Solar heating: How to calculate energy

mrd · 12-07-10, 12:54 PM

I think this thread is missing some math! The title is how to calculate energy.. but I see no calculations.. At least, perhaps, some links to sites with calculations?

So many variables: latitude/longitude, local weather patterns, shading in the immediate vicinity, panel orientation, size, and type.

Type of fluid circulated, flow rate, any heat exchangers and their type/efficiency, storage volume(s) present, their dimensions/insulation and surrounding environment - or ultimate rate of heat loss, the desired output temperature/flow rate or heat rate..

There are many possible configurations. Seems the best we could do is to coagulate reference data and formulae for any of these possible components and configurations. I'd assume such a collection already exists somewhere on the web..

12-07-10, 12:54 PM	#12
mrd Apprentice EcoRenovator Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Milford, DE Posts: 106 Thanks: 5 Thanked 9 Times in 9 Posts	I think this thread is missing some math! The title is how to calculate energy.. but I see no calculations.. At least, perhaps, some links to sites with calculations? So many variables: latitude/longitude, local weather patterns, shading in the immediate vicinity, panel orientation, size, and type. Type of fluid circulated, flow rate, any heat exchangers and their type/efficiency, storage volume(s) present, their dimensions/insulation and surrounding environment - or ultimate rate of heat loss, the desired output temperature/flow rate or heat rate.. There are many possible configurations. Seems the best we could do is to coagulate reference data and formulae for any of these possible components and configurations. I'd assume such a collection already exists somewhere on the web..