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Energy Performance of Buildings pp 349–375Cite as

Solar Thermal Systems

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Abstract

This chapter presents an overview of solar thermal systems used to supply energy for domestic hot water provision as well as space heating and cooling of buildings. Solar energy collectors are the main component of solar thermal systems; they play a vital role in converting solar radiation to heat. Water and air heating collectors are the most widely used in either glazed or unglazed configurations, with solar water heating systems the most popular means of utilizing solar energy. Solar water heating systems consist of forced circulation and thermosyphon systems, and solar thermal cooling systems use heat from the sun to drive absorption and adsorption chillers, desiccant and ejector systems to provide cooling in buildings. Solar air heating systems heat ventilation air for buildings and can also provide domestic hot water when connected to a suitable heat exchanger. Solar collectors can be integrated into elements of building envelopes, such as roofs, façades, balconies, and walls.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. International Energy Research Center, Tyndall National Institute, Lee Malting, Dyke Parade, Cork, Ireland

    L. M. Ayompe

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  1. L. M. Ayompe
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Correspondence to L. M. Ayompe .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Mechanical Engineering, Process Equipment Design Laboratory, Aristotle University Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece

    Sofia-Natalia Boemi

  2. University of the Basque Country, San Sebastián, Spain

    Olatz Irulegi

  3. Group Building Environmental Research Athens, Physics Department, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece

    Mattheos Santamouris

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Ayompe, L.M. (2016). Solar Thermal Systems . In: Boemi, SN., Irulegi, O., Santamouris, M. (eds) Energy Performance of Buildings. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-20831-2_17

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-20831-2_17

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-319-20830-5

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-20831-2

  • eBook Packages: EnergyEnergy (R0)

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