Comparative Analysis of Active and Passive Solar Heating Systems with Transparent Insulation

The objective of this research is to achieve a high solar fraction in social housing, for which investment costs are strictly limited. Six houses have been built in the east of France: two with active (solar collectors) and four with passive (Trombe walls) solar heating systems. Two types of transparent covers are compared: a capillary structure and a simpler polycarbonate plate. The project was monitored during 1 year. Experimental measurements as well as simulation results are presented in this article. The use of simulation allowed a comparison of the various systems on a common basis, i.e., minimizing the effect of different occupants behaviour. Compared to the less expensive cover, transparent insulation increased the productivity of the air collectors 2590 and doubled the gain of the Trombe wall. Thanks to passive or active controls, the thermal comfort was not reduced by the solar systems in summer nor in mid-season.