Autumn is in full swing which means winter is close by. Here at E3 Power, we are happy to help you make your Colorado home comfortable. This may mean supplying your home with energy or even answering questions you may have about a DIY project.
What is Solar Heating?
Solar energy uses the renewable energy system collecting energy from the sun. The solar energy is then used to heat a medium, whether its liquid or air. Then, the converted energy is transferred to a storage system or an interior space for later use.
If adequate space heating is not available, a backup system would provide the additional heating needed. When storage is included, liquid systems are more often used. Forced air systems can be supplemented by either liquid or air solar heating.
Storing Heat in Liquid Systems
When using a tank-type storage system, the heat from working fluid will transfer to a distribution fluid. This turns into a heat exchanger which is outside or inside the tank itself. The solar heat is stored in a tank of water or in the masonry mass.
Depending on the overall design of the system, the tanks can be pressurized or unpressurized. When you are choosing a type of storage tank, take into account the size, cost, durability, and location. Research how you will install the tank and it will be constructed at your location as many tanks will not fit in average doorways.
Liquid Systems Heat Distribution
When incorporating a liquid system into a forced-air heating system, there are several options. The idea is to place the exchanger in the main room-air return duct before it reaches the furnace. As returning air from the living space is heated, it passes over the solar heated liquid in the heat exchanger.
Heat is additionally supplied by the furnace as it sees necessary. To transfer a sufficient amount of heat to the air, the coil must be large enough to do so. This is to keep the lowest operating temperature going to the collector.
Types of Systems to Distribute Solar Heat
There are a few types of systems you can use to distribute your solar heating. They include:
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Radiant floor – solar-heated liquid circulates through the pipes which are embedded in the floor. They then radiate heat to the room. This is ideal for liquid solar systems due to being to work well with low temperatures.
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Radiators and hot water baseboards – both of these systems require water to be between 160 degrees and 180 degrees to be able to effectively heat a room. A full surface area would be required to have enough space for either of these systems.
Based on the size of your space and personal preference, you could decide which system would work best for you.
Room Air Heaters
You can have an air collector installed on a roof of your establishment or even on an exterior wall of a room if you are heating a room or more. You can have this professionally installed. Someone who likes to do it themselves could build this for a few hundred dollars. An existing window opening could even be used as a window box collector.
There is an airtight metal frame that is also insulated to absorb the heat that is coming from it. The solar radiation will let the heat then turn the air in the collector. A blower will then pull the air from the room through the collector and blow it back in the room.
Give Us a Call
At E3 Power, it is our goal to help our neighbors with energy. We are also here to help you answer any questions related to solar heating. Call us today and let us help you!
