New solar heating and cooling standard released

Standards Australia has released the Interim Standard AS 5389 (Int) - 2013 Solar heating and cooling systems - Calculation of energy consumption.

“This Interim Standard is a world first and sets out a method of evaluating the annual energy performance of solar cooling and heating systems,” said Colin Blair, Chief Executive Officer, Standards Australia.

Blair said the standard uses test results for components, and a mathematical model, to determine the amount of supplementary conventional energy needed to provide comfort in a standardised Australian home in a range of Australian climates.

The procedure is applicable to solar air conditioners capable of space heating, cooling or both; with or without water heating. This Interim Standard covers testing and reporting of the energy performance characteristics of desiccant-based air conditioners.

The Interim Standard will facilitate increased market support and consumer confidence in solar cooling technology as it provides an independent method to verify performance potential. The Interim Standard was prepared by the Australian members of the Joint Standards Australia/Standards New Zealand Committee CS-028, Solar Water Heaters.