A solar thermal collector plays a crucial role in a solar thermal system. The purpose of it is to collect sunlight and transform it into heat energy. This type of solar panel is sometimes referred to as a thermal solar panel. Solar thermal energy installations can be classified into different types according to their purpose.
It is a device that collects sunlight and turns it into heat energy. The solar thermal collector consists of a durable frame, high-quality glazing, and an absorber, all complemented by effective insulation. The solar collector can harness heat efficiently, allowing for immediate use or convenient storage for future needs. Solar collectors are used to heat spaces (such as buildings), heat water for domestic purposes (like showers and sinks), and heat swimming pools, hot tubs, or spas.
Here are a few of the most widespread applications for solar collectors:
- Pool water heating
- Heating systems
- Electricity generation (large solar thermal power plants)
- Domestic hot water (DHW)
Uses of Solar Thermal Collector
Solar thermal collectors have several uses and some of the most common ones are mentioned below.
- Solar energy collectors have a primary role: providing hot water for DHW and generating electricity.
- Solar collectors are utilized to heat water for domestic use. The water is stored in solar storage tanks, where it comes into contact with a coil to facilitate heating.
- The heat energy stored is transferred to the water by a coil without contamination.
- This water can be used to enhance the comfort of your rooms through floor heating.
Also See: What is Passive Solar Heating?
Types of Solar Thermal Collectors
There are basically three types of thermal solar energy collectors, depending on their use.
1. Concentrating Collectors
This type of collector captures the radiation received on a relatively large surface area. To concentrate these radiations, parabolic troughs or smaller flat mirrors are utilized. The goal of concentrating solar energy collectors is to concentrate solar radiation onto a surface at one point to achieve high temperatures.
The thermal solar panel is highly beneficial for solar installations with high and extremely high temperatures. Moreover, they are utilized to produce high-pressure water vapor, as in a conventional thermal power plant.
2. Evacuated Tube Collectors
Evacuated tube solar collectors are like flat plate solar collectors but unlike the latter, glass tubes are used instead of metal tubes. For installation purposes, these glass tubes are encased within another glass tube, creating a vacuum between them. Though this system is a bit expensive but gives better performance.
3. Flat Plate Collectors
Flat plate solar collectors are utilized to capture solar radiation on a surface, which in turn is harnessed to heat a fluid. This type of thermal solar collector consists of vertical metal tubes that run parallel to each other and carry cold water.
At the bottom, the pipes are joined by a horizontal pipe that draws in cold water, while at the top they are connected to an outlet through a similar pipe. There is a protective cover on top of the tubes. The windows are typically made with two layers of glass and contain insulation at the bottom.
This type of solar energy collector is used in low-temperature installations, usually below 79 degrees Celsius. For example, swimming pools utilize them to warm the water.
Also See: What is Meant by Solar Cooling?
