A solar boiler uses the power of the sun to heat water, a sustainable solution that can lead to significant savings on energy costs. Find out how these systems function and what the potential benefits and considerations are for your home.
The concept of solar energy for heating can be traced back to ancient times when passive solar techniques were used to heat homes. However, modern solar water heating systems, which convert solar energy into thermal energy to heat water, began to emerge in the 20th century, mainly during and after the oil crises of the 1970s when an emphasis was placed on renewable energy sources.
Operation
A solar boiler system consists of solar collectors (often plate collectors or vacuum tubes) that absorb sunlight and convert it into heat. This heat is then transferred to a liquid (usually a mixture of water and antifreeze) that flows through the collectors. This heated fluid is then pumped through a heat exchanger which transfers the heat to the water in a storage tank.
Energy savings: Although the initial costs may be high, operational costs can be significantly reduced because sunlight is free.
Apply with underfloor heating and wooden floors
A solar boiler system can be connected to underfloor heating . The solar-heated fluid is pumped through a system of pipes under the floor. When using a wooden floor with underfloor heating , there must be sufficient insulation to prevent heat loss and to ensure that the wood is not damaged by excessive temperatures.
This depends on the location, the system used and the hot water consumption. In some cases, a solar boiler can cover up to 50-70% of the annual hot water requirement.
Does a solar boiler also work on cloudy days?
Yes, but with reduced efficiency. The system can still collect heat, albeit to a lesser extent.
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