| |
Solar Heat Absorption
The absorber of the Apricus evacuated tube is the black coating on the inner tube. This special selective coating is excellent at absorbing solar energy (92%), while only reflecting a small amount (8%). The sunlight passes through the clear outer tube, and is absorbed by the inner tube, raising the temperature inside. A vacuum between the two glass tubes greatly reduces any heat losses, improving performance in cold weather.
|
Solar Heat Transfer Pipe
The pipe has a small amount of distilled water in it. The tube has the air removed, forming a vacuum. Because the water is at low pressure, it boils and turns to steam at 30°C. The steam rapidly transfers heat to the tip of the pipe, which is plugged into the header manifold, where water passes over and is heated. The water condenses and returns to the bottom of the tube, and then the process is repeated.
|
Solar Heat Storage
The heat pipe condenser is plugged into a header manifold through which the water is circulated. As water flows through the manifold header pipe it absorbs heat, which is returned into the storage cylinder. By repeating this process over and over, the water is gradually heated, thus reducing the amount of gas or electricity that is needed to heat the water. |
 |
Systems
a) Open System:
Connect cold water feed to pump from cylinder input. This connects with solar collector on the roof. Hot water from solar collector is returned to cylinder through Thermix valve (see diagram on the left), which feeds the solar heated water about 2/3 down the hot water cylinder.
This allows the hot water to rise to the top of the cylinder. Hot water is drawn through the Thermix valve and into the hot water system.
b) Closed (Pressurised System):
A twin coiled hot water cylinder is required to replace the existing one. The closed loop collector system heats a transfer liquid (glycol) which is circulated by a pump through the solar coil of the cylinder, and back to the collector. Heat is transferred to water in the cylinder from the solar coil.
An expansion vessel is fitted in the system to allow for any expansion that may occur. |
|
|
|
|