Active Solar Heating Components and Applications By: Peter Washer
Components 1.Solar Collectors: -Absorbs Sun’s energy -Transforms Sun’s energy into thermal energy. -Four types of solar collectors: 1.Flat-Plate Collectors 2.Evacuated-Tube Collectors 3.Concentrating Collectors 4.Transpired Air Collectors
Flat-Plate Collector Glazing frame Glazing Inlet connection Enclosure Flow tubes Absorber plate Insulation Outlet Connection
Outflow Reflector Inflow Evacuated Tube Glazing Evacuated-Tube Collector Cross Section Outer glass tube Absorbing coating Inner Glass Tube Fluid Tubes Copper Sheet Evacuated space
Components Cont’d 2.Electric Pump or Fan -To distribute solar heat and collect liquids to be heated. 3.Valves -To limit the substance flow through the collector. 4.Controllers -To manage air and water flow. 5.Storage Tank or Energy Storage System -To store heat for non-daylight hours.
Hot water to house Cold water input Active, Closed-Loop Solar Water Heater Flat-plate collector Antifreeze fluid in Collector loop only Pump Double-walled heat exchanger Solar storage/ Backup water heater
Applications -Space & Liquid heater -Crop drying in developing countries -Pool heating -Water disinfection or desalination in future research -Ventilation -Car Washes -Etc.
References on/Renewable_Energy/heating_with_active_solar.htm