Parametric analysis of solar hot water production in “commi-block” buildings

In this paper the solar thermal potential of housing blocks built with prefabricated technology is investigated. For this purpose a calculation method for the estimation of energy production of solar collector system is introduced. The method uses the Reindl et al model to determine the incoming solar energy on the solar collector surface. The monthly performance of the solar collector was modeled according to Klein et al. The monthly performance of the solar collector system greatly depends on the amount of heat required for the DHW production and the system losses (distribution, circulation and storage). The estimation of these demands is also described in the model. The main objective of the work is a comparison of potential solar energy production, energy demand and energy losses in this particular building type. Typically for this building type the potential energy collecting surface is relatively low compared to the high DHW energy demand and the distribution losses, which are high due to the building characteristics. In the parametric study the solar fraction and the system efficiency are the main indicators of the system as a whole. Nowadays the retrofit of the “commi-block” buildings is a major issue in Central-Eastern Europe and Russia, thus such results can provide a basis for decision making of investors.