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        ![]() MIL-HDBK-1003/13A 
Though slightly lower in performance, the inherent simplicity and implicit 
lower cost make these systems an attractive alternative.  The user should 
insure that the freezing problem is adequately addressed should one of these 
models be used. 
2.5 Space heating and DHW systems.  Space heating systems are a simple 
extension of the DHW systems.  The collectors and storage tank need to be 
resized to provide the greater loads.  A heat delivery system is added and 
the auxiliary heater (or existing heater) is connected in as backup.  The 
design of the space heating system, if a retrofit, will depend on the 
existing system.  Water-to-air heat exchangers may be placed in existing 
ductwork, in which case, an unpressurized, unlined tank may be used and 
represents a minimum heating system as in Figure 2-12.  To provide corrosion 
and/or freeze protection the use of a closed collector loop and heat 
exchanger are required as in Figure 2-13.  The cautions given in Figure 2-5 
regarding toxic heat transfer fluids must be observed. 
The most versatile system would be as shown in Figure 2-14 in which space 
heating and DHW are provided.  Remember that 100% backup capability is needed 
but that oversizing is not necessary.  Auxiliary heat can be used directly 
such as a heat pump or separate furnace or it could be added to the main 
storage tank using a heat pump, a separate boiler, or electrical resistance 
heating. 
DHW could be added to Figure 2-12 and 2-13 by adding a preheat coil in the 
storage tank.  Figure 2-12 has the potential to provide some building cooling 
by using the collector at night to radiate heat to the sky and storing cool 
water for use during the day.  Or a heat pump could be used to cool the 
building, reject heat to the storage tank during the day, and then, as 
before, cool the tank at night through the solar collectors.  Unglazed 
collectors are superior to glazed collectors for this application.  There are 
many variations that could be used with the configurations given in Figures 
2-12 through 2-14. 
Air type space heating systems are sometimes used and a typical system is 
shown in Figure 2-15 (see Table 2-1 for advantages of air versus liquid). 
The heat storage tank is replaced by a rock bed (nominally 1-3 inch 
diameter).  Rock provides very desirable temperature stratification.  Designs 
should emphasize minimum pressure drop through the rock bed.  The rocks 
carefully washed and placed can be stored in a bin, which should be 
insulated, or beneath the building if this is feasible.  Keep dust to a 
minimum.  Heat collected by the collectors is blown through the rock bed from 
top to bottom.  Heat is delivered from storage to the building by circulating 
air in the reverse direction, bottom to top.  Note that in contrast to water 
storage, heat cannot be added to and removed from the rocks at the same time. 
Hollow core concrete wall panels and decks have been used for solar heat 
storage and air ducts.  They provide thermal mass and air flow passages in 
one design.  Attention to proper sealing is necessary to prevent dust 
During heat collection, the rocks at the top of the bin will attain a 
temperature nearly equal to that of the incoming solar heated air, while the 
air leaving the storage will be delivered to the collectors at the minimum 
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