Home Solar Heating
- System Diagram
Solar Space Heating
A glycol (antifreeze) and water mixture is circulated
through the solar collectors to transfer heat, there will
be a thermal storage tank that can, based on size, provide
enough storage to last overnight (or even for up to or
several days) if desired, while the legacy heating system
provides heating on a supplemental (as-needed) basis when
solar space heating is not available.
As shown above, a fan coil is installed
in the existing duct system.
Multiple zones can be accommodated. Solar heated glycol/water
mix is circulated through the fan coil. There is a low-medium
speed fan that runs more-or-less continuously but is controlled
so that it runs only when the fan coil temperature
exceeds indoor temperature and of course the fan is not allowed
run when doing so would overheat the interior space. Another
sensor allows the controls to isolate the fan coil when
the solar heated water is not hot enough to contribute, so
as to keep the system from removing heat from the building.
The
result is the delivery of a constant flow of heated air,
in the 90-125○F
range, into the building which reduces or eliminates the
need to run the legacy heating source. While this constant
flow of heat may at times be not be much above human body
temperature and therefore not feel “hot” at the
vent, it is sufficient to satisfy the thermostat and maintain
comfortable conditions within the building. At any time that
more heat is needed, the legacy system can provide supplemental
heating.
Solar space heating starts with (preferably)
southerly-facing evacuated tube solar collectors mounted
on the roof or other structure. It is a requirement to use high
performance evacuated
tube solar collectors so that the
necessary high temperatures combined with BTU collection
can be achieved even when the ambient outdoor conditions
are very cold. A properly configured system will be able
to provide heat to the building with outdoor ambient conditions
as low as -23○C.
During the summer, the hot water can be used to provide
free hot water to eliminate water heating bills all season
long, and/or heat a swimming pool or hot tub. Alternatively,
the solar heating system can be disabled.
SPP can provide engineering and design assistance as needed,
and can package a complete installation-ready solar space
heating system. Contact us through the website at www.solarpanelsplus.com
to locate a SPP solar space heating dealer or installer near
you. |
