Solar collector - device and types

The solar collector is a device that is designed to collect and convert thermal solar energy, it is transferred by visible light and infrared radiation. The principle of operation of such a device is significantly different from the principles of solar cells. The solar collector does not produce electrical energy, it only carries out heating of the heat carriers. In fact, this device can be called a simple source of thermal energy. At the moment there are two main types of such a device, as a solar collector: vacuum and flat. The main characteristic of any such device is the absorption coefficient. The collectors make 95-98 percent, which is very much.

The vacuum solar collector can ensure the collection of solar radiation in virtually any weather. Its performance and efficiency (efficiency) do not depend on the outside temperature. The main advantage of such a device is the possibility of its full working capacity even at negative temperatures. This is very important for northern countries and regions. Also, the vacuum solar collector can be according to the design and the method by which water is heated, seasonal and off-season.

In a seasonal system, a storage tank and vacuum glass tubes are mounted under one frame. Tubes directly enter the storage tank thanks to the sealing rubber ring. The water in the vacuum tubes is heated. Due to its natural circulation, hot layers begin to rise in the tank. To the water supply, such a solar collector is connected through shut-off valves, which maintain the water level in the storage tank. Hot water from the storage tank can be fully used for any domestic needs. The advantage of such a system is its convenience and reliability, so it's pretty simple at home to make and operate a homemade solar collector of this type. However, it is possible to use such devices in a temperate climate, somewhere from mid-spring to early autumn, before night frosts.

All-season or separating manifolds are slightly more complicated due to their versatility. The principle of their operation resembles the operation of central heating systems. Such a closed system, unlike the seasonal one, works only under the pressure of the water pipe. In such a solar collector, special vacuum tubes are used, which can operate at very low temperatures (down to -40 ° C) and under the pressure of the water pipe.

The collector and the storage tank are located separately and connected by a pipeline. The collector is usually mounted on the roof of the building, and the storage tank is inside. This system is sometimes called a split system. Operation of the entire system of such a device, as a vacuum all-season solar collector, is automated by special controllers. The coolant is forced to circulate in the system. To do this, use specialized circulation pumps.