Cold climates demand more complex systems. Batch/ICS systems are clearly inadequate in freezing conditions, and thermosyphon solar systems involve some limitations.
One of the most popular solutions for freezing climates comprises a relatively complex system with an antifreezing fluid (glycol, usually), a differential controller, an expansion and a storage tank, and a heat exchanger and sensors and valves.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
The Open-Loop Direct System
If you live in a moderate or hot climate, without freezing problems, you may choose a simple solar heating water system using a pump and water at the collector level. This system is called technically an Open-loop direct system.
Thermosyphon Solar Systems
Thermosyphon systems are also a simple solar heaters, very efficient and very popular in moderate and hot climates. They are cheap and demand no pumps or special controls, and can also be installed in colder climates.
Batch ICS Solar Systems
Batch solar systems (or ICS) are the simplest and, in a way, the oldest solar heating systems. They haven’t pumps, separated storage tanks or anti-freezing. They combine a solar collector and a storage tank into one single unit, and in their most simple version they are a mere water tank within a glazed box.
SOLAR HOT WATER HEATERS: THE DESIGNS
The designs and the type of components of the solar water heaters vary a lot. But we may consider five main designs, with different costs and complexities.
Solar Water Heating Designs
Main solar water heating designs:
- the batch ICS solar systems (an ultra-simple system for moderate climates);
- the thermosyphon solar systems (for moderate and other climates);
- the solar open-active heating systems (for moderate and hot climates);
- the drainback systems (cold climates);
- the anti-freezing pressurized systems (cold climates).
Solar Water Heating Designs
Main solar water heating designs:
- the batch ICS solar systems (an ultra-simple system for moderate climates);
- the thermosyphon solar systems (for moderate and other climates);
- the solar open-active heating systems (for moderate and hot climates);
- the drainback systems (cold climates);
- the anti-freezing pressurized systems (cold climates).
PORTABLE SOLAR ENERGY POWER STATIONS
Many families have already started using solar energy to power their homes. Portable solar energy power stations have many practical uses. Today there actually are portable solar energy power stations. Most portable solar power units use photovoltaic panels (PV panels). These portable solar energy stations generate energy from sunlight.
Advantages of using solar collectors
The major advantage of solar collectors - simplicity and relative cheapness of manufacture, ruggedness in operation.
The only important point - please be aware that on a hot sunny day with no parsing water can overheat above the boiling point, so the design must take appropriate precautions.
Other, no less important advantage, is that the collector is able to capture and convert into heat more than 90% has got to him sunlight. Even with light cloud, its efficiency exceeds the efficiency of other types of batteries.
Other, no less important advantage, is that the collector is able to capture and convert into heat more than 90% has got to him sunlight. Even with light cloud, its efficiency exceeds the efficiency of other types of batteries.
The only important point - please be aware that on a hot sunny day with no parsing water can overheat above the boiling point, so the design must take appropriate precautions.
Other, no less important advantage, is that the collector is able to capture and convert into heat more than 90% has got to him sunlight. Even with light cloud, its efficiency exceeds the efficiency of other types of batteries.
Other, no less important advantage, is that the collector is able to capture and convert into heat more than 90% has got to him sunlight. Even with light cloud, its efficiency exceeds the efficiency of other types of batteries.
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