Faculty of Civill Engineering and Building Services

Technical University “Gheorghe Asachi” Iasi

Subject: Building Services in Constructions

Advisor: asist. univ. dr. ing. Marius-Costel BALAN
Student: Rita-Cristina Pista

Assignment no. 1
Non-conventional heating systems
Solar heating systems

1. State of the art

The use of solar heating systems is not a new concept, this type of systems
being used even as early as the beginning of the twentieth century. In the document
“Solar Energy Research” conducted at the University of Wisconsin Press in 1955 by
Daniels, Farrington and Duffie it is mentioned that solar heat was used by storing it
in iron and then by blowing air on the heated iron ever since in 1877. It is also stated
that in 1910, Bailer patented the initial form of solar collectors that consisted in a
flat-plates system. By 1930, in Florida it was common for houses to use solar water
heaters but when natural gas became available at a low price in 1940 these solar
systems were replaced. In 1939, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology built the
first solar house that served as a research object.

2. Types of Solar Collectors

Two type of solar collectors can be identified: the flat-plate and the focusing
type. Specially shaped mirrors are used by focusing collectors to concentrate the rays
of the sun. The temperatures produced by this type of collector can reach several
thousand degrees but in order to maintain an effective orientation towards the
sunlight a tracking system is required. This type of system stops its operation in case
of even slightly overcast skies. On the other hand, the flat-plate collector can also
operate during thinly overcast days. The fact that this system is not complicated, not
requiring a tracking system is also an advantage. Because of the lower cost and
relatively high efficiency, the flat-plate system is preferred by home owners.
 Faculty of Civill Engineering and Building Services
Technical University “Gheorghe Asachi” Iasi

The main components of a solar heating system are the solar collector, the hot
water distribution system, a hot water storage tank, a circulating pump, flow controls
and a water-to-air heat exchanger mounted in the return air duct of the existing warm
air furnace.

Just as a greenhouse is heated during winter by the Sun, in a similar manner

is heated the solar collector placed on the roof of the house. On days with a strong
shining sun, the water that circulates through the collector is used to absorb heat and
carry it into the house to a hot-water storage tank for later use. On cloudy days or
simply at nights, the hot water stored is used. The pump circulates water from the
storage tank to the collector and then to the heat exchanger in the return air duct of
the warm-air furnace and then back to the storage tank. The hot water is going
through the heat exchanger, warms up the returning house air before it returns to the
furnace for final reheating. In order to regulate the flow of water to the heat
exchanger, another thermostat is added to the house and set a few degrees above the
existing thermostat. In some cases, the air is heated sufficiently by the solar heated
water and the existing thermostat does not cut on the burner in the furnace to provide
any additional heat. At night or in cloudy weather, when hot water is available from
the storage tank, the pumped water automatically bypasses the collectors and goes
directly to the heat exchanger.
 Faculty of Civill Engineering and Building Services
Technical University “Gheorghe Asachi” Iasi

3. Advantages
Solar Energy is most importantly renewable, environmentally friendly and not
even in the phase of production it does not cause harmful pollutants or emissions. Its
economy comes from the fact that after the initial investment, the energy provided
is free of charge and it gives homeowners a certain independency. The durability of
the solar energy systems is impressive, the maintenance required being almost
insignificant.
4. Disadvantages
The entire system and its installation is quite costly. The geographic position
is a very important factor, the same system not being as effective in places with
different solar gains. A battery backup system is required since during night it cannot
produce any energy.
5. Conclusions
In conclusion, solar energy systems are in accordance with the sustainable
current that is taking over the civil engineering field at last. It has as any other type
of heating system advantages and disadvantages but the last one pale in front of the
fact that solar energy is renewable and should be exploited to its full potential in the
countries where it is possible.

References:
“An inexpensive economical solar heating system for homes” – Johnny W. Allred, Joseph
M. Shinn, Jr., Cecil E. Kirby, and Sheridan R. Barringer
http://www.solarpowerfacts.biz/