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3.0 SOLAR SYSTEM DESIGN
A number of items must be considered when
sizing a solar system for both a domestic and
commercial situation. The following section of
this guide highlights relevant design information
and guidance on sizing a system. Should additional
information or detailed design be required, please
contact our technical engineering department for
assistance.
Prior to commencement of design the
following items should be considered:
•
The solar system design, installation and commissioning must comply with all relevant European,
national and local standards.
•
Check whether the roof or structure has sufficient load bearing capacity to support the collectors.
•
Has the effect of wind and snow loads on the collectors been considered?
•
The intended orientation of the collectors should be as close to due South as possible.
South-West or South-East facing installations are also acceptable and will only incur minor losses.
•
Avoid shadowing of the collectors from trees or nearby buildings.
•
Make sure that there is enough free space on the roof to fit the intended collector area,
bearing in mind position of roof windows, chimneys, etc.
3.1
Overview of System Sizing
To design a solar system the following steps should be followed:
1. Calculate the Domestic Hot Water (DHW)
demand.
2. Set the solar fraction of the total DHW energy.
3. Calculate the required energy to be collected
by the solar.
4. Choose which Firebird solar system is to be
used.
5. Calculate the storage volume required and
hence the total required volume.
6. Calculate the collector area required.
Once the solar system has been designed flow
rates, pump sizing, pipe sizing and losses
should also be checked.
Firebird solar system
CVSKC-10, TZ58-1800, CPK7210-N
Calculate the hot water demand
Decide the solar fraction
Determine the
hot water storage volume
Size the collector area
Final system design & components
Tank system, expansion vessel, etc..
SOLAR SYSTEM DESIGN
