Solar radiation is being used more and more often as a source of heat. Besides being available without limit and placing no burden on the environment, solar energy also significantly reduces the cost of heating water or heating rooms. Manufacturers of heating systems have this in mind too, and make it possible to combine their systems with solar panels so that you can heat your domestic hot water and the whole heating system, even in winter.
How solar heating works
Solar collectors absorb solar radiation, which heats a special heat-transfer fluid. A pump then carries the fluid to the heat exchanger of the solar cylinder, where the heat is transferred to the stored hot water. If there is not enough sunshine to heat the water, the existing heating system tops its temperature up to the required value. The fluid heated in the collectors can, however, also be used to support the heating.
An indispensable part in the whole process is also played by the solar pipe. It is used to carry water from the cylinder up to the solar panels on the roof. It is also an essential component for connecting the solar collectors and the hot water cylinder. When the solar system is idle in summer because all the solar cylinders are fully heated, the solar pipes can reach temperatures of up to 180°C. For that reason only copper, steel or stainless steel pipes are permitted.
Solar pipe and its properties
Solar twin pipe is made of flexible stainless steel. It serves as the pipework through which water or antifreeze fluid circulates as the solar medium. The fluid is heated by the solar collectors on the roof of the house and carried by a pump to the heat exchanger of the solar cylinder. So that the twin pipe can withstand even extreme temperatures, it has been developed for use in a temperature range from -40 to +160°C.
Solar twin pipe is highly flexible and adaptable, which makes it ideal for connecting the collectors and the cylinder even through old, disused chimneys or ventilation shafts. The pipe also comes with black solar insulation in two thicknesses: 13 or 18 millimetres. Its surface is protected by rubber insulation wrapped in a tough plastic film. Every solar twin pipe also includes a cable for connecting the sensor on the collector.
How to choose correctly
If you are not sure what to go by when choosing the size of solar twin pipe, remember that the diameter of the solar pipework is determined by the number of solar collectors. Pipe of size DN16, 15 metres long, can therefore be used for a solar set with a volume of up to 300 litres and no more than three collectors. If you have a larger cylinder or at least four collectors, you should choose the DN20 twin pipe, 20 metres long. Whatever the size of the solar twin pipe, the pack supplied also contains installation couplings, four nuts, a seal and a flaring screw. This lets you form the end of the pipe and fit the nuts onto it. For DN16 solar pipe the nuts are three-quarter inch, and for DN20 twin pipe they are 1 inch.
You can order solar twin pipes in various sizes. Separate stainless steel pipe, known as single pipe, is also available and is used for drinking water supply. It comes with its own nuts and a special flaring screw. Do not hesitate to consult our specialists, who will advise you even in the case of a non-standard requirement. They are waiting for your questions at info@atria.sk.