Solar collectors to heat your home as an environmentally friendly source of energy

On the surface of the earth a large amount of solar radiation received daily, is not used advantageously. However, it is a free source of heat, which can be converted into usable energy for human needs. With this task perfectly cope solar collectors to heat your home. About that, what is the principle of their action, what are the differences between them and how effective they can be found in this article.

What is a solar collector and its operating principle

Solar thermal collector is a technical device which is capable of converting solar energy into heat. It is used to produce hot water which can be further used for various purposes. The main difference from the solar collector other embodiments similar technique is basically changes during heating water density. Cold mass is displaced upward flow of hot water, so there is no need to use additional pumping equipment.

The principle of operation of the device is as follows. Solar energy is absorbed in the receiving device, which may be a copper or glass surface of the dark or black color. Such materials exhibit good energy absorption capability.

Solar water heaters are conveniently placed on the roof, with plenty of space and where gets the maximum amount of sunlight. Where such devices do not take up valuable space and do not interfere with anyone. Further heat is transferred from the storage tank with coolant. It may be water, antifreeze or other fluid that is used in the heating system.

In most cases, a mixture consisting of 40% glycol and 60% distilled water. The coolant, which is heated to a certain temperature, is supplied to the radiator through the piping system.

The direction of movement of water in the system can be changed through the mixer. The cooled water is warm and follow each other. Such a natural circulation is due to expansion of the warm water, which rises in the cold displacing heating tank.

This heating system should be equipped with heat insulating layer of a thickness of not less than 25-30 cm, that ensure its efficient and stable operation. As a storage tank for the coolant is better to use a rectangular tank. There may be arranged a backup heater. It will automatically be included in the job when the weather conditions are created that do not contribute to heating the coolant to the desired temperature.

Advantages and disadvantages of solar collectors for water heating

In summer, the solar collectors can provide completely the house with hot water. In the off-season such an alternative heating system can reduce the load on the gas boiler, thus reducing gas consumption while reducing the financial costs.

Important!In winter, solar collectors work is ineffective, which is associated with a small amount of solar radiation.

The collector acts as an additional heat source free, making it possible to reduce dependence on gas. During the summer, not the financial costs needed to produce hot water.

Installation of solar collector does not require a permit. When selecting equipment must be a detailed examination of all available information and consult with a knowledgeable salesperson. system installation should be entrusted to a specialist or to perform itself under certain skills in plumbing. The period of operation of the system on average is about 15 years. The free heat from the sun for your own needs, you can use during this time.

The disadvantages of this system include the large financial costs that will be incurred when buying solar panels. The average cost per item is $ 500-1000. The system, consisting of two collectors and assembled turnkey, cost between $ 2300-3000.

The intensity of solar energy is different in different periods of the year, so solar panels can not be used as the sole source of heat. For the operation of the system will need storage tank, the purchase of which will entail increased costs for the resettlement of water heating from the sun.

Solar collectors to heat your home: varieties of plants

According to Embodiment solar collectors can be flat or vacuum. The latter option is the more common type, which is characterized by ease of installation, high efficiency, ability to provide the necessary amount of heat the house. Solar collector for heating houses, the price of which exceeds the value of the flat product, presented complex design that can be used for a full-fledged space heating and water heating in any season of the year.

There is a special type of installation, called a manifold hub. It is a system of parabolic reflectors, which are located on the same curved surface, wherein concentrated in certain points of the sunlight. For maximum effect it is necessary to change following the movement of the sun position of the device, which may be in two planes.

Depending on the distinction coolant liquid and air design. In the first case, a distilled water or antifreeze, and in the second - the heated air.

According to an embodiment of the application of coolant distinguish passive and active systems. In the first embodiment, a solar collector is used in conjunction with a storage tank. This system is acceptable for hot water and is equipped with additional engineering elements. Active implies installation of the solar collector and the other technical devices, such as a pump, a storage tank, safety valves, additional heat medium heating devices. Such a system can also be used for hot water and to heat your home.

heat transfer method may be indirect or direct. The first embodiment assumes that the storage tank in which heat transfer is executed, obtained from the outer contour of the solar radiation, the inner contour circulating in heating and DHW. In once-through systems, which are used for hot water supply, the water flow in the collector circuit It takes place under the influence of temperature differences and due to the presence of additional elements as valves and cranes.

Classification of solar collectors for heating the temperature of heating the coolant

Air or water solar collectors for heating the house can be classified according to the degree of heating of its working bodies and coolant. Depending on this criterion distinguish between low, medium and high settings. Low-temperature coolant embodiments are able to provide heating to 50 ° C. Such thermal collectors are used for heating water in the shower in the summer, in the tanks for irrigation, for comfort in cool spring and autumn evenings.

Medium-coolant systems provide heating to 80 ° C. Such plants are used for space heating, pool. Solar collectors in this category is most advisable to install in the regeneration of a private home. High temperature heat transfer fluid systems can be heated to a temperature of 250-300 ° C. Such devices are recommended for use on an industrial scale. They are used for heating commercial buildings, industrial plants and other processing facilities.

High systems involve a complicated process of converting thermal energy and transfer. Designs have impressive dimensions, requiring a lot of space for their installation. The process of manufacturing system is very time consuming and costly due to the use of specialized equipment. this option will not be able to perform independently.

Structural features of a flat solar collector

The most popular option is, according to many reviews, flat solar collector type, which can be made by hand. Such a system is effective for the organization of hot water in the warm season. In winter, the device efficiency is very low.

The manifold housing has a flat square or rectangular shape. It is made of metal or other material with high thermal conductivity. The product is covered by a dark paint for improving the absorbent qualities. Inside the case is a plate in which the coil is made of copper pipe of small cross section. The tubes is carried out of coolant circulation. To minimize heat losses within the housing stacked insulating material.

To debris did not penetrate into the housing, closes it on top of the glass or polycarbonate cover, which is capable to enhance heating. For effective operation of the collector it is necessary to periodically cleaned from dirt and dust.

Flat solar collector should be installed in the southern regions, where this option is characterized by the best indicators of price and efficiency. Such a device is characterized by the ability to self-cleaning, high efficiency in the summer and low cost.

However, the flat-plate collector is characterized by large thermal losses, which arise due to structural features of the device. Such a system has low efficiency in spring and autumn. The design is characterized by high windage, which causes a risk of damage during the operation of its elements.

Characteristics of vacuum solar collector to heat your home in winter

Solar collector is a rather complicated device. The main operating element is light absorbing costly bulb with the transparent surface, wherein the tube is located. The study is based on the principle of the thermos. Vacuum flask transmits sunlight into the inner tube, where there is no air, which can save up to 95% of heat.

Useful advice! To produce a vacuum solar collector with his own hands is inappropriate, due to the specific technology.

The lower portion of the inside of the vacuum tube solar collector occupies antifreeze, which passes into the gaseous state when heated. In the upper part of the collector heat transfer is performed with the coolant. Antifreeze thus cools and condenses, returning to its original state.

Solar collector characterized by a high value at low light efficiency and a temperature below -37 ° C. It was specifically designed for the northern latitudes and can function in the absence of direct solar radiation. For efficient operation of design needs constant care, which involves the purification of the surface from contamination.

Important! The collector should be mounted at a certain angle, as indicated in the installation instructions the device.

The main drawback is the high cost of construction. In case of failure of at least one tube repair is problematic because all the products are installed in series.

Solar air collector for heating: Product Features

In air solar collector for heating air is used as coolant. The apparatus may be configured in two ways: in the form of flat or corrugated panels or perforated metal tubes of the system.

The simplest one is the flat absorber consisting of panels and tubes with inlet and outlet pipe. All elements are located in the box, rear and side walls of which are covered with thermal insulation. The panel is made of copper or aluminum and painted in black. It is covered by a transparent protective surface of glass, plastic or polycarbonate.

Air is supplied to the panel, is heated by contact with the metal. Ribs on the surface of the article help to increase the heat transfer. For maximum effectiveness, the construction must be installed on the south side of the house is a quality seal. The system may be arranged with natural or forced circulation of coolant. The latter option requires the installation of the fan.

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The principle of operation and features. Variations of the device. How to make their own. Manufacturers and popular models.

Natural circulation system is rarely used because of the slow movement of air masses, whereby significant heat loss occurs. Solar Fox solar air collectors may operate at a temperature of 25 ° C, while for solar water is optimal value of 45 ° C. Such constructs can be used only for air-house heating. Collectors are not able to heat water. The devices are characterized by low efficiency, they differ quite impressive dimensions, however, are of simple construction, easy to install and affordable.

Useful advice! To improve the efficiency of air collectors solar plants can be built into the walls of the southern orientation of the house under construction.

Thermal conductivity of air is largely lower data rates of water, which affects the efficiency of the system. To avoid heat loss all butt joints must be thoroughly insulated. Despite existing disadvantages air solar collector well it copes with the task of heating the air in the room when temperature difference inside and outside in the 15-17 ° C.

Material requirements for making homemade solar collector

For the manufacture of solar collector for heating the frame with your hands is used plywood, wooden beams, OSB or other similar options. Alternatively, use aluminum or steel profile with inserts of similar materials, that give the structural strength and reliability. However, this body will have a high cost.

Materials should satisfy the requirements of the structures, which are located outdoors. Since the average period of operation of the solar collector is 20-30 years, it is necessary that the materials characterized by high performance, which will remain unchanged for the entire period Installation Services.

Wood for housing must be handled water-borne epoxy and paint emulsions. Steel profile securely protected against corrosion.

For the manufacture of the absorber heliostat with their hands using the available materials at hand. The coil may be made of rigid PVC pipe fittings, flexible HDPE pipe, bent copper or metal tube. Absorber is suitable for old refrigerator heat exchanger. Also, the element can be made of aluminum cans or plastic bottles. The main selection criterion is the thermal conductivity of the material.

To prevent loss of body heat should insulate all sides. For this purpose advantageously used mineral wool or foam. Well-proven version of foil insulation, which will provide not only insulation but also a reflection of the sun's rays from the surface.

Important!The layer of foam insulation must perform grooves for laying the coil.

The heat exchanger is closed a guard surface as a monolithic tempered glass or polycarbonate can be used. The material should have a corrugated rather than a smooth surface.

Production of flat solar collector with his own hands

In the first step calculates a solar collector for heating, proceeding from the floor area. Its dimensions are also determined by the level of solar activity in the region, the location of the house, characteristic of the area.

Manifold body made of wood or glass. You can use old windows with glazing. aluminum or copper tubing coiled rubber hose, steel flat batteries are suitable for the creation of the absorber. You can create a reservoir of polypropylene pipes in black.

On the bottom of the hull is placed insulation material in the form of foam or mineral wool. Next, the whole area is covered with a metal sheet of thin steel or aluminum to enhance the heat transfer effect.

Top mounted pipe coil, which are attached to the metal sheet by means of staples. Its ends are ejected. The surface structure is coated impact-resistant tempered glass or transparent polycarbonate, leaving a gap of 10-15 cm for good heat transfer. Storage tank is protected by a heat-insulating material or is colored black. To it is connected a heating element, which is performed by distributing pipes of the heating system at home.

Important! All butt joints must be securely sealed.

Options to create an air solar collector with his own hands

Making traditional air solar collector for heating the house with his hands starts with a frame of wooden boards. The back and end walls should insulate mineral wool. The housing is fixed to the wall. All clearances must be insulated with foam. On the sides of the hole are performed under the nozzles for entry and exit of air masses. The outer member is securely wrapped in insulating material.

As an absorber use perforated metal sheet of aluminum, which has high thermal conductivity and low cost. To increase the selective qualities it is covered with black paint. Laid top sheet of glass or polycarbonate.

Important! The degree of heating is determined by the dimensions of the solar panel.

The absorber may be made of water tubes of rectangular cross sections, are installed on a sheet of aluminum and are fixed thereto by a mounting tape and screws. The rear wall of the wooden body is insulated with mineral wool, and the side - polystyrene. Pipes are painted in black and covered with a sheet of tempered glass or polycarbonate.

Even more simple structure made of corrugated board. The frame is made of wooden bars. At the bottom is done outlet. On timber decking is laid with a plurality of holes throughout the product area, which will provide air flow.

A good solution is the construction of an air collector box. This is a very effective option that allows you to heat the room well. The frame is made of aluminum frames and secured to the window as a mosquito net. The rear wall is made of aluminum sheet, wherein the bore holes in the bottom, (for intake of cold air) and the top (for removing warm air) parts. The role of the absorber can also perform black foil, which is covered with a protective film of PVC.

Solar collector to heat the house: reviews and recommendations on the choice unit

When choosing a solar collector must take into account some of the nuances. Plane models are more durable than other varieties. However, such arrangements are not suitable for repair. A minor failure can bring down the entire system of absorption, which leads to the acquisition costs of the new. You can save money by making a flat solar water heater with your hands, heating the coolant to 30-40 ° C above the ambient temperature.

Vacuum solar heating systems are very sensitive to external shocks, more susceptible to damage due to the fragility of the hollow tubes. However, in case of failure of one of the flasks can be replaced by a new one. This manifold is much more efficient in winter than planar embodiment as it provides heating over a wide range and is capable of maintaining the temperature for a long time.

Performance vacuum collector depends on the size of tubes. Than they are shorter, the less the heat generation. The best option is a system with multiple flasks 2 m long and 6 cm wide. To ensure effective thermogenesis in the inner part of the bulb should be placed straight or U-shaped insert.

Air versions have a simple design, is rarely in need of repair, are able to withstand very low temperatures. Their lifespan exceeds the period of operation of the other systems. However, they are poorly heated room.

Useful advice!Before purchasing a system, you must perform the calculation of the solar collector with the assistance of a qualified specialist in this field of activity.

It is important to choose the right place to install the system. Solar water heater with your hands must be placed on the south side or the deviation from it by 30 °. It must be provided for activities to divert rainfall in winter. The apparatus may be positioned vertically, which eliminates the problems associated with cleaning the collector of snow. However, this situation has a negative impact on the efficiency of the heater.

Sequence solar installation for heating from the sun

After the purchase or manufacture their own hands of the solar collector to heat your home, you are ready to install it.

Mounting starts from the storage tank installation capacity of 20-40 liters. It is also possible to use several smaller tanks, which are connected in a daisy chain via pipes. The tank should be warm in order to avoid rapid loss of thermal energy. Storage tank located at the highest point. It should be borne in mind that when filling the system with fluid design will have a considerable weight, which will require strengthening of the overlap in the place of its location.

Further installation is performed with his own hands a solar collector to heat the water, which is located on the south side of the building at an angle relative to the horizon line in the 35-45 °. The system then is wrapped tubes that is necessary for obtaining a closed hydraulic circuit. For this purpose inch or half-inch elements. smaller parts are used for the organization of the pressure of the system. Pipes should be insulated, which will reduce the likelihood of heat loss.

Important! From the tightness of all connections of nodes depends on efficient operation of heating the collector.

Upon completion of the installation is carried out to test the system. Its filling takes place through the pipe at the bottom of the collector, which will exclude the probability of formation of air pockets. The coolant supplied to the collecting tank until the optimum level that is regulated by a float valve. The heated fluid will rise in forebays and enter the heating system. Natural circulation occurs as long as the temperature is aligned liquid entering the radiator, and the one that comes out of the reservoir.

When constructing the hydraulic system provides for the installation of stop valves, which prevents reverse circulation of the coolant in the accumulator reservoir. This phenomenon occurs with a decrease in ambient temperature, which is typical for an evening or night-time.

Domestic manufacturers of solar collectors for home

Popular manufacturer of solar collectors is the company a new pole, which offers a wide range of models at affordable prices. Particular important is planar devices formed of aluminum. The coolant circulates through the copper pipe, equipped with double insulation protection, thus ensuring efficient operation of the system at low temperatures.

Heating equipment at home can be purchased complete with a storage tank, a temperature controller and the circulation pump. The average price of a solar collector 20-22 thousand. rub.

Another successful manufacturer of solar power inverters in the heat is AltEnergiya company, which manufactures flat and vacuum collectors. A first embodiment of the products may be delivered in conjunction with a boiler capacity of 200-500 liters, which operates on the principle of indirect heating. Vacuum collectors are equipped with the collecting tank at 100-1000 liters and the circulation pumps.

Important!Products from the company AltEnergiya is certified in Germany.

Surface device will cost about 13 thousand. rub. The price of the vacuum solar collector will be 35-50 thousand. rub.

Domestic manufacturer of ANDI Group specializes in the manufacture of vacuum-type collectors. The main feature of the product is its ability to adapt to difficult weather conditions. The collectors are able to convert the energy even on cloudy days. Each bulb has a three-layer coating is provided by which the maximum absorption of solar radiation. Buy solar collector can be for 25-35 thousand on average. rub.

NGOs Engineering Company produces a number of solar collectors, which are simply a modification of functionality and affordable price. In the manufacture of products employ the latest technology. The distinguishing feature is the presence of collectors multilayer absorber which is applied to the magnetic absorber deposition method. This layer helps to maximize the capture and retention of solar energy, whereby the device efficiency is 85-90%. Buy solar plants can be 15-20 thousand. rub.

Browse popular models of solar collectors for heating

Popular model of the solar collector is a flat-type product Falcon Effect And domestic production. This setting can be used year-round. Panel size is 2.06 m². The absorber is made of aluminum. Absorbs 95% of solar energy. Heat loss is 5%. Average plant capacity - 125 liters. The liquid may be heated to 50 ° C. The price of solar heating collector - 17 thousand. rub.

Another model is the effective plane collector FPC-2200. Adsorber contains the aluminum panel, which is capable of absorbing up to 94% of the solar radiation. The maximum system pressure is 1 MPa. The active area of ​​the panel is equal to 2.1 m². A solar collector installation is considered high, which heats the heating medium to a temperature of 135 ° C. The cost of the device - 28 thousand. rub.

Best vacuum solar collector is Model HH-SCH-12. The apparatus consists of 12 flasks of 1.8 m in length and 5.8 cm diameter. collector efficiency is 92%. Working installation area is 1.5 square meters. Such a solar collector is considered an ideal solution for split systems. To improve performance, you can combine several series of such devices. It should be the model 27 thousand. rub.

Popular aircraft model uses solar Solarventi SV3. Such a device can operate in standalone mode. The collector used for heating of residential, warehouse and technical rooms up to 25 m². Full ventilation cycle occurs within 2 hours. system efficiency is 57%. The collector heats coolant 15 ° C. Thanks to its light weight, which is equal to 6 kg, the device can be attached vertically to the wall. The cost of the collector - 40 thousand. rub.

The solar collector is one of the most popular and affordable alternative source of heat for the central hot water and home heating. This technical device can be purchased ready-made or make yourself from available materials, which will save finances. Select a specific type of product follows a study of all the advantages and design flaws that need to be considered for a particular situation.