focus on installation - sun & wind energy · focus on installation a t the start of the year,...

Sun & Wind Energy 4/201248

Solar thermal thermoSiphoniC SyStemS

Focus on installation

A t the start of the year, SUN & WIND ENERGY asked manufacturers of thermosiphonic sys-tems around the world about their innova-

tions except for Chinese manufacturers of systems with vacuum tubes (a special report on these will ap-pear in a forthcoming issue). 47 companies in total provided technical data for this product overview (see table on page 52) while several more only provided information on new products and market trends.

The market for solar plants is dominated by ther-mosiphonic systems in most parts of the world. Only in Europe and North America are forced systems pri-

Installation of thermosiphonic systems should require as little specialist

knowledge as possible. For this reason, simplified installation systems are

in great demand at present. There is also a trend towards large systems

with capacities greater than 300 L.

marily installed. Like in Serbia for instance, as Nikola Nikolic from the Serbian manufacturer Elsol Serbia re-ports: “We have very few thermosiphonic systems. Because in Serbia, the winter is known for being very harsh and we usually have forced systems. We do however sell and install thermosiphonic systems for summerhouses where these systems are used in summer time only.”

When it comes to the question of whether ther-mosiphonic systems will continue to dominate most markets in the future too, the industry is far from unit-ed. “High-quality thermosiphonic systems still occu-

Richworld Renewables has developed a particu-larly installation-friendly series.

Photo: Richworld Renewables

Sun & Wind Energy 4/2012 49

py a strong position on the market but pumped sys-tems are gaining in market share in some regions,” says Robert Frazer, International Manager at Edwards Solar in Australia. Kostas Ploumitsakos, Plant Manag-er at the Greek manufacturer Nobel Xilinakis D. & Co, also detects a swing toward forced systems at the ex-pense of thermosiphonic systems.

Other Greek companies have a different experi-ence of the market, however. Export Coordinator Miriam Martinez of Sole S.A. and Export Manager Harry Michalopoulos of Sammler S.A. report that the market share for thermosiphonic systems is increas-ing in markets where their companies are active.

Suchitra Ramachandraiah, Brand Manager at the Indian manufacturer Emmvee Solar Systems Pvt. Ltd., assumes that “in developing countries like India, ther-mosiphonic systems will continue to dominate the market at a ratio of 70:30.” And Ayub Sabah, Foreign Trade Manager at the Turkish manufacturer Derya Güneş Kollektörleri A.S., also adds: “We are seeing an increase in the demand for thermosiphonic systems in the market, especially in Middle Eastern markets.”

150 litres are standard

Costas Travasaros of Prime Laser Tech, the Greek ab-sorber manufacturer, supplies many manufacturers of thermosiphonic systems and has thus been moni-toring the industry for a long time. He summarises the technical trends of the past few years as follows: “The market trend toward thermosiphonic systems is for closed loop systems with capacities of about 150 litres.” The system includes a Solar Keymark- certified collector and an absorber with a highly se-lective coating. Most plants are installed on flat roofs but, generally speaking, the installation systems also allow installation on inclined roofs. “Storage covers tend to range from stainless steel to light coloured pre-painted steel or aluminium. 4 kW of electric ele-ment is considered standard,” says Travasaros.

In areas where frosty nights occur frequently or where there is a danger of collector pipes corroding due to the water quality, closed systems are very pop-ular. Over the past few months, Şimşek Günes Kollektörleri San.Tic.Ltd.Şti. from Turkey has devel-oped a new system with an enclosed solar circuit. The tank’s double coating separates the solar water circuit and the domestic water circuit with this and acts as a heat exchanger. There is also a new closed loop sys-tem with a 150 L capacity double jacket tank from China. This has been launched by the flat plate collec-tor specialist Shenzhen Prosunpro Solar Energy Co.

New collectors

A year ago, lowering costs was the driving force behind the development of new solar water heaters (see S&WE 4/2011, page 58). Today, manufacturers have also been improving the cost of their thermosiphonic sys-tems. Astersa Aplicaciones Solares SA from Spain has developed a lower-cost collector, which is neverthe-less more efficient. The installation system is available

http://www.ezinc.com.tr



from Astersa both in high- quality aluminium and in less expensive, galvanised steel.

Nobel’s new Aelios sys-tem is available in four ver-sions: Aelios CuS, CuB, ALS and ALB. The last two are par-ticularly special as Nobel uses all-aluminium absorbers on these. Both the absorber plate and the absorber pipe are made of low-cost light alloy. With the ALS, the plate has a highly-selective coating while the ALB includes solar paint.

Bosch Thermotechnik GmbH from Germany is repre-sented worldwide with brands like Buderus, Junkers or Vul-cano. The company has fitted its TSS150 and TSS200 sys-tems with an improved instal-lation system made from alu-minium. In addition, new col-lectors have been integrated, which produce the same yield across a small area as the old, large collectors.

Other manufacturers have also been integrating new col-lectors into their systems. Sigma SA from Greece is now using larger flat plate collec-tors while the Solar Polar Co. from Iran has also come up with some new models: “We’ve launched a new flat plate collector model called Elite with greater optical effi-ciency,” explains CEO Hossein

Astersa uses a new collector.Thermosiphonic system with improved installation system by Cosmosolar

Eurosun now uses a safety valve in its system.

The Aelios by Nobel is also available with a full aluminium absorber.

New thermosiphonic systems

Riahi. The company has revised the stand-frame de-sign of its existing thermosiphonic systems.

Contrary to the trend, several companies are count-ing on fin absorbers. One example of this is Nur Solar Systems from Jordan. “We changed our absorber plate from a single flat piece to several fins each attached to one tube,” reports Laith Zatar, Administrative Assist-ant at Nur Solar Systems. The reason is: “This increas-es the absorptivity and thus the efficiency.” Although full-surface absorbers have become the norm to a great extent, there is still no agreement on whether fin absorbers or full-surface absorbers are generally bet-ter. Parameters such as the tube diameter, tube dis-tances, metal thicknesses and flow speeds certainly play a much greater role in efficiency than the shape of the absorber plate. With Hanania, a brand by the Ideal Solar Energy Co. Ltd., also from Jordan, the absorber on its new Hc-Copper collector also uses fins.

Both companies make their systems available as closed loop or open systems. Open systems, where domestic water is heated directly in the collector, are less cost-intensive versions of thermosiphonic sys-tems. This is a type that is preferred in Mexico and Brazil for instance. “We launched a special thermosi-phonic system for low-income houses with a small water tank for supply of cold water to the system,” ex-plains Frederico Dantas, Operations Director at Tuma Industrial in Brazil. “This water tank is required to re-duce the operating pressure of the system and there-by drive down the price.” The Axol series from Módulo Solar, S.A. de C.V. in Mexico is another open design. The new Axol Concept 2.0 models are distinguished by their upgradable installation system.

Improved tanks

Sunny Aqua from NRG Technologists Pvt Ltd in India is designed for markets that do not have access to a municipal water supply and have to rely on ground water which has high TDS levels and high levels of

Solar water heater with 30 tubes by Altawfeer


The Axol Concept 2.0 with a new type of collector by Módulo Solar All photos: manufacturers

chlorides. To guarantee a long-lasting system under such conditions, NRG Technologists have come up with a special tank design. “We designed a tank with a greater thickness than the usual 3.0 mm tanks. The tanks are flanged at both ends for efficient internal treatment and a longer service life,” says Marketing Director Chaitanya Yardi.

Baymak Mak. San. ve Tic. A.Ş. from Turkey is cur-rently working on a new type of thermosiphonic sys-tem. According to Deputy Export Manager Taçnur Yılmaz Evinsel, the design of the tank sets it apart from previous products. The manageress wouldn’t re-veal just what is new about it, however.

The yield of a good thermosiphonic system can differ considerably from that of a poor one. Important factors are the absorber coating and tank insulation. There are many other aspects besides, how-ever. The entire system has to be protected from heat losses. The EN12976 system test, which is conducted by independent insti-tutes, enables an objective comparison of yields. The calculation is made on the basis of characteristic values measured for annual yield, which the system would supply with a specific water con-sumption of 140 L/d in sites such as Athens. This results in the so-lar coverage percentage. This is the percentage that does not have to be covered by additional heating such as an electrical heating rod.

The SECUterm system by the German manufacturer Wagner & Co (see S&WE 6/2010, page 54) attains a coverage of 78 %. According to Wagner & Co, that is currently the best calculated value and is achieved thanks to universal insulation of the system. The return flow tube is integrated in the collector for example, which prevents reverse circulation at night time too. Good insulation also has a dis-advantage, however. As soon as the tank is full, the system heats up to a high temperature. To prevent hot water vapour being emit-ted, a thermostat valve is installed in the supply line, which stops circulation during stagnation phases.

How does the system perform?

http://www.solartech.com.my



Manufacturer Product Type of system

Collector surface [m2]

Type of collector Absorber coatings

Volume of tank [litres]

Tank material Tank insulation [mm]

Piping Piping insulation

Frame material Mounting system

Empty weight [kg]

Electric ele-ment [kW]

Testing norm Warranty [years]

Final custo-mer price [€]

Available in

A Atual, Brazil A Atual 200 open 2.4 flat plate paint 200 StS PU (30) n/a yes aluminium flat 56 2.5 Inmetro 6 875 n/a

Altawfeer, Syria ALT 330 open 4.2 water in tube blue 250 StS PU (50) - - galvanized free 119 1.5 / 2.5 3 EN 12976 5 460 10 Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, Algeria, Armenia

Ariston Thermo, Italy Kairos Thermo 150-1 closed 2.0 flat plate paint 150 enamelled PU (45) copper yes galvanized flat 113 1.5 3 EN 12976 4 5 1,600 Italy, Spain, Portugal, Africa

Astersa, Spain AS-150HPE closed 1.8 flat plate blue 145 enamelled PU (40) StS yes aluminium flat 120 2.5 EN 12976 4 5 1,610 worldwide

Baymak, Turkey 2KEssential X-300 closed 4.0 flat plate blue 305 enamelled PU (37) copper, StS yes galvanized/ aluminium flat/pitched 230 2 n/a 4 10 n/a Mediterranean, Far East

Bosch Thermotechnik, Germany

TSS200 closed 2.1 flat plate chrome 195 enamelled PU (50) EPDM yes StS flat/pitched 78 2 n/a 4 6 n/a worldwide

Calpak, Greece Calpak Mark3 200/2,5 closed 2.5 flat plate 2 paint 200 enamelled PU (35 up to 50) copper yes galvanized all 155 3.5 EN 12976, EN 12897 4

5 n/a Japan

Chiryu Heater, Japan 250S-4 open 4.0 flat plate paint 230 PE EPS (30) galvanized n/a StS all 124 no JIS 5 2,125 Japan

Chromagen, Israel TSA150 closed 2.0 flat plate blue 150 enamelled PU (40) copper, StS yes galvanized/ aluminium flat/pitched 130 2.5 3 n/a 5 n/a worldwide

CMG Solari, Italy NEW EFFICIENT HORIZON TP200 closed 2.5 flat plate blue 200 StS n/a (60) copper yes galvanized flat/pitched 125 1.5 3 EN-12975 5 n/a Europe, northern Africa, South America

Cosmosolar, Greece EGLK –GLK 200/2.58 closed 2.6 flat plate blue 186 enamelled PU (50) StS yes aluminium all 148 1.5 up to 3.7 3 EN 12976 4 5 1,450 Europe, northern Africa

Dimas, Greece SOL+ closed 2.7 flat plate blue 200 enamelled PU StS yes galvanized flat/pitched 150 3 EN 12976 4,5 5 n/a worldwide

Elsol/Rand, Israel 200 liter closed 2.7 flat plate blue 200 enamelled PU (40) copper yes aluminium flat/pitched 145 2.5 n/a 4 5 up to 8 n/a Europe, Central America, South Africa

Elsol, Serbia Elsol thermosiphonic n/a 4.0 flat plate blue 200 enamelled PU plastic no galvanized free 110 2 n/a 10 1,350 Serbia

Eraslan, Turkey Daylight closed 5.4 flat plate blue 300 enamelled PU (50) StS yes galvanized flat 110 2 n/a 4 5 700 Europe, South Africa

Ezinç, Turkey KG-300 closed 4.6 flat plate blue 300 enamelled PU (50) StS yes galvanized/ aluminium flat/pitched 330 2 /3 3 EN-12976, OG300 6

5 n/a worldwide

Hanania, Jordan HC-100 Gal. Steel open 1.3 flat plate paint 180 galvanized PU galvanized yes galvanized n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a

Helional, Greece HFPS closed 3.0 flat plate blue 200 enamelled PU (60) StS yes StS all 183 3 EN 12976 4 5 1,800 Europe, Middle East, Africa

Jay Industries, India 250 LPD open 2.0 flat plate chrome 250 StS rock wool (100) EPDM no powder coated flat 110 2 IS 12933:2003 5 675 India

KFP, Syria UP 1800/58 closed 3.5 tubes blue 160 enamelled PU (50) plastic yes aluminum all 80 1.5 n/a 7 383 1 Middle East, Tunisia, Algeria, Greece

Módulo Solar, Mexico Axol Concept 2.0 open 2.0 flat plate blue 150 enamelled /porcelanized steel

PU (50) plastic yes galvanized flat/pitched 65 no NMX ES-001 7 10 590 Mexico, Central and South America

NES, Bulgaria TSSM 200 closed 1.9 flat plate blue 200 enamelled PU (50) copper n/a galvanized all 180 3 n/a 4 5 946 Europe

Nobel, Greece Aelios 320/4 CuS closed 4.2 flat plate chrome 320 enamelled PU (50) StS yes aluminium & galvanized flat/pitched 215 1.5 up to 4 EN 12976 4 5 n/a worldwide

NRG, India 200 Ecosol closed 3.0 tubes blue 200 StS PU (40) - - powder coated flat n/a 2 MNRE 1 500 India, Kenya, Uganda, Panama

Nur, Jordan NUR both 3.9 flat plate paint 150 galvanized PU (50) StS yes galvanized all n/a 1.5 up to 3.0 Jordanian standard

5 550 Middle East

Openplus, Portugal OPTS-KIT300-CPZ V4 closed 4.0 flat plate blue 300 enamelled PU (50) copper yes aluminium flat 250 no n/a 4 6 2,000 worldwide

Ouraset, Turkey ASSET F 302 S closed 2.1 flat plate blue 300 StS PU (50) StS No aluminium flat 98 2 EN12897 6 n/a Mediterranean

Richworld, Portugal KIV200L closed 2.2 flat plate blue 190 StS PU (40) StS yes aluminium flat 129 2 EN 12975 4 6 n/a Mediterranean, Mexico, Brazil

Sammler, Greece LP308 closed 4.2 flat plate blue 300 enamelled PU (40) StS yes galvanized flat/pitched 235 1.5 up to 4 3 EN 12976 4 10 n/a worldwide

Schüco, Germany TS 300 closed 3.8 flat plate blue 293 enamelled PU (50) galvanized yes aluminium flat/pitched 240 1.5 up to 3 3 EN 12976 4 5 n/a Spain, Portugal, France, Italy, Greece, Chile

Sigma, Greece SI 150/2.5 closed 2.4 flat plate blue 150 enamelled rock wool (60) copper n/a galvanized flat/pitched n/a 2 up to 4 EN 12976 4 5 n/a Greece, Spain, Italy

Şimşek Solar, Turkey 200 lt. Pressure System closed n/a flat plate paint 200 enamelled PU (30) plastic yes aluminium flat 96 no n/a 3 n/a Europe, Mediterranean

Solahart, Australia 302Kf closed 3.8 flat plate chrome 300 enamelled PU copper yes aluminium flat/pitched 187 2.4 /3.6 EN 12975, EN 12976 4

5 /10 n/a worldwide

Solar Polar, Iran Polar T-200 open 4.0 flat plate blue 200 galvanized PU (50) galvanized yes galvanized flat, free 235 2 not tested 2 650 Iran, Iraq, Zimbabwe

Sole, Greece Eurostar 150-1-T200 closed 2.0 flat plate blue 150 enamelled PU (50) copper yes galvanized flat/pitched 119 2 up to 4 EN 12976 4 5 n/a worldwide

Solimpeks, Turkey Marvel TSM 300 closed 4.0 flat plate blue 300 StS PU (50) StS yes aluminium & galvanized flat/pitched 85 2 3 EN 12976 4 7 690 Mediterranean, Chile, Kenya

SunEarth, USA SunSiphon both 3.0 flat plate paint 180 StS PU (40) copper yes aluminium flat/pitched 65 4.5 SRCC OG-300 5 10 / 7 7,000 USA

Sunex, Poland Xomo Series closed 2.0 flat plate blue 100 enamelled PU (50) or mine-ral wool (20)

copper yes fibre glass & aluminium all 200 2 EN 12975 4 6 n/a Europe

SunTank, South Africa SunTank 200L On Roof (Pitched) both 3.0 flat plate paint 200 StS PU (60) copper yes StS all 50 3 SABS 10 1,574 Southern Africa

Sunway, Mexico n/a open 2.0 flat plate paint 151 steel PU (19) plastic no aluminium n/a n/a n/a NMX ES-001 3 / 10 8 457 Mexico, Central America

Termicol, Spain T300ASE closed 3.8 flat plate blue 300 enamelled PU StS yes aluminium flat/pitched 105 no n/a 4 5 2,500 worldwide

Thermics, Italy Pegasus Skypower open 3.1 water in tube / heat pipe

blue 200 StS PU (50) - - aluminium flat/pitched/in-roof

75 no EN 12976 10 n/a EU, northern Africa

TiSUN, Austria THSY 200 1H closed 2.1 flat plate blue 192 enamelled PU (40) StS/copper yes galvanized & powder coated all 85 1.5 up to 3.5 3 EN 12975 4 5 / 10 9 1,790 EU, GUS

Transsen, Brazil 600 lt. low pressure system open 8.5 flat plate paint 600 StS PU (60) copper n/a aluminium flat 154 3 Inmetro 10 n/a South and Central America

Tuma, Brazil Solarkit open 2.0 flat plate paint 200 StS PU plastic yes galvanized pitched 45 1.5 up to 2.5 3 Inmetro 5 650 Brazil

Wagner & Co, Germany SECUterm 200 closed 2.3 flat plate blue 200 enamelled PU (50) copper yes aluminium free 138 1.5 EN 12976 4 5 / 10 9 1,500 worldwide

blue = highly selective absorber coatings; chrome = black chrome absorber coatings; paint = selective paint absorber coatings ; StS = stainless steel; enamelled = enamelled steel; PE = polyethylene, galvanized = galvanized steel; flat = mounting system for flat roofs; free = mounting system for free standing; pitched = mounting system for pitched roofs; JIS = Japan Industrial standard; SRCC = Solar Rating and Certification Corporation; Inmetro = Brazilian National Institute of Metrology, Standardization and Industrial Quality Source: company data from February 2012

Overview of thermosiphonic solar water heaters


Manufacturer Product Type of system

Collector surface [m2]

Type of collector Absorber coatings

Volume of tank [litres]

Tank material Tank insulation [mm]

Piping Piping insulation

Frame material Mounting system

Empty weight [kg]

Electric ele-ment [kW]

Testing norm Warranty [years]

Final custo-mer price [€]

Available in

A Atual, Brazil A Atual 200 open 2.4 flat plate paint 200 StS PU (30) n/a yes aluminium flat 56 2.5 Inmetro 6 875 n/a

Altawfeer, Syria ALT 330 open 4.2 water in tube blue 250 StS PU (50) - - galvanized free 119 1.5 / 2.5 3 EN 12976 5 460 10 Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, Algeria, Armenia

Ariston Thermo, Italy Kairos Thermo 150-1 closed 2.0 flat plate paint 150 enamelled PU (45) copper yes galvanized flat 113 1.5 3 EN 12976 4 5 1,600 Italy, Spain, Portugal, Africa

Astersa, Spain AS-150HPE closed 1.8 flat plate blue 145 enamelled PU (40) StS yes aluminium flat 120 2.5 EN 12976 4 5 1,610 worldwide

Baymak, Turkey 2KEssential X-300 closed 4.0 flat plate blue 305 enamelled PU (37) copper, StS yes galvanized/ aluminium flat/pitched 230 2 n/a 4 10 n/a Mediterranean, Far East

Bosch Thermotechnik, Germany

TSS200 closed 2.1 flat plate chrome 195 enamelled PU (50) EPDM yes StS flat/pitched 78 2 n/a 4 6 n/a worldwide

Calpak, Greece Calpak Mark3 200/2,5 closed 2.5 flat plate 2 paint 200 enamelled PU (35 up to 50) copper yes galvanized all 155 3.5 EN 12976, EN 12897 4

5 n/a Japan

Chiryu Heater, Japan 250S-4 open 4.0 flat plate paint 230 PE EPS (30) galvanized n/a StS all 124 no JIS 5 2,125 Japan

Chromagen, Israel TSA150 closed 2.0 flat plate blue 150 enamelled PU (40) copper, StS yes galvanized/ aluminium flat/pitched 130 2.5 3 n/a 5 n/a worldwide

CMG Solari, Italy NEW EFFICIENT HORIZON TP200 closed 2.5 flat plate blue 200 StS n/a (60) copper yes galvanized flat/pitched 125 1.5 3 EN-12975 5 n/a Europe, northern Africa, South America

Cosmosolar, Greece EGLK –GLK 200/2.58 closed 2.6 flat plate blue 186 enamelled PU (50) StS yes aluminium all 148 1.5 up to 3.7 3 EN 12976 4 5 1,450 Europe, northern Africa

Dimas, Greece SOL+ closed 2.7 flat plate blue 200 enamelled PU StS yes galvanized flat/pitched 150 3 EN 12976 4,5 5 n/a worldwide

Elsol/Rand, Israel 200 liter closed 2.7 flat plate blue 200 enamelled PU (40) copper yes aluminium flat/pitched 145 2.5 n/a 4 5 up to 8 n/a Europe, Central America, South Africa

Elsol, Serbia Elsol thermosiphonic n/a 4.0 flat plate blue 200 enamelled PU plastic no galvanized free 110 2 n/a 10 1,350 Serbia

Eraslan, Turkey Daylight closed 5.4 flat plate blue 300 enamelled PU (50) StS yes galvanized flat 110 2 n/a 4 5 700 Europe, South Africa

Ezinç, Turkey KG-300 closed 4.6 flat plate blue 300 enamelled PU (50) StS yes galvanized/ aluminium flat/pitched 330 2 /3 3 EN-12976, OG300 6

5 n/a worldwide

Hanania, Jordan HC-100 Gal. Steel open 1.3 flat plate paint 180 galvanized PU galvanized yes galvanized n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a

Helional, Greece HFPS closed 3.0 flat plate blue 200 enamelled PU (60) StS yes StS all 183 3 EN 12976 4 5 1,800 Europe, Middle East, Africa

Jay Industries, India 250 LPD open 2.0 flat plate chrome 250 StS rock wool (100) EPDM no powder coated flat 110 2 IS 12933:2003 5 675 India

KFP, Syria UP 1800/58 closed 3.5 tubes blue 160 enamelled PU (50) plastic yes aluminum all 80 1.5 n/a 7 383 1 Middle East, Tunisia, Algeria, Greece

Módulo Solar, Mexico Axol Concept 2.0 open 2.0 flat plate blue 150 enamelled /porcelanized steel

PU (50) plastic yes galvanized flat/pitched 65 no NMX ES-001 7 10 590 Mexico, Central and South America

NES, Bulgaria TSSM 200 closed 1.9 flat plate blue 200 enamelled PU (50) copper n/a galvanized all 180 3 n/a 4 5 946 Europe

Nobel, Greece Aelios 320/4 CuS closed 4.2 flat plate chrome 320 enamelled PU (50) StS yes aluminium & galvanized flat/pitched 215 1.5 up to 4 EN 12976 4 5 n/a worldwide

NRG, India 200 Ecosol closed 3.0 tubes blue 200 StS PU (40) - - powder coated flat n/a 2 MNRE 1 500 India, Kenya, Uganda, Panama

Nur, Jordan NUR both 3.9 flat plate paint 150 galvanized PU (50) StS yes galvanized all n/a 1.5 up to 3.0 Jordanian standard

5 550 Middle East

Openplus, Portugal OPTS-KIT300-CPZ V4 closed 4.0 flat plate blue 300 enamelled PU (50) copper yes aluminium flat 250 no n/a 4 6 2,000 worldwide

Ouraset, Turkey ASSET F 302 S closed 2.1 flat plate blue 300 StS PU (50) StS No aluminium flat 98 2 EN12897 6 n/a Mediterranean

Richworld, Portugal KIV200L closed 2.2 flat plate blue 190 StS PU (40) StS yes aluminium flat 129 2 EN 12975 4 6 n/a Mediterranean, Mexico, Brazil

Sammler, Greece LP308 closed 4.2 flat plate blue 300 enamelled PU (40) StS yes galvanized flat/pitched 235 1.5 up to 4 3 EN 12976 4 10 n/a worldwide

Schüco, Germany TS 300 closed 3.8 flat plate blue 293 enamelled PU (50) galvanized yes aluminium flat/pitched 240 1.5 up to 3 3 EN 12976 4 5 n/a Spain, Portugal, France, Italy, Greece, Chile

Sigma, Greece SI 150/2.5 closed 2.4 flat plate blue 150 enamelled rock wool (60) copper n/a galvanized flat/pitched n/a 2 up to 4 EN 12976 4 5 n/a Greece, Spain, Italy

Şimşek Solar, Turkey 200 lt. Pressure System closed n/a flat plate paint 200 enamelled PU (30) plastic yes aluminium flat 96 no n/a 3 n/a Europe, Mediterranean

Solahart, Australia 302Kf closed 3.8 flat plate chrome 300 enamelled PU copper yes aluminium flat/pitched 187 2.4 /3.6 EN 12975, EN 12976 4

5 /10 n/a worldwide

Solar Polar, Iran Polar T-200 open 4.0 flat plate blue 200 galvanized PU (50) galvanized yes galvanized flat, free 235 2 not tested 2 650 Iran, Iraq, Zimbabwe

Sole, Greece Eurostar 150-1-T200 closed 2.0 flat plate blue 150 enamelled PU (50) copper yes galvanized flat/pitched 119 2 up to 4 EN 12976 4 5 n/a worldwide

Solimpeks, Turkey Marvel TSM 300 closed 4.0 flat plate blue 300 StS PU (50) StS yes aluminium & galvanized flat/pitched 85 2 3 EN 12976 4 7 690 Mediterranean, Chile, Kenya

SunEarth, USA SunSiphon both 3.0 flat plate paint 180 StS PU (40) copper yes aluminium flat/pitched 65 4.5 SRCC OG-300 5 10 / 7 7,000 USA

Sunex, Poland Xomo Series closed 2.0 flat plate blue 100 enamelled PU (50) or mine-ral wool (20)

copper yes fibre glass & aluminium all 200 2 EN 12975 4 6 n/a Europe

SunTank, South Africa SunTank 200L On Roof (Pitched) both 3.0 flat plate paint 200 StS PU (60) copper yes StS all 50 3 SABS 10 1,574 Southern Africa

Sunway, Mexico n/a open 2.0 flat plate paint 151 steel PU (19) plastic no aluminium n/a n/a n/a NMX ES-001 3 / 10 8 457 Mexico, Central America

Termicol, Spain T300ASE closed 3.8 flat plate blue 300 enamelled PU StS yes aluminium flat/pitched 105 no n/a 4 5 2,500 worldwide

Thermics, Italy Pegasus Skypower open 3.1 water in tube / heat pipe

blue 200 StS PU (50) - - aluminium flat/pitched/in-roof

75 no EN 12976 10 n/a EU, northern Africa

TiSUN, Austria THSY 200 1H closed 2.1 flat plate blue 192 enamelled PU (40) StS/copper yes galvanized & powder coated all 85 1.5 up to 3.5 3 EN 12975 4 5 / 10 9 1,790 EU, GUS

Transsen, Brazil 600 lt. low pressure system open 8.5 flat plate paint 600 StS PU (60) copper n/a aluminium flat 154 3 Inmetro 10 n/a South and Central America

Tuma, Brazil Solarkit open 2.0 flat plate paint 200 StS PU plastic yes galvanized pitched 45 1.5 up to 2.5 3 Inmetro 5 650 Brazil

Wagner & Co, Germany SECUterm 200 closed 2.3 flat plate blue 200 enamelled PU (50) copper yes aluminium free 138 1.5 EN 12976 4 5 / 10 9 1,500 worldwide1 converted from US dollar; 2 sandwich type; 3 optional; 4 Solar Keymark certified; 5 SRCC certified; 6 collector is Solar Keymark certified, system is on testing process for Solar Keymark, SRCC, FSEC and Energystar; 7 system is Normex certified; 8 3 years for the tank and 10 years for the collector; 9 5 years for the tank and 10 years for the collector; 10 converted from Syran pounds



Ouraset Solar Tansuğ Makina stresses two fea-tures in its closed loop system Asset F 302 S. “Firstly, the secondary circuit is made of flexible pipe stain-less steel CRNi316. By using this type of steel for con-tact with consumption water, the system is ideal for regions infamous for their hard water quality,” ex-plains Utku Tansuğ, Sales and Marketing Managing Director. Secondly, he cites the tank, which is hidden behind the collector.

Manufacturers have made several efforts to im-prove the look of thermosiphonic systems over the past few years, with a hidden tank just one attempt to do this. Companies like Ezinç Metal San. Tic. A.S. from Turkey or Chromagen from Israel detect a strong trend towards such systems. Both companies brought plants of this type onto the market a few years ago.

The Greek company Sammler SA uses a hidden tank in its LP series. “It is a solution which is very use-ful for installation where the maximum height is very important, as the LP series has a height of 1.6 m,” says Export Manager Harry Michalopoulos. Sammler has improved its hydraulics over the past year. “A new valve has meant an increase in efficiency of 20 %,” explains Michalopoulos.

On the New Efficient Horizon TP200 by CMG Solari from Italy, the tank is also located behind the collec-tor (see also S&WE 3/2012, page 70). The special feature here is its solar circuit, which is filled with a low-boiling azeotropic mixture and operates via a condensing heat transfer mechanism. As the collec-tor is attached horizontally, a height of 1.12 m is suf-ficient for the system.

TSM thermosiphonic systems by Solimpeks Solar Energy, which we also featured in our preview for the Mostra Convegno Expocomfort (see S&WE 3/2012, page 70), can be flexibly mounted on roofs. These come either in a classic design with a higher tank or with a collector inclination steeper than the roof. In such cases the tank is located below the upper edge of the collector.

Trend towards larger plants

In the view of some manufacturers, larger systems with capacities greater than 300 L are a current trend. Systems of this type can cater for higher hot water consumption, whether this is for larger families or simply for greater convenience. One example of a manufacturer of such systems is Chromagen from Israel, which manufactures tanks with capacities of up to 400 L.

Another example is Ezinç and its new 500 L tank, which is manufactured in open loop and closed loop versions. The company has also improved the tank’s inner construction and inlet-outlet construction to in-crease efficiency. Furthermore, the connections have been reworked and the number of components re-duced. “Less hydronic equipment - such as expan-sion tanks – has become more important in order to enable a more compact, simpler installation,” says Export Department Executive Kutay Ülke.

Simpler installation

Ezinç is not the only company to view simplifying in-stallation as one of the greatest challenges however. The hallmark of a good installation system is that it enables simple and fast installation without special


Nur Solar Systems uses a fin absorber.

Solar water heater with flat plate collectors from China by Prosunpro.

Also Chromagen realizes large solar systems. Photo: Chromagen


Closed loop system by Şimşek

All photos: manufacturers

knowledge. This decreases installation costs and guarantees less customer complaints.

A high degree of preassembly thanks to integrat-ed components and connection techniques that use fewer tools are just one way of ensuring simpler in-stallation. It is also very important that handling of the installation system is as simple as possible for fit-ters. Cosmosolar Ltd from Greece has been paying particular attention to this with its GLK series.

Richworld Renewables from Portugal has launched its KIV series in three models with capaci-ties of 150, 200 or 300 L. Here too, installation friend-liness was at the top of its list of development goals. “We implemented new connection types to facilitate the installation process, increase accuracy and re-duce maintenance costs,” explains CEO Pedro Correia de Carvalho.

Termicol Energía Solar S.L. from Spain has been upgrading its existing systems. “We made some changes to our existing thermosiphonic systems so installers can fit more easily and quickly,” says Chief Industrial Officer Julio Castro. To this end, the com-pany has modified the tank’s lateral cover and re-placed the copper connection pipes with stainless

In the Middle East solar markets are growing. Thermosiphonic plants are dominant here, like almost everywhere in the world. Photo: Hanania

http://www.ouraset.com



TYFOCOR® BRANDSenvironmentally friendly & biodegradable

www.tyfo.de • [email protected] since

mor

e tha

n 30

year

s

TYFOROP - Your Specialist for Heat Transfer Fluids - Solar Fluids for all Thermal Installations

steel pipes. The Turkish company Eraslan has also modified its cover design.

Sunway de México SA CV from Mexico has discov-ered a better position for the anti-freeze valve. Sunway manufactures the collectors itself and uses a 180 L capacity tank by Rheem.

Solar water heater with vacuum tubes

In the past, there was much speculation as to wheth-er vacuum tubes might be able to diminish the mar-ket shares of flat plate collectors in the long term. In the thermosiphonic systems segment, it is evident that flat plate collectors still dominate plants outside of China. However, there are also markets where lo-cal manufacturers of solar water heaters with vacuum tubes are establishing themselves. One example of this is India, where Tata BP Solar India Limited has ex-

tended its solar heat range with its Ecosystem. The system con-tains 15 tubes with a triple layer coating while its compact design allows dimensions of less than one metre. The tank is made of stainless steel and the installa-tion system is made of alumini-um. Solar Polar from Iran has al-so added vacuum tubes to its product range over the past few months.

In the Middle East too, vacu-um tubes are very much in fash-ion. The new system by Altawfeer Renewable Energy Solutions from Syria consists of 30 tubes with an Al-N/Al coating. The pressureless system, in which domestic water flows directly, also contains a stainless steel tank with a capac-ity of 250 L.

Khallouf Future Power L.L.C (KFP), likewise from Syria, offers pressureless open loop systems and pressurised closed loop systems. The pressureless systems contain vacuum tubes via which domestic water flows directly in the traditional manner. The company also uses the same tubes in its closed loop series. With this, a heat exchanger is located in the tank, which heats up the domestic water and the tank and tubes contain buffer water. KFP also manufac-tures a collector with u-pipes but this is only used in pumped (forced) solar heat plants.

Like the thermosiphonic system by KFP, the Skypower, which contains 20 tubes by the Italian company Thermics srl, is a closed loop system with a separate solar circuit, which can be filled with wa-ter or anti-frosting agent. The tank contains a stain-less steel corrugated pipe heat exchanger, which is used to heat the domestic water. Thermics uses a particularly flat tank with a height of just 380 mm to enable its solar system to blend perfectly into roofs. The company has given the cross-section of its 200 L tank a drop-shaped rather than round design for this reason. Thermics has built an automated laser cut-ting and robot-welding line for the manufacture of stainless steel tanks, according to Sales Manager Stefano Bertolini. He adds that another special fea-ture is that the vacuum tubes can withstand hail-stone of up to 40 mm during testing. The Thermics system has been tested according to the norm EN 12976. The result of the yield simulation is that the system supplies solar coverage of 64.9 % at its site in Athens with domestic water requirements of 200 L/d.

These various examples from around the world demonstrate how the development of thermosiphon-ic systems is far from being over. Improvements rang-ing from simplified installation to higher yields are still possible. The situation remains an exciting one as nobody knows quite what developers will come up with in the future.

Jens-Peter Meyer

Large systems are in fashion. Photo: SunTank

http://www.tyfo.de


Solar Polar has upgraded its installation system.

Tube system by Tata BP Solar

Thermics includes a stylish and attractive tank.

Low cost system by Tuma


All photos: manufacturers

http://www.sunex.pl

focus on installation - sun & wind energy · focus on installation a t the start of the year,...

Documents