Posts Tagged ‘Storage Tank’

Solar Water Heaters Save Energy – Now Add Water Savings

January 21st, 2010 admin

Instant Hot Water Will Save You Water and Money!

Now that you’ve heated your water for free from the sun, it’s time to address the hot water delivery system. Stop standing there with your hand in the shower stream waiting for the water to get hot! Sending water down the drain while you wait just makes it that much worse. But there is a solution!

Demand Hot Water Pumps Save Water

A demand system pumps the hot water from your water heater to your fixture at fast without running any water down the drain. When hot water reaches the pump, it shuts off.

Turn On the Tap and Get Instant Hot Water

Now when you turn on the tap you have nearly instant hot water. When you desire hot water you just push the start button and the pump starts up, pumping the water from the water heater to the sink. At the same time it sends the cooled-off hot water in the back to the heater through the cold water lines.

Solar Powered Water Heater – Any Kind

Demand systems will work with any type of water heater including any kind of solar water heater. Direct, indirect, batch, or any other kind of solar installation will work with a demand system.

The longer the pipes the more wait time you have for hot water and the more water gets run down the drain. Often solar water heaters have more piping than standard water heater installations. This is especially true for batch type systems that have a storage tank of hot water up on the roof.

Hot water demand system pumps use very little electricity for their operation, normally less than $2.00 per year in electricity costs. Demand pumps use no more energy than if you did not have one, other than that $2.00 in electricity.

A hot water demand pump does nearly the same thing you do… turn on the hot water until it reaches the sink. The demand pump usually pumps the water to the fixture much more quickly than just running the water down the drain.

Low flow fixtures cause slow hot water.

The time it takes for water to reach the fixture is determined by the diameter of the pipe and the gallons per minute of flow. Larger pipe takes longer to fill and cause longer waits.

Higher flow rates result in higher water speeds and shorter wait times. It’s impractical to change your pipe diameter; however you can raise the flow rate by not having to run water through a low flow fixture.

Bathroom sink fixtures are often one gallon per minute or less. This means a long waiting period for you to get your hot water.

The solar powered water heater efficiently heats your water; now turn your hot water plumbing layout green and make it efficient by adding a demand pump for fast hot water and water savings.

Solar water heating and hot water demand pumps are a perfect combination for ecology and environmentally conscious home owners.

You can even use tankless water heaters with your solar water heater and a demand pump for an energy efficient, water saving, hot water plumbing system that can also provide you with unlimited hot water.

Chilipepper hot water pumps Tankless Water Heaters – Save Energy

Demand systems & Water heaters Instant Hot Water Systems Explained

Tankless and Tank type water heaters: Water Conservation

Posted in Solar Tags: Batch Type, Cold Water Lines, Electricity Costs, Energy, Heaters, Hot Water Demand System, Instant Hot Water, Low Flow, Running The Water, Save, Savings, Solar, Solar Installation, Solar Powered Water Heater, Solar Water Heater, Solar Water Heaters, Storage Tank, System Pumps, Type Of Water, water, Water Delivery System, Water Demand, Water Down, Water Heater Installations, Water Pumps, Water Savings No Comments »

How Solar Water Heaters Work?

January 8th, 2010 admin

Solar water heater can be a cost effective solution to generate hot water at home, while making use of a natural free resource, the sun. The solar water heating systems basically include storage tanks and solar collectors. How these two combination work together to heat up and generate hot water at home?

In general, there are two types of solar water heating systems in the market: the active type, which has pumps to circular and control the heat flow; and the passive type, which without the pumps. You can choose to install one-tank system or two-tank system. The key different of extra one tank in two-tank system is the water will be preheated before it enters into the conventional water heater. While one-tank water heating system costs cheaper in set-up and installation, it may not fully utilize the solar power efficiency. For example, if the hot water is being used during the evening and depletes of storage tank of hot water, the system need to use the backup heating system generated from electric or gas to heat up the tank. On the next day, when there is sunshine, the tank is warm and the efficiency of using solar for heating is greatly diminished. Therefore, the two-tank solar water heating system will have higher efficiency to fully utilize the solar power to generate hot water with its preheated tank.

The solar water heating systems use solar thermal collectors to receive heat from the sun. There are 3 types of solar thermal collectors, which are commonly used in residential solar water heating systems:

1. Flat-plate collectors

Flat-plate collector is the key component in active solar heating systems. It best suits for application where the demand temperature is 30 degree to 70 degree such as the water heating systems used for winter months. The function of flat-plate collectors is to circulate fluid to a pre-set temperature.

2. Evacuated-tube solar collectors

This type of solar collectors is commonly used for commercial application or at home that requires a highly reliable source of hot water. It has parallel rows of transparent glass tubes and each tube consist of an outer tube which made from glass and metal absorber tube that is attached to a fin. The fin is coated with materials that is good at absorbing solar energy while inhibiting radioactive heat loss. Therefore, it provides very reliable source of hot water. But, the price of Evacuated-tube solar collectors is more expensive if you compare to other 2 types of solar collectors; that’s why it is more frequently used for commercial applications.

3. Integral collector-storage systems (ICS)

It is a batch system that featured one or more black tanks insulated in a glazed box. The cold water is preheats by the solar collectors and then go into the conventional backup water heater to provide a reliable source of hot water. This system works better in mild freeze climates as the pipes that are installed outside may get freeze in cold whether.

Summary

The solar water heating systems consist of combination of storage tanks and solar collectors that work together to generate hot water using the power from the sun.

Renewable energy from the sun and the wind are very cost effective energy sources, but the installation can be expensive, unless you do-it-yourself. Visit Dave Stilman at http://www.wind-solar-power.info to find the best renewable energy guide with step-by-step guide to build a solar power system or wind power system yourself at a minimum cost.

Posted in Solar Tags: Active Solar Heating, Combination Work, Cost Effective Solution, Flat Plate Collectors, Heaters, Passive Type, Power Efficiency, Residential Solar Water, Residential Solar Water Heating, Solar, Solar Heating Systems, Solar Thermal Collectors, Solar Water Heater, Solar Water Heaters, Solar Water Heating, Solar Water Heating System, Solar Water Heating Systems, Storage Tank, Storage Tanks, Tank System, Tank Water, water, Water Heating Systems, work No Comments »

Heat Your Water With a DIY Solar Water Heater

December 20th, 2009 admin

For most people when they think about Solar Power they immediately think about the solar panels that you currently see being used on people roofs to create electricity, but the power of the sun can be harnessed in another way. The suns energy can be used to heat water for your home, and you made be surprised that you can build a DIY Solar Water Heater, and that it really isn’t that hard to do.

This basic idea really isn’t a new one, the ancient Greeks used crude mirrors and lenses that used direct sunlight to heat water. Then in 1920s some communities had a fully functional solar water heating systems that provided water to their homes.

The solar heated water has direct uses in your home for example for showering or for washing the dishes. Once the water has been heated, nothing more has to be done to the water other than simply make it available. That’s typically done by storing the heated water in essentially the same way as with ordinary water heaters, in a large insulated water tank.

How does it work?

The way the water is heated is really the same as what happens is a greenhouse. A solar water heater panel is like a large, thin and double-paned windows, that contain a series of channels, tubes and pipes. The water is pumped through these channels and heated by the suns energy, and this heated water is then stored in an insulated water tank.

In the ordinary hot water system the water heater storage unit, heats the water. With a solar-powered water heating system there’s no need to, since the water that enters the tank is usually between 95F-150F (35C-66C). The storage tank acts like a big thermos bottle. It’s double-lined and/or made of well-insulated material so the heat doesn’t dissipate much out the walls of the tank.

The temperature range of such systems is fully adequate for bathing, cleaning clothes and other ordinary applications. The only difficulties are ensuring enough sunlight to generate enough heat, and minimal loss of heat through the panels and pipes. So you really have to think about where you place your panels.

In the average home the cost of heating water is roughly a third of the total energy bill. By building your own solar heating panels you not only be saving money on the building of the panels but also on your energy bills. The process of actually building the panels is relatively easy, but it is recommended to learn as much as you can before starting to build. On the internet you will find a wealth manuals and information that will take you right through the whole process from start to finish.

You should be able to find the majority of materials you need to build the panels in your local hardware store, and if not you can also have a look on the internet.

Building a solar water heater one of the easier ways you could save money on your utility bill, but you will also be doing your bit to help the environment.

Gavin Dye is the webmaster at Solar Power 4u where you can learn about solar power and solar panels. You can also find the best resources for information on DIY Solar Water Heaters.
Posted in Solar Tags: 1920s, Ancient Greeks, Double Paned Windows, Greenhouse Heater, Heat, Heater, Hot Water System, Power Of The Sun, Roofs, Solar, Solar Panels, Solar Power, Solar Water Heater, Solar Water Heating, Solar Water Heating Systems, Storage Tank, Storage Unit, Suns, Temperature Range, Thermos Bottle, water, Water Heaters, Water Heating Systems, Water Tank No Comments »

Solar Water Heater – Read before you Buy

December 8th, 2009 admin

Solar water heaters very well qualifies for DIY project but before you start there are some basic facts that you should know . These will help in correctly identifing your requirments and selecting right solar water heater to make .

How does it work ?

Solar water heaters use the sun light to heat water in a collector and heated water is then stored in a storage tank for use. Depending on the requirements this heated water can be used to feed in to conventional water heater which has to spend little or no energy to heat it further.

Types of Solar Water Heater

There are two types of Solar water heaters – active or passive ,

Posted in Solar Tags: Before, Conventional Water, Heater, Read, Solar, Solar Heater, Solar Heaters, Solar Water Heater, Solar Water Heaters, Storage Tank, Sun Light, water No Comments »

How to Build Solar Water Heater

December 1st, 2009 admin

Many of us, in fact everyone of us are finding ways to save our hard earned money and at the same time to be eco-friendly in this testing times of soaring electricity and oil prices. So before it is too late, you should learn how to build solar water heater. There are galore of advantages of solar water heater and if you have one, you do not have to depend on the gas and electricity to run hot water baths. No doubt, heating was never so easy and economic before the inception of solar water heaters.

There is no dearth of commercial ready to use solar water heaters in the market, but then it could cost anywhere around $2000. So why spend so much when you have the option to build solar water heater at your own place at a much cheaper and affordable price.

Materials required

Not much of the materials are required for building a solar water heater. You just need to have a strong box; aluminum type window panels, copper pipes, storage tank and that will be all.

Steps to build a solar water heater

Cover the box with the glass panels; this will serve like a solar panel for your solar water heater.

Once the water heating box with glass covering has been created, it is now time for the installation of the copper pipes.

Cut and solder the copper pipes and, fasten them to both the bottom and top pipe lines, but do not forget interior pipes should be there inside the box.

Now place a storage tank, painted black, above the solar heat absorbing panel.

Connect or hook the outlet of the copper pipes to the tank.

As the principle goes, hot water will rise up towards the storage tank and at the same time the cold water will go down.

General Precautions

If you are thinking of using a used tank, then make sure that it is leak-proof and is in a better condition.

Do not use CVC pipes inside the box as they won?t be able to sustain the extremes of temperature.

Use polyisocyanurate insulation board instead of polystyrene insulation board.

For more comprehensive details and information on how to build solar water heater, you can log on to simpleheaters

Posted in Solar Tags: Build, Cold Water, Copper Pipes, Dearth, Extremes, Glass Panels, Hard Earned Money, Heater, Hot Water, Inception, Leak Proof, No Doubt, Oil Prices, Pipe Lines, Polystyrene Insulation Board, Solar, Solar Heat, Solar Panel, Solar Water Heater, Solar Water Heaters, Storage Tank, Strong Box, water, Water Heating No Comments »

Solar Water Heater – Increasing In Usage And Recognition Throughout The World

November 27th, 2009 admin

Solar water heaters are comprised of a primary collector that accumulates solar energy and a storage tank that is insulated that collects hot water. Depending on the system that the collector uses, the solar water heater might be one of two different kinds that is based on either Flat Plate Collectors or based on Evacuated Tube Collectors.


Two Primary Types


The Flat Plate Collector solar water heater permits solar radiation to be assimilated by the flat plate collectors that are constructed of an insulated outer metallic box that has a glass sheet covering the top. Inside the box are metallic absorber sheets that are black and that have channels that are incorporated or rise tubes to transport the water. The flowing water is then heated once the absorber assimilates the solar radiation and then transfers heat to the flowing water.


The solar water heater that is chiefly based on Evacuated Tube Collectors has a collector that is constructed out of double layer of borosilicate glass tubes that are emptied to furnish installation. Selective absorbing material coats the inner tubes of the outer wall and hence assists in absorbing the solar radiation and channels the heat to the water that is flowing through the inner tube.


Because the technology that is used within the solar water heaters has matured, and with widely circulated usage, will assist in reducing significantly the conventional energy that people use to heat water in their homes, commercial as well as factories and institutional establishments. Also the international markets are growing, and it is believed that roughly in excess of 107 million square meters of collective area has been currently installed so far throughout the world for the heating of different water sources.


Measuring The Effectiveness


Through the usage of a soul water heater that has a capacity of 100 liters, people can then replace an electric geyser that is used in residences and substantially affect savings of 1500 units of electricity each and every year. Additionally, utilizing a thousand solar water heaters of 100 liter capacity each year will have a net effect in the conservation of peak loads of 1 megawatt of electricity. With a solar water heater that has a 100 liter capacity, it is also likely to prevent one and half tons of carbon dioxide emissions each and every year.


Many times the solar water heater is a better choice, as one can have the expectation to have the costs return in two to three years after it takes the place of electricity driven appliances and takes approximately four to five years to return it costs when replacing furnace oil appliances.


To have your expenses returned when replacement coal driven appliance, it will take approximately six to seven years. Certainly, your initial investment might be somewhat high compared to other readily available conventional alternatives however the return on your investment is becoming more attractive when your take into consideration the increase in prices of conventional energy.

Listen to Corbin Newlyn as he shares his insights as an expert author and an avid writer in the field of home improvement. If you would like to learn more go to Rinnai Tankless Water Heater advice and at Rheem Water Heater tips.

Posted in Solar Tags: Absorber, Collective Area, Conventional Energy, Double Layer, Flat Plate Collectors, Flowing Water, Geyser, Glass Sheet, Glass Tubes, Heater, Increasing, Inner Tube, Inner Tubes, Institutional Establishments, Recognition, Solar, Solar Radiation, Solar Water Heater, Solar Water Heaters, Soul Water, Square Meters, Storage Tank, Throughout, Tube Collectors, Usage, water, Water Sources, world No Comments »

How Does A Solar Water Heater Work?

November 23rd, 2009 admin

Solar Water Heaters are being increasingly preferred as a great way of conserving our natural resources and for saving money. In this article, we will understand how they work and how much does one cost.

How does a Solar Water Heater Work?

Typically, it has two pipes which connects a solar collector and a storage tank.

To explain it simply, a solar collector primarily collects the solar energy and heats up the water contained in it. This hot water is then transferred via the pipes to the storage tank and stored there.

This heated up water then enters our home as and when we require it.

There are primarily two types of solar water heaters: Active and Passive. In case of active, circulating pumps are used for transfer of hot water. In case of passive, no such pumps are used, in fact gravity is primarily used for transfer of hot water. These systems are usually backed up by a conventional heating system. Since this type of system primarily uses solar energy which is available free, it helps in reducing energy costs too.

So how much does a solar water heater cost?

Right now there are two options available for installing one. The first one is to go in for a commercial one which is quite expensive. The second and probably the best option is to building your own at home itself as a do-it-yourself (DIY) project which cost about 1/10th of the cost of commercial solar water heater.

One can easily learn how to make a solar water heater at home with a good guide and install one easily with the raw materials which too are easily available.

Learn how to make a solar water heater for less than $100, click here to visit http://diy-solar-water-heater-review.blogspot.com

Posted in Solar Tags: Circulating Pumps, Energy Costs, Gravity, Heater, Hot Water, Natural Resources, Pipes, Raw Materials, Reducing Energy, Saving Money, Solar, Solar Collector, Solar Energy, Solar Heater, Solar Water Heater, Solar Water Heaters, Storage Tank, Transfer Case, water, Water Systems, work No Comments »

Solar Water Heaters and Eligible Tax Credits and Rebates

November 13th, 2009 admin

Installing a new solar water heater is a rewarding purchase, buying into energy independence pays for itself. With Tax credits and Utility rebates the time is now to install new solar power and solar thermal home energy systems.

Solar Thermal is the practice of converting the energy from the sun hitting your roof into hot water for your entire home: Baths, Showers, Cooking, all heated with solar energy and stored in your homes new solar water heater, similar to a thermos with backup heating elements for none solar days.

In Tampa Florida we have the most solar days, if your electric bill exceeds 180 a month you should be buying into a new solar water heater today. Solar water heaters save 30-40% off your electric bill, couple this solar thermal system with a new High Efficiency air conditioner, thorough duct inspection and seal , and a new water conditioner and Reverse Osmosis system for the combined savings within 10years of a new car.

-Tax credits pay you back -Fuel savings reduced by 40-50% -Home energy smart

If your family ever needs more hot water than the sun can provide, or in long periods of inclement weather, most include a back up heating element which automatically takes over, insuring that you will always have all the hot water you need during none solar hours.

* Eligible for up to $2,000 federal Tax Credit * Eligible for up to $1,500 from State Government * Eligible for up to $450 rebate from utility company

This system is a whole house solution for family homes with at least 3 persons. We have larger systems as well, if you need two or more collector and a larger thermal storage tank we can still accommodate your family.

Massive savings, Massive Tax Credits, Massive independence from foreign oil. it pays for itself.

727-366-2068


Joseph Abrams

Solar Water Heaters

Florida Solar Thermal

Posted in Solar Tags: Credits, Efficiency Air, Eligible, Energy From The Sun, Federal Tax Credit, Heaters, Heating Element, Heating Elements, High Efficiency Air Conditioner, Home Baths, Home Energy Systems, Inclement Weather, Joseph Abrams, Larger Systems, Long Periods, Massive Tax, Rebates, Solar, Solar Days, Solar Thermal System, Solar Water Heater, Solar Water Heaters, Storage Tank, Thermal Storage, water, Water Conditioner No Comments »

Solar Water Heaters – the Heat Wave of the Future

November 2nd, 2009 admin

Another name for solar water heaters is “domestic hot water systems”. They are a very cost-efficient way of keeping your home warm. One great perk of this particular process is that it can be used regardless of what type of climate you live in, and you get your energy from a free source, the sun.

There are two types of solar heating systems that are most commonly used for residential purposes. Each of these collectors includes a storage tank and a solar collector. The first type is “active” which has circulating pumps and controls and the second type is “passive” which don’t require pumps or controls.

Solar water heaters need a storage tank that is insulated well. They have an outlet and an inlet that is connected to the collector. A two-tank system has a water heater that is powered by the sun and preheats water before it enters the water heater. In a one-tank system the back-up water heater is joined with the solar storage in one tank.

For residential purposes there are three types of solar collectors; Flat-plate collector, integral collector-storage systems, and evacuated-tube solar collectors. The flat-plate collector has glazed flat-plate collectors. It is insulated and contains weatherproof boxes with a dark absorber plate under one or more polymer (plastic) cover. There are also unglazed flat-plate collectors that are often used for heating pools and also have a dark absorber plate, but without a cover.

The second type is integral collector-storage systems. They are also known by their initials ICS, or batch systems. They have at least one black tank or insulated tubes within a glazed box. The cold water starts by rushing into the solar collector where it is preheated. From here the water flows to the backup water heater and creates a reliable source of hot water. An important note is that these should only be installed in mild-freeze climates because the pipes could freeze when outside in the cold weather.

The last type of solar collector is the evacuated-tube solar collector. In this type of solar collector there are dual rows of parallel transparent glass tubes. In each tube there is an outer glass tube and a metal absorber tube which is attached to the fin. The fin has a coating that absorbs the solar energy and at the same time inhibits radiative heat loss. This type of collector is the most commonly used collector in U.S. commercial applications.

There are also two types of active solar water heating systems. The first type is the Direct Circulation system. This system has pumps that circulate household water through the collectors and back into the home. This type of collector is only effective in a climate that doesn’t freeze often.

The second type of commercial solar heating system is the Indirect Circulation system. This system has pumps that circulate a nom-freezing fluid that transfers heat. The heat flows through the collectors and then through a heat exchanger. After the water is heated in this fashion it flows into the home and heats it. These are very good for homes that are in areas that are prone to freezing.

C.L. Hendricks is a “jill-of-all-trades” and an expert in some. She writes on a variety of subjects for several websites, including InvitingSmiles and Survival Homestead, to name a few.

Posted in Solar Tags: Absorber Plate, Batch Systems, Black Tank, Circulating Pumps, Domestic Hot Water, Flat Plate Collectors, future, Heat, Heaters, Hot Water Systems, Polymer Plastic, Residential Purposes, Solar, Solar Collector, Solar Collectors, Solar Heating Systems, Solar Storage, Solar Water Heaters, Storage Systems, Storage Tank, Tank System, water, Water Heater, Wave, Wave Of The Future, Weatherproof Boxes No Comments »

Solar Water Heater Sytems

October 31st, 2009 admin

In general, solar water heater systems can be more costly to purchase and setup than standard gas or electric water heating systems. However, by using a solar heater you will definitely save money on the long run.. By selecting to use solar energy technology you can expect to save around 50 to 80% on your electricity bills.

Gathering energy coming from the sun to heat water is not a new idea at all. Such technology using solar power for heating water exists since the year 1800. Producing warm water with solar energy can be employed about every where in the world and the sun and some special equipment is the only thing needed.

The key parts of a solar water heater are the solar collectors that grab and concentrate the energy coming from the sun and the storage tank. Such simple setup is usually called passive solar power. When mechanical and electrical devices such electric pumps are installed in the system to push the water it is then called solar active. To keep the water hot for long period of time a good insulation should be made to the storage tank.

Usually you will find two types of solar water heater: the two-tank and the one-tank and solar collectors exist in quite a few designs but in general glazed flat-plate collectors are widely used on solar water heater systems. Solar collectors can be fixed on the roof of your house or on the ground and in both cases, for best performance they should preferably be pointing south.

Installing a solar water heater will not cover all your hot water needs this is why you also need a traditional electric or gas water heater for days of bad weather where there is no sunshine. Despite this little inconvenient you can expect to make substantial savings.

Posted in Solar Tags: Bad Weather, Electric Pumps, Electric Water Heating, Electrical Devices, Electricity Bills, Flat Plate Collectors, Gas Water Heater, Heat Water, Heater, Heating Water, Passive Solar Power, Solar, Solar Collectors, Solar Energy Technology, Solar Heater, Solar Lights, Solar Water Heater, Storage Tank, Sytems, Using Solar Power, water, Water Heating Systems, Wind Power Generator, Year 1800 No Comments »




Are you behind on your mortgage?

  • Featured Video