solar heating systems
We often associate solar power heating with solar cells that are used to convert the sun’s energy into electricity. The electricity powers an element that heats a water tank and provides hot water for baths, showers or cleaning the pots and pans (amongst other things). However solar power is not just about converting photons to electricity.
The sun’s energy has been used for thousands of years, in a passive sense, to supply heat to many of humanities most basic needs. Indeed, mankind has cooked with the sun, heated water and created fire. Creating electricity is just the current way that we have taken advantage of the sun’s energy. This article will look more closely at solar powered heating of water and keeping buildings warm.
Solar Power Water Heating
A solar hot water heating system consists of a solar collector and a holding tank. The water is passed from the solar collector to the tank based on how hot it is by either gravity and convection (in a passive solar heating system) or a pump (in an active system).
In the active system, the water that flows through the collector is heated. In the passive system, the fluid heated in the collector is passed through a heat exchanger in the holding tank, thereby heating the potable water in the tank. The holding tank merely holds the water that has been heated, or is being heated.
The solar collector, which is usually located in a position that comes into direct contact with the sun is responsible for heating the water. It is commonly found on rooftops and consists of a rectangular box that is painted black to absorb the heat. Inside the box are pipes that connect to the water tank. The water runs through the pipes and is heated in the process by the solar energy. The water tank is insulated so that any heat isn’t lost to the environment.
For water circulation, there is either a low powered pump, or it is achieved through convection, where the hot water rises and the cold water sinks down. To achieve circulation through convection, the holding tank is placed above the collector, so that the water rises into the holding tank, as it heats up, and the cold water sinks down to be heated. Alternately, a low powered pump is used to circulate the water.
Heating your water for domestic purposes, through solar power is sensible if you live in warm climates and the sun is shining most of the year. It can save you plenty on water heating bills and is an environmentally friendly way to provide domestically heated water.
Solar Power Heating for Buildings
The sun will naturally heat a building however a house can be designed to take more advantage of the suns energy. Special materials can be placed in the floors and walls to store the sun’s heat or insulate the building from heat loss.
The building can be designed so that more windows are positioned to be directly in contact with the sunlight. This means in the northern hemisphere the windows are south facing, and in the southern hemisphere, they are north facing.
Another way to passively heat the house is to run water pipes under the floor boards. The water that runs through the pipes can be heated by a solar collector and used as an underfloor heating source.
Solar power can be applied to many home and garden products. In recent years the cost of these appliances have become very affordable and saved money on energy bills. Learn more about solar powered appliances at http://www.solarpowerappliances.com/ . The site has more on solar water heating and solar heating for swimming pools . Adrian Whittle writes about using solar power and appliances that can utilize renewable energy sources.
Solar Heating For Laundromats
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Intex Krystal Clear 15-Foot Solar Pool Cover
$29.99 Enjoy warm water and a longer swimming season! Helps keep pool water warmer. Reduce water evaporation by 95% Easy and economical to use Reusable carry bag for easy storage Fits 15' Diameter Round Pools... |
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Do It Yourself Solar Panels for Swimming Pools, Spas & more
$34.95 Solar Panel Instructional DVD & Plans for water heating. A simple step-by-step, DIY, easy to follow solar panel construction DVD. No special tools required. Sleek design, professional look and ease of fabrication. Heating system fully integrates into your existing pool piping network. 3500 watts (12,000BTU) of free solar power per panel. 10+degrees F increase in water temperature in one day. Engin... |
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Thermalution FIR Infrared Shoulder Heating Pad - Thermalution FIR Infrared Shoulder Heating Pad - PCD10-BAPCD10-BA
$159.95 Thermalution FIR Infrared Shoulder Heating Pad... |
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Eccotemp L5 Portable Tankless Water Heater and Outdoor Shower
$149.00 Endless hot water, in a FLASH! LP - powered Portable Tankless Water Heater. Hot water, instantly and exactly where you need it! Great for camping, cabin use, washing boats and cars, etc. Switch this Heater on and an intense flame instantly heats the water as it passes through. There's no reservoir to deplete like at home, as long as you feed water in, HOT water is coming out! Battery ignition star... |
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EcoSmart 11 Kw Tankless Water Heater
$209.99 Configured for climates where incoming water temperatures are in the 60 to 70 F. range. Self modulating flow sensor technology regulates the amount of energy required to heat the water needed. Digital temperature display showing the outlet water temperature setting. Uses 2 standard Emerson Electric heating elements with brass tops to prevent electrolysis. Stainless steel heat exchanger. Automatic ... |
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Grundfos 59896155 1/25 Horsepower SuperBrute Recirculator Pump
$70.22 Grundfos UP15-42F Circulator Pump (59896155) is for Closed systems with Maximum liquid temperature 230 F.Grundfos UP15-42F Features Built-in motor protection for longer life and better performance. Suitable for a wide range of applications, including radiant heating, hydronic heating, fan coil heating, solar and other system types. Whisper-quiet operation for sound sensitive installations... |
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Sungrabber Solar Panel Repair Plugs
$12.99 Panel Repair Kit for Sungrabber Part # 262-1 To repair a leak in your panel riser tubes This kit will repair up to 10 Sungrabber panel tubes... |
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EASY HEAT INC Freeze Free Self Regulating Pipe Heating Cable UL Approved
Freeze Free, 100', Self Regulating Pipe Heating Cable, UL Approved, To Be Sold With Connection Kit #10802, True Value #701-128, Bulk Reel.... |
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Energy Del Sol FPM-68 68 Watt Flex Solar Power Mat For Recreational Vehicles and Boats
$519.61 Flex Power Mat combined with the Uni-Solar PVL68 was developed for the application of harnessing the Sunâs Solar Energy in remote locations allowing you to power your RV, Boat, Trailer and other applications. The FPM-68 combines revolutionary EPDM synthetic rubber and (patent pending) designs that can withstand extreme climate and weather conditions. The FPM-68 incorporates the latest photovo... |
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Intermatic WH21 Electric Water Heater Timer
$41.29 25A, Water Heater Timer, Electric, External Switch, On/Off Indicator Light, Single Pole, Single Throw, 6,250W, 250V.... |
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Swim Time Solar Heating System
$295.94 This solar heating system from Swim Time features a convenient way to heat your pool with it's efficient panel design. This solar heating system includes everything you need to install and heat your pool. |
