Ultimate Guide for Flat Plate Solar Thermal Collector
(Solar Flat Plate Collectors)
What do you use to heat water at your home?
There is no doubt that most of us have domestic water heating system.
But, are you comfortable with the high energy bills? However, heating can make the cost of electricity bills to skyrocket.
This is why many people prefer not to install these systems.
Do you know that solar energy can be used to power your domestic hot water system?
It can do this function very well, just like the electric-powered heating system.
How can you tap solar energy to heat water?
One way is by using a flat plate solar thermal collector.
But, how does it work?
To give you a bigger perspective, we are going to discuss the fundamentals of a solar plate panel collector.
Chapter 1 Introduction To Flat Plate Solar Thermal Collector
1.1 What is Flat Plate Solar Thermal Collector?
To start us off is the definition.
A flat plate collector is a sizable metal box which is consists of a cover (glazer) on top and absorber plate on the bottom.
The cover or glazer is made of plastic or glass material.
The sided of this box are well insulated to prevent excessive heat loss.
1.2 Components of A Flat Plate Solar Collector
Let&#;s look at the main components of a flat plate solar collector.
a) Absorber Plate
An absorber plate is usually made of high-quality copper. Some are made of steel while others plastic.
The surface of the plate is covered with a black material. This is to increase its absorbing power.
For copper and steel plates, you can apply a customized coating.
The type of coating will have a direct impact on the performance of the panel.
b) Flow Passages
You can sometimes call them tubes.
Their work is to conduct the working fluid. Heat transfer passes through them.
The pipes are usually attached to the absorbing plate. In some systems, the tubes form part of the absorbing surface.
Flow passages should always be positioned under the absorbing plate.
The diameter of the tubes may vary depending on the size of the solar thermal conductor.
c) Cover Plate/Glazing
This is a transparent cover that is positioned above the absorber plate.
Its role is to reduce the convection which is likely to cause heat loss.
Cover plate also minimizes radiation from the absorbing plate.
A flat plate can have one or two cover plates.
The glazing can be made of plastic or glass material.
d) Insulation
A typical solar panel has insulations at its sides and back. These materials are made of fiberglass.
What does insulation do?
The primary role of the insulations is to minimize heat loss.
e) Enclosure
An enclosure is a box that holds all these components together.
It provides protection against vagaries of nature such as bad weather.
An enclosure also provides some level of protection against physical damage.
An enclosure also keeps the system compact. This makes it easier to operate.
1.3 How a Flat Plate Thermal Collector Works: The working Principle
So, how does a flat plate thermal collector works?
The sunlight penetrates through the glazing straight to the absorber plate.
The absorber plate heats up converting the solar energy to heat.
This heat energy is then transferred to the fluid which is in the tubes. Commonly used fluids are water and oil. In some cases, gas can also be used.
For domestic hot water system, you will use water.
The transfer of the heat energy is by convection.
How do flat plate solar thermal collectors conserve the heat energy?
The glazing or cover prevents excess heat that is radiated by the absorber from escaping.
It creates what is commonly known as a greenhouse effect in the collector.
Also, the transparent cover prevents the wind from cooling the absorber.
The insulation on the sides and back of the panel prevent loss of heat by conduction.
All these reasons explain why a flat plate solar thermal is capable of retaining heat for long.
Direct and Indirect Heating in Flat Plate Thermal Collector
How do I get my water heated by the system?
Flat plate solar thermal collector uses tow mechanism for heating water. They are:
-Direct solar water heating system
-Indirect solar water heating system
A direct solar water heating system is known as an active open-loop system.
Here a pump is used to circulate the water in the system.
Cold water is pumped from your water source to a storage tank.
From the tank, the water will pass through the solar collector where it will be heated.
The heated water will then flow back to the storage tank to form a complete loop.
You will then obtain hot water from the storage tank.
An indirect solar water heating system is also known as a closed-loop system.
Here a heat exchanger is used to distribute heat from plate collector to the water in the tank.
It uses pumps to supply heat from the exchanger to the collector.
1.4 Technical Specifications Of Flat Plate Solar Water Heater
Are there any technical details of a flat plate heater that I need to know?
Here are specific details that you need to know about flat panel collector:
- Collector size- mm*800mm*800/ mm* 800mm*80mm
- Absorber plate thickness 0.4mm
- Collector tube material copper wire
- Heat collector Cover Plate low iron tempered glass
- The absorber is made of copper and wire
- Has an absorption rate of 0.94±0.2
- Internal tank is made of enamel
- Insulation material made of glass fiber insulating cotton
Summary of Technical Details About Flat Panel Solar Heater
Flat Panel CollectorHeat absorbing plate materialaluminium sheetCollector Size*800*80mm/*800*80mm
/**80mmAbsorber Plate Thickness0.4mmCollector Tube Materialcopper pipeHeat Collector Cover Platelow iron tempered glassCover Plate Thickness of Collector3.2mmInsulation Cotton MaterialGlass fiber insulating cottonPackage :Standard exporting cartons(L)*800(W)*80(H)mm
(L)*800(W)*80(H)mm
Product nameSplit Type Flat Panel Solar Water HeaterCoatingBlue CoatingWeldingUltrasonicMaterial of AbsorberCopper and Aluminum FoilAbsorption rate0.94±0.2Reflection rate0.05±0.02Shape of inner gallbladderCylindricalInternal Tank MaterialenamelInternal Tank Thickness(mm)2.0Whether it has an anode protection materialyesPackage :Standard exporting cartons540(L)*540(W)*(H)mm
Model JP FPIFlat Panel collector **80mm 2pcs Water tank 180LDimension &#;480*mmOuter shell TDC51D+AZ t0.4Inner water tank jacket layer ST12 t1.2 Day lighting area 0.9&#;Inner tank material BTC340R t2.0 Rated working pressure 0.6MPa Chapter 2: Types of Solar Thermal Collectors.
What are the most popular solar thermal collectors in the market?
Apart from the flat panel solar thermal collector, you should also know other types of solar heat collectors.
They are:
-Evacuated tube solar thermal systems
-Thermodynamic panels.
-Solar thermal air collector
-Solar thermal bowl collector
Before you decide which one is the best, let&#;s have a brief look at them
2.1 Evacuated Tube Solar Thermal System
This is one of the most popular solar heating systems in the market.
You will love it because of its efficiency. It has an energy efficiency of 70 percent.
The heating system has a solid construction and a heat-proof insulation system.
The collector contains glass tubes which provide adequate insulation.
2.2 Thermodynamic Solar Panels
These are the latest developments in the solar energy.
This is why you may not have heard of them.
Unlike others, thermodynamic solar panels don&#;t use the radiation heat to heat up the working fluids.
Instead, they heat up a refrigerant.
The refrigerants collect heat from the solar panel and turn into gas. It is further compressed to raise its temperature.
The hot gas is then passed through a heat exchanger. Here it provides an adequate temperature for heating water.
2.3 Batch Solar Water Heaters
They are the oldest solar thermal collectors.
They are made of black storage tanks that are well-insulated.
The tank is covered by a transparent material to allow penetration of sunlight.
The latest models of batch heaters are mainly used for preheating.
Water from these heating systems undergoes further heating by other systems.
2.4 Solar Thermal Air Collector
As the name suggests, solar thermal air collectors are used for heating the space.
Are the room temperatures too low for you?
Do you want to save on the energy bills? This is the best alternative to conventional heaters.
Solar thermal air collector is highly energy efficient. For this reason, they are mainly used in commercial buildings.
This should not prevent you from using it in your home.
Is there any structural difference between these heaters and others?
Yes.
One of the most unique features about these systems is they are unglazed.
The system has a transparent top layer. This is unlike the flat plate panels.
Like other solar thermal collectors, the surrounding plate is insulated. This helps to minimize any heat loss.
But, how does the system work?
Since it is unglazed, cold air is made to pass through the absorber. While doing so, it accumulates the heat. This ends up turning the room warm.
2.5 Solar Thermal Bowl Collector
The name tells it all. This solar thermal collector is bowl-shaped.
It is quite similar to a parabolic dish. Only that it has a fixed mirror.
The spherical shape of the bowl helps to focus the sunlight on one spot. It manages to achieve this regardless of the sun&#;s position.
What is the use of solar bowl collector?
To be frank with you, it can be quite difficult to install this solar thermal heat collector at your home.
The directed sunlight from the system can be used to produce heating energy.
To date, the system is used for steam cooking.
Chapter 3: Flat Plate Solar Thermal Collector vs. Other Solar Heat Collectors
How does flat plate solar thermal collector compare to others?
Is it cheap? What of the efficiency?
These are just some of the questions that may be ringing in your mind.
To answer theme, we are going to do a detailed comparison between it and other solar thermal collectors.
Flat Plate vs Evacuated Tube Solar heat Collector
There is a heated debate between flat solar and evacuated solar thermal collectors.
This is something that you should expect from the two dominant solar heating systems.
So, which side should you support?
To give you a clear picture of what this whole debate is about, we are going to analyze key aspects of each system.
1. Cost of Flat Plate Water Heater vs Evacuated Tube
How much will I spend on each solar heat collector?
In terms of cost, you will spend less on flat plate collectors than on evacuated tubes.
Generally speaking, flat plate collectors are way cheaper than most solar heat collectors.
They are easy to design and manufacture.
These are the main reasons why they tend to be cheaper.
On the other hand, you will have to add more money to get the evacuator tubes.
Their price is at least 10% more than flat plate heat collectors.
Well, there&#;s some light at the end of the tunnel.
The prices of the evacuated tubes have been coming down in the recent years.
2. Reliability: Flat Plate Solar Water Heater vs Evacuated Tube
Which type of solar thermal collector is likely to give me trouble?
The last thing that would want is to spend more money repairing the heating system.
When it comes to reliability, flat plate solar thermal collector carries the day.
But how?
The answer is simple. It operates at a low-temperature range.
Flat plate solar heat collector can heat water up to 180 degrees.
Such low-temperature range minimizes chances of overheating.
Do you know that overheating reduces the lifespan of a hear collector?
On the other hand, evacuated tubes operate at high temperatures.
To be precise, they can heat the water up to 259 degrees.
Sounds attractive, right?
After all, it will give you the hottest water.
Despite this feature being lucrative, it has some misgivings.
Evacuated tubes are likely to overheat than the flat plates.
Still, on the matter of reliability, evacuated tubes need to be handled with utmost care.
A small mistake or misjudgment can prove to be costly.
For instance, it is always advisable to use an oversized storage tank when dealing with evacuated tubes.
Avoid using them if you live in a hot area.
3. Performance of Flat Plate Water Heater vs Evacuated Tube
A comparison is considered incomplete if it does not include the performance.
Which powerful between the two?
We have hit a deadlock!
It is almost impossible to compare the two heat collectors.
Both of them perform well. It all depends on what you want.
The performance of the heater depends on several factors. One of them is room temperature.
Evacuation tubes are ideal during cold days. Their performance is boosted by low temperatures.
4. Water Usage Flat Plate Solar Heater vs Evacuated Tube
How much water does the heat collector use?
Evacuated tubes are ideal for heating large quantities of water.
This explains why they are mainly used for commercial purpose.
Their high-temperature range is the reason for this performance.
There is no economic sense of using the evacuated tube for domestic water heating needs.
Flat plate thermal collectors can suit your domestic heating needs.
This is because they have lower temperature ranges.
5. Installation Flat Plate Solar Heater vs Evacuated Tube
Evacuated solar tubes are less sensitive to the position of the sun. They can tap the solar energy from any position.
This is unlike the flat panel which must be inclined to a certain angle.
In fact, you may need an adjustable rack to ensure that the flat panel collects the maximum amount of energy.
Flat plate collectors are quite heavy. This makes them unsuitable for certain types of roofs.
They also require more room.
On the other hand, evacuated tubes are very light.
You can install them without struggling.
However, the lightness of evacuated tubes makes them fragile. They can easily get damaged when mishandled.
Design: Flat Plate Heater vs Evacuated Tube
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Featured content:What is BESS? | Battery Energy Storage System OverviewWhen to Use frp pipeline？Top 10 Benefits of Installing a Solar Inverter for your HomeUltimate Guide to Small Industrial Pumps: Answers to Your Top QuestionsHow to Choose the Best Ductile Iron Diaphragm Pump for Your NeedsThe Best Electric Vehicle Chargers for HomeHow to Prevent Diaphragm Pump Blockage Issues?On the physical aspect, these two heat collectors have some differences.
The design of flat panels is characterized by an unsealed enclosure. This makes them prone to the effect of condensation.
Does this design affect their performance?
No.
The only thing that unsealed enclosure affects is the looks.
The condensation corrodes the original surface of the panel.
Evacuated tubes are sealed with a vacuum. This explains why they have high heat retention capacity.
Without this vacuum, their performance can be poor.
So which one is the best?
Each type of solar thermal collector has its strengths and weaknesses.
Try to analyze the features of both the collectors before making a final decision.
Flat panel solar collectors are ideal in areas that experience hot temperatures for long.
You should get evacuated tube collector if you live in an extremely cold area.
Do you want a system that can perform well all-round? Buy an evacuated tube collector.
Chapter 4: The Cost Of Flat Plate Solar water Heater
What is the cost of installing a flat plate solar thermal collector?
First, it is important to know that there is no fixed cost.
The cost of installing a flat panel solar system is determined by various factors.
It all starts with the initial solar water heater price.
This is the total amount of purchasing the system.
An 80L flat plate solar water heater costs $279 while that of 100L is $298.
This cost covers for all the key components of the system (control panel, tank, solar collectors, and pipes).
Also, the price may vary depending on the type and quality of the solar panel.
You will pay more to get a well-insulated and glazed flat panel thermal collector.
Is it possible to construct a DIY flat plate solar thermal collector?
If you have some engineering knowledge and skills, nothing should stop you.
You can design and construct a home-made flat plate thermal collector.
As expected, you will spend less on flat plate heat collector.
To be precise, the cost is even half of the price of buying the new collector.
However, if you are not sure about various technical features, it is advisable to get an expert.
Hiring an expert will save you from the risks that come with DIY.
You will also be assured of a reliable system that meets the set standards.
The Site Requirements for a Solar Plate Water Heater
The price difference can also be determined by the site requirements.
Yes, the nature of your building can have an impact on the overall cost of installation.
Does your site require sophisticated plumbing?
If yes, be sure to spend more on plumbing. This will end up affecting the total cost of the installation.
Also, a simple thing such as scaffolding can raise the cost of installation.
Size Factor: What is the Best Size of a Flat Plate Water Heater?
Does the size of flat panel matter?
First things first, when do we say that a flat plate water system is big or small?
When we talk of size, we refer to the water-holding capacity of the collector.
What quantity of water can the collector hold at a time?
The demand for hot water in the house will determine the size of the collector that you should buy.
The general rule of thumb is 1m2 for each person in the building.
This automatically means that for 6 people, you should get a 6m2 collector.
Does the size seem to be too big for your roof?
Don&#;t worry, there s always a way out.
The average size of most flat plate collectors ranges between 2-3m2.
To counter the effect of size, you can install 2 or even 3 collectors.
In addition to the size of the plates, you should also consider the capacity of holding tank.
It should be directly proportional to the size of the plate.
In other words, the bigger the plate, the larger the tank.
Cost-Saving Flat Panel Solar Heater
How will the flat plate thermal collector help me to save?
To answer this question, there are several things that we need to look at. They include:
-The initial cost of installation
-The energy efficiency of the property
-The total output of the system
-Your geographical location
-Your energy needs
Even with the above factors, it is crystal clear that you will spend less on energy bills.
This will happen especially if you have been using other sources of heat.
The solar flat plate is cheaper than electricity, gas, coal oil and even LPG.
Are you worried by the initial cost of installation?
Consider the amount that you will be able to save in the long run.
Summary on Flat Panel Heater Price
Item Volume Unit Price FOB QINGDAO Blue coated Split type Solar Panel Water Heater80LUSDLUSD298
ItemVolumeUnit Price FOB QINGDAOAll in one Solar Panel Water Heater180LUSD469
Chapter 5; How to Make Flat Plate Collector (DIY)
Sometimes it is economical to handle some tasks on your own.
Do you want to save on the cost of installing a flat plate solar collector?
Consider doing the job yourself.
You only need to get a few requirements.
With a few technical skills, the system will be up and running.
But, where should you start from?
Just follow these simple steps below.
Things You Will Need
Some of the things that you will need include:
- A plywood
- Solar cells
- Voltmeter
- Paint
- Soldering iron
- Screwdriver
- Saw
Step 1: Check the Solar Cells
Test and see if the solar cells that you have bought are in a proper working condition.
You can do the testing using a voltmeter.
While testing, ensure that you recorded the voltage of each solar cell.
Step 2: Trim the Plywood
Cut the plywood into the required size that will accommodate all the solar cells.
Which is the best shape?
There is no right shape for the wood. You can cut it into any shape that you want.
Keep in mind that the number of solar cells on the wood will be the heaters output energy.
Step 3: Varnish the Plywood
Apply the varnish on the wood to increase its durability.
Do not be in a haste. Wait till it dries up before you install the cells.
Step 4: Connect pipes that will flow in and out of the collector
Step 5: Cover the collector with a plexiglass
Step 6: Insulate the system by applying rags on the sides.
Chapter 6: Advantages and Disadvantages of Flat Plate Solar Thermal Collector
Are there any tangible gains of using flat plate solar water heater? What about the disadvantages?
To answer these hard-hitting questions, let&#;s look at the two sides of the product-advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages of Flat Plate Solar Heat Collector
- Save your Electricity Bills: Are you tired of paying exorbitant electricity bills? Solar heating is the way to go.
- Once you install the thermal collector, you won&#;t deal with regular energy bills.
- Easy to maintain: The thermal collectors attract very little maintenance costs.
Once you have installed, you will only be required to do some minor maintenance practices such as cleaning the glazer. - Highly Durable: If you are looking for a solution that will serve you for years, consider installing flat plate solar heater.
First, the product does not have moving parts. This means it is not affected by the effects of wear and tear.
Once you buy it, the device can serve you for up to 20 years. - Don&#;t Need to be Tracked: Flat panels absorb solar energy from all directions.
This means that you won&#;t have to track the position of the sun regularly. - Highly Efficient: Flat plate heaters have high energy efficiency rates.
They utilize at least 80% of the heat energy. - Weather Proof: The performance of a flat plate is not affected by the weather condition.
You can still get hot water during cold cloudy days. - Pollution-free: Are you keen on the issue of environmental conservation?
By using a flat plate solar panel, you will be contributing towards saving the environment.
The thermal collectors don&#;t emit pollution.
Disadvantages of Flat Plate Solar Thermal Collector
It is prudent that we look on the dark side of the flat plate solar thermal collector.
-High Initial Cost: The initial cost of purchasing and installing the heater can be quite high.
-Designed for water only: Flat plate solar thermal heater is designed for heating water only.
They cannot be used for any other purpose.
Chapter 7: How to Choose the Best Flat Plate Solar Thermal Manufacturer
You have made up your mind to purchase a flat plate solar thermal system.
What should you do to end up with the best manufacturer?
Here are the steps to follow:
- Compile a list of several manufacturers then start to analyze one after another
- Evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of each company
- Check the credentials of the companies as indicated on their respective websites
- Read the reviews of all the companies
- Request for a quotation
Try to be on the lookout for the best offers.
Chapter 8 Flat Plate Solar Thermal System Maintenance
Do you want your flat plate solar panel to last for ages? Maintain it well.
Regular inspection and maintenance practices will keep the system in perfect condition.
You can do some maintenance and inspection practices. Leave the complex ones for the qualified technician.
Here are the common flat plate panel inspection and maintenance practices:
- Clearing the collector off dust, soil, debris, and vegetation
- Looking for cracks on the glazing
- Inspecting pipes for leakages
- Inspecting pumps
- Topping up the antifreeze solution into the transfer fluid
- Inspecting and preventing rust and corrosion on metallic parts
Chapter 9 Cities in Southeast Asia that Use Flat Plate Solar Systems
Are flat plate solar thermal systems available in South East Asia?
Quite a number of cities in Southeast Asia have fully embraced flat plate solar systems.
Here is a summary of these cities.
9.1. Flat Plate Thermal Collector in Kuala Lumpur
This is the capital of Malaysia and occupies a total of 95 square miles.
The city has an advanced transport system. It is also a business center.
9.2. Flat Plate Water Heater in Bangkok
Bangkok is a popular tourist hub in Asia. It is the capital of Thailand
A good number of residential and commercial buildings depend on flat plate solar heater.
9.3. Flat Plate Water Heater in Jakarta
Jakarta is among the biggest cities in Indonesia. It is the most populous city in the whole of Southeast Asia.
Despite the high population, the city has managed to retain its green allure.
It has embraced solar energy to the fullest.
9.4. Flat Plate Collector in Hong Kong
I hope you don&#;t confuse Hong Kong to be an independent country.
The city is expansive and highly developed.
Hong Kong is a world known business hub.
Most buildings in this city are powered by solar energy.
9.5. Sai Gon
Sai Gon is the largest city in Vietnam.
Apart from being a political capital, it also has several tourist attractions.
The city is characterized by magnificent architectural designs.
Flat plate solar heating system is a common feature in most buildings.
9.6. Flat Plate Thermal Collector in Singapore
Singapore is off of the world&#;s fastest developing cities.
It hosts the world&#;s busiest seaport.
Singapore is also a tourist hub. The city attracts thousands of tourists every year.
9.7. Flat Plate Thermal Collector in Yangon
Yangon is the capital of Myanmar.
Despite being affected by political upheavals, the city has managed to remain a business hub.
It is characterized by magnificent temples and ancient buildings.
Chapter 10: Flat Plate Solar Thermal Collector FAQs
10.1. How does a flat plate solar thermal system work?
A flat plate panel is installed on the roof of your house.
The collector of this panel is a fluid which is supposed to be heated. This fluid is pumped from the tank to the coiled tube in the collector.
The heating cycle continues until the fluid is completely heated.
10.2. What is the difference between a flat plate and evacuated tube?
Evacuated tubes are designed for cold and cloudy days. Flat plates are designed to heat water during hot days.
When it comes to size, flat plates occupy more surface area than evacuated tubes.
10.3. Will flat plate heater will save my money?
Flat plate solar heater will help you save your money in many different ways.
First, you won&#;t have to pay for the regular energy bills which keep on going up.
Secondly, the heaters have minimal maintenance costs.
They can serve you for years before you repair or replace them.
10.4. Do flat plates produce heat during winter?
Your flat plate thermal collectors will still produce heat during winter.
They require sunlight rather than heat.
This means that you can still depend on your heater even during cold days.
10.5. How much space do I need for my flat plate solar water heater?
The total space will be determined by your energy needs.
If you are 3 people in the house, 4m2 will be enough for the system.
10.6. Must my roof face south?
It is advisable to install the solar thermal unit on a south-facing roof.
However, do not despair even if your roof does not face south.
Your flat plate thermal system will still work even if your roof is facing south-east and south-west
10.7. How long does it take to install flat solar water heater?
In most occasions, it will take two days to have a complete thermal system.
This installation will include plumbing and integration
However, the company that you choose can have an impact on the installation period.
10.8. Do I need permission to install flat plate thermal collector?
You don&#;t need any permission to install flat plate solar thermal collector.
In fact, governments encourage people to install them.
10.9. What is the difference between flat plate solar thermal collector and solar photovoltaics(PV)?
Flat plate solar thermal collector uses solar energy to heat water. On the other hand, PV systems use solar energy to produce electricity.
10.10. What Maintenance will my flat plate thermal system require?
Flat plate solar thermal systems require minimal maintenance.
One key maintenance practice is to top include antifreeze in the solar fluid.
You should also monitor the pressure of the system regularly. Probably after every four months.
10.11. What are the flat plate collectors made from?
Flat plate collectors are made from a translucent anti-reflex glass.
This type of glass is strong and resistant to the UV effects.
Conclusion
What else do you want to know about flat plate solar thermal collector?
We have covered all the vital aspects of this water heating device.
The only thing that remains is to buy and install it at your house.
Do not be in a rush to make a purchase.
Take your time to analyze your needs. You will then be in a better position to choose the right system.
Do you have adequate space for the solar heating system?
Check on the space requirements of the flat plate solar heater before bringing it home.
If you are not sure of anything about the thermal heater, don&#;t hesitate to hire a professional.
You will receive adequate guidance on everything, starting from the purchase to the installation.
The company is the world’s best commercial solar roofing supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.
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