Updates are coming soon to SRCC OG-300 models.
by Alonso Morlesin
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In 2010, the U.S. Department of Energy began efforts to review and refine the models used to describe the performance of solar thermal energy systems. The result of this work is a set of new computer models that has been vetted by internationally recognized experts in solar water heating system modeling.

The new models provide significant improvements over the computer models currently used by ICC-SRCC for the OG-300 program, including:

  • Models for each component in the solar water heating system reviewed and updated:

    • Solar thermal collectors (thermal mass, updated IAM calculations, new tubular ICS model, improved thermosiphon calculations);
    Storage tanks (improved immersed, concentric tube and wrap-around heat exchanger calculations, new mixing algorithms and controls);
    Controllers (new variable speed options with differential controls, temperature-seeking modules);
    And PV Water Heater models added.

  • Latest computer modeling practices implemented.
  • Improved model of system inlet temperatures implemented throughout the U.S.
  • Dozens of checks, cross checks and energy balances are performed on the models to make sure that they are operating as expected.
After reviewing the results of that work, ICC-SRCC has been exploring the best ways to implement the results in the SRCC OG-300 Solar Thermal Certification Program. Stay tuned for more information in the near future as ICC-SRCC works to roll out the changes.