7/23/13

How Flat Plate Liquid Collectors Work

Home solar power Nationwide Home Solar Power Contractors and Information Search our web site
Submit

Home Solar Blog Solar Rebates Get Estimates About Contact Us Home :: Residential Solar Power Library :: Thermal Energy :: Space Heating :: Active Space Heating :: Collectors :: Flat plate Liquid Solar Collectors

Flat plate Liquid Solar Collectors

In active solar space heating, the collector is a main component in the process. There are different types of collectors, but for the purposes of this article, we are going to focus on the flat-plate collector. What is a flat-plate collector? Flat-plate collectors are actually quite simple. They consist of an insulated metal box covered with a glass or plastic cover called glazing. Within the box, is a dark-colored absorber plate that is made out of a metal heat conductor and painted black to absorb and trap more heat. The absorber plate then transfers the heat to either air or liquid. Lying beside the absorber plate, are tubes that contain either water or air. How does a liquid flat-plate collector work? A flat-plate liquid collector works by transferring the heat gathered from the absorber plate to the liquid flowing through the tubes attached to the plate. A pump within the collector re-circulates this liquid throughout the tubes allowing it to absorb as much heat as possible. What is the difference between the two forms of liquid systems? There can be two different forms of liquid systems: the open-loop system, or the type that requires a heattransfer fluid. The open-loop system is the most direct. The water is heated and then flows directly to the point of use. The heat-transfer method requires the use of an antifreeze liquid that is heated from the collector and then moved to a heat exchanger. The heat exchanger is connected to a storage tank which uses the heated anti-freeze to heat water. This seems like an extra, unnecessary step; but in actuality, allows you to have more hot water readily available than the open-loop system. You can possibly have hot water after dark as well with the use of a storage tank.
solar.calfinder.com/library/thermal/space-heating/active-thermal-heat/heat-collectors/liquid-flat-plate 1/3

7/23/13

How Flat Plate Liquid Collectors Work

If you are ready to save on your energy bill, a solar-heated water system may be a good place to start. Request free estimates from prescreened solar installers in your area. Flat Plate Liquid Collectors / Flat Plate Air Collectors Interested in Home Solar Energy? Fill in your details below and certified solar contractors will give you FREE estimates. What type of Solar Energy services are you interested in? * Solar Electrical First Name * Last Name * Zipcode * Provide a valid 5 digit U.S. zipcode Phone * Please include your area code E-Mail *
Get Free Estimates

Solar Blog Amid Protests, Fate of German Solar Industry Remains Unclear Sharp Introduces Solar Panels You Can Snap into Place Can 3-D Solar Cells Deliver Revolutionary Efficiency? More Solar Posts Subscribe to the Solar Power Blog Solar Library Articles

Photovoltaic Cells Types of Solar Cells Solar Roof Tiles, The Attractive Alternative to Solar Panels One Passive Heating Technique that's Well Worth It, Solar Water Walls Thin-film Solar Cells | Home Solar Power Make Room for Solar Hot Water with Thermal Expansion Tanks

Here is what some folks have said about CalFinder Contractors:

solar.calfinder.com/library/thermal/space-heating/active-thermal-heat/heat-collectors/liquid-flat-plate 2/3

7/23/13

How Flat Plate Liquid Collectors Work

I am very happy with the system, very good people & would recommend them to anyone. Al & Sandy, Potsdam, NY We are very pleased with Acro Electric. The entire process from estimate to completion of job was smooth and entirely stress free. They came out, took a look at what we had, and were very willing to work with us on just what our project required. There was never any pressure and they never attempted to sell us on anything out of our needs. This company has integrity, and thats rare. I would certainly recommend them to anyone who wants only to deal with a reliable, honest company. In fact, I have their advertisement sign in the front of our home. Mr. Stuit, Oakdale, California

Home Solar Help Center

Ask the Solar Pros Solar Incentives and Rebates

Ask the Contractor

How does solar power work? How efficient is solar power? What are the disadvantages of solar power? Why is solar power better than other energy? Follow us on Twitter Become a fan on Facebook

Main Navigation
Home Solar Rebates Get Estimates Contact Us

Site Map
Magazine Solar Blog Solar Library Ask a Contractor Solar Contractors Solar Panels Copyright 2011 CalFinder Contractors. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms and Conditions

solar.calfinder.com/library/thermal/space-heating/active-thermal-heat/heat-collectors/liquid-flat-plate

3/3