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Domestic hot water heating with passive air collectors

Journal Article · · Southwest Bull., N.M. Sol. Energy Assoc.; (United States)
OSTI ID:5380457

Natural convection air collectors for solar heating of domestic hot water are considered a feasible alternative to liquid collector and storage systems. When utilizing passive air collectors for water heating, the water storage design must have a large surface area for heat transfer. Water storage options with good heat transfer considered include a tank with a heat exchange coil, a finned tank, and a multiple pipe configuration. For a multiple tube or finned tank system, the collector may be integrated into the roof attic rafters with pipe storage just beneath the peak, or, where roofs are metal, the collector may utilize the metal roof as the absorber. In the latter system, vents are cut in the roof and the area is single or double glazed. In one system, a center-glazed U-tube design is used with external storage added above the existing roof, this design elevates the storage which can enhance operation on low pitched roofs and leaves the roof essentially intact.

OSTI ID:
5380457
Journal Information:
Southwest Bull., N.M. Sol. Energy Assoc.; (United States), Journal Name: Southwest Bull., N.M. Sol. Energy Assoc.; (United States) Vol. 4:3; ISSN SNMAD
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English