3 ms·
There are solutions in the market for this. The heat recovery system is filled with glycol solution, which means it doesn't freeze over even if left unpowered d
by Maakuth 3y ago
There are solutions in the market for this. The heat recovery system is filled with glycol solution, which means it doesn't freeze over even if left unpowered during sub-zero outside temperature. Then there's a temperature sensor and a control unit that only runs the pump when the fluid in the panels is warmer than the warm water accumulator of the home heating system.
The heat collectors are vacuum insulated, so provided with enough solar radiation, they will work even when it's very cold outside. These systems work okay for example here in Finland. Of course it's a limiting factor that you normally need the heating most when the solar radiation is at the minimum. If you've got a swimming pool or some other use for the hot water during the summer, it's a good deal.
- robertlagrant 3y ago> the warm water accumulator of the home heating system I'm not sure how this would work in a modern UK heating system - there is no warm water accumulator to my knowledge.
- Maakuth 3y agoI suppose a modern gas or oil burner doesn't need one. But this sort of solar based heater as well as ground-source heat pumps typically would need it. They are not very expensive however, as they are just heat-insulated tanks of water. Of course space requirements and such might rule out adding one in many cases.
- robertlagrant 3y agoI think it's more - how do you hook it up with the rest of your water?
- Maakuth 3y agoThe gas boiler has a small tank where the radiator circuit's water is heated. Warm water accumulator is analogous to making this tank larger. The radiator connections would be moved to the big tank and the boiler would be made to warm that tank. Perhaps typical combination boiler isn't optimal for this setup, so incorporating other heat sources might be best timed when the boiler is due for replacement anyway.