Pressurized Solar Thermal System Layout
A pressurized solar hot water system almost always follows a standard layout, which is one of the reasons most manufacturers are able to offer simplified kits for residential installations.
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Active and Passive Solar Space Heating
In most parts of the world, space heating systems are installed in every home. They provide warmth and comfort during the colder part of the year. Unfortunately, the vast majority of these systems rely on grid-tied, non-renewable power sources to provide that heat. In a bid to reduce our environmental impact – not to mention our operating costs – we can use the sun's power to provide space heating.
Pressurized Solar Thermal System Considerations
If you think a pressurized solar hot water system fits your needs, you must consider a variety of rules, limitations and requirements, as outlined below.
Array and pipe mounting
Collector arrays should be mounted so that there's a slight slope towards the return inlet, where the solar fluid enters, which should also have a drain for maintenance.
Solar Thermal Space Heating Basics
Like solar thermal hot water installations, there are many different options available for space heating. Before you consider them and work out which is best for you, it is important to be aware of the limitations and pre-installation suggestions outlined below.
Pressurized Solar Thermal System Pros and Cons
These systems have many advantages:
Solar Thermal System Check Valves
A check valve is a simple device that only allows liquids to flow through it in one direction. These valves have an arrow marked on the outside to show the allowed flow direction. Two different types are used in solar thermal installations: "spring" and "swing" check valves.
Solar Thermal Equipment: Vents and Vacuum Breakers
All modern solar thermal systems use both vents and vacuum breakers. Vents are used to allow air to escape from a circuit that holds fluid and vacuum breakers do the opposite, letting air in when the internal pressure falls too low.
Solar Fluids in Solar Thermal Systems
Despite all the advances of modern technology, the best solar fluid for use in a solar thermal installation is water. It retains and transfers heat better than any other liquid in the world. However, it has one major drawback: it freezes easily.
Using Propylene Glycol in Solar Thermal Systems
The industry standard for solar fluid is a mix of propylene glycol and water. It's non-toxic, biodegradable and relatively stable. However, you should always mix as much water as possible with your choice of glycol product, as simple water is the ideal solar fluid.
Solar Thermal Expansion Tanks
As everyone knows, just about everything expands when it gets hotter. With gases, they can exist in the same space and build up pressure, but liquids have difficulty doing that – when a liquid expands, it needs more space.
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