Understanding Solar Collectors

From a functional point of view, the main component of a solar collector is the element that covers solar energy into heat energy and produces maximum heat. After that, the heat energy goes from the collector and either stored or used directly.

To minimize the loss of inevitable amount of heat, there is requirement for a thermal insulation of the absorbing element from the surrounding. Depending on the techniques, there are different purposes the solar collectors can be used for:

• Collectors that are using the common insulating materials
• Collecting the thermal insulation is obtained through a vacuum with expensive manufacturing technology
• Collectors that count on simple techniques that are used to heat swimming pools

Different Types of Solar Collectors

Flat Plate Solar Collector-

This type of solar collector has a rectangular metal housing on which other elements are mounted. The sunlight falls on a surface through a glass window that absorbs almost the entire spectral ranges. The heat energy is not lost due to the insulated collector.

The heat convection to the surrounding is limited by one or more windows. In the vacuum collectors, this aspect is eliminated entirely. The heat radiation due to its own temperature is prevented through the window glass that is opaque for higher wavelengths.

This amount of heat is restored within the manifold, ensuring thermal equilibrium at a higher temperature than without a window. This effect is well-known as a greenhouse effect. The modern solar collectors utilize special glass that contains as low iron as possible with enhanced resistance to hail and snow load.

In particular, an absorbent element within the vacuum manifolds might have wavelength selectivity. On the other hand, it can absorb a huge range of solar radiation and can offer low emission as possible near the infrared range to minimize the heat emission.

The heat absorbing element produces heat that flows through copper or aluminum pipes. The heat element transports heat to the user or to a storage container. Some comes with open solar heating circuits that mean the element through the collector pipes flow even in water.

In the places with higher risk of frosting, different circuits are generally used. The primary circuit pertaining to the solar collector comprises of a frost-resistant fluid.  The heat transfers from the primary circuit through a water heat exchanger from the secondary circuit.

Evacuated Tube Solar Collector-

Evacuated tube collectors consist of parallel tubs behind which are reflectors that concentrate on the solar radiation. The evacuated tubes comprise of two concentric glass tube in between them space is present.

The internal tube is surrounded by an absorbent connected to a copper tube through which a heating element starts circulating. The vacuum present in between the tubes eliminates the heat loss due to convection and conduction ensuring superior standard performance. The technology used in this type of solar collector is same to that of thermal power plants with parabolic troughs.

Receive Quotes on Solar Collectors-

If you have decided to invest in solar collectors and you are not sure about the type you’d like, then you should contact professional solar water heating specialist. They will help you choose the right one from flat panel solar collector and evacuated tube solar collector best suiting your personal preferences and requirements. Feel free to choose the one that offers the best results for your needs.

Author Information –

This article is written by Solar Tubs, which specializes in providing solar collectors including flat panel solar collectors and evacuated tube solar collectors at the competitive prices. https://www.solartubs.com/flat-plate-solar-collectors.html

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Created on Oct 8th 2018 01:55. Viewed 507 times.

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