Low Cost Solar Thermal System

Completed

Energy Efficiency(Residential and commercial)
Renewable Energy Sources(Solar Energy, Solar heating and cooling (including daylighting))

Applied Research and Development
Final stage Development and Demonstration

PHYSICAL SCIENCES AND MATHEMATICS (Chemistry)
PHYSICAL SCIENCES AND MATHEMATICS (Physics)
ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY (General Engineering and Mineral & Mining Engineering)

Not Cross-cutting

Project Contact
Soltropy Limited

Collaborative Research & Development

Innovate UK

01 May 2015

30 April 2016

12 months

£84,704

Scotland

Competition Call: 1405_CRD_ENE_GEN_ENCATESR1 - Not Available. Activity Energy Catalyst Rnd 1 Early Stage

Project Contact, Soltropy Limited

Project Contact, Heriot-Watt University

Most solar thermal systems in Northern Europe have a separate antifreeze filled loop for protection against freezing and require a new tank fitted with a heat exchanger. When retrofitting to existing homes this means that a perfectly good tank (usually copper) needs to be replaced. We have developed an innovative solution that allows a domestic water supply to be heated directly, without the secondary fluid cycle. This increases the efficiency of the system and reduces capital and installation costs. Our solution allows the system to freeze but cause no system damage by using a compressible closed cell silicone sponge tube within an outer copper pipe. When it freezes the compressible tube takes up the expansion due to the ice and prevents pressure build up and damage to the system. This study will optimise the control strategies.Most solar thermal systems in Northern Europe have a separate antifreeze filled loop for protection against freezing and require a new tank fitted with a heat exchanger. When retrofitting to existing homes this means that a perfectly good tank (usually copper) needs to be replaced. We have developed an innovative solution that allows a domestic water supply to be heated directly, without the secondary fluid cycle. This increases the efficiency of the system and reduces capital and installation costs. Our solution allows the system to freeze but cause no system damage by using a compressible closed cell silicone sponge tube within an outer copper pipe. When it freezes the compressible tube takes up the expansion due to the ice and prevents pressure build up and damage to the system. This study will optimise the control strategies.

08/10/15