Abstract :
Current solar hot water (SHW) system modelling techniques, as applied in Australia, are inadequate for the demands
of programs and policies that aim at widespread usage of SHW. Two major problems with current modelling
techniques are the coarseness of modelling in a spatial context and the use of only two hot water load categories. These
problems are described and suggestions are offered for improved modelling processes. Geographical information systems
can be used in conjunction with existing SHW performance evaluation tools to produce models with much finer
spatial resolution than those currently in use. It is recommended that categories used for evaluating SHW systems
should be based upon household size. Methodologies for modelling SHW system performance that conform to these
recommendations are described in this paper.
2003 Published by Elsevier Ltd.
