The reasons why you should make a solar water heater with your own hands: concern for the environment and energy saving. it can be used not only in the country, but also at home in the summer. In the article we have put together several options for heaters, choose "your" and proceed to implement the idea.
The principle of operation and the device of the solar heater
The sun shines all year round, in addition, no one takes money for this energy. How to wrap it for your own good? To make a solar-powered boiler. The effectiveness of its work depends on the region: the more rays penetrate the earth, the better the device heats. If we take factory devices, then their power is suitable even for heating.
How are industrial solar heaters arranged? They consist of:
- A collector is a container through which heated water flows.
- A quartz glass tube with hoses inside (they contain a working fluid - a substance that turns into steam). It is quartz that transmits UV rays for optimal heating of water even in cloudy weather. There is a vacuum in the tubes, so they perfectly retain heat.
- A pump or other head pressure tool. Some non-pressure models work on the principle of convection.
- The pipeline.
- Storage tank.
How factory vacuum systems work:
- Inside the tubes is a working fluid. Under the influence of sunlight, it turns into steam and rises up, thus heating the water tank.
- If the water heater is storage, then with the help of a coil it is connected to the boiler in the house or apartment.
Flat heater design:
- It consists of a rectangular case, the back wall of which is covered with heat-insulating material.
- A copper coil is attached to the body. It connects to the tank.
- Water circulates under the influence of convection or a pump.
- The plate is painted black and is protected by glass on top.
This option is cheaper than vacuum, but its effectiveness is also lower, especially in cloudy weather.
Varieties of solar heaters
In addition to the above, there are simpler devices. They are divided into two types depending on the water supply:
- Active. Water circulates through the system using a pump, valve, manifold. There are open and closed type. The latter contain antifreeze inside, which does not allow freezing water even in minus.
- Passive. They have low productivity and operate in a non-pressure way.
Also, solar water heaters (CB) are flowing and storage. A home-made boiler can be used for a summer shower, for a pool, for a bath and other needs.
How to do the work yourself
As we already wrote, CB can be made from different materials and in different ways.
From the condenser of the refrigerator
It is a ready-made absorber - a vapor absorber. However, it is possible to make a heat exchanger from the following materials:
- copper tubes;
- hoses;
- polymer, aluminum pipes;
- plastic bottles.
Let us dwell on the capacitor. To make a battery you will need:
- Wooden planks or bars. It is necessary to make a housing in which a capacitor will fit.
- Glass.
- Reflective material (foil).
- Lining made of rubber, larger than a coil.
- Pipeline.
- Sealant.
- Thermal insulation.
Remove the grill from the back of the old refrigerator. It should be cleaned and washed well, since there was refrigerant inside. From wooden blocks, complete the frame. Lining will be rubber. Lay thermal insulation and a sheet of reflective material on top. Seal all cracks carefully.
Now install the capacitor and fix it in place. Above is a sheet of glass. You can fix the structure with tape. Organize holes for water. Above and below the glass, you can tighten the screws or screws, since the heater will be installed with an inclination.
Bring water and try the product.
Pipe heater
This simple scheme allows you to quickly heat water. Due to the ease of connection, the installation area can be any size. They can be used for heating and household needs.
What is needed:
- Pipes made of polycarbonate, polyethylene, polypropylene, metal plastic.
- Bar for the frame (dimensions depending on the installation area).
- Plywood sheet.
- Corners.
- Adapter.
- Tee.
- Inlet and non-return valve.
- Drain cock.
- Metal sheet.
- Aluminum profiles.
- Board.
- Glass.
- Sand.
- Waterproofing.
- The basis.
Instruction:
- Decide on the installation location - it should be the sunniest.
- Seal the soil with sand and soil. As the basis, you can use paving slabs.
- Using a bar and corners, assemble the frame. Reinforce the back with a beam, longitudinally securing it to the base. Attach plywood to the front. Finish the case by attaching boards with glass holes.
- Install glass on the body.
- Secure metal sheets from above. Paint the surfaces with black paint.
- Arrange pipe mounts and install them at a distance of 40 mm from each other. Assemble the structure using the corners and fittings.
- Make two holes for the water inlet, install the tees and connect. Check system for leaks.
All-weather construction
This method is the most difficult technically. However, it allows the heater to be operated both in summer and in winter. As a coolant, tubes with a discharged medium are used.
The fluid must circulate from top to bottom:
- Build a metal frame of the required area. You can immediately fix it on the roof with anchor bolts.
- Connect the water pipe and install the temperature sensor.
- Mount the heater: wrap the copper pipe with aluminum sheet. Insert the structure into the glass pipe. From below install a cup for fixing and anther.
- Install the metal part of the pipe in a brass condenser.
- Organize the mounting block and connect electricity to it. Install a vent near the temperature sensor.
- Set the required parameters and test the design.
From the hose
This is the easiest and most economical way to organize a solar boiler, according to user reviews. As a basis, take a pyramid-shaped frame or make it from pipes using welding. Lay the hose in circles on the frame. To keep it, put plastic clamps or clips. The fluid must move in such a system under pressure. Cover the structure with a film on top.
Advantages of the CB installation:
- Efficient operation at full load.
- Complete readiness for operation.
- Quick payback on material costs.
- Power saving
You can use the classic technique for making a boiler - black barrels made of plastic. They can be installed over the shower or in another convenient place.
Recommendations of specialists:
- It is necessary to accurately calculate the load on the product, which should be equal to daily consumption.
- If you make the device from tanks, provide additional thermal insulation.
- Pipes that lead into the tank should not be too long so that water quickly enters the tank and does not have time to cool.
The manufacture of a solar heater confirms once again that there is energy in the world that does not have to be paid for. Save on fuel and save the environment.