Sustainable heat production - With a flat collector at the forefront
A plane collector is a solar collector system that is specifically designed for heat production. The system includes flat, flat surfaces that absorb solar energy. In this way, the surfaces heat the passing liquid or its medium. The heated liquid or medium gives off heat, which can be stored in a heat storage tank or used directly as thermal energy.
Plane collectors can be used widely, primarily to improve home energy efficiency and comfort. With the help of solar energy, flat collectors efficiently produce hot water, ideal for showering, washing dishes and other household purposes. They can also be used as an addition to heating systems, contributing to the heating of the premises.
Plane collectors are used not only in homes, but also in facilities where there is an increased demand for thermal energy, such as restaurants, hotels or other businesses. They are also highly efficient in terms of pool heating, ensuring pleasantly warm pool water for more comfortable use.
Plane collectors with innovative technology are not only used for heat production, but in some systems they can also use the heated liquid for cooling purposes, for example in cooling systems or heat pumps. As a whole, these systems promote the spread of sustainable and energy-saving solutions in meeting the thermal energy needs of buildings and facilities.
Plane collector - how should I choose?
The use of solar energy is becoming more and more popular, and flat collectors are excellent tools for capturing and utilizing the sun's heat. However, there are many models available on the market, so the choice is not easy. To make the decision easier, we have collected the most important aspects that should be taken into account when buying a flat collector.
Size of the flat collector:
- There are different sizes on the market, it is true that they are all around 2 m2, but it does not matter at all whether it is 1.9 or 2.1 square meters! Although the difference does not seem large, it can significantly affect the performance of the collector. Larger collectors can capture more solar energy, making them ideal for households with greater heat needs.
What can flat collectors be used for?
- Hot water production: Flat collectors are often used to produce domestic hot water. With the help of solar energy, the collectors heat the water in the water tank, which can then be used as domestic hot water for showering, washing dishes and other household tasks.
- Heating support: Flat collectors are also used as a supplement to heating systems. The heated liquid is passed through the heating system to contribute to the heating of the premises.
- Pool heating: They can also be used to heat pool water. With the help of flat collectors, the pool water can be heated to make it more comfortable to use the pool.
- Plane collectors are also used in buildings and facilities where there is a greater need for thermal energy, for example to supply hot water in restaurants, hotels or other businesses.
- Cooling support: In some systems, the heated liquid can also be used for cooling purposes, for example in cooling systems or heat pumps.
Glass material:
- Smooth glass:The cheapest, but also the least efficient and prone to breaking.
- Heat-treated glass: It is stronger and does not break into splinters, but its light transmission ability is lower.
- Glass with low metallic content:It has the best light transmittance, microplasma, so it shines less, reflects less sunlight, which is why it is the most effective.
Cbelts
- so-called harp (the collecting pipes are arranged in a harp) can be made of aluminum and copper
- Aluminum: Cheaper, but less durable and not compatible with copper wires, which are the most common elements of solar collector systems .
- Copper:It is more durable, has better thermal conductivity and is compatible with copper wires.
Heat absorber:
- The heat sink, also known as the absorber, is responsible for converting solar energy into heat.
- Made with smooth matte black paint, it works, but it's not the real thing.
- A better solution is the so-called black chrome coating, whose ability to absorb heat is much better.
Insulation thickness:
- Insulation prevents heat loss. The thicker the insulation, the less heat is lost and the more efficient the collector. The minimum insulation thickness is 8 cm.
- The flat collector must not only absorb the heat, but also keep it inside!
- The better it is thermally insulated, the more heat it can transfer and the less it loses.
Other aspects:
- Price: The price of flat collectors varies widely. The size, the type of glass, the material of the pipes and the thickness of the insulation all affect the price.
- Warranty:Manufacturers usually offer a 5-10 year warranty on collectors.
In summary:
When choosing the perfect flat collector, the heat demand of the household, the size and orientation of the roof, the budget for the installation and the desired warranty conditions must be taken into account. Based on the above criteria, you can more easily find the model that suits you best.
Tips:
- We recommend that you seek expert advice before purchasing.
- Compare the technical specifications of different models.
In our online store you will find a wide selection of flat collectors.We also include detailed descriptions and technical specifications for the products so that you can more easily find the perfect heat source for your home.
In summary, a good planar collector has a large, heat-treated microprism glass, a copper pipe, non-smoothly painted absorber and a thickness of at least 8 cm.
