Solar Thermal Heating
We
are currently involved in the implementation of many CEF 500 subsidised
domestic solar water-heating systems. These subsidies were awarded to local
manufacturers and offered over a 3-month period. The program proved highly
successful in raising awareness of SWH and bringing more systems into the
community. Involvement in this project has allowed SLP to identify the
expectations and needs of clients. Consequently, we offer a range of both local
and imported systems that meet our clients' requirements and budgets.
Our
systems demonstrate the best flat plate and evacuated tube systems available in
South Africa.
We have many very satisfied clients taking advantage of the benefits of solar
water heating, and our combined installed systems put our carbon offset for SWH
at over 150 tonnes per annum.
Our
services extend to the provision of heat and energy efficiency systems for
commercial and heavy industries. By performing engineered analyses of the
project’s heating needs, we can specify combinations of renewable and
efficiency systems. In so doing we create substantial energy and monetary
savings.
We
also supply solar thermal systems to supplement hydraulic under-floor heating
systems and space-cooling systems.
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Thermo-siphon systems explained
Thermo-siphon systems refer to a method of passive heat exchange based on natural convection which circulates liquid in a vertical closed-loop circuit without requiring a conventional pump. When liquid in the closed-loop is heated, causing it to expand, become less dense, and more buoyant than the cooler water in the bottom of the loop, convection moves the heated liquid upwards in the system, as it is simultaneously replaced by cooler liquid returning by gravity. |
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The Advantages of a Solar Pre-heat Configuration  Apricus AP 22 on flat roof. © Sustainable Living Projects. Preheating means solar gain is used effectively in the pattern of domestic hot water consumption - in the early morning and evening. As these two points of use are in non sunshine hours it is best to increase the total amount of hot water available ("the battery bank") so that the water with solar gain replaces the water in the booster tank in the evening. For example, 4 people shower in the evening and consume 200L of hot water. While this water may have been heated by the sun to a high temperature, it is used and thus finished. As there is no solar radiation at the time of the depletion the electric element has to then heat the water up by the full delta T of say 40 degrees. This requires large current draw as the element has to work long and hard to reheat the total volume of new water. |
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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. |
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Introduction  Flat Plate Solar Collector. © Sustainable Living Projects.
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. |
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Solar Water Heating 
