While you may believe that a regular solar water heating system is the most suitable one for you, cutting your home heating bills and providing plenty of hot water for the family, there is another type that you might want to consider before making a final decision. Passive solar water heating is amongst the simplest solar water heating systems available, as well as amongst the most inexpensive.
Solar water heating systems have two main categories: active and passive. The active form makes use of a pump to circulate the heated water through the house pipe system.
The passive system (also referred to as compact systems) works more naturally, moving the heated water through the pipe system via the power of convection.
Passive solar water heating systems are generally much less expensive, simpler to install and easier to maintain than active systems, though the active system is recognised as being more efficient. They comprise a one water tank and a solar collector, usually mounted on the same chassis as the tank, with heatpipes leading the heated water into the home or office building. Collectors, which soak up the heat from the sun’s rays and heat the water, can be plate or vacuum tubular in shape.
There are two main types of passive solar water heating systems, namely the Integrated Collector Storage (ICS or Batch Heater) and the Convection Heat Storage Unit (CHSU). With the ICS system, the water tank acts as the collector as well as the storage device and are best suited to moderate climates with high levels of sunshine.
CHSU systems are more efficient though because of the ‘intense plate’ collectors that they use. It is generally more efficient than the ICS because it can heat a smaller amount of water more quickly and so does not rely on the same high sunshine levels.
Open loop systems are not suitable for cooler climates – such as those in northern Europe – particularly if they are made of metal, as water can freeze overnight. A closed loop system is therefore best, where a non-toxic anti-freeze flows around the external of the tank. Therefore only the liquid in the collector and not in the tank is affected by the colder temperature.
The benefits of a passive system are high, with typically up to 4.5 tonnes of greenhouse emissions per annum saved. They generally require minimum maintenance and have a life span of around 25 years. With several nations offering financial incentives to take such systems up, it may take as little as 6 years to recoup the investment.
So, if you fancy a water heating system that won’t send your head in a spin when it comes to understanding its working, a passive solar water heating system is probably just the ticket for you.
Passive Solar Water Heating – Comment Below
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