Transparent insulation - simulation programme

Correct design and reliable performance estimates of active and passive solar systems incorporating transparent insulation materials (TIM) require computer simulation programs capable to handle the special TIM characteristics. There are several programs available at the Fraunhofer-Institute for Solar Energy Systems: WANDSIM does dynamical calculations of TIM-insulated walls using finite differences and is the base module for HAUSSIM, a multi-zone model describing the thermal behaviour of buildings. Several TIM wall modules were developed for the simulation package TRNSYS, one based on WANDSIM, and one using detailed transfer functions. Based on the latter, a simplified model was developed. Also for TRNSYS, an integrated collector storage model was written. With the help of the described TIM software, design procedures can be accelerated and improved. Examples for verification of the programs are given.