Closed Loop Solar Water Heater

Here s how a solar powered water heater works.

Closed loop solar water heater.

Closed loop active antifreeze systems are the most versatile and failsafe of all the solar supplemental water heating systems. The heated water is then stored in a tank sent to a tankless water heater or used directly. Most new solar homes feature a variation of one kind or another. Closed loop and drainback solar water heaters drainback and closed loop systems provide freeze protection for year round operation in cold climates.

Closed loop solar heating system. A special water heater tank incorporating a heat exchanger works in conjunction with one or more flat plate roof mounted collectors. They are more complex but within the capability of many diyers. Heat exchangers in the storage tank eliminate a pump but make eventual tank replacement more.

Closed loop solar water heaters have few limitations with collector placement the collector loop is antifreeze filled and are permanently charged. When the controller senses that the sun is shining and your tank needs a warm up it signals the pump to send water through the black collector panels. Propylene glycol and the new bio green are common antifreeze materials we have several options for exchanging the heat to the clean domestic hot water. Freeze protection is necessary in cold climates.

Closed loop or indirect systems use a non freezing liquid to transfer heat from the sun to water in a storage tank. These systems are preferable in climates where it rarely freezes. Closed loop solar water heater systems sometimes referred to as anti freeze or glycol systems include the heat collectors insulated piping a circulating pump an expansion tank a hot water storage tank a heat exchanger solar fluid usually a solution of water and nontoxic propylene glycol antifreeze a controller valves and gauges.