| In this study, the energy performance of a solar heated building was investigated. The solar air heater was tested for thermal efficiency. To analyze the energy use characteristics of the investigated building, DOE-2.lE simulations were conducted using locally-measured meteorological data. The base case simulation model was calibrated by comparing the calculated energy use values with the actual utility bills. Theoretical analysis of the modified solar air heater was performed to assess the potential to improve performance.;The results show that significant energy savings can be achieved by separating a central system into a few systems sewing smaller groups of zones. Simulated results showed that total electricity use was reduced by about 17000 kWh/year and natural gas use by about 340 GJ/year.;The results show that the solar system contributes only 50 GJ/year. The existing solar collectors work with an efficiency of less than 17 percent. By changing parameters such as the depth of the air flow channel in the collectors, the flow rate of the working fluid and the shape of the solar collector, the efficiency of the solar collector could be increased to about 38 percent. |
