Solar Collectors¶

9 object types from idfpy.models.solar · EnergyPlus 26.2

Object	Summary
SolarCollector:FlatPlate:PhotovoltaicThermal	Models hybrid photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) solar collectors that convert incident solar energy into both …
SolarCollector:FlatPlate:Water	Flat plate water solar collector (single glazed, unglazed, or evacuated tube).
SolarCollector:IntegralCollectorStorage	Glazed solar collector with integral storage unit.
SolarCollector:UnglazedTranspired	Unglazed transpired solar collector (UTSC) used to condition outdoor air.
SolarCollector:UnglazedTranspired:Multisystem	quad-tuples of inlet, outlet, control, and zone nodes for multiple different outdoor air systems attached to …
SolarCollectorPerformance:FlatPlate	Thermal and optical performance parameters for a single flat plate solar collector module.
SolarCollectorPerformance:IntegralCollectorStorage	Thermal and optical performance parameters for a single glazed solar collector with integral storage unit.
SolarCollectorPerformance:PhotovoltaicThermal:BIPVT	Thermal performance parameters for Building-Integrated Photovoltaic-Thermal (BIPVT) solar collector.
SolarCollectorPerformance:PhotovoltaicThermal:Simple	Thermal performance parameters for a hybrid photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) solar collector.

SolarCollector:FlatPlate:PhotovoltaicThermal¶

from idfpy.models import SolarCollectorFlatPlatePhotovoltaicThermal

Models hybrid photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) solar collectors that convert incident solar energy into both electricity and useful thermal energy by heating air or water.

Field	Type	Details
`name` Name	string
`surface_name` Surface Name required	reference	Names a BuildingSurface:Detailed, Ceiling:Adiabatic, Ceiling:Interzone, Door, Door:Interzone, FenestrationSurface:Detailed, Floor:Adiabatic, Floor:Detailed, Floor:GroundContact, Floor:Interzone, GlazedDoor, GlazedDoor:Interzone and 18 more
`photovoltaic_thermal_model_performance_name` Photovoltaic-Thermal Model Performance Name	reference	Names a SolarCollectorPerformance:PhotovoltaicThermal:BIPVT, SolarCollectorPerformance:PhotovoltaicThermal:Simple
`photovoltaic_name` Photovoltaic Name	reference	Enter the name of a Generator:Photovoltaic object. Names a Generator:Photovoltaic
`thermal_working_fluid_type` Thermal Working Fluid Type	choice	One of `Air`, `Water`
`water_inlet_node_name` Water Inlet Node Name	string
`water_outlet_node_name` Water Outlet Node Name	string
`air_inlet_node_name` Air Inlet Node Name	string
`air_outlet_node_name` Air Outlet Node Name	string
`design_flow_rate` Design Flow Rate	number or `Autosize` m3/s

Referenced by 4 object types

AirLoopHVAC:DedicatedOutdoorAirSystem, AirLoopHVAC:OutdoorAirSystem:EquipmentList, Branch, PlantEquipmentList

SolarCollector:FlatPlate:Water¶

from idfpy.models import SolarCollectorFlatPlateWater

Flat plate water solar collector (single glazed, unglazed, or evacuated tube). Thermal and optical properties are taken from the referenced SolarCollectorPerformance:FlatPlate object. Collector tilt, azimuth, and gross area are taken from the referenced building surface or shading surface. The collector surface participates normally in all shading calculations.

Field	Type	Details
`name` Name required	string
`solarcollectorperformance_name` SolarCollectorPerformance Name required	reference	Names a SolarCollectorPerformance:FlatPlate
`surface_name` Surface Name required	reference	Names a BuildingSurface:Detailed, Ceiling:Adiabatic, Ceiling:Interzone, Door, Door:Interzone, FenestrationSurface:Detailed, Floor:Adiabatic, Floor:Detailed, Floor:GroundContact, Floor:Interzone, GlazedDoor, GlazedDoor:Interzone and 18 more
`inlet_node_name` Inlet Node Name required	string
`outlet_node_name` Outlet Node Name required	string
`maximum_flow_rate` Maximum Flow Rate	number m3/s	Range: > 0

Referenced by 3 object types

AirLoopHVAC:DedicatedOutdoorAirSystem, Branch, PlantEquipmentList

SolarCollector:IntegralCollectorStorage¶

from idfpy.models import SolarCollectorIntegralCollectorStorage

Glazed solar collector with integral storage unit. Thermal and optical properties are taken from the referenced SolarCollectorPerformance:IntegralCollectorStorage object. Collector tilt, azimuth, and gross area are taken from the referenced building surface or shading surface. The collector surface participates normally in all shading calculations.

Field	Type	Default	Details
`name` Name required	string
`integralcollectorstorageparameters_name` IntegralCollectorStorageParameters Name required	reference		Names a SolarCollectorPerformance:IntegralCollectorStorage
`surface_name` Surface Name required	reference		Names a BuildingSurface:Detailed, Ceiling:Adiabatic, Ceiling:Interzone, Door, Door:Interzone, FenestrationSurface:Detailed, Floor:Adiabatic, Floor:Detailed, Floor:GroundContact, Floor:Interzone, GlazedDoor, GlazedDoor:Interzone and 18 more
`bottom_surface_boundary_conditions_type` Bottom Surface Boundary Conditions Type	choice	`AmbientAir`	One of `AmbientAir`, `OtherSideConditionsModel`
`boundary_condition_model_name` Boundary Condition Model Name	string		Enter the name of a SurfaceProperty:OtherSideConditionsModel object. Specified only if the boundary condition type is OtherSideConditionsModel, otherwise leave it blank
`inlet_node_name` Inlet Node Name required	string
`outlet_node_name` Outlet Node Name required	string
`maximum_flow_rate` Maximum Flow Rate	number m3/s		Range: > 0

Referenced by 3 object types

AirLoopHVAC:DedicatedOutdoorAirSystem, Branch, PlantEquipmentList

SolarCollector:UnglazedTranspired¶

from idfpy.models import SolarCollectorUnglazedTranspired extensible

Unglazed transpired solar collector (UTSC) used to condition outdoor air. This type of collector is generally used to heat air drawn through perforated absorbers and also recover heat conducted out through the underlying surface. This object represents a single collector attached to one or more building or shading surfaces and to one or more outdoor air systems.

Field	Type	Default	Details
`name` Name required	string
`boundary_conditions_model_name` Boundary Conditions Model Name required	reference		Enter the name of a SurfaceProperty:OtherSideConditionsModel object Names a SurfaceProperty:OtherSideConditionsModel
`availability_schedule_name` Availability Schedule Name	reference		Availability schedule name for this collector. Schedule value > 0 means it is available. If this field is blank, the collector is always available. Names a ExternalInterface:FunctionalMockupUnitExport:To:Schedule, ExternalInterface:FunctionalMockupUnitImport:To:Schedule, ExternalInterface:Schedule, Schedule:Compact, Schedule:Constant, Schedule:File, Schedule:Year, Schedule:Year:Rules
`inlet_node_name` Inlet Node Name	string		required field if no SolarCollector:UnglazedTranspired:Multisystem
`outlet_node_name` Outlet Node Name	string		required field if no SolarCollector:UnglazedTranspired:Multisystem
`setpoint_node_name` Setpoint Node Name	string		This node is where the mixed air setpoint is determined. required field if no SolarCollector:UnglazedTranspired:Multisystem
`zone_node_name` Zone Node Name	string		This node is used to identify the affected zone required field if no SolarCollector:UnglazedTranspired:Multisystem
`free_heating_setpoint_schedule_name` Free Heating Setpoint Schedule Name	reference		Names a ExternalInterface:FunctionalMockupUnitExport:To:Schedule, ExternalInterface:FunctionalMockupUnitImport:To:Schedule, ExternalInterface:Schedule, Schedule:Compact, Schedule:Constant, Schedule:File, Schedule:Year, Schedule:Year:Rules
`diameter_of_perforations_in_collector` Diameter of Perforations in Collector required	number m		Range: > 0
`distance_between_perforations_in_collector` Distance Between Perforations in Collector required	number m		Range: > 0
`thermal_emissivity_of_collector_surface` Thermal Emissivity of Collector Surface required	number dimensionless		Range: ≥ 0, ≤ 1
`solar_absorbtivity_of_collector_surface` Solar Absorbtivity of Collector Surface required	number dimensionless		Range: ≥ 0, ≤ 1
`effective_overall_height_of_collector` Effective Overall Height of Collector required	number		Range: > 0
`effective_gap_thickness_of_plenum_behind_collector` Effective Gap Thickness of Plenum Behind Collector required	number m		if corrugated, use average depth Range: > 0
`effective_cross_section_area_of_plenum_behind_collector` Effective Cross Section Area of Plenum Behind Collector required	number m2		if corrugated, use average depth Range: > 0
`hole_layout_pattern_for_pitch` Hole Layout Pattern for Pitch	choice	`Square`	One of `Square`, `Triangle`
`heat_exchange_effectiveness_correlation` Heat Exchange Effectiveness Correlation	choice	`Kutscher1994`	One of `Kutscher1994`, `VanDeckerHollandsBrunger2001`
`ratio_of_actual_collector_surface_area_to_projected_surface_area` Ratio of Actual Collector Surface Area to Projected Surface Area	number dimensionless	`1.0`	This parameter is used to help account for corrugations in the collector Range: ≥ 1, ≤ 2
`roughness_of_collector` Roughness of Collector required	choice		One of `MediumRough`, `MediumSmooth`, `Rough`, `Smooth`, `VeryRough`, `VerySmooth`
`collector_thickness` Collector Thickness	number m		Collector thickness is not required for Kutscher correlation Collector thickness is required for Van Decker et al. correlation Range: ≥ 0.0005, ≤ 0.007
`effectiveness_for_perforations_with_respect_to_wind` Effectiveness for Perforations with Respect to Wind	number dimensionless	`0.25`	Cv Range: > 0, ≤ 1.5
`discharge_coefficient_for_openings_with_respect_to_buoyancy_driven_flow` Discharge Coefficient for Openings with Respect to Buoyancy Driven Flow	number dimensionless	`0.65`	Cd Range: > 0, ≤ 1.5
`surfaces`	list		Each item: `surface_name`

Referenced by 2 object types

AirLoopHVAC:OutdoorAirSystem:EquipmentList, SolarCollector:UnglazedTranspired:Multisystem

SolarCollector:UnglazedTranspired:Multisystem¶

from idfpy.models import SolarCollectorUnglazedTranspiredMultisystem extensible

quad-tuples of inlet, outlet, control, and zone nodes for multiple different outdoor air systems attached to same collector

Field	Type	Default	Details
`solar_collector_name` Solar Collector Name required	reference		Enter the name of a SolarCollector:UnglazedTranspired object. Names a SolarCollector:UnglazedTranspired
`systems`	list		Each item: `outdoor_air_system_collector_inlet_node`, `outdoor_air_system_collector_outlet_node`, `outdoor_air_system_mixed_air_node`, `outdoor_air_system_zone_node`

SolarCollectorPerformance:FlatPlate¶

from idfpy.models import SolarCollectorPerformanceFlatPlate

Thermal and optical performance parameters for a single flat plate solar collector module. These parameters are based on the testing methodologies described in ASHRAE Standards 93 and 96 which are used Solar Rating and Certification Corporation (SRCC) Directory of SRCC Certified Solar Collector Ratings. See EnergyPlus DataSets file SolarCollectors.idf.

Field	Type	Default	Details
`name` Name required	string
`gross_area` Gross Area required	number m2		Range: > 0
`test_fluid` Test Fluid	choice	`Water`	One of `Water`
`test_flow_rate` Test Flow Rate required	number m3/s		Range: > 0
`test_correlation_type` Test Correlation Type required	choice		One of `Average`, `Inlet`, `Outlet`
`coefficient_1_of_efficiency_equation` Coefficient 1 of Efficiency Equation required	number dimensionless		Y-intercept term
`coefficient_2_of_efficiency_equation` Coefficient 2 of Efficiency Equation required	number W/m2-K		1^st Order term
`coefficient_3_of_efficiency_equation` Coefficient 3 of Efficiency Equation	number W/m2-K2		2^nd order term
`coefficient_2_of_incident_angle_modifier` Coefficient 2 of Incident Angle Modifier	number		1^st order term
`coefficient_3_of_incident_angle_modifier` Coefficient 3 of Incident Angle Modifier	number		2^nd order term

Referenced by 1 object types

SolarCollector:FlatPlate:Water

SolarCollectorPerformance:IntegralCollectorStorage¶

from idfpy.models import SolarCollectorPerformanceIntegralCollectorStorage

Thermal and optical performance parameters for a single glazed solar collector with integral storage unit.

Field	Type	Default	Details
`name` Name required	string
`ics_collector_type` ICS Collector Type	choice	`RectangularTank`	Currently only RectangularTank ICS collector type is available. One of `RectangularTank`
`gross_area` Gross Area	number m2		Range: > 0
`collector_water_volume` Collector Water Volume	number m3		Range: > 0
`bottom_heat_loss_conductance` Bottom Heat Loss Conductance	number W/m2-K	`0.4`	Heat loss conductance of the collector bottom insulation Range: > 0
`side_heat_loss_conductance` Side Heat Loss Conductance	number W/m2-K	`0.6`	heat loss conductance of the collector side insulation Range: > 0
`aspect_ratio` Aspect Ratio	number m	`0.8`	This value is ratio of the width (short side) to length (long side of) of the collector. Used to calculate the perimeter of the collector Range: > 0.5, < 1
`collector_side_height` Collector Side Height	number m	`0.2`	This value is used to estimate collector side area for the heat loss calculation through the collector side Range: > 0, < 0.3
`thermal_mass_of_absorber_plate` Thermal Mass of Absorber Plate	number J/m2-K	`0.0`	Calculated from the specific heat, density and thickness of the absorber plate. Range: ≥ 0
`number_of_covers` Number of Covers	integer	`2`	Number of transparent covers. Common practice is to use low-iron glass as the outer cover and very thin transparent sheet such as Teflon as the inner cover. Range: ≥ 1, ≤ 2
`cover_spacing` Cover Spacing	number m	`0.05`	The gap between the transparent covers and between the inner cover and the absorber plate Range: > 0, ≤ 0.2
`refractive_index_of_outer_cover` Refractive Index of Outer Cover	number dimensionless	`1.526`	Refractive index of outer cover. Typically low-iron glass is used as the outer cover material, and used as the default outer cover with a value of 1.526. Range: ≥ 1, ≤ 2
`extinction_coefficient_times_thickness_of_outer_cover` Extinction Coefficient Times Thickness of Outer Cover	number dimensionless	`0.045`	Clear glass has extinction coefficient of about 15 [1/m] and with thickness of 3.0mm, the product of the extinction coefficient and thickness becomes 0.045 (=15 * 0.003) Range: ≥ 0
`emissivity_of_outer_cover` Emissivity of Outer Cover	number dimensionless	`0.88`	Thermal emissivity of the outer cover, commonly glass is used as the out collector cover material. Range: > 0, < 1
`refractive_index_of_inner_cover` Refractive Index of Inner Cover	number dimensionless	`1.37`	Typical material is very thin sheet of Teflon (PTFE). The default value is refractive index of Teflon. Range: ≥ 1, ≤ 2
`extinction_coefficient_times_thickness_of_the_inner_cover` Extinction Coefficient Times Thickness of the inner Cover	number dimensionless	`0.008`	Default inner cover is very thin sheet of Teflon with extinction coefficient of approximately 40.0 and a thickness 0.2mm yields a default value of 0.008. Range: ≥ 0
`emissivity_of_inner_cover` Emissivity of Inner Cover	number dimensionless	`0.88`	Thermal emissivity of the inner cover material Range: > 0, < 1
`absorptance_of_absorber_plate` Absorptance of Absorber Plate	number dimensionless	`0.96`	The absorber plate solar absorptance. Copper is assumed as the default absorber plate. Range: > 0, < 1
`emissivity_of_absorber_plate` Emissivity of Absorber Plate	number dimensionless	`0.3`	Thermal emissivity of the absorber plate Range: > 0, < 1

Referenced by 1 object types

SolarCollector:IntegralCollectorStorage

SolarCollectorPerformance:PhotovoltaicThermal:BIPVT¶

from idfpy.models import SolarCollectorPerformancePhotovoltaicThermalBIPVT

Thermal performance parameters for Building-Integrated Photovoltaic-Thermal (BIPVT) solar collector.

Field	Type	Default	Details
`name` Name	string
`boundary_conditions_model_name` Boundary Conditions Model Name required	reference		Enter the name of a SurfaceProperty:OtherSideConditionsModel object Names a SurfaceProperty:OtherSideConditionsModel
`availability_schedule_name` Availability Schedule Name	reference		Availability schedule name for this collector. Schedule value > 0 means it is available. If this field is blank, the collector is always available. Names a ExternalInterface:FunctionalMockupUnitExport:To:Schedule, ExternalInterface:FunctionalMockupUnitImport:To:Schedule, ExternalInterface:Schedule, Schedule:Compact, Schedule:Constant, Schedule:File, Schedule:Year, Schedule:Year:Rules
`effective_plenum_gap_thickness_behind_pv_modules` Effective Plenum Gap Thickness Behind PV Modules required	number m		Range: > 0
`pv_cell_normal_transmittance_absorptance_product` PV Cell Normal Transmittance-Absorptance Product	number	`0.957`	Range: > 0, < 1
`backing_material_normal_transmittance_absorptance_product` Backing Material Normal Transmittance-Absorptance Product	number	`0.87`	Range: > 0, < 1
`cladding_normal_transmittance_absorptance_product` Cladding Normal Transmittance-Absorptance Product	number	`0.85`	Range: > 0, < 1
`fraction_of_collector_gross_area_covered_by_pv_module` Fraction of Collector Gross Area Covered by PV Module	number	`0.85`	Range: > 0, < 1
`fraction_of_pv_cell_area_to_pv_module_area` Fraction of PV Cell Area to PV Module Area	number	`0.9`	Range: > 0, < 1
`pv_module_top_thermal_resistance` PV Module Top Thermal Resistance	number m2-K/W	`0.0044`	Range: > 0
`pv_module_bottom_thermal_resistance` PV Module Bottom Thermal Resistance	number m2-K/W	`0.0039`	Range: > 0
`pv_module_front_longwave_emissivity` PV Module Front Longwave Emissivity	number	`0.85`	Range: > 0, < 1
`pv_module_back_longwave_emissivity` PV Module Back Longwave Emissivity	number	`0.9`	Range: > 0, < 1
`glass_thickness` Glass Thickness	number m	`0.002`	Range: > 0, < 0.01
`glass_refraction_index` Glass Refraction Index	number	`1.526`	Range: > 1, < 10
`glass_extinction_coefficient` Glass Extinction Coefficient	number 1/m	`4.0`	Range: > 0, < 100

Referenced by 1 object types

SolarCollector:FlatPlate:PhotovoltaicThermal

SolarCollectorPerformance:PhotovoltaicThermal:Simple¶

from idfpy.models import SolarCollectorPerformancePhotovoltaicThermalSimple

Thermal performance parameters for a hybrid photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) solar collector.

Field	Type	Default	Details
`name` Name	string
`fraction_of_surface_area_with_active_thermal_collector` Fraction of Surface Area with Active Thermal Collector required	number dimensionless		Range: > 0, ≤ 1
`thermal_conversion_efficiency_input_mode_type` Thermal Conversion Efficiency Input Mode Type	choice		One of `Fixed`, `Scheduled`
`value_for_thermal_conversion_efficiency_if_fixed` Value for Thermal Conversion Efficiency if Fixed	number		Efficiency = (thermal power generated [W])/(incident solar[W]) Range: ≥ 0, ≤ 1
`thermal_conversion_efficiency_schedule_name` Thermal Conversion Efficiency Schedule Name	reference		Names a ExternalInterface:FunctionalMockupUnitExport:To:Schedule, ExternalInterface:FunctionalMockupUnitImport:To:Schedule, ExternalInterface:Schedule, Schedule:Compact, Schedule:Constant, Schedule:File, Schedule:Year, Schedule:Year:Rules
`front_surface_emittance` Front Surface Emittance	number	`0.84`	Range: > 0, < 1

Referenced by 1 object types

SolarCollector:FlatPlate:PhotovoltaicThermal