Solar Hot Water Heating By: Ryan Kim

Contents Introduction to Solar Heating How Solar Hot Water Heating Works Passive and Active Hot Water Heating Different Designs of Solar Hot Water Heating Conclusion References

Introduction to Solar Heating Picture taken from: http://www.solarexpert.com/Heatdhw.html Been around since the 1800s Modern applications resemble skylights Significantly reduce energy bills Generation of energy depends on: Geographic location Design of system Size and orientation of solar collector Reference: http://www.toolbase.org/techinv/techDetails.aspx?technologyID=112

How Solar Hot Water Heating Works Picture taken from: http://www.pharoengineering.com.my/DOMESTICPAGE.htm Cold water supply connected to solar storage tank (another water tank separate from the water heater) Water is circulated between solar storage tank and solar collectors Heated water from the solar storage tank is outputted to input of conventional water heater If water is not as hot as necessary, conventional water heater heats it up Reference: http://www.solarexpert.com/Heatdhw.html

Passive and Active Water Heating Passive (Gentle Climates) Uses a batch heater, which could be a water tank painted black For more efficiency, tank can be insulated and glazing can be installed Storage tank usually located on the roof Active (Harsher Climates) Uses a small pump for circulation since there is no tank on roof Although it uses electricity, it generates a lot more energy Also has valves and controllers Easier to install References: http://www.jc-solarhomes.com/how_to.htm http://www.toolbase.org/tertiaryT.asp?DocumentID=3216&CategoryID=949

Different Designs of Solar Heating Types of Systems Open-Loop (Direct) Active Circulates household water Closed-Loop (Indirect) Active Circulates heat-transfer fluid Heat exchangers transfer heat from fluid to water in storage tanks Batch Heaters (Passive) a.k.a “Bread Box”, ICS systems Storage tanks contained inside insulated boxes with a glazed side Mounted on ground or roof Thermosiphon (Passive) Relies on natural convection Tank mounted on top of collector Can be a closed-loop to prevent freezing Reference: http://www.toolbase.org/tertiaryT.asp?DocumentID=3216&CategoryID=949

Conclusion Generate at least 70% of energy required to heat water Technology used for over a century in household heating Several types of installations make it feasible for consumers Therefore, solar water heating is one of the most cost-efficient and environmentally friendly solutions for hot water production in a household.

References Canivan, John. “How to Build a Solar Hot Water System.” Accessed on October 9, 2005 http://www.jc-solarhomes.com/how_to.htm. “Solar Water Heaters.” NAHB Research Center. Accessed on October 9, 2005 http://www.toolbase.org/techinv/techDetails.aspx?technologyID=112. “Solar Water Heating.” NAHB Research Center. Accessed on October 9, 2005 http://www.toolbase.org/tertiaryT.asp?DocumentID=3216&CategoryID=949. “Solar Water Heating Consumer Guide.” GO Solar Company. Accessed on October 9, 2005 http://www.solarexpert.com/Heatdhw.html.