Solar Water Heater Glossary

A

  • Absorber Plate: The dark-colored metal plate in the solar collector that absorbs solar radiation and transfers the heat to the fluid inside.

  • Active Solar Heating System: A solar heating system that uses mechanical components such as pumps and controllers to circulate fluid.

B

  • Backup Heater: A conventional electric or gas water heater used to provide hot water when solar energy is insufficient.

C

  • Circulation Pump: A pump that moves the heat-transfer fluid or water through the solar collector and storage tank.

  • Collector (Solar Collector): The component of a solar water heating system that captures sunlight and converts it into heat.

  • Closed-Loop System: A system where the heat-transfer fluid circulates in a closed circuit, separated from the potable water.

D

  • Direct System: A solar water heater system where the potable water is heated directly in the solar collector.

E

  • Evacuated Tube Collector: A type of solar collector made of rows of glass tubes that are vacuum-insulated for high efficiency.

  • Expansion Tank: A tank used to absorb the increase in water volume caused by heating.

F

  • Flat-Plate Collector: A common type of solar collector that has a flat absorbing surface and a transparent cover.

G

  • Glycol: An antifreeze fluid used in closed-loop systems to prevent freezing in colder climates.

H

  • Heat Exchanger: A device that transfers heat between two fluids without mixing them.

  • Heat Transfer Fluid (HTF): A liquid (often glycol-water mix) that circulates through the system to carry heat from the collector to the water storage tank.

I

  • Indirect System: A system where a heat-transfer fluid, not the domestic water, passes through the collector and heats the water via a heat exchanger.

  • Insulation: Material used to reduce heat loss from pipes, tanks, or collectors.

L

  • Legionella: A type of bacteria that can grow in warm water systems; proper temperature regulation is essential to prevent its growth.

M

  • Mixing Valve (Tempering Valve): A valve that mixes cold water with hot to ensure safe water temperature at the tap.

O

  • Open-Loop System: A solar heating system in which the potable water is circulated directly through the collector.

P

  • Photovoltaic Panel (PV Panel): Not part of a solar water heater but often confused; it converts sunlight into electricity, not heat.

  • Pressurized System: A system where the water pressure is maintained by the supply network, offering better performance.

S

  • Solar Controller: An electronic device that regulates the pump operation based on temperature differences between the collector and tank.

  • Solar Fraction: The portion of total hot water heating provided by solar energy.

  • Solar Storage Tank: A tank that stores the hot water heated by the solar system.

  • Stratification: The layering of water in the tank by temperature, with hotter water at the top.

T

  • Thermosiphon System: A passive system where water circulates naturally due to temperature differences (without a pump).

V

  • Vacuum Tube: A component of evacuated tube collectors that provides excellent insulation and efficient heat capture.

Solar Water Heater Glossary

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