Recovery and Utilization of Waste Heat in a Heating System Using a Solar Installation and the SolarComp 971SD1 Controller – A Case Study

Abstract

The aim of this study was to analyze the operation of two solar installations used in seasonally occupied buildings, equipped with SolarComp 971SD1 controllers, with a focus on the recovery and utilization of waste heat. The systems were implemented under the “Ekopartnerzy na rzecz Słonecznej Energii Małopolski” project and were subject to formal constraints regarding both their intended purpose (domestic hot water preparation) and a five-year prohibition on modifications following project completion. During the summer period, particular attention was given to the risk of system overheating resulting from limited heat demand. In the autumn, winter, and spring seasons, a solution enabling partial recovery and utilization of waste heat was implemented, in full compliance with the technical and formal restrictions of the project. The findings and practical experience presented in this study may serve as a basis for applying similar solutions in other installations operating in buildings with irregular usage patterns.