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Heat pipe panel The most advanced solar system on the market. The heat pipe tubes as, detailed above are inserted into a small diameter header manifold which contains a reduced quantity of water (1.5 litres). This allows very efficient collection of even the smallest amount of energy which can then be stored in a well insulated tank removed from the elements and providing an airing cupboard inside. The panels can then be situated anywhere and cause the least visual impact (particularly on pitched roof installations). Also the ease of interconnectivity means that 2 or more panels connected in series can cater for larger households or further applications including space heating (underfloor or conventional radiator systems) and swimming pool and hot tub heating.
Key Benefits
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The
heat pipe (copper insert inside the vacuum tubes) is in itself a hollow tube,
with a partial vacuum inside.
In this instance
the vacuum is not for insulation purposes, but to reduce the boiling temperature
of the fluid inside (water and a non toxic additive). The fluid boils at
approximately 30 C and the vapor rapidly rises to the bulb at the very top of
the tube. It then condenses as it is cooled by the water in the tank releasing
the heat energy (latent heat of evaporation) and returns to the bottom to once
again repeat the process.
The Resol controller constantly measures
the temperature difference between the tank and the header manifold. When a
certain temperature differential is achieved, the controller switches on a
circulation pump which transfers the heat energy to the tank via an internal
heat exchanger. This optimises the efficiency of the system by keeping relative
temperatures at their lowest. Although there is a requirement for a constant
electrical supply, the actual power usage of the pump and controller is very low
(less than 50 watts) meaning that it is suitable for solar/ wind powered
installations.