Tuesday, August 04, 2009
What Kinds Of Solar Hot Water Heating Systems Can Be Used In Cold Climates?
Solar hot water heating systems are a basically simple design. Solar collectors heat water during
the day, which is stored in an insulated tank to keep it warm for ongoing use. But freezing
temperatures can bring this kind of system to a standstill. But new and improved methods have been
developed that allow solar hot water systems to operate effectively even in cold climates. Here is
a basic description of how they work.
After a few decades of experimentation with solar hot water systems, most experienced users have
decide that the closed loop design is the most effective for climates with freezing temperatures.
Because oxygen is eliminated from the system, pumps will not corrode and will have a longer
lifespan, saving you time and money for repairs and replacement parts.
The system is filled with an antifreeze solution (propylene glycol) at the time it is installed. It
then circulates between the solar collectors (where it is heated by the sun during the day) and the
storage tanks, which provide heat during the day and night. There are several smaller components
that allow the antifreeze to expand and contract, and which prevent too much pressure from building
up in the system, among other things. But the solar collectors, the pump and the tank with heat
exchanger are the basic components.
Drainback systems are so named because the solar collectors drain when they are not being used. For
this reason, you can use either water or antifreeze in the system. But for maximum assurance that
the system will not freeze, people often choose to use antifreeze as an extra precaution,
especially in regions that frequently experience temperatures below zero.
Even though the collectors drain when not in use, they drainback system is still a closed loop
system. It needs a powerful pump in order to return the drained liquid to the solar collector after
it has been drained. But it is a good choice for a homeowner who wants a solar heating system that
is easy to maintain.
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