Study of Novel Solar Assisted Heating System

The potential for energy, carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) and cost savings when using low emissivity (low-e) transpired solar collectors (TSCs), combined with heat pumps in a range of configurations, has been investigated using computer modelling. Low-e TSCs consist of metal solar collector plates with a spectrally sensitive surface, perforated with holes. Ambient air is drawn through the holes and heated by convection from the solar collector plate, increasing the air temperature by up to 25K. The heated air can be used for e.g. space heating, or pre-heating water in buildings. The models developed have been used to compare the performance of low-e TSC/ heat pump heating systems in small and large buildings, at a range of locations. The model results showed savings in energy, CO2e and costs of up to 16.4% when using low-e TSCs combined with an exhaust air heat pump compared with using the exhaust air heat pump alone.