Solar Energy, Vol.56, No.2, 143-150, 1996
The effect of occupancy patterns on the long-term performance of roof-space solar-energy collectors on domestic dwellings in a northern European climate
A non-invasive approach to determining the thermal performance of a roof-space solar-energy collector (RSC) on occupied dwellings was investigated. The beneficial operation index was derived as a simple means of assessing the influence of occupancy patterns on the solar heating contribution from individual RSCs. With appropriate use of RSCs, the beneficial operation index would allow their potential performance to be determined without extensive monitoring of the buildings concerned.