There are two main types of collectors used in Solar Geysers: flat-plate collectors and vacuum tube collectors.
Flat-Plate Solar Collector
A flat-plate collector has a transparent cover made of specially toughened glass, a coated metal absorber plate (coating is usually matt black paint), and a well-insulated weatherproof casing. Flat plate collectors are robust, economical, and versatile.
Vacuum Tube Solar Collector
Vacuum-tube collectors consist of a series of glass tubes connected together. The absorber strip in an evacuated tube collector is placed inside the toughened glass tube, which can withstand considerable pressure.
The heat transfer fluid flows through the absorber directly in a U-tube or sometimes in a tube-in-tube system. Several tubes are connected to one another or to a manifold that makes up the solar collector. A heat pipe collector contains a special fluid that vaporises at low temperature.
The hot vapour rises in the heat pipes and warms the heat transfer medium in the main pipe before condensing and re-circulating.
The pipes must be at a certain angle to facilitate the process. Too flat or too steep an angle and the system will not work.
Vacuum tubes function well in low radiation conditions as well. They can often produce higher temperatures in applications such as hot water heating, steam production and air conditioning.
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Source: Yes Solar
The two types of solar panel collectors are suited for different situations. Water Rhapsody has become a Yes Solar dealer (South Africa) so we can give impartial advice on which solar system would suit your needs best. Water conservation and renewable energy are at the heart of our business. Our water and solar systems are environmentally friendly and are guaranteed (solar geysers eligible for Eskom renewable energy rebates). Contact us for all your solar water heating, rainwater harvesting and grey water recycling requirements and water tanks (we are JoJo Tank dealers in South Africa). All our quotes are free!
