Simulation and cost optimization of solar heating of buildings in adverse solar regions

In the present study a model has been developed which simulates the effects of hourly weather conditions on the performance and cost of a combined solar/conventional heating system for buildings in cold, cloudy climates. The model exhibits the effects of several system and cost parameters on combined system cost so that optimal designs can be determined.Performance and cost results are presented for 1971 Ottawa, Ontario, weather data. The economic analysis, which treats both collector and conventional system fuel costs parametrically, shows that solar heating of a typical house in cold, cloudy climates is economically competitive with fuel oil heating only if the price of oil rises to approximately 80¢/gal.