Energy Production in Solar Collectors in a University Building Used to Improve the Internal Thermal Conditions in Winter Conditions

¹ FCT – University of Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005–139 Faro, Portugal
² CINTAL, Campus de Gambelas, 8005–139 Faro, Portugal
³ School of Built Environment, University of Reading, Reading, RG6 6AW, UK

^* Corresponding author: econcei@ualg.pt

Abstract

In this numerical study the energy production in solar collectors in a University building used to improve the internal thermal conditions is made. Passive and active solutions, using external solar collector and internal thermo-convectors, are used. The numerical simulation, in transient conditions, is done for a winter typical day with clean sky. This numerical study was carried out using a software that simulates the Building Dynamic Response with complex topology in transient conditions. The software evaluates the human thermal comfort and indoor air quality levels that the occupants are subjected, Heated Ventilation and Air Conditioned energy consumption, indoor thermal variables and other parameters. The university building has 107 compartments and is located in a Mediterranean-type environment. External solar water collectors, placed above the building’s roof, and internal thermo-convectors of water/air type, using mixing ventilation, are used as passive and active strategies, respectively. The thermal comfort level, using the Predicted Mean Vote index, and the indoor air quality, using the carbon dioxide concentration, are evaluated. The results show that in winter conditions the solar collectors improve the thermal comfort conditions of the occupants. The indoor air quality, in all ventilated spaces, is also guaranteed.