Solar Water Heater is a complete operating system that uses energy from the sun to produce hot water and comprises one or more collectors,one or more hot water storage tanks and all nessary interconnecting pipes and functional components.
Here is a list of some terms you may encounter when reading through our web site.
We have tried to make explanations as easy to understand as possible, if you are still un-clear please feel free to contact us.
A-B-C-D-E-F-G-H-I-P
A
Aperture
Area that unconcentrated solar radiant energy is admitted to the absorber. For evacuated tubes this refers to the cross-sectional surface area of the outer clear glass tube measured using the internal diameter, not the outside diameter.
(Eg. 0.0548m x 1.72m = 0.094m2). 1.72m is the exposed length of the evacuated tube.
Absorber
The part of the collector that actively absorbs the light rays. For solar tubes this is defined as the cross-sectional area of the inner tube (selective coated) measured using the outside diameter. (Eg. 0.047 x 1.72m = 0.08m2) This value is used when calculating efficiency values. For solar tube collectors with reflective panels, the entire circumferential surface area of the inner tube is often used when calculating absorber area, as the reflective panel is supposed to reflect light onto underside of the evacuated tube. The xianke AP solar collector does not use reflective panels, learn why by clicking here.
B
BTU
BTU - Stands for British Thermal Units. This is an imperial unit of measurement for heat widely used in the US and also in the UK. The conversion to the metric unit kWh is: 1 kWh = 3412Btu, and for surface area values, 1kWh/m2/day = 314Btu/ft2/day
C
Collector
Device that contains or incorporates an absorber and a means for transferring thermal energy from the absorber to a fluid passing through the collector.
A solar collector is not really a solar water heater. A solar water heater is a system which may include a tank, pump, controller and solar collector panel. A solar collector is that part of the system which absorbs the sun’s energy and converts it into heat. The xianke AP model is separate from the tank as so is a solar collector.
Celsius
The metric unit for temperature measurement. Convert as follows:
Fahrenheit = (oC x 1.8) + 32
Celsius = (oF - 32)/1.8
For Delta-T measurements the relative temperature difference is needed.
Eg. Delta-T = 7oC turn pump on, Delta-T 2oC turn pump off. How much is that in oF??
The conversion from Fahrenheit to Celsius is simple:
Fahrenheit = oC x 1.8
Celsius = oF / 1.8
D
Delta-T Controller: Delta-T refers to the difference in two temperatures. This term is often use in relation to a solar controller. In such case the Delta-T is the difference between the solar collector temperature and the temperature of the water in the solar storage tank. A Delta-T controller can be configured to turn on the pump when the Delta-T difference exceeds a certain level (Eg.7oC / 12.7oF) and off again when the temperature difference drops below another setting (Eg. 2oC / 3.6oF). The controller turns on the pump when there is heat potential in the manifold. A Delta-T controller can also be used to provide freeze protection by circulating warm water from the tank through the manifold when the manifold temperature drops below 5oC.
E
Efficiency
Solar collector efficiency is usually expressed as a percentage value, or in a performance graph. When assessing a collector's performance make sure it is based on the correct surface area values. Eg. If performance values are based on gross area, then the gross area must be used when determining total heat output. IAM values have a significant influence on actual heat output throughout the day, and should be considered. Looking at just the percentage efficiency value will not give a true indication of daily heat output.
Efficiency testing is usually completed by testing bodies such as SPF, SRCC and other government approved testing bodies.
Tm* is the x axis value on performance graphs for solar collectors.
Tm* is calculated as:
(water temp - ambient temp)/Insolation
Eg. (44oC - 20oC)/800Watts = 0.03
F
Fliud channels
Channels in a solar water heater through which heat transfer fluid flows.
 
Flow Rate
The volume of water flowing through plumbing in a given period of time. Usually measured in volume/minute or volume/hour. 1 Litre/min = 0.264 US Gallon/min
G
Gross Area
The total surface area of the collector including the frame, manifold and absorber. This area is often used when comparing collectors, but a better comparison to use is value for money. Roof size is not usually a limiting factor for domestic solar water heating installations, so the size of the collector is not really that important.
H
Hot water storage tank
A hot water storage tank is intended to be installed on the outside or inside of a building,the main function of the hot water storage tank is to store and keep hot water for user.This tank should be effectively protected.Xianke products protect the hot water storage tank by means of a steel outer casing,that can resist against the effect of rain,wind,hailstone and other elements.Seams on the outer casing and the entry holes for pipe connections are effectively sealed to make a permanent watertight closure.All exposure piping or fittings (or both) which form part of the storage tank are non-corrosive material or protected against corrosion.
Heat transfer fluid
Medium,such as air,water or other fluid that passes through a collector and carries absorbed thermal energy from the collector to the water to be heated.
Heat Pipe
An evacuated rod or pipe used for heat transfer.
I
Insolation
Don't confuse this with insulation - the one letter change makes a big difference. Insolation refers to the amount of sunlight falling on the earth. Click here to learn more
Insulation
The ability to protect against transfer of heat/cold. Xianke solar collectors use compressed glass wool to insulate the header from heat loss. Glass wool has excellent insulation properties, is very light and can withstand high temperatures, making it an ideal choice for a solar collector. It is made from at least 80% old glass bottles and can be recycled so is very environmentally friendly.
The thermal insulation should fits the follows requirements:
a) it does not unduly compress after installation.
b) when in contact with a metal,it does not cause corrosion of the metal.
c) it does not react or decompose in the presence of heat in a manner that will produce corrosive salts or vapours.
d) it is dimensionally stable under dry conditions at the maximum expected temperatures likely to be reached in the collector or when exposed to the effects of UV radiation,and
e) it is dimensionally stable under wet or damp conditions and does not absorb water.
Irridance, Irridation
Basically the same as Insolation - explained above.
Incidence Angle Modifier (IAM)
Refers to the change in performance as the sun’s angle in relation to the collector surface changes. Perpendicular to the collector (usually midday) is expressed as 0o, with negative and positive angles in the morning and afternoon respectively. Collectors with a flat absorber surface, which includes some types of evacuated tubes, only have 100% efficiency at midday (0o), whereas xianke solar tubes provide peak efficiency mid morning and mid afternoon, at around 40o from perpendicular. This results in good stable heat output for most of the day.
P
Pressure
Refers to the water pressure in the system. The conversions for the most commonly used units are: 1 bar = 1.02kg/cm2 = 14.5psi = 100kPa = 0.1Mpa = 10m water head
A solar water heater shall be designed for a certain working pressure as zero(non-pressurized type system),100kPa,200kPa,300kPa,400kPa or so on,as required.The design and construction of any component or system shall be such that,when the component or system is under testing there is no failure that could affect the acceptable operation of the compoment or system.
If there are any words that you think we should add to this glossary, please let us know.
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