Solar Thermal

Solar thermal describes systems that use the heating effect
of the suns rays. In most cases, a solar collector is used to heat a fluid. In turn, this fluid is circulated through pipes to the location where the heat is required. A radiator is used to help dissipate the heat in the fluid and the cooler fluid returns to the solar collector.

In warmer climates, water is used as the fluid. Since the target of solar thermal systems is often to provide hot water, this arrangement creates the simplest and least costly system.

Where climates are colder and frost is a consideration, the solar system must be more complicated. In marginal areas, protection controls and valve gear are added to remove water at night when there is a risk of frost.

Where the climate is colder still, indirct methods are used. A fluid with a lower freezing point is used in the collector. This fluid carries heat back to a radiator immersed in water. The radiator heats the water without the water being contaminated by the other fluid. The water remains away from the zone where freezing might occur.

All of the extra components make this type of system more expensive to build and maintain. However, fluids like glycol can carry more heat than water making the system relatively more efficient.

Direct Solar Thermal System

Indirect Solar Thermal System

.. to be continued...

//Add Diagrams here - direct and indirect //