Types of Solar Water Heaters

A. The Active Solar Water Heating System:

On the basis of the type of circulation system and the heating fluid, are of two types:

1. Direct Circulation Systems:

In the direct circulation system, there is a closed loop of pipes through which water flows between the solar collectors and the tank. Water from the tank goes to the solar collector tubes and return backs to the tank from where it is diverted to the end-use application. This type of system is more suitable for working at the location where the temperature never goes below the freezing point throughout the year.

Advantages of Direct Circulation System:

· Simple and Reliable: The direct circulation system is simple and more reliable. The concept is simple, less maintenance, no additional fluid, and lesser energy loss make them more reliable.

· Affordable: It requires lesser plumbing components, moving parts, and labor which makes it less expensive than the indirect one.

Disadvantages of Direct Circulation System

· Not efficient in very cold weather: In conditions of severe cold, when the temperature goes in the negative, plain water gets freeze and can even burst the plumbing components. Thus, this type of system is not applicable at all locations, at all temperatures.

· Not efficient for multiple heating needs: If you are looking for heating your two pools of water from the same system, it is not efficient. Multiple purposes mean multiple heaters.

2. Indirect Circulation Systems: