Storage Tanks and Solar Collectors
Uploaded by
Sagar PatilStorage Tanks and Solar Collectors
Uploaded by
Sagar PatilStorage Tanks and Solar Collectors
Most solar water heaters require a well-insulated storage tank. Solar storage tanks have an
additional outlet and inlet connected to and from the collector. In two-tank systems, the solar water
heater preheats water before it enters the conventional water heater. In one-tank systems, the
back-up heater is combined with the solar storage in one tank.
Three types of solar collectors are used for residential applications:
Flat-plate collector
Glazed flat-plate collectors are insulated, weatherproofed boxes that contain a dark
absorber plate under one or more glass or plastic (polymer) covers. Unglazed flat-plate
collectors -- typically used for solar pool heating -- have a dark absorber plate, made of
metal or polymer, without a cover or enclosure.
Integral collector-storage systems
Also known as ICS or batch systems, they feature one or more black tanks or tubes in an
insulated, glazed box. Cold water first passes through the solar collector, which preheats the
water. The water then continues on to the conventional backup water heater, providing a
reliable source of hot water. They should be installed only in mild-freeze climates because
the outdoor pipes could freeze in severe, cold weather.
Evacuated-tube solar collectors
They feature parallel rows of transparent glass tubes. Each tube contains a glass outer tube
and metal absorber tube attached to a fin. The fin's coating absorbs solar energy but inhibits
radiative heat loss. These collectors are used more frequently for U.S. commercial
applications.
Solar water heating systems almost always require a backup system for cloudy days and times of
increased demand. Conventional storage water heaters usually provide backup and may already be
part of the solar system package. A backup system may also be part of the solar collector, such as
rooftop tanks with thermosyphon systems. Since an integral-collector storage system already stores
hot water in addition to collecting solar heat, it may be packaged with a tankless or demand-type
water heater for backup.
Selecting a Solar Water Heater
Before you purchase and install a solar water heating system, you want to do the following:
Estimate the cost and energy efficiency of a solar water heating system
Evaluate your site's solar resource
Determine the correct system size
Investigate local codes, covenants, and regulations.
Also understand the various components needed for solar water heating systems, including the
following:
