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Side-By-Side Testing Of Solaire Solar Ac, Florida Solar Energy Center, John Sherwin

FSEC Energy Research Center®

The FSEC Energy Research Center performed a series of side-by-side tests to compare a heat pump system with a SolAire thermal collector against one without. The tests were performed in three phases: 1) baseline operation, 2) heat pump system operating with SolAire collector using collector manufacturer's wiring specifications, and 3) heat pump system operating with SolAire collector using Daiken/OEM wiring specifications. Each phase represented 5 full days of continuous operation during August of 2018 in Cocoa, Florida. Phase 1 baseline testing demonstrated that the two Daiken heat pump systems and test houses performed similarly and there were no differences between …

Solar Water Heating Performance: Use Of Energy Factors, Florida Solar Energy Center, Carol Emrich

FSEC Energy Research Center®

The goal of increasing solar energy installations is widely accepted by all. The Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC) concluded that the goal of increasing solar hot water system installations in Florida could be greatly enhanced by concentrating its efforts on new construction through simplification of the residential building energy code. Since implementation in 1980, the Florida Energy Efficiency Code for Building Construction has required a calculation procedure that assigns multipliers to residential water heating systems. The multiplier for every water heating system type except solar is based on the system's rated efficiency at standard conditions and is a one- or …

Geographic Variation In Potential Of Residential Solar Hot Water System Performance In The United States, Florida Solar Energy Center, Camilo Gil

FSEC Energy Research Center®

This paper describes an assessment of residential solar water heater performance around the continental United States. We performed annual simulations using an hourly simulation model (EGUSA) for 212 TMY3 weather locations around the nation. The annual simulations show how standard hot water energy use for electric and gas systems vary geographically (kWh and therms) as well as the potential energy savings from solar water heaters. A key finding is that the energy necessary for water heating varies by 2:1 around the U.S. with implications for solar water heating system design and sizing. Our results provide information on expected water heater …

How Energy Efficient Are Modern Dishwashers?, Florida Solar Energy Center, David Hoak

FSEC Energy Research Center®

We present measurements of three recent vintage dishwashers of very different efficiencies showing that while they are substantially more efficient than older dishwashers, those tested will still use electric resistance elements for supplemental heat, even when supplied by solar water heating systems producing very hot water. We did find the DOE test results provide a reasonable guide to comparative performance, but suggest improvements that will make them more representative. We also identify a variety of influences on efficiency and performance to reduce dishwasher energy use.

Ahata Solar Energy Resort Training Program, Florida Solar Energy Center, William Young

FSEC Energy Research Center®

The Florida Solar Energy Center/University of Central Florida developed a Solar Energy Resort Training Program at the request of Aruba Bucuti Beach Resort Association, Aruba (AHATA) in the Caribbean Islands. The Aruba Resort Association has been interested in learning about and applying renewable energy technologies to their resorts to reduce energy consumption and cost. This report describes the activities and implementation of Florida Solar Energy Center's support to the Association to assist in the consulting, education and implementation of solar energy technologies into the resort industry in the country.

Solar Dhw Storage Tanks And Systems, Florida Solar Energy Center

FSEC Energy Research Center®

Water is by far the most common storage medium in solar domestic hot water systems. Rock storage is another method of sensible heat storage, but is not generally used in systems that are exclusively DHW. Storage of heat in solutions of phase-changing salts is extremely rare in DHW systems and therefore is not discussed.

Comparison Of Solar Hot Water Systems Simulated In Energygauge Usa And Trnsys 15, Florida Solar Energy Center, Michael Anello

FSEC Energy Research Center®

This document is meant to serve as a detailed summary of the comparison between the simulation methods of EnergyGauge USA and TRNSYS (version 15) relating to solar hot water systems. The initial motivation behind this comparison was to verify that the f-chart model created for EnergyGauge's solar hot water calculations was reporting the correct results. To this end, models of three systems were created in TRNSYS in order to serve as a baseline for the EnergyGauge results. The three systems modeled were: Liquid-active closed loop (LACL), Liquid-active open loop (LAOL), Integrated collector storage (ICS). This document will detail each of …

Showering In The Sun, Florida Solar Energy Center, James Haggard

FSEC Energy Research Center®

For thousands of years, man has used energy from the sun to heat water. Today, the typical way of obtaining hot water for a shower is through a residential or commercial thermal system installed on a building. This type of shower is too big and heavy to use outdoors, although camping facilities and parks may have such systems for their patrons. Original outdoor showers that were developed for use in remote locations were bulky and not particularly portable. Today's solar shower is designed to be practical for camping, recreational and marine use. New products are made of plastic for lighter …

Fsec Approved Solar Energy Systems: Domestic Hot Water And Pool Heating, Florida Solar Energy Center, John Harrison

FSEC Energy Research Center®

This listing contains Florida Energy Factors for solar domestic hot water systems that have been approved by the Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC) for use in the State. These energy factors represent the dimensionless ratio of the hot water energy made available by each approved system divided by the electrical energy used by the system. The Florida Energy Factor (FEF) is used to determine hot water credit multipliers for residential solar water heating systems in the 1993 Florida Energy Efficiency Code for Building Construction. The FEF can also be used to compare the efficiency of solar water heating systems with …

Solar Dhw Collector Thermal Performance Ratings, Florida Solar Energy Center, John Harrison

FSEC Energy Research Center®

Thermal performance ratings, derived from the FSEC testing and certification program, are a useful tool in comparing the efficiency and economics of various flat-plate solar collectors. Since collectors used in domestic hot water (DHW) systems typically operate in the intermediate temperature range (1200F-1600F), this is the rating provided for comparisons. It must be stressed that these comparisons are only a guide and should not be considered as a rank ordering of collectors. Such considerations as component sizing and proper installation procedures are equally important in determining a system's overall efficiency. In addition, because of the variability of weather conditions, instrumentation …

Solar Oven Development And Testing Contract Final Report, Florida Solar Energy Center, Philip W. Fairey

FSEC Energy Research Center®

The Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC) was contracted by the Dorothy Ann Foundation (and its agent and representative, Darwin O. Curtis), to conduct an investigative study into the development of a state-of-the art solar cooker. A major goal of the contract was to investigate the potential means of improving the performance and long-term durability of the existing Cookit solar cooker.

Many of the activities and accomplishments conducted as part of this contract have been provided in the reports and analyses previously sent to the contact representative. The purpose of this final report is to list the various task accomplishments defined …

Solar Thermal Billing Program In Florida, Florida Solar Energy Center, Carlos Colon

FSEC Energy Research Center®

This paper presents the development, implementation, and results of Lakeland Electric's solar thermal billing program in Florida. The three-phase solar program was started in 1997 with funds from the Florida Energy Office (FEO) and the technical assistance of the Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC). It was designed as a model to expand the concept of distributed energy generation, and to augment the use of solar domestic hot water (SDHW) systems. The solar thermal billing program relies on the proceeds generated from the sale of hot water energy. Twenty-nine SDHW systems, which are owned by Lakeland Electric (LE), gradually began operation …

Investigation Of Reflective Materials For The Solar Cooker, Florida Solar Energy Center, John Harrison

FSEC Energy Research Center®

A critical task in developing a solar cooker is to identify reflector materials that would be both suitable for this application as well as economical. FSEC has conducted an extensive search for available reflective materials. This has included contacting reflective materials manufacturers as well as national laboratories that are currently working with private industry in developing reflector that can be used primarily on large concentrating solar energy devices. This investigation used a variety of resources. These included the FSEC solar library, web search engines, solar industry catalogs and directories, personal contacts, aluminum industry sources, solar cooker discussion groups, and a …

Solar Cooker Reflector Optical Evaluation And Design Evolution, Florida Solar Energy Center, Ross Mccluney

FSEC Energy Research Center®

Solar Cooker Reflector Optical Evaluation and Design Evolution

Solar Weatherization Assistance Program, Program Final Report, Volume 1: Main Report. 08-25-98, Florida Solar Energy Center, John Harrison

FSEC Energy Research Center®

The Solar Weatherization Assistance Program (SWAP) was a joint effort of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), the Florida Department of Community Affairs (DCA) and the Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC) to provide solar water heating systems for low-income residents in Florida.

Raising families, incurring everyday bills and purchasing common necessities are all part of daily life that can rapidly drain a family's budget. This is especially burdensome for low-income and elderly residents on a fixed income. A major part of the budgetary concerns are the recurrent and unavoidable electric bills.

In northern colder climates, weatherization programs assist low-income clients …

Solar Water Heating Options In Florida, Florida Solar Energy Center, John Harrison

FSEC Energy Research Center®

This document is intended to acquaint Florida's general public with typical methods of heating household water by means of the sun. The types of solar systems discussed are pumped (both direct and indirect), thermosiphon and integral collector storage.

Solar Hot Water Energy And Cost Savings For Typical Florida Residential Installations, Florida Solar Energy Center, David L. Block

FSEC Energy Research Center®

The following table presents energy and cost savings for four typical Florida solar water heating systems. Exact savings by a consumer may vary as much as plus or minus 25 from these numbers for numerous reasons. These include hot water usage, storage tank type, thermostat settings, solar system size, collector placement and local weather conditions. Computer simulations were used to generate the energy data.

Solar Energy In Florida, Florida Solar Energy Center, Carolyn King Burns

FSEC Energy Research Center®

To understand Florida's position in the development of solar technologies it's necessary to visualize a bigger picture. Currently, the United States spends over $38 billion per year for crude oil and petroleum product imports, whereas appropriations for research and development on solar energy technology total less than $120 million per year.

Not only do we operate within a global economy, we also operate within a global environment. If the greenhouse effect and global climate change force nations to drastically reduce carbon dioxide emissions, there are very few alternatives to fossil fuels for power production. In a world of dwindling energy …

Solar Ovens And Cookers, Florida Solar Energy Center

FSEC Energy Research Center®

Solar ovens work much like solar collectors used in domestic water heating systems. Both collect solar radiation, convert it to heat and transfer it to another substance. Solar ovens, however, focus the sun's rays with reflective surfaces on one point. The object of the sun's energy in the solar oven is the food.