Evacuated Tubes

Evacuated tubes are the absorber of the solar water heater. They absorb solar energy converting it into heat for use in water heating. Evacuated tubes have been in use in Germany, Canada, China and the UK, for many years.

There are several types of evacuated tubes in use in the solar industry, the most common systems being “twin-glass tube”; which uses a sealed heat-pipe on each tube to extract heat from the absorber. A liquid is vaporised while in contact with the heated absorber, heat is recovered at the top of the tube while the vapour condenses, and condensate returns by gravity to the absorber. This type of tube is chosen for its reliability, performance and low manufacturing cost.

Sustainable Projects is a national company with the head office in Cape Town, South Africa, and was established to provide dedicated services for the sustainable and renewable energy industries. Sustainable Projects draws on nearly 20 years experience in design, engineering, fabrication, construction and installation in order to provide optimised solutions for renewable energy developments.

Sustainable Projects has emerged as a leader in the field of sustainable progress by bringing practical solutions to private and commercial sectors in South Africa. Many aspects of sustainable development, including energy efficiency, renewable energy, and water conservation need to be addressed on the ground level. Many processes, policies and proposals by government and private entities need to be implemented. From this realization, Sustainable Projects developed its functional toolbox in order to support efficient living.

Sustainable Projects offers complete turnkey services for analyzing projects, assessing feasible areas of intervention, and creating solutions. We provide the optimal solution by using premium products that are best suited to the project.

Our toolbox includes a range of services and products covering the fields of:

• Solar power
• Wind power
• Solar thermal heating and cooling
• Water recycling and treatment
• Consulting and auditing services
• Carbon foot printing
• Sustainable building

Within these fields we offer feasibility studies, project and system designs, supply of equipment and products, customized solutions, and professional services for the consultation and implementation of the project.

Introduction

Solar energy or heat is collected on absorber plates within a panel. This heat is transferred to the water within the storage tank via a liquid medium in closed circuit piping, which performs as a very effective heat exchange element, similar to that in an electric kettle or geyser.

This storage tank then feeds pre-heated water to the geyser, thereby greatly reducing the amount of electric power necessary to bring this water to the thermostatically controlled temperature required. Solar water heating systems can also be used to directly heat swimming pool water.

In addition to the energy cost savings on water heating, there are other benefits derived from using the sun’s energy to heat water; for example where sufficient sunlight is available certain systems would not consume any electricity, ensuring hot water supply during from power outages.

Introduction

Renewable energy sources like solar electricity is one way to save money over the long term and unlike fossil fuels produce little or no carbon dioxide (CO2): one of the biggest causes of climate change.

Photovoltaic systems use solar panels – made up of individual PV cells – to turn daylight into electricity. A PV cell is made up of one or two layers of a semi-conducting material.

When light shines on the cell, it creates an electric field across the layers – and causes electricity to flow. And the more light the cell receives, the more electricity it can generate.

Energy Efficiency

We are all too well aware of the power outages that have occurred recently and the continuous threat of more coming, so it up to you, the consumer, to protect yourself and do your bit to help the initiative for demand side efficiency. By using electricity more efficiently, you’ll be contributing to a more reliable electricity system and doing your part to help protect the environment.

To begin with, it is important to be aware of the fact that because you are being energy efficient does not mean your home lifestyle will be worse off. The smart use of electricity in the home gives you better value for your money.

How we can save electricity in and around the home

The following are fantastic ideas and solutions for creating a more Energy Efficient Home.