Investing
in a solar water heating system is no doubt a smart
solution for most homeowners. However, one must be
cautious in selecting the right type of water heater as
otherwise such investments may result in creating
liabilities. For instance, choosing an integrated batch
heater for heating water in locations where freezing is
a common feature would tantamount to taking a joy ride
in a sabotaged aircraft. Whereas, selecting a
closed-loop solar water heater for that region would
assure a safe landing.
Closed-loop
solar water heaters use a heat-transfer fluid to gather
heat and a heat-exchanger to transfer the heat to
household water. In the case of active closed-loop solar
heaters, solar powered electric pumps, controllers and
valves are also used to circulate the heat-transfer
fluid which normally consists of glycol-water antifreeze
mixture. The antifreeze mixture helps closed-loop solar
water heaters to function effectively during
freezing weather conditions.
Yet
another variation in closed-loop solar water heaters is
the Drainback system where plain water is used in place
of the glycol-water mixture. In this case, the water is
forced through the collectors by a pump and thereafter
drained by gravity to the storage tank and the heat
exchanger. Here, there are no valves to fail and as soon
as the pumps are switched off, the collectors become
empty, ensuring freeze protection and auto shut-off when
the water in the storage tank becomes much too
hot.
Although
most popular brands usually provide good quality
components for closed-loop solar
water heaters, it may be prudent to check a few
vital parts that are mentioned
below.
- Controls,
Circulators: The differential temperature controller
monitors the temperatures at the solar collector
outlet as also at the storage tank. When the
collectors are warmer than the tank, the control turns
on a circulator which circulates a heat-transfer
fluid, usually water or a water-glycol mixture,
through the collectors and back to the heat exchanger
located in or adjacent to the storage
tank.
- Heat
Exchangers: The Heat Exchangers transfer heat from the
water-glycol heat transfer fluid to the household
water supply. Of course, these are nothing but a
series of copper coils submerged in the water storage
tank or in some cases in a compartment outside the
storage tank.
If
physical inspection is not possible, detailed enquiries
may be made about their quality. Also, inquiries should
be made about the safety measures provided within the
heaters and probable action to be taken in
emergencies.
Do you want to know how to install solar panels? Yes you can set it up yourself and do the wiring too – all you need is some guidance. You need to know where to get the cheap batteries and parts from, and also have knowledge of the safety precautions. There are many advantages of solar power that include its eco-friendly nature and also the fact that it can save you a lot of money on your electricity bills. So opt for solar power today – to light up the rooms and also for heating purposes.
