Solar
collectors and storage tanks on a rooftop
Solar thermal systems provide hot water for all household applications all around the year, including central heating, even on cloudy days due to well insulated storage facilities.
Under conditions of extreme resource scarcity, especially lack of fuels, solar thermal systems can provide pre-heated water for cooking to save gas and fire wood. Subsequent environmental problems, like deforrestation and erosion, can be prevented.
ETC power installs solar thermal systems including
- thermal collectors
- pumping system
- insulated storage system
- training in operation, maintenance and repair
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How does a solar thermal system work?
A solar thermal system consists of a solar collector, a regulator, a multistage pump and a well insulated hot water tank. The collector on the roof absorbs the energy from the sun and transfers it via a solar medium (glycol MH, the non-poisonous type). The heat is transported through copper pipes into the solar storage tank. The solar station with its built-in regulator forwards the heat via a heat exchanger into a solar storage tank.
The tank provides hot water on demand, even at night or during
cloudy days.
How do solar thermal collectors work?
Solar thermal collectors convert sun energy to heat. Inside the collector is an absorber system. The absorber traps the radiation inside, converting it to heat. This absorber is made of a high-conductivity material (copper or aluminium) to increase heat transfer. It is treated with a selective coating to improve heat absorption. A heat transfer fluid, non-toxic antifreeze (propylene-glycol mixed with water), passes through the absorber. Once warmed, this fluid transfers the heat energy to a hot water tank. A heat exchanger is used to avoid contamination of drinking water. This occurs within a separate closed loop system.
Solar thermal systems can be used all year round. Thermal systems can provide domestic hot water.
