Solar Hot Water Technology
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The first step towards energy efficiency at your premises would involve installing a high performance solar hot water system. SHGL will install our innovative evacuated tube solar water system, which has been proven to deliver on average 80% of hot water demand throughout the year.
Robust and Versatile
This technology is reliable and durable, well suited for the harsh Australian climate. These systems can be retrofitted to existing tanks or integrated into new developments. The design of the collectors will allow installation on Eastern or Western roofs with only a slight drop in performance. Independent testing has established that evacuated tube technology is superior in performance to traditional flat plate systems by approximately 40%. This is especially important during the winter months where demand for heating energy peaks.
SHGL will design a specific system which will factor in the maximum demand, average insolation1 and other local climatic variables.
Advantage over Traditional Flat Panel Systems
The evacuated tube system differs to traditional flat panel systems as it does not heat water directly within the tubes. The heat energy is created via a collecting absorber inside a vacuum tube and transferred indirectly via a copper heat pipe into a manifold where the water flows into a storage tank(s) for use throughout the building.
Double Glazed for Heat Retention
Essentially the tubes behave like a double glazed window and trap heat within the cylinder, which triggers a natural convection for heat transfer. For optimum performance they must be installed at a angle between 25 & 35 degrees. The tubes are manufactured from tough borosilicate2 glass which has a high transmittance for solar irradiation3
Advantage of an Evacuated Tube
The evacuation of air contained in the tubes, reduces the air density, which inhibits the absorbed heat from leaving the tube. The integrity of the vacuum seal is maintained by a patented silver coating at the bottom end. This serves two purposes, firstly it absorbs any gases which may ultimately enter the tube which ensures a minimum lifespan of 15 years without a drop in performance. Secondly, if the vacuum is compromised due to breakage then the rare metal coating turns white indicating a malfunction allowing the maintenance staff to easily replace the tube.
Heat Transfer Mechanism
The heat absorbed by the collectors is transferred to the water via a copper heat bulb, that is inserted into a 'header' pipe contained inside a heavily insulated durable manifold. The water is then transferred to your storage vessel(s)4 for distribution around the building.
Boosted for your Convenience
As a precaution for high demand applications we will backup the system with an alternative energy source such as gas or electricity.
Tolerant in Extreme Conditions
The solar harvest system is designed to cope with lack use for long periods so will suit the seasonal fluctuations of holiday areas. This system is extremely well suited to colder regions and will not require antifreeze for continued function. In extremely cold climates with little low levels or solar irradiance we recommend a closed loop5 installation.
[1] solar radiation received at the earth's surface
[2] Borosilicate glass is a type of heat-resistant glass, the same used in Pyrex cookware
[3] Incoming solar radiation
[4] Container for holding liquid in this case hot water
[5] 'Closed loop' concerning hot water systems refers to a heat exchange system where two bodies of liquid exchange temperature without directly contacting or mixing. Tanks or vessels can be manufactured with a coil inside that allows hot water to continuously flow through. This coil is surrounded by potable water used in showers etc. Closed loop systems are suitable for colder climates to avoid extensive heat loss.