What happens in a solar water heater?
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Question by Paula Bayne: What happens in a solar water heater?
I need the step by step process of how the water is heated. What causes it to heat? What causes it to move? And any other useful explanation of the process.
What do you think? Answer below!
2 Responses to What happens in a solar water heater?
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The water is in multiple tubes, usually flat so maximum area is presented to the sun. Solar radiation (infrared, heat) heats the tubes and water within. They are usuall matt black on the outside, for maximum heat absorbtion.
In most systems, the storage tank is at the top of the solar panels containing the tubes.
The water in the tubes is heated, and hot water is less dense than cold water, so rises along the tubes into the storage tank. As it has moved, colder water from the BOTTOM of the storage tank now flows down to the bottom of the tubes, and as it progresses UP the tubes again, it is also heated.
The cycle continues indefinitely, all the time getting hotter and hotter in the tank.
The cycle process is called thermosyphoning.
It is convection causing the circulation.
Technobuff
May 23, 2013 at 12:59 am
The solar water heaters work through natural thermosyphon effect, with heated water from the evacuated tubes rising into the mounted tank. The use of Integrated non-pressure Solar Water Heater ensures that water is heated to the highest possible temperature, even in cold climates. These systems allow natural water inflow through a regular overhead cold water tank. Hot water outflow to the user also happens through natural gravity.
Three main components are there: vacuum tubes, heat preservation tank (water tank) and the support frame. Vacuum tubes are made of twin borosilicate glass using advanced international technology. The outer part of the inner tube is coated with aluminium nitride that can endure a temperature of up to 350oC. the vacuum tubes absorb the sunlight and convert the solar energy into power. Continuous circulation of water through the vacuum tubes increases the temperature of the water continuously. Heat preservation tank ensures water is kept ho for a longer duration. To ensure smooth hot water supply even during cloudy days our water heaters come with an inbuilt power pack up.
Earlier there were flat plate solar water heaters but my personal experience with them wasn’t very good, they trouble a lot when you are in real need of that hot water in winters. I am using this new technology system for a few years now and very happy with it.
shivika
May 23, 2013 at 1:30 am