| Thermomax
solar collectors convert direct and diffused solar radiation
into heat. They efficiently collect and transfer this energy
through a collector plate and ‘heat-pipe’ in an
evacuated glass tube, to a highly insulated manifold heat exchanger.
The collector plate has a special wavelength ‘selective’ coating
using a semi-conductor layer. This special absorber material
converts the maximum amount of solar radiation into heat. Infra
red rays which can pass through clouds are also absorbed and
converted into usable heat. Transfer of heat from the absorber
plate to the water is via an efficient and very fast heat conductor,
the heat-pipe’. This has a very low heat capacity but
an exceptionally rapid conductivity. The |
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provides the system with a diode function, i.e. heat
transfer is always in one direction – from the
absorber to the water and never the reverse. Due to
the physical properties of the ‘heat- |
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pipe’ fluid
and the special construction of the condenser, the maximum
working temperature of the sytem can be controlled. This unique
feature eliminates the need for complicated controls and ensures
safety in the system. The special fluid inside the ‘heat-pipe’ evasporates
when heated, transferring heat energy to its top. The vapor
condenses inside a special condenser and the fluid then returns
to its original position, at the bottom of the ‘heat-pipe’,
due to its gravity and the cycle is repeated continuously.
The vacuum in the glass tube, being the best possible insulation
for a solar collector, suppresses heat losses and also protects
the absorber plate and the heat-pipe from external adverse
conditions. This results in exceptional performance far superior
to any other type of solar collector. |
