Solar Thermal Systems
A solar thermal system uses solar radiation to produce thermal energy: it heats up the intermediate heat transfer fluid (glycol water) within a closed hydronic circuit and transfers heat through a heat exchanger, by heating water for domestic use and/or for the building’s heating system
Technological evolution and the threat of atmospheric pollution, caused by the use of fossil fuels, has encouraged general research and development aimed at producing and using clean and renewable thermal energy with a very low environmental impact
The solar collector converts the energy produced by the sun, as soon as it reaches the solar panel, into thermal energy thanks to the greenhouse effect that is achieved inside of it
Natural or Forced Circulation?
Solar systems are divided into two large families: natural circulation solar systems and forced circulation systems
Natural Circulation
Natural circulation systems exploit the principle of fluid convection; the fluid decreases its weight as it heats up and triggers a convective motion from the bottom to the top. This system requires that the storage tank be positioned above the panel itself to reach maximum efficiency
Forced Circulation
Forced circulation systems provide for the use of mechanical devices for the circulation of the fluid and adjustment and control systems for the management of flow rates and exchange temperatures, determining the thermal power output and the performance of the solar system