ENERGY ANALYSIS OF A PASSIVE SOLAR-SYSTEM

This work aims at presenting the numerical solution to a natural conve ction problem concerning the use of a passive solar system for buildin g heating purpose. The system consists of a modification of the well-k nown Trombe-Michel passive system. The main differences consist of the rmal insulation on the southern wall surface, the presence of two sola r ducts separated by a thin metallic plate with collector function, an d a thermal storage over the ceiling of the heated rooms. The numerica l solution to the simple mathematical model -based on energy and mass conservation equations -is achieved by a finite difference method, whi ch allows to determine both the time-dependent temperature profile on each component of the system and the air flow pattern in the solar duc ts. A comparison between the numerical results and some experimental d ata is reported: it shows a very satisfactory agreement. At last, the hour by hour energy fluxes are shown in some graphs. (C) Elsevier, Par is.