Solar
Water Heating
The
most widely used solar water heating system consists of solar collectors,
circulating pump unit, controller and solar cylinder. The solar panels
are usually installed on top of a roof or integrated into the roof
covering. They can also be wall mounted or free standing. Orientation
should be between south-east and south-west. The ideal inclination
to the horizontal is 250 – 450.
6
m2 roof integrated collector -->
The solar cylinder can be situated anywhere inside
the house. They range in size from 300 litres to 1000 litres. They
are glass enamelled steel tanks fitted with magnesium anode and up
to 100 mm insulation for excellent energy efficiency. Stainless steel
and pre-heat cylinders are also available.
The solar collectors and the cylinder are connected via insulated
copper pipes, through which the heat transfer medium (water &
solar anti-freeze) is being pumped. Solar radiation is converted into
heat by the absorber inside the panel and then transported to the
heat exchanger at the bottom of the cylinder. The controller regulates
the pump, ensuring that circulation only takes place when the temperature
in the panel is higher than in the cylinder. Our solar systems are
fitted with safety valve, membrane expansion vessel, air vents, thermometers
& sensors, pressure gauge and fill & drain valve.
<--14.4
m2 with 750 litres cylinder for Kerry County Council, Motor
Tax Office in Tralee, County Kerry
The
size of the solar panel array and cylinder is determined by the expected
hot water demand. A typical solar water heating system for a family
of 4 or 5 would consist of 5 or 6 m2 of selectively coated
flat plate collectors and a cylinder with 300 litres capacity. A solar
contribution of up to 70% for the whole year would be achieved.
The calculation for space heating assistance also takes the floor
area and energy demand of the building into consideration.
With
a 12 m2 panel array and a 750 litres solar combination
cylinder (two tanks in one), up to 40% of central heating demand can
be supplied by the solar system for a 120 m2 (1300 ft2)
house.
<--15
m2 roof integrated panels with 750 litres combination cylinder
Another highly cost effective application is the heating of swimming-pools.
There is generally no requirement for a heat store, since the pool
acts as a huge store. The main season for swimming-pools corresponds
perfectly with the period of the highest solar radiation – from
April to September.
Enquire
about our extra efficient CPC tube collectors, if space is limited.
