Bridging the gap: Research and validation of the DST (Dynamic System Testing) performance test method for CE and ISO standards. Progress and preliminary results

The Dynamic System Testing (DST) method is one of the methods chosen in the preliminary CEN/TC 312 European quality standards [1 ] to measure the energetic performance of Solar Domestic Hot Water (SDHW) systems. These European standards make a reference to the DST procedure as defined in the Draft International Standard ISO/DIS 9459-5 [2]. The European SMT project 'Bridging the Gap - Research and Intercomparison on the DST test method' was started to further research, improve and experimentally validate the DST performance test method, in order to further support use of the method in CEN and ISO standards.
The project objectives have been structured into three Work Packages (WP):
Work Package 1: Definition of Scope
Clear demarcation, definition and widening of the scope of the test method, allowing for as many systems and conditions as possible.
Fine-tuning of the present description of the procedure.
Work Package 2: Comparison with CSTG method
Comparison of the DST method to the CSTG method [3], leading to correspondence factors suitable for comparing DST results with CSTG results.
Work Package 3: Experimental validation programme
Experimental validation of the DST method; intercomparison tests in a number of recognised laboratories throughout Europe.
This paper covers the preliminary results achieved in WP1; results of WP2 are being presented in a separate paper [4]; results of WP3 cannot be given, because the experimental validation tests has not finished yet.