Space Heating & Cooling
Solar
space heating can be a supplement of a typical residential regular
heating system and can dramatically reduce heating costs. Our
Solar
thermal collector is the basic device in which energy from the sun is transferred into thermal energy.
There are two basic types of active solar heating systems based on the type of fluid—either liquid or air—that is heated in the solar energy collectors. Liquid-based systems heat water or an antifreeze solution in the thermal energy collector, whereas air-based systems heat air in an 'air collector.'
Both of these systems collect and absorb solar radiation, then transfer the solar heat directly to the interior space or to a storage system, from which the heat is distributed. If the system cannot provide adequate space heating, an auxiliary or backup system provides the additional heat.
Perhaps the most interesting new solar thermal technology is the absorption chiller – a closed-loop system that converts solar-heated water into air conditioning. Water heated by the sun through evacuated tubes is subjected to a low-pressure loop with lithium bromide, a phase-change catalysts, which causes the water to reach a cool 44 degrees F. This cooled water runs through copper piping; forced air passing over the coils produces air conditioning.
Solar thermal cooling is primarily used in commercial settings, but it is becoming more common in residential applications. There are two applications suitable for residential settings where solar thermal energy is used to drive the cooling process.
There are two basic types of active solar heating systems based on the type of fluid—either liquid or air—that is heated in the solar energy collectors. Liquid-based systems heat water or an antifreeze solution in the thermal energy collector, whereas air-based systems heat air in an 'air collector.'
Both of these systems collect and absorb solar radiation, then transfer the solar heat directly to the interior space or to a storage system, from which the heat is distributed. If the system cannot provide adequate space heating, an auxiliary or backup system provides the additional heat.
- Active solar space heating systems collect and absorb solar energy and use electric fans or pumps to transfer and distribute the heat. These systems also contain an energy-storage system to provide heat at night or when the sun is not shining.
- Passive solar space heating capitalizes on warmth through the sun through design features as well as materials in the walls or floors that absorb heat during the day and release that heat at night.
- Solar hydronic heating systems are designed specifically to provide maximum free energy to heat your home, hot water and even your swimming pool or hot spa.
- Its design has come about due to worldwide concerns with global warming and the introduction of government programs to cut greenhouse emissions into the atmosphere.
- In the last decade, we have seen dramatic advances in solar collector performance, energy efficient building designs and a shift in people’s awareness and expectations in energy efficient products.
- Solar hydronic heating systems are designed specifically to provide maximum free energy to heat your home, hot water and even your swimming pool. Our systems are the most efficient and comfortable solar hydronics radiant heating technology available, offering many advantages over conventional methods of central heating. Hot water is extracted year round from an award winning evacuated tube system on your roof, capitalizing on the abundance of the sun's free energy. The water is circulated through insulated piping and collected in hot water storage tanks. This water is then distributed to radiators in each room or to coils laid specifically within a concrete floor slab.
- In a solar hydronic radiant heating system, the main fuel source to heat the water is the free energy from solar exposure.
- The auxiliary power can be an option of natural gas, LPG, off-peak electricity or solid fuel with a "Energy Star" Tankless Water Heater.
- If used wisely, it can be an economical and highly effective form of central heating with a potential to reduce your heating costs by up to 90% per year (this will depend on how energy efficient your building is).
- The design of your solar hydronic radiant system requires careful consideration. Our consultants enter accurate details of your homes construction into a computer software program, which will give us a comprehensive understanding of the energy inputs required for heating. The solar panels and hydronic heating systems can be sized according to the manufacturer’s specifications.
- For optimal solar input the panels should be installed facing south and tilted up at your latitude + 15 degrees. The position of the storage tank and auxiliary equipment should be as close to the solar panels as possible. This will ensure that heat losses are kept to an absolute minimum.
- Solar hydronic floor radiant heating systems require more panels and water storage than necessary for a typical solar hot water application. Using the components already in place the control system prioritizes hot water production from the tank. The automatic valves then transfer the heat energy back to the hydronics loop. This is a very simple, yet effective and extremely efficient combination. A typical storage tank size will be in excess of 80 -120 gallons therefore ensuring an abundance of hot water. A buffer tank for surplus hot water is fitted to ensure heat distribution is available during the night. A supplementary backup system is still recommended.
- As a company, our objectives are to provide and develop energy free heating solutions and re-educate the public on how to use these products to maximise efficiencies and comfort levels.
Perhaps the most interesting new solar thermal technology is the absorption chiller – a closed-loop system that converts solar-heated water into air conditioning. Water heated by the sun through evacuated tubes is subjected to a low-pressure loop with lithium bromide, a phase-change catalysts, which causes the water to reach a cool 44 degrees F. This cooled water runs through copper piping; forced air passing over the coils produces air conditioning.
Solar thermal cooling is primarily used in commercial settings, but it is becoming more common in residential applications. There are two applications suitable for residential settings where solar thermal energy is used to drive the cooling process.
- Solar Absorption Cooling uses solar-heated water to drive an air conditioner. The air conditioner uses a liquid that consists of an absorbent and a refrigerant. Solar heat is used to separate the adsorbent and the refrigerant from each other. The refrigerant is then compressed and evaporated to create a cooling effect for your home. The evaporated refrigerant is then recombined with the absorbent to go through the process again.
- Solar Desiccant Cooling doesn't really cool the air; it removes moisture from the air which decreases the relative humidity. The moisture is removed by passing the air through a material called a desiccant. As the desiccant absorbs the moisture from the air, it becomes saturated and loses its ability to continue absorbing moisture. At this point, the desiccant is then regenerated, or dried, with solar heat which evaporates the moisture into the outside air. It is then ready to absorb more moisture from the air entering your home.
Copyright © 2011 Solar Dynamix