SOLAR BUILDING ENERGY USE ANALYSIS.

A generalized algorithmic computer program has been developed for the mathematical simulation of the thermal behavior of multi-zone solar heated buildings. The system modeled employs a series of water-to-air heat pumps connected in a closed loop; flat plate water cooled solar collectors; a water storage tank; and a cooling tower. Weather data are represented by sinusoids, which save programming and computing time. The results indicate that the use of sinusoidal functions for temperature, and monthly average values for cloud cover is quite realistic and accurate. Temperature functions for 13 selected cities are presented. Also, a preliminary analysis of the feasibility of using desiccant systems with solar regeneration for dehumidification in the summer was made.