Aurinkolämpösoitin

Aurinkolämpösoitin is a Finnish term that translates to "solar thermal device" or "solar collector." It refers to a device designed to capture solar energy and convert it into heat. This heat can then be used for various purposes, primarily for water heating or space heating.

The basic principle behind an aurinkolämpösoitin involves absorbing sunlight and transferring that thermal energy to a working fluid, typically water or a mixture of water and antifreeze. The collector's absorber surface is usually dark-colored to maximize the absorption of solar radiation. This absorbed heat is then conducted to pipes containing the working fluid. The heated fluid is then circulated, often via a pump, to a storage tank where the heat is stored for later use.

There are several types of aurinkolämpösoitin, with the most common being flat-plate collectors and evacuated tube collectors. Flat-plate collectors are simpler and generally less expensive, consisting of an insulated box with a transparent cover, a dark absorber plate, and fluid-carrying tubes. Evacuated tube collectors consist of a series of glass tubes, each containing an absorber element, with a vacuum between the inner and outer glass layers to minimize heat loss, making them more efficient, especially in colder climates or during winter months.

The use of aurinkolämpösoitin offers a sustainable and renewable way to generate heat, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and lowering energy costs. They are widely implemented in residential, commercial, and industrial applications for domestic hot water, swimming pool heating, and building heating systems.