Aurinkolämpökeräimiä

Aurinkolämpökeräimet, often referred to as solar thermal collectors, are devices designed to capture solar energy and convert it into heat. This heat is then typically used for water heating or space heating purposes. Unlike photovoltaic panels that generate electricity, aurinkolämpökeräimet directly produce thermal energy.

There are several common types of aurinkolämpökeräimiä. Flat-plate collectors are the most widespread and consist of an insulated box with a dark absorber plate under a transparent cover. This absorber plate heats up when sunlight strikes it, and a heat transfer fluid, usually water or a water-glycol mixture, circulates through pipes attached to the absorber, picking up the heat. Evacuated tube collectors are another type, which use a series of glass tubes, each containing an absorber. The space between the inner and outer glass walls is a vacuum, which significantly reduces heat loss, making them more efficient, especially in colder climates or when higher temperatures are needed.

The heated fluid from the collectors is then pumped to a storage tank. In domestic hot water systems, this hot water is directly available for use. For space heating, the heated fluid can be circulated through radiators or underfloor heating systems. The systems are often supplemented with conventional heating methods to ensure a consistent supply of heat during periods of low sunlight or high demand. Aurinkolämpökeräimiä are an important component of renewable energy solutions, contributing to reduced reliance on fossil fuels and lower energy bills. Their efficiency and cost-effectiveness have made them an increasingly popular choice for both residential and commercial applications.