T*SOL Frequently Asked Questions

Saving new tanks can normally be done in the tank definition tab. You first have to open the tank database by using the Select button. In the database window you then select one of the existing tanks and Copy it. A new entry will be created. With OK you have to go back to the definition window. Here you now can change the entries of the tank and Save it to the database.

If you have previously saved projects that used custom climate files then those values will be automatically re-imported if the project is re-opened. In these cases you may wish to first open, then re-interpolate the custom climate locations and re-save those projects the latest T*SOL version.

Any previous self-created climate data records will remain stored under the Windows folder or in the other country folders:

C:\ProgramData\Valentin EnergieSoftware\MeteoSyn\WBV\_userfiles\GBR

With T*SOL closed, you can optionally delete those custom climate files using Windows ‘Files and Folders’. Then re-open the program and within Meteosyn > Options choose Update Database such that the old ones will not be able to be selected again. This may help avoid confusion later. You can then re-interpolate your custom locations in the latest T*SOL version as required.

There is extensive choice of T*SOL system choices. Customisation is possible of sizing, number of collectors and tanks within each system. However, the sequence and number of connections are fixed within each system choice.

Large scale refers to the complexity of the system when using intermediate storage and multiple plate exchangers.

Main Menu > Database > Components > Collectors. Now select the required manufacturer and/or design using the drop down menus on this page. A list of collectors from all Companies is also possible and their characteristics placed in order. Scroll to the right to see more choices.

Select a product and right click > Show Properties. Click on Create a Copy on the LH lower edge. Rename the collector as required and alter all the necessary information in the white boxes under both the General Parameters and Losses tabs. Finally Click on save.

If a new Company is also required, Select the icon at the top of this page Edit Company then Create Copy. Make adjustments then Save. This choice will now become available when creating a custom collector.

These buttons are shown at the bottom of the Collector dialogue. Manufacturers can add the technical data of their products themselves to the T*SOL online database. To do so manufacturers first send an email to: database@valentin-software.com with their company contact details and then they will be provided with the login details.

A user can also create custom collectors via the T*SOL Main menu > Database > Collectors. You should then either:- create a copy of a similar existing product and rename/alter as required - or create a new entry from the icons at the top of the list. System files cannot be altered, only copies made.

Go to: Variant sub-menu > System Definition > DHW System > Components select Two Collector Loops.

You can now adjust the parameters (size etc.) of each collector independently.

The Fractional fuel saving is the energetic saving divided by the fuel heating value HL (lower heating value) or Hs (higher heating value), depending on which of these values has been set for the boiler (auxiliary heating) efficiency under Main Menu > Options > Localisation.

The energetic gross saving is not the same as the amount of energy transferred from the collector loop to the storage tank but instead is calculated for each step of the simulation including account of the boiler efficiency. (NB: If the solar system were not present, the boiler would have to deliver the equivalent amount of energy at its corresponding efficiency). The boiler efficiency values are given in the boiler dialogue.

If you carry out a calculation without space heating, the software uses the efficiency stated for domestic hot water supply.

For T*SOL the principal validation is that major brands voluntarily submit details of their equipment and add their own complete systems. In the case of large systems, algorithms were formed as part of a Government-funded study. The data for components such as collectors in normally certified as shown in the database.

There are options to display results to the German standards/regulations DIN 18599 and/or EnEV 2014. Also the Energy Labelling provided is described in Directive 2010/30/EU - Commission Delegated Regulation (Eu) No 811/2013.

In practice, it is very difficult to verify experimental data from the real world given the accepted margins of error. Nonetheless, a first step to this is to synchronise the climate data and verify the load quantities and patterns. A full energy balance in the results allows each point of energy transfer to be inspected.

In the Financial Analysis, the rates, inflation and period can be entered under Allowances.

There is an important difference between these values and they are adjusted in different dialogues. Consider that the tank temperature must be held higher than what is consumed due to pipe losses and mixing of cold water. Also there reasons of hygiene and scalding to consider. The differences on volume between water at tank temperature and that of the mixed consumed water flows can be seen in the graphical outputs.

All the values that create the charts can be found in the graphic results. Here these can be shown in table form and then copied to the clipboard for pasting in a spreadsheet for example. The data plots depend on the system chosen.

The chart Daily maximum collector temperature can also be found straight after a simulation or subsequently in Variant Menu > Results > Graphics > Collector Array > Collector Temperature (Tmean) > OK > Axes > X-axis > Bar Width = Hours. The chart and/or Table can be copied to the clipboard.

The chart Solar energy consumption as percentage of total consumption displays two plots which can also be found straight after a simulation or subsequently in Variant Menu > Results > Graphics >:

1) Energy Supply To Solar System (E-Solar System) > OK > Axes > X-axis > Bar Width = Week. The chart and/or Table can be copied to the clipboard.

2) The Total energy consumption in this graph includes the tank losses minus the solar tank losses and so is not shown as a single plot in the graphic results. However the individual plots can be found as follows:

Total energy consumption = DHW heating energy supply + [Tank losses (P) buffer tank – Solar Tank losses (P) buffer tank] + Tank losses DHW standby tank

If you have defined a circulation then you would also have to add the circulation losses.

The financial chart (if used) can also be found straight after a simulation or subsequently in the Variant Menu > Calculations > Financial Analysis > Results. There are Copy Table and Copy Diagram buttons if needed.