(Microprocessor-based controller for residential solar heating system)

Technical Report · Thu Dec 31 23:00:00 EST 1981

OSTI ID:5875771

The purpose of this project was to develop a microprocessor based controller for an existing solar heating system, and to demonstrate that such a controller could increase the net solar energy output. In the first stage of the project an analysis was made to determine those areas where a ''smart controller'' could improve efficiency. Software strategies were developed to implement these improvements and a program was written. A detailed description of results of this effort is given. The hardware was designed around the Intel 8080 microprocessor and a working model was built. While the hardware design is unique to this application, it is not innovative in the sense that new ground was broken. The hardware design is discussed. After the software and hardware were debugged, the unit was connected to an existing solar heating system for evaluation testing. The unit performed as designed, making the correct energy management decisions. Analysis of test data showed the ''smart controller'' was able to improve system efficiency but the amount of improvement varied widely depending on climatological and other conditions. In general, the contribution of the new controller was more significant as the solar conditions declined. These findings are presented.

• Research Organization: Kilian (Christopher), Stevensville, MD (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: FG43-79R306061
• OSTI ID: 5875771
• Report Number(s): DOE/R3/06061-T1; ON: DE85009246
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

14 SOLAR ENERGY
140901* -- Solar Thermal Utilization-- Space Heating & Cooling
COMPUTER CODES
COMPUTERIZED CONTROL SYSTEMS
COMPUTERS
CONTROL SYSTEMS
DIAGRAMS
ELECTRONIC CIRCUITS
ENERGY SYSTEMS
EQUIPMENT
FLOWSHEETS
HEATING SYSTEMS
MICROELECTRONIC CIRCUITS
MICROPROCESSORS
SOLAR EQUIPMENT
SOLAR HEATING SYSTEMS