made under regulation 19B of the
Renewable Energy (Electricity) Regulations 2001
Compilation No. 1
Compilation date: 15 March 2017
Includes amendments up to: Renewable Energy (Electricity) (Method for Solar Water Heaters) Amendment (Correction of Minor Errors) Determination 2017 (F2017L00208)
Prepared by the Clean Energy Regulator, Canberra
About this compilation
This compilation
This is a compilation of the Renewable Energy (Method for Solar Water Heaters) Determination 2016 that shows the text of the law as amended and in force on 15 March 2017 (the compilation date).
The notes at the end of this compilation (the endnotes) include information about amending laws and the amendment history of provisions of the compiled law.
Uncommenced amendments
There are no uncommenced amendments. All amendments are shown in the text of the compiled law.
Application, saving and transitional provisions for provisions and amendments
If the operation of a provision or amendment of the compiled law is affected by an application, saving or transitional provision that is not included in this compilation, details are included in the endnotes.
Editorial changes
For more information about any editorial changes made in this compilation, see the endnotes.
Modifications
If the compiled law is modified by another law, the compiled law operates as modified but the modification does not amend the text of the law. Accordingly, this compilation does not show the text of the compiled law as modified. For more information on any modifications, see the series page on the Legislation Register for the compiled law.
Self‑repealing provisions
If a provision of the compiled law has been repealed in accordance with a provision of the law, details are included in the endnotes.
1 Name
2 Commencement
3 Authority
4 Revocation
5 Definitions
6 Method to determine number of STCs
7 References to other documents
Schedule 1 – Methods
Part 1 – Method for solar waters heaters with a volumetric capacity up to and including 700 litres
Division A – Introduction
Division B – Method
Division C – Special Circumstances
Part 2 – Method for solar water heaters with a volumetric capacity more than 700 litres
Division A – Introduction
Division B – Method
Division C - Special Circumstances
Part 3 – TRNSYS Modelling Guidelines
Division A – Introduction
Division B – TRNSYS Decks
Division C – Measurement or analysis for TRNSYS modelling parameters
Division D - Notes
Endnotes
Endnote 1—About the endnotes
Endnote 2—Abbreviation key
Endnote 3—Legislation history
Endnote 4—Amendment history
This is the Renewable Energy (Method for Solar Water Heaters) Determination 2016.
(1) Each provision of this determination specified in column 1 of the table commences, or is taken to have commenced, in accordance with column 2 of the table. Any other statement in column 2 has effect according to its terms.
Commencement information | ||
Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
Provisions | Commencement | Date/Details |
1. The whole of this determination | 20 February 2017 |
|
Note: This table relates only to the provisions of this determination as originally made. It will not be amended to deal with any later amendments of this determination.
(2) Any information in column 3 of the table is not part of this determination. Information may be inserted in this column, or information in it may be edited, in any published version of this determination.
This determination is made under subregulation 19B(1) of the Renewable Energy (Electricity) Regulations 2001.
All previous determinations made for the purposes of subregulation 19B(1) of the Renewable Energy (Electricity) Regulations 2001 are revoked.
In this determination:
AS 3498-2009 means Australian Standard AS 3498-2009 ‘Authorization requirements for plumbing products—Water heaters and hot-water storage tanks’.
AS 4552-2005 means Australian AS 4552-2005 ‘Gas fired water heaters for hot water supply and/or central heating’ as in force immediately before it was superseded by AS/NZS 5263.1.2:2016.
AS/NZS 2535.1:2007 means Australian/New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 2535.1:2007 ‘Test methods for solar collectors — Part 1: Thermal performance of glazed liquid heating collectors including pressure drop’.
AS/NZS 2712:2007 means Australian/New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 2712:2007 ‘Solar and heat pump water heaters – Design and construction’.
AS/NZS 4234:2008 means Australian/New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 4234:2008 ‘Heated water systems – Calculation of energy consumption’ as in force at the time it was made.
AS/NZS 4234:2008 Amendment 1 means Amendment No. 1 to the Australian/New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 4234:2008 ‘Heated water systems – Calculation of energy consumption’ made in March 2011.
AS/NZS 4234:2008 Amendment 2 means Amendment No. 2 to the Australian and New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 4234:2008 ‘Heated water systems – Calculation of energy consumption’ made in November 2011.
AS/NZS 5125.1:2010 means Australian/New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 5125.1:2010 ‘Heat pump water heaters – Performance assessment – Part 1: Air source heat pump water heaters’ as in force immediately before it was superseded by AS/NZS 5125.1:2014.
ASHP means a solar water heater that is an air source heat pump water heater.
COP means coefficient of performance.
extension package TRNAUS means the TRNSYS Extensions for Solar Water Heating prepared in February 2014 by Graham L. Morrison, School of Mechanical Engineering, University of New South Wales.
Note: The package could in December 2016 be viewed on Thermal Design Pty Ltd’s website (http://users.tpg.com.au/t_design).
interpolation means the mathematical method of estimating a value between values already known or determined.
large SWH means a solar water heater with a volumetric capacity over 700 litres, which is not an ASHP.
PV means photovoltaic.
small SWH (short for small solar water heater) means a solar water heater with a volumetric capacity up to and including 700 litres, which is not an ASHP.
STC means small-scale technology certificate.
SWH means solar water heater.
TRNSYS computer modelling package means versions 15 and 16 of the Transient Systems Simulation Program software package produced by the University of Wisconsin-Madison (Klein, S.A. et al, TRNSYS 16: A Transient System Simulation Program, Solar Energy Laboratory, University of Wisconsin, Madison, USA and Klein, S.A. et al, TRNSYS 15: A Transient System Simulation Program, Solar Energy Laboratory, University of Wisconsin, Madison, USA).
Note: Information about the package, including its distributors, could in December 2016 be viewed on the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s website (http://sel.me.wisc.edu/trnsys/index.html).
volumetric capacity means the total volume of water in litres that can be held in the storage tank, as defined in clause 1.5.24 of AS/NZS 2712:2007.
(1) For a model of SWH that is a small SWH or ASHP, the method to be used to determine the number of certificates that may be created for the model is set out in Part 1 of Schedule 1 to this Determination.
Note: Certificates cannot be created for a SWH that is an ASHP if it has a volumetric capacity of more than 425 litres – see subsection 21(4) of the Renewable Energy (Electricity) Act 2000.
(2) For a model of SWH that is a large SWH, the method to be used to determine the number of certificates that may be created for the model is set out in Part 2 of Schedule 1 to this Determination.
(3) The methods are to be used in accordance with the TRNSYS Modelling Guidelines set out in Part 3 of Schedule 1 to this Determination.
For the avoidance of doubt, unless the contrary intention appears, any reference to a document or any other writing is a reference to that document or other writing as in force at the time this determination is made.
This Part sets out the method for determining the number of STCs that may be created for models of SWHs that are small SWHs and ASHPs.
The method for determining the number of STCs that may be created for a small SWH or ASHP is based on AS/NZS 4234:2008 and AS/NZS 4234:2008 Amendments 1 and 2 with additional requirements specified in this Part.
Note: Guidance on whether an SWH that is a combined solar and heat pump water heater is to be considered an ASHP or a small SWH could in December 2016 be viewed on the Clean Energy Regulator’s website (http://www.cleanenergyregulator.gov.au/RET/Pages/Forms and resources/Forms-and-resources-for-manufacturers.aspx).
Small SWHs shall be rated for climate zones 1 to 4 specified in AS/NZS 4234:2008. ASHPs shall be rated for climate zones 1 to 5 based on the five heat pump climate zones HP1-Au to HP5-Au specified in AS/NZS 4234:2008 and AS/NZS 4234:2008 Amendments 1 and 2.
The method is as follows:
Note: Weather data could in December 2016 be found on the Clean Energy Regulator’s website (http://www.cleanenergyregulator.gov.au/RET/Pages/Forms and resources/Forms-and-resources-for-manufacturers.aspx).
d. Select the appropriate hot water load for the small SWH or ASHP as detailed below. A minimum delivery temperature of 45°C must be achieved in each zone for which STCs are to be claimed.
3. For:
The input parameters and control strategies used to calculate the total annual auxiliary energy for step 2 in the method in Division B of this Part are subject to modification in the following circumstances.
For systems where a bottom element is, or can be, fitted in the tank (e.g. a dual element tank), the bottom element is to be used in this method. The minimum boost time for a bottom element shall be nominal off-peak times of 11 pm to 6 am.
Some tank designs may be modified by the installer to insert an element at the bottom of the tank even if this element has been blanked off. If a small SWH or ASHP uses a tank that can have the bottom element connected at the time of installation or at any later time, the bottom element is to be used for rating purposes.
2. One-shot boosting
One-shot boosting is a manual control that allows a default boost mode (such as off-peak boosting) to be overridden so that the user can satisfy a short term high demand for hot water.
Where the system automatically resets to the default boosting mode within 24 hours of the user changing the boost mode, the one-shot boosting can be ignored.
Where the system does not automatically reset to the default boosting mode within 24 hours of the user changing the boost mode, the boosting mode activated by the manual control must be taken to be active at all times.
3. SWHs with hybrid photovoltaic/thermal solar collectors
For a small SWH or ASHP that utilises one or more photovoltaic/thermal (PV/T) hybrid solar collectors, which generate both electricity and useable thermal energy from the same collector, the following testing regime must be documented.
(a) PV output
The PV output shall be assessed using a collector with the water heating part of the collector empty.
(b) Water heating output
The thermal efficiency of the collector shall be assessed in accordance with AS/NZS 2535:2007 with the PV output set to maximum power conditions. The electrical output of the collector shall not be included in the thermal efficiency assessment.
Note: A small SWH or ASHP with PV/T collectors will only be eligible for STCs as a SWH in relation to the water heating component of the system.
This Part sets out the method for determining the number of STCs that may be created for models of SWHs that are large SWHs.
The method for determining the number of STCs that may be created for a large SWH is based on AS/NZS 4234:2008 and AS/NZS 4234:2008 Amendments 1 and 2, with additional requirements specified in this Determination.
Large SWHs shall be rated for climate zones 1 to 4 specified in AS/NZS 4234:2008.
The method is as follows:
Note: Weather data could in December 2016 be found on the Clean Energy Regulator’s website (http://www.cleanenergyregulator.gov.au/RET/Pages/Forms and resources/Forms-and-resources-for-manufacturers.aspx).
d. The modelling of the product shall show compliance with the legionella control requirements specified in AS 3498-2009.
e. To rate thermosiphon SWHs and thermosiphon sidearm heat exchangers, use extension package TRNAUS.
f. Tank heat loss for a storage tank must be determined in accordance with the requirements met by the storage tank under regulation 3A(3)(c) of the Renewable Energy (Electricity) Regulations 2001, as in force from time to time.
g. The modelled lengths of piping shall be based on the following:
The input parameters and control strategies used to calculate the total annual auxiliary energy for step 2 in the method in Division B of this Part are subject to modification in the following circumstances.
For systems where a bottom element is fitted in the tank (e.g. a dual element tank) the bottom element is to be used for rating purposes. The minimum boost time for a bottom element shall be nominal off-peak times of 11 pm to 6 am.
2. One-shot boosting
One-shot boosting is a manual control that allows a default boost mode (such as off-peak boosting) to be overridden so that the user can satisfy a short term high demand for hot water.
Where the system automatically resets to the default boosting mode within 24 hours of the user changing the boost mode, the one-shot boosting can be ignored.
Where the system does not automatically reset to the default boosting mode within 24 hours of the user changing the boost mode, the boosting mode activated by the manual control must be considered to be active at all times
3. SWHs with hybrid photovoltaic/thermal solar collectors
For a large SWH that utilises photovoltaic/thermal (PV/T) hybrid solar collectors, which generate both electricity and useable thermal energy from the same collector, the following testing regime must be documented.
(a) PV output
The PV output shall be assessed using a collector with the water heating part of the collector empty.
(b) Water heating output
The thermal efficiency of the collector shall be assessed in accordance with AS/NZS 2535:2007 with the PV output set to maximum power conditions. The electrical output of the collector shall not be included in the thermal efficiency assessment.
Note: A large SWH with PV/T collectors will only be eligible for STCs as a SWH in relation to the water heating component of the system.
4. Family of products
A ‘family of products’ means a combination of tanks, collectors, boosters and pumps that are used in a modular fashion to create a product range of different sizes. An interpolation or a sub-unit approach may be used for the performance rating of a family of products as detailed in the below two paragraphs.
a) Interpolation approach: interpolation of performance for a scaled family of products
An interpolation approach may be used if all members of a family of products must have the:
The performance of the family of products may be determined from detailed simulation of the performance of the largest, smallest and midpoint system sizes with the pipes, boosters and pumps they include. The performance of other members of the family may be determined by interpolation using a non-linear fit to the ratings of the largest, smallest and midpoint products. Auxiliary boosters and pumps for each interpolated model must have equal or greater efficiency than the smallest member of the interpolated range.
b) Sub-unit approach: parallel sub-unit family of products
A sub-unit approach may be used if a family of products consists of parallel sub-units that each have an identical solar collector array, storage tank, booster and pump configuration.
The system performance rating of the family of products may be determined by multiplying the STC of one sub-unit by the number of sub-units and rounding down the resulting STC. The volume of each sub-unit tank may be less than 700 litres, but the combined physical inner tank volume of each member of the family of products must be greater than 700 litres.
The following system configuration variations in the installed systems may be used:
This Part sets out the TRNSYS Modelling Guidelines, which must be adhered to in using the methods in Parts 1 and 2 of this Schedule. The TRNSYS Modelling Guidelines specify the format and structure required for the TRNSYS deck files, and the default values to be used in certain circumstances.
Deck layout
Note: The document ‘CER template decks’ could in December 2016 be viewed on the Clean Energy Regulator’s website (http://www.cleanenergyregulator.gov.au/RET/Pages/Forms and resources/Forms-and-resources-for-manufacturers.aspx).
Simulation display
Solar collector area
Controller default settings
Piping models
Instantaneous gas heater defaults
Stratification option for pumped circulation tanks
Effective air temperature
Dip tubes
Height parameters for thermosyphon SWHs
Note: If a dip tube is used on the cold inlet port then the measurements Hsep and Hcold are relative to the level of the outlet of the dip tube.
Units
Rounding of numerical results
Site specific pump flow rate setting
Measurement and documentation of pump flow rate and power
Note: The guide could in December 2016 be viewed on the Clean Energy Regulator’s website (http://www.cleanenergyregulator.gov.au/RET/Pages/Forms and resources/Forms-and-resources-for-manufacturers.aspx).
Pump cycling and simulation stability
Batching multiple TRNSYS rating Calculations
C:\Trnsys15\trnsys.exe deckfilenameZ1.dck /N
C:\Trnsys15\trnsys.exe deckfilenameZ2.dck /N
C:\Trnsys15\trnsys.exe deckfilenameZ3.dck /N
C:\Trnsys15\trnsys.exe deckfilenameZ4.dck /N
Right-clicking the batch file allows to one to edit it, left clicking or double clicking will run it.
References
[1] Duffie, J. A. and Beckman, W. A., Solar Engineering of thermal processes, 3rd ed., Wiley, New York, 2006.
The endnotes provide information about this compilation and the compiled law.
The following endnotes are included in every compilation:
Endnote 1—About the endnotes
Endnote 2—Abbreviation key
Endnote 3—Legislation history
Endnote 4—Amendment history
Abbreviation key—Endnote 2
The abbreviation key sets out abbreviations that may be used in the endnotes.
Legislation history and amendment history—Endnotes 3 and 4
Amending laws are annotated in the legislation history and amendment history.
The legislation history in Endnote 3 provides information about each law that has amended (or will amend) the compiled law. The information includes commencement details for amending laws and details of any application, saving or transitional provisions that are not included in this compilation.
The amendment history in Endnote 4 provides information about amendments at the provision (generally section or equivalent) level. It also includes information about any provision of the compiled law that has been repealed in accordance with a provision of the law.
Misdescribed amendments
A misdescribed amendment is an amendment that does not accurately describe the amendment to be made. If, despite the misdescription, the amendment can be given effect as intended, the amendment is incorporated into the compiled law and the abbreviation “(md)” added to the details of the amendment included in the amendment history.
If a misdescribed amendment cannot be given effect as intended, the abbreviation “(md not incorp)” is added to the details of the amendment included in the amendment history.
| o = order(s) |
ad = added or inserted | Ord = Ordinance |
am = amended | orig = original |
amdt = amendment | par = paragraph(s)/subparagraph(s) |
c = clause(s) | /sub‑subparagraph(s) |
C[x] = Compilation No. x | pres = present |
Ch = Chapter(s) | prev = previous |
def = definition(s) | (prev…) = previously |
Dict = Dictionary | Pt = Part(s) |
disallowed = disallowed by Parliament | r = regulation(s)/rule(s) |
Div = Division(s) |
|
exp = expires/expired or ceases/ceased to have | reloc = relocated |
effect | renum = renumbered |
F = Federal Register of Legislation | rep = repealed |
gaz = gazette | rs = repealed and substituted |
LA = Legislation Act 2003 | s = section(s)/subsection(s) |
LIA = Legislative Instruments Act 2003 | Sch = Schedule(s) |
(md) = misdescribed amendment can be given | Sdiv = Subdivision(s) |
effect | SLI = Select Legislative Instrument |
(md not incorp) = misdescribed amendment | SR = Statutory Rules |
cannot be given effect | Sub‑Ch = Sub‑Chapter(s) |
mod = modified/modification | SubPt = Subpart(s) |
No. = Number(s) | underlining = whole or part not |
| commenced or to be commenced |
Name | Registration | Commencement | Application, saving and transitional provisions |
Renewable Energy (Method for Solar Water Heaters) Determination 2016 | 6 Jan 2017 | 20 Feb 2017 (s 2) | — |
Renewable Energy (Electricity) (Method for Solar Water Heaters) Amendment (Correction of Minor Errors) Determination 2017 | 14 Mar 2017 | 15 Mar 2017 (s 2) | — |
Provision affected | How affected |
s 1……………………..….. | am. No F2017L00208 |
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Schedule 1 |
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Division B of Part 1 |
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Step 2.h.iii. of the method.. | rep. No F2017L00208 |
Steps 2.h.iv to vi. of the method………………….... |
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Division B of Part 2 |
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Step 4 of the method…..…. | rs. No F2017L00208 |
Step 6.a. of the method..…. | am. No F2017L00208 |
Step 6.b. of the method..…. | am. No F2017L00208 |
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Division C of Part 3 |
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(Measurement and documentation of pump flow rate and power) |
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First dot-point……..……... | am. No F2017L00208 |
Second dot-point….……... | am. No F2017L00208 |