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What is Solar Hot Water (SHW) technology?Active solar Heating technology means using radiation for heating hot water. In this way, the abundant free energy from the sun can be harnessed to meet a large part of the domestic hot water demand, and reduce the consumption of conventional fuels. The use of these fuels is now widely recognised as causing climate change, and pollution. The UK receives a vast amount of solar energy which on average equals 60-65% of the annual amount received on the equator. The available range of high quality products enables householders to make effective use of the sun. Thus, even in spring and autumn, and on clear, but cold winter days, the solar hot water system can prove useful. The principle system omponents are solar collectors, a pre-heat cylinder (optional) pump, controls, connecting pipes, the normal hot water cylinder (or a replacement dual coil cylinder) and a conventional heat source. How does a typical system work?The principle is straight forward. When the sun is shining, water is pumped through the solar array, and is heated by solar energy. This heated water then flows through a heat exchanger, or cylinder coil, warming the water stored within the hot water cylinder. If necessary, a boiler or other external heating source provides top up heating. In addition, standard type immersion heaters may be employed. An electronic controller constantly compares the temperature of the solar collectors with the temperature at the lower end of the hot water cylinder. Whenever the array is hotter than the cylinder (by about 3 deg.C) the controller will switch on the circulating pump/ A mixture of water/antifreeze solution is then circulated through the array and the cylinders heat exchange, heating the cylinder in the same way as a central heating boiler. What are the benefits of an individual domestic hot water system?
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What
is the energy contribution of an SHW system?
For a family of 3-4, a well designed Solar Hot Water system should contribute
between 1,500k Wh and 2,000k Wh, which would normally be the
equivalent to 40 to 50% of the household's water heating energy
needs. The value of this saving will depend upon the type of
energy displaced (natural gas, electricity, etc). Temperatures?
In the summer the water in the cylinder can reach a temperature of 80 deg C within
half a day, and good quality insulation on the cylinder will
keep the water warm for the next day. Typically a solar hot
water system will reduce domestic hot water costs by around
45-60%. |
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