EXPERIMENTAL VALIDATION OF A FINITE DIFFERENCES TROMBE WALL MODEL

ABSTRACT The paper describes a finite differences Trombe wall model validation, based on experimental data recorded at a passive systems test station in Central Italy. The computer code has been checked step by step, due to the different reliability of the data and to the various algorithms used in the code. Thus, cloudy and clear nights with no thermocirculation were simulated and compared with experimental data, then evening hours with thermocirculation, but no sun and, finally, a full day was simulated and compared. Some inaccuracy has been found in the simulation of wind effect on outer glass convective heat transfer coefficient. The code, however, has been found to provide data in reas…