BS EN 12977 discusses thermal solar systems and components. BS EN 12977-4 is the fourth part of BS EN 12977 multi-series and discusses performance test methods for solar combistores. BS EN 12977-4 specifies test methods for the performance characterization of stores that are intended for use in small custom-built systems as specified in EN 129771:2018.
Stores tested according to BS EN 12977-4 are commonly used in solar combisystems. However, the thermal performance of all other thermal stores with water as a storage medium (e.g. for heat pump systems) can be also assessed according to the test methods specified in BS EN 12977-4. BS EN 12977-4 applies to combistores with a nominal volume up to 3 000 l and without integrated burner.
Note: BS EN 12977-4 is extensively based on references to EN 12977-3:2018.
BS EN 12977-4 on thermal solar systems and components is useful for:
Custom-built solar heating systems are either uniquely built or assembled by choosing from an assortment of components. Systems of this category are regarded as a set of components. The components are separately tested, and test results are integrated into an assessment of the whole system.
The test methods for stores of solar heating systems as described in BS EN 129774 are required for the determination of the thermal performance of small custom-built systems for combined domestic hot water preparation and space heating, so-called solar combisystems, as specified in EN 12977-1:2018.
These test methods in BS EN 12977-4 deliver parameters, which are needed for the simulation of the thermal behaviour of a store being part of a small custom-built system.
EN 12977-4:2018