Test methods and standards development for active solar heating and cooling systems

Since test methods and standards for active solar heating and cooling systems did not exist in 1976, the Department of Energy sponsored research at the National Bureau of Standards (NBS) and other laboratories to aid in the development of research-based standards. This research was intended to facilitate a sound data base for the development of national consensus standards and test methods. Research by NBS and other laboratories is described for solar domestic hot water systems, solar collectors, thermal storage devices and collector materials. For collectors, research and test methods are described for determining the performance of cover plates, absorber materials, collector insulation, gaskets and sealants, rubber hose, containment materials, and heat transfer fluids.