![]() ![]() So, how do you know which is right for you and your business? Here are some common applications of our solar thermal systems: The well-known solar panels, CSP technologies, and evacuated tube collectors all have their ideal applications and benefits. ![]() For Solar Energy Systems That Make Sense, Call Solar UV Solutions When it comes to energy transference and energy lost in the generation process, evacuated tube collectors are the most energy efficient energy collector among all the different types of solar power systems. This is where you save energy and reduce your reliance on other sources of energy, like fossil fuels. However, the raised temperature of the water means these systems do not need to activate or work as hard. Your solar-heated water then travels through your typical boilers and water heaters. Once the heat has moved along this path, it is delivered to a heat exchanger for direct use or to an existing storage tank. From there, copper heating pipes transfer the heat out of the collector tubes through a closed hydronic loop and into your building. Solar thermal energy is collected through the UV radiation from the sun and captured by the tubes on rooftops or other locations. What Makes Evacuated Tube Solar Collectors Unique?Įvacuated tube collectors are primarily used when very high temperatures or a large volume of hot water is needed. Another way this system differs from solar panels and evacuated tubes is that CSP generates both heat and electricity while the other options only generate one or the other. These spatial requirements mean that CSP is really only plausible for utility-scale solar applications. The advantage of taking up all that space is that these systems have the potential to produce massive amounts of energy. The Ivanpah Solar Electric Generating System in the Mojave Desert in California covers roughly 3,500 acres. All three of these alternatives rely on a system of mirrors and receivers.Īll of these types of CSP technology require a very large area to function properly. The alternatives within CSP break down to three basic designs: trough or in-line systems, power tower systems, and dish engine systems. The pressure from the stream then drives a turbine to create electricity. The fundamental functions of CSP use mirrors to focus the sun’s energy onto a receiver creating heat. We’re here to help you better understand solar power technology like this. ![]() There are the common solar panels sitting on roofs and structures that everyone might picture in their minds, then there are slightly lesser known options like concentrated solar power (CSP) and evacuated tube solar collectors. What many people don’t know about are all of the ways that solar energy systems differ throughout the industry. Because flat plate collectors are usually more cost-effective for residential solar water heating systems, solar hot water evacuated tube collectors are more commonly used for commercial applications.When someone says solar power, most people think of collecting energy from the sun. The cost of evacuated tube collectors can be significantly more than flat plate collectors – though the additional up-front cost may be made up for in utility bill savings. Cost and Durability of Evacuated Tube Collectors But the higher efficiency makes an evacuated tube system preferable when collector space is limited. Nevertheless, a less efficient collector (such as a flat plate collector) is often sufficient for a residential hot water heating system in warmer climates, as the added solar radiation makes up for any efficiency loss. The cylindrical shape also allows the collector to catch ground reflected radiation, known as the “passive tracking effect,” when facing true south. This characteristic is most advantageous in colder climates, or during the winter, where other solar collectors may not produce as much energy. This low heat loss makes these the most efficient of all solar thermal collectors.Īn evacuated tube collector can work well in cloudy conditions and in temperatures as low as -40☏. The vacuum is a very effective insulator that keeps the water inside the collector hot while the actual tubes are only a few degrees warmer than ambient air temperature. These types of collectors can also be used for steam production and solar space heating. Generally, evacuated tube collectors are used to heat greater volumes of water, or to heat water to higher temperatures, as is often the case in commercial applications.
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