Aurinkokeräimiin

Aurinkokeräimiin, or solar collectors, are devices designed to capture solar energy and convert it into a usable form, most commonly heat. These systems are a key component of solar thermal energy utilization, distinct from photovoltaic panels that generate electricity. The fundamental principle behind aurinkokeräimiin involves absorbing sunlight and transferring its heat to a fluid, which can then be used for various purposes.

There are several common types of aurinkokeräimiin. Flat-plate collectors are widely used for domestic hot water heating and space heating. They consist of an insulated box with a dark absorber plate, covered by a transparent glazing. The absorbed solar radiation heats a network of pipes containing a heat transfer fluid, typically water or a water-glycol mixture. Evacuated tube collectors are another prevalent design, offering higher efficiency, especially in colder climates. These collectors comprise rows of parallel glass tubes, each containing an absorber. The space between the inner and outer glass tubes is evacuated to create a vacuum, significantly reducing heat loss. Concentrating solar collectors, though less common for residential use, use mirrors or lenses to focus sunlight onto a smaller absorber area, achieving much higher temperatures suitable for industrial processes or electricity generation via steam turbines.

The heated fluid from the aurinkokeräimiin is then circulated to a storage tank or directly to the point of use. This stored heat can supplement or entirely replace conventional heating systems, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and lowering energy bills. The efficiency of aurinkokeräimiin depends on factors such as collector design, orientation, angle, and local climate conditions.