energy conservation in the test cabin. It also shows results of verification relating to solar radiation. Good agreement is obtained between calculation and measurement in each of the three phases of solar radiation flow. Behaviors of the floor heating system including the PCM and the heat pump will be followed in the next paper.