Understanding Different Solar Hot Water Heaters
When it comes to solar hot water heaters, they can be either active or passive. But the active systems are most commonly used solar water heating systems. Active systems utilize pumps, whereas passive solar systems operate on gravity or thermosyphons. However, Northern Lights Solar Solutions provides active solar water heating systems with closed loop, pump, and digital controllers ensuring smooth operation.
Remember that a solar water heating system can do more than just heat hot water. With the latest technology, solar evacuated tubes, these heating systems can be used in many applications like home heating, space heating, solar air conditioning, commercial solar heating, etc.
Take advantage of $1000s government grants and low-interest loans provided with installing solar water heaters in North America. That's why the solar system is the rapidly growing energy source throughout the US and Canada. Now let's move to different types of solar water heaters.
Active Indirect Closed Loop System –
The active system uses the heat-transfer fluid, i.e., water or a diluted antifreeze fluid, to absorb heat. In addition, the system features a heat exchanger, which indirectly helps transfer heat to the potable water. In addition, heat exchangers transfer heat from the heated fluid to the potable water.
Some active indirect systems have by-pass overheat protection which eliminates the heat that can't be used. It protects the collector and the glycol fluid from getting excessively heated when the load is low, and the intensity of solar radiation is high. Usually, a glycol-water mixture is used as the heat transfer fluid.
The glycol concentration in the mixture depends on the expected minimum temperature. The glycol is the food-grade propylene glycol, which is non-toxic. Typically, this system is used in hot water heating and radiator or floor home or commercial heating.
The system is close to the atmosphere but can build up pressure when the temperature increases. The system can incorporate pressure relief valves and solar expansion tanks, ensuring optimal safety.
Active Direct Open Loop System –
The active system uses pumps to circulate potable water through the collectors. This system is an ideal alternative to the areas that don't freeze for a long time and don't have acidic or hard water. The active system can require recirculation freeze protection, ensuring circulating warm tank water during freezing conditions. It requires electrical power for effective protection.
Generally, an open loop system works at atmospheric pressure. It can be used in the pool because it isn't operational during freezing months. The usable hot water circulates through the heating system in an open loop system.
Passive Solar Water Heater –
This solar water heating system moves the water from the household or a heat-transfer fluid through the system without using pumps. This works by using the gravitational force and water's tendency to circulate naturally as it gets heated. Though warm water is lighter, it rises to the top. The system doesn't contain any electrical components, making the system simpler to use. However, it has very minimal control for use at home.
The passive system contains one or more storage tanks in the insulated box with a glazed side overlooking the sun. The solar collectors are perfect for areas where the temperature rarely goes below freezing. This system works well in homes enjoying significant daytime and requiring hot water during the evening. But it won't be suitable for homes with predominantly morning draws as it loses most of the absorbed energy overnight.
Bottom Line –
Do you want to learn more information about solar hot water heaters? Feel free to Northern Lights Solar Tubs at +1 (800) 317-9054.