Solar Water Heaters
|
The solar
water heaters we've talked about up until this
point have been relatively simple. As I
mentioned, some of the best systems out there
are just that.
However, if
you're in the mood for some complexity and the
accompanying accuracy and meaureability
inherant in it, there exist systems to
revolutionize your experience. (Note: These do,
however, cost more)
|
 |
Solar Water
Heater Systems
Open
Loop Systems
Note also that solar water heaters can be connected in an
"open loop" configuration, but there exist some potential
problems with this method. In an open loop system, the
water flowing through the solar system to be heated is also
the same water drawn out of the system to be used in the
home. This is actually okay from a sanitary point of view.
However, the problem occurs when the system is exposed to
the large amounts of oxygen in the incoming fresh cold
water and in the oxygen bubbles that enter the system every
time a faucetis turned on or off throughout the home. This
oxygen is your enemy Even in a system made from mainly PVC
pipe, ther are going to be exposed steel fitings and parts
that present a significant scaling or rusting potential
problem.
Usng bronze, stainless steel, copper, or brass is perhaps
the best way of maintaing simplicity in open loop solar
water heaters. The benefits of such a system are actually
great, as the system is simple, and needs lees maintenance,
since there are fewer parts to break. An example of an
open loop system is the batch solar water heater:
- Batch Solar Water Heaters - An example of
an open loop system is one that dates back to the earliest
days of solar water heaters - the batch system. Formerly
known as a "breakbox" heater, the batch heater is simply a
glass tank on the roof. Water is fed into the tank by the
supply pressure available to the building, or by the supply
pump you have installed. When water is demanded in the
home, it comes first from the drain end of the batch heater
(opposite the supply of cold). However hot the sun managed
to get the water while it sat is how hot it is when it
comes out. (Tempering valves are usually wise here - see
this page). Temperatures of a typical system
can easily reach 160 degrees F in the summer. (A common
electric water heater setting is 120 degrees F).
A pressure temperature relief valve (PTRV) is also a
must, and should be mentioned here. When the
temperature of your system, or its related pessure rise
to unacceptable levels, this valve begins to dump
overboard. Now, if you start seeing this on a regular
basis and you also find a need for more water, you'll
want to consider another option additional - increased
hot water storage methods.
 |
Are
you looking for tips that will shortcut
your development time and save you
headaches?
If so, then I highly
recommend you check out this step-by-step
installation guide for new
solar water heaters.
This regularly
updated, essential how-to guide
includes instructions on everything from
how to wire your first new renewable energy
system, how to recondition batteries, how
biodiesel is made...even how to assemble
solar cells!
Click here to go to
earth4energy
|
| 