Optimization problems of transparently insulated systems

Abstract

The optimization of a honeycomb transparent insulation material (TIM) combined with a selectively coated integrated storage collector (ISC) is discussed in this paper. In order to find the optimum material, characterized by the heat loss coefficient Lambda (T,D) and solar transmittance tau (Phi, phi;D), a theoretical model of the honeycomb absorber system for heat transport and solar transmission will be used. The modelling of the ISC itself is solved by a rather simple short-term simulation of representative days of each month (see SCHMIDT et.al./1/ for a description of reals ISC's). The optimization aim is to change parameters of the TIM in order to find the optimum balance between solar gains and heat losses, which results in a maximum yearly output or a minimum auxiliary energy demand for a one square metre collector. Two cases will be considered; The effect of two different scattering mechanisms in determing the combination of mass, mass distribution and both aspect ratios for rec tangular honeycombs