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Title: Solar energy system performance evaluation update: Cushing Home, Murray, Utah, October 1982-May 1983

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:5228930

The Cushing Home site utilizes a 457-square-foot monolithic single-panel drainback collector array consisting of an Ethylene Poly-Diene Monomer (EPDM) rubber collector absorber mat integrally mounted on the south-facing roof of the home, single-glazed with fiberglass. The array is connected to a site-built storage system. Energy distribution is accomplished via stored liquid pumped through EPDM mats embedded in the basement and first floor concrete slabs. Auxiliary energy is provided through an in-line 12-kW electric heater. Energy is distributed to the 2450-square-foot living space via radiant energy transfer from the floor slabs. A 450-gallon vinyl-lined storage tank is located in the basement. The home itself is well insulated with six inches of wall insulation, and double-glazed windows with interior storm windows on the first floor. There was a solar contribution of 41% to a system load of 42.5 million Btu over the eight-month monitoring period. Collector Coefficient of Performance (COP) was 31, an excellent return on purchased power for the collector pump. Overall system COP was 7.4, based on total solar applied to the loads, quite a bit less than the previous year. Consistent DHW preheating capability provided 32% of the hot water load of 4.93 million Btu.

Research Organization:
Vitro Corp., Silver Spring, MD (USA)
DOE Contract Number:
AC01-79CS30027
OSTI ID:
5228930
Report Number(s):
SOLAR/1114-83/14; ON: DE84005857
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English