Use of the ATOP system in the control of an off-peak storage device

An off-peak heat storage device has been installed in Colorado State University Solar House I. The device may be charged with heat during the off-peak hours (10 pm to 6 am) and the heat may then be utilized as required in order to satisfy the building heating requirements that are not satisfied by the solar system. A methodology for determining the amount of heat required to be stored and for determining an optimal charging sequence is presented in this paper. Quantitative results obtained during the past heating season (1978-79) are also presented.