Invisible solar collector

Energy-efficient homes, green technology, alternative energy — these expressions are increasingly part of our lives. Today nobody is surprised, seeing on the roof of the cottage with solar panels or wind turbines on the site. Yet, because of the high price and characteristics of climate, such technologies are not widespread in our country. The least, I think that our users will be interested in the invention of the Spanish engineers, who have developed an "invisible" solar collector.



Many people, even living in a hot climate and having money to buy solar panels or solar collectors, not becoming a "green" device. In their opinion, they spoil the appearance of the house. Especially if you place such devices on the roof. The Spaniards have offered a way out by combining the solar collector and are considered elite slate roof in the device, 2in1 and called it "thermosense".



The idea is to "remove" the high temperature of oil shale (roof a dark color on a nice day is heated above 90°C) and use it to heat water in the house.The solar collector is a flat metal blocks with a thickness of 3.5 cm, which circulates the water. From the outside the block is lined with natural slate.



After the installation of the roof system is no different from the roofs of ordinary houses.



At the ends of the solar collector is located at the 2 o for water. Connecting panels with each other, "thermocline" is combined into a single solar collector, and then connects to the water supply system of a cottage. Panels are mounted on hidden fixings, which minimizes the possibility of leaks and does not spoil the appearance of the roof.

Only it is available in four size panels: 32х22, 35х22, 40х22 and 50х25 see Also the system can be combined with a conventional slate roof (artificial turf or slate), and to determine visually where the solar collectors, where conventional roof mounted, it is impossible.



The installation also does not cause special difficulties — the main strictly adhere to instructions and pre-calculate required number of panels.



Depending on the area of a roof changing the number of panels and, consequently, the capacity of the entire system. After installation of the solar collectors is connected to the hot water supply system a country house.


Tests showed that on a hot day the roof of the "thermosense" area about 8 sq m provide 80% of needs in hot water for a family of four or five people. The weight of the panels (without water) is 20 kg per 1 square meter.



Due to the large mass of the entire system (only 1 sq m of a normal slate roof can weigh about 20-25 kg) solar collector operates as a heat accumulator, not allowing to cool the heated water in cloudy days.

If necessary, the panels can be dismantled and installed at another roof.

The Spaniards recognized that the use of panels is economically justified only in countries with a hot climate, so they are working on further improvements to the system aimed at cheapening of the whole structure and improve its efficiency.

P. S. And remember, only by changing their consumption — together we change the world! © econ

Source: www.forumhouse.ru/articles/engineering-systems/6762