Aurinkolämmityksellä

Aurinkolämmityksellä, or solar thermal heating, is a technology that harnesses solar radiation to produce heat, primarily for water heating and space heating. The fundamental principle involves capturing sunlight using solar collectors, which are typically installed on rooftops or in open areas with good sun exposure. These collectors contain a dark absorber surface that is heated by the sun's rays. A heat transfer fluid, usually water or a water-glycol mixture, circulates through the collector, absorbing the heat.

This heated fluid is then transported to a storage tank, where the thermal energy is stored for later use. In a domestic hot water system, the heated fluid in the collector indirectly heats the potable water in the storage tank via a heat exchanger. For space heating, the warmed fluid can be circulated through radiators or underfloor heating systems.

There are several types of solar collectors used in aurinkolämmityksellä systems. Flat-plate collectors are the most common, consisting of an insulated box with a transparent cover, a dark absorber plate, and fluid passages. Evacuated tube collectors, which use a series of glass tubes with a vacuum between them, are generally more efficient, especially in colder climates or when higher temperatures are required.

The amount of heat generated by an aurinkolämmityksellä system depends on factors such as the size and efficiency of the collectors, the amount of solar radiation received, and the angle and orientation of the collectors. While aurinkolämmityksellä can significantly reduce reliance on conventional heating sources like electricity or fossil fuels, it is often used in conjunction with a supplementary heating system to ensure a consistent supply of heat, especially during periods of low sunlight.