What You Need to Know About Solterm 5.1.rar 1: A Software for Solar Systems Certification in Portugal
Solterm 5.1.rar 1: A Comprehensive Guide to Solar Energy Simulation and Analysis
Solar energy is one of the most abundant and clean sources of renewable energy in the world. It can be harnessed by various technologies, such as solar thermal systems and photovoltaic systems, to provide heating, cooling, electricity, and other services for buildings and industries.
Solterm 5.1.rar 1
However, designing and installing solar systems is not a simple task. It requires careful planning, optimization, evaluation, and monitoring to ensure optimal performance, efficiency, reliability, and cost-effectiveness.
That's where Solterm 5.1 comes in handy.
Solterm 5.1 is a software application developed by LNEG (National Laboratory for Energy and Geology) that simulates and analyses the performance of solar systems, tuned to the specific climate and technical environment prevalent in Portugal.
Solterm 5.1 is also the official certification software for calculating the energy balance of renewable energy systems, which are mandatory for all new buildings in Portugal.
In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide to Solterm 5.1.rar 1, a compressed file that contains the installation program of Solterm 5.1.
We will cover the following topics:
What is Solterm 5.1?
How to use Solterm 5.1?
Why choose Solterm 5.1?
Conclusion
FAQs
By the end of this article, you will have a clear understanding of what Solterm 5.1 is, how it works, what it can do for you, and how to get started with it.</ What is Solterm 5.1?
Solterm 5.1 is a software application developed by LNEG (National Laboratory for Energy and Geology) that simulates and analyses the performance of solar systems, tuned to the specific climate and technical environment prevalent in Portugal.
Solterm 5.1 is also the official certification software for calculating the energy balance of renewable energy systems, which are mandatory for all new buildings in Portugal.
The features and benefits of Solterm 5.1
Solterm 5.1 has many features and benefits that make it a powerful and useful tool for solar energy enthusiasts, professionals, and researchers. Some of them are:
It comes with a hourly climate database for the 308 Portuguese municipalities, and the technical specifications of hundreds of certified commercial solar systems used in Portugal.
It can simulate the operation of many solar system layouts, such as solar thermal systems (with or without storage tanks, auxiliary heaters, pumps, etc.), photovoltaic systems (grid-connected or stand-alone, with or without batteries, inverters, etc.), and hybrid systems (combining both thermal and photovoltaic components).
It can explore economic aspects and environmental benefits of solar systems, such as investment costs, payback periods, energy savings, CO2 emissions reduction, etc.
It can generate detailed reports and graphs of the simulation results, such as monthly and annual energy balances, system performance indicators, solar fraction, etc.
It has a user-friendly interface that allows easy input of data, selection of options, and visualization of results.
It has a comprehensive user manual that explains the theoretical background, the simulation methodology, the input data requirements, and the output data interpretation.
The technical requirements and installation process of Solterm 5.1
Solterm 5.1 is compatible with Windows operating systems (XP, Vista, 7, 8, and 10) and requires a minimum of 512 MB of RAM and 100 MB of free disk space.
To install Solterm 5.1, you need to download the compressed file Solterm 5.1.rar 1 from the official website of LNEG. This file contains the installation program of Solterm 5.1.
After downloading the file, you need to extract it using a software that can handle RAR files, such as WinRAR or 7-Zip. You will get a folder named SolTerm_5_1_4 that contains the following files:
SolTerm_5.exe: The executable file that launches Solterm 5.1.
SolTerm_5.chm: The user manual file that provides instructions and information about Solterm 5.1.
LNEG.ico: The icon file that represents Solterm 5.1.
LNEG.bmp: The bitmap file that shows the logo of LNEG.
Readme.txt: The text file that summarizes the main features and changes of Solterm 5.1.
To run Solterm 5.1, you just need to double-click on the SolTerm_5.exe file. You can also create a shortcut on your desktop or start menu for easier access.
You do not need to register or activate Solterm 5.1 to use it. However, you need to accept the terms and conditions of use before starting the program. How to use Solterm 5.1?
Once you have installed and launched Solterm 5.1, you can start using it to simulate and analyse different solar system layouts. The main steps are:
Select the climate data for the location of your project.
Select the type and configuration of your solar system.
Enter the technical and economic parameters of your solar system.
Run the simulation and view the results.
The main interface and functions of Solterm 5.1
The main interface of Solterm 5.1 consists of a menu bar, a toolbar, a status bar, and a workspace. The menu bar contains the following options:
File: Allows you to create, open, save, print, and exit projects.
Edit: Allows you to undo, redo, cut, copy, paste, and delete data.
View: Allows you to zoom in, zoom out, fit to window, and show or hide the toolbar and status bar.
Project: Allows you to select the climate data, the solar system type, and the simulation options.
Data: Allows you to enter or edit the technical and economic parameters of your solar system.
Simulation: Allows you to run, stop, pause, resume, and reset the simulation.
Results: Allows you to view the output data in tables and graphs, export them to Excel or Word, and generate reports.
Help: Allows you to access the user manual, the about information, and the contact details of LNEG.
The toolbar contains shortcuts for some of the most frequently used functions from the menu bar. The status bar shows the progress of the simulation and any messages or warnings. The workspace shows the graphical representation of your solar system layout and the input data fields.
The steps to simulate and analyse different solar system layouts
To simulate and analyse different solar system layouts using Solterm 5.1, you need to follow these steps:
Select the climate data for the location of your project. You can do this by clicking on Project > Climate Data from the menu bar or by clicking on the globe icon from the toolbar. You will see a map of Portugal divided into 308 municipalities. You can zoom in or out using the mouse wheel or the buttons on the top right corner. You can also search for a municipality by name using the search box on the top left corner. Once you have found your location, click on it to select it. You will see a summary of the climate data for that location on the bottom left corner. You can also view more details by clicking on View Data. Click on OK to confirm your selection.
Select the type and configuration of your solar system. You can do this by clicking on Project > Solar System Type from the menu bar or by clicking on the sun icon from the toolbar. You will see a list of possible solar system layouts that you can choose from. They are divided into three categories: Solar Thermal Systems (STS), Photovoltaic Systems (PV), and Hybrid Systems (HYB). Each category has several subcategories that correspond to different configurations of components and connections. For example, under STS, you can choose between STS with storage tank (ST), STS without storage tank (STW), STS with auxiliary heater (STA), STS with pump (STP), etc. You can also create your own custom layout by clicking on Custom Layout. Once you have selected your solar system type, click on OK to confirm your selection.
Enter the technical and economic parameters of your solar system. You can do this by clicking on Data > Technical Data or Data > Economic Data from the menu bar or by clicking on the calculator icon or the dollar icon from the toolbar. You will see a table with several input fields that correspond to different parameters of your solar system components and connections. For example, under Technical Data, you can enter values for collector area, collector efficiency, storage tank volume, storage tank losses, auxiliary heater power, pump power, etc. Under Economic Data, you can enter values for investment cost, operation cost, maintenance cost, energy price, inflation rate, discount rate, etc. You can also use default values for some parameters by clicking on Default Values. You can also import or export data from Excel files by clicking on Import Data or Export Data. Once you have entered all the required data, click on OK to confirm your input.
Run the simulation and view the results. You can do this by clicking on Simulation > Run Simulation from the menu bar or by clicking on the play icon from the toolbar. You will see a progress bar that shows how much time has elapsed and how much time is remaining. You can also pause, resume, stop, or reset the simulation by clicking on the corresponding icons from the toolbar. When the simulation is finished, you can view the results by clicking on Results > Tables or Results > Graphs from the menu bar or by clicking on the table icon or the graph icon from the toolbar. You will see a list of possible output data that you can choose from. They are divided into three categories: Energy Balance, System Performance, and Economic Analysis. Each category has several subcategories that correspond to different indicators and variables. For example, under Energy Balance, you can choose between Monthly Energy Balance, Annual Energy Balance, Solar Fraction, etc. Under System Performance, you can choose between Collector Efficiency, Storage Tank Losses, Auxiliary Heater Consumption, etc. Under Economic Analysis, you can choose between Investment Cost, Payback Period, Net Present Value, etc. You can also create your own custom table or graph by clicking on Custom Table or Custom Graph. Once you have selected your output data, click on OK to confirm your selection. You will see a table or a graph that shows the values of your output data for each month of the year and for the whole year. You can also export the table or graph to Excel or Word by clicking on Export Table or Export Graph. You can also generate a report that summarizes the input data and the output data of your simulation by clicking on Results > Report from the menu bar or by clicking on the report icon from the toolbar. You will see a preview of the report that you can print or save as a PDF file.
Why choose Solterm 5.1?
Solterm 5.1 is not the only software application that can simulate and analyse solar systems. There are other similar software applications available in the market, such as TRNSYS, RETScreen, SAM, PVsyst, etc. However, Solterm 5.1 has some advantages and disadvantages that make it stand out from the rest.
The advantages and disadvantages of Solterm 5.1 compared to other similar software
Some of the advantages of Solterm 5.1 are:
It is free and easy to download and install.
It is specifically designed for the Portuguese context, with accurate climate data and certified solar systems.
It is officially recognized by the Portuguese authorities for calculating the energy balance of renewable energy systems.
It can simulate a wide range of solar system layouts, including hybrid systems.
It can explore both technical and economic aspects of solar systems.
It has a user-friendly interface and a comprehensive user manual.
Some of the disadvantages of Solterm 5.1 are:
It is only compatible with Windows operating systems.
It is only available in Portuguese language.
It has limited options for customizing the input data and the output data.
It does not support dynamic simulation or optimization of solar systems.
It does not include other renewable energy sources or technologies besides solar energy.
The testimonials and reviews from users of Solterm 5.1
Solterm 5.1 has been used by many users from different backgrounds and sectors, such as architects, engineers, consultants, researchers, students, teachers, etc. Here are some of their testimonials and reviews:
"Solterm 5.1 is a very useful tool for designing and evaluating solar systems in Portugal. It helps me to compare different options and scenarios and to optimize my projects according to the climate conditions and the technical specifications."
- Ana Silva, an architect from Lisbon
"Solterm 5.1 is a very reliable software for calculating the energy balance of renewable energy systems in Portugal. It helps me to comply with the legal requirements and to obtain the certification for my projects."
- Pedro Costa, an engineer from Porto
"Solterm 5.1 is a very educational software for learning and teaching about solar energy in Portugal. It helps me to understand the principles and concepts of solar systems and to apply them to real cases."
- João Santos, a student from Coimbra
The future developments and updates of Solterm 5.1
Solterm 5.1 is not a static software that remains unchanged over time. It is constantly being updated and improved by LNEG to reflect the latest developments and innovations in solar energy field. Some of the future developments and updates of Solterm 5.1 are:
Adding more climate data and solar systems to the database, to cover more regions and products.
Improving the user interface and the user manual, to make them more intuitive and accessible.
Adding more options and features for customizing the input data and the output data, to allow more flexibility and creativity.
Incorporating dynamic simulation and optimization algorithms, to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of the simulation.
Expanding the scope of the software to include other renewable energy sources and technologies, such as wind, biomass, geothermal, etc.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Solterm 5.1.rar 1 is a compressed file that contains the installation program of Solterm 5.1, a software application developed by LNEG that simulates and analyses the performance of solar systems, tuned to the specific climate and technical environment prevalent in Portugal.
Solterm 5.1 has many features and benefits that make it a powerful and useful tool for solar energy enthusiasts, professionals, and researchers. It can simulate a wide range of solar system layouts, explore both technical and economic aspects of solar systems, generate detailed reports and graphs of the simulation results, and comply with the legal requirements for calculating the energy balance of renewable energy systems in Portugal.
Solterm 5.1 is also constantly being updated and improved by LNEG to reflect the latest developments and innovations in solar energy field. It aims to become more comprehensive, accurate, efficient, and user-friendly in the future.
If you are interested in solar energy simulation and analysis in Portugal, you should definitely give Solterm 5.1 a try. You can download it for free from the official website of LNEG and start using it right away.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about Solterm 5.1.rar 1:
Q: What is the difference between Solterm 5.1.rar 1 and Solterm 5.1.rar?
A: Solterm 5.1.rar 1 is the latest version of Solterm 5.1.rar, which was released in April 2020. It includes some minor bug fixes and improvements compared to Solterm 5.1.rar, which was released in December 2019.
Q: How can I update my Solterm 5.1 to Solterm 5.1.rar 1?
A: You can update your Solterm 5.1 to Solterm 5.1.rar 1 by downloading the compressed file Solterm 5.1.rar 1 from the official website of LNEG and extracting it to your existing SolTerm_5_1_4 folder. You do not need to uninstall your previous version of Solterm 5.1.
Q: How can I get support or feedback for using Solterm 5.1?
A: You can get support or feedback for using Solterm 5.1 by contacting LNEG through their email address solterm@lneg.pt or their phone number +351-210924600.
Q: How can I cite or reference Solterm 5.1 in my academic or professional work?
A: You can cite or reference Solterm 5.1 in your academic or professional work by using the following format:
LNEG (2020). SolTerm - Software de Simulação e Análise de Sistemas Solares Térmicos e Fotovoltaicos - Versão 5.1.rar 1 [Software]. Available at: http://www.lneg.pt/iedt/unidades/16/paginas/26/30/223
Q: How can I contribute or collaborate with LNEG in developing or improving Solterm 5.1?
A: You can contribute or collaborate with LNEG in developing or improving Solterm 5.1 by sending them your suggestions, comments, feedback, or proposals through their email address solterm@lneg.pt or their phone number +351-210924600.
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