napkollektor

A napkollektor, or solar collector, is a device designed to absorb solar radiation and convert it into thermal energy. This thermal energy is then typically used for heating water or air. There are several types of solar collectors, with the most common being flat-plate collectors and evacuated tube collectors. Flat-plate collectors consist of an insulated, weatherproof box containing a dark absorber plate under a transparent cover. Fluid flows through tubes attached to the absorber plate, collecting heat. Evacuated tube collectors use a series of parallel glass tubes, each containing a metal absorber. The space between the outer glass tube and an inner absorber tube is a vacuum, which significantly reduces heat loss, making them more efficient, especially in colder climates.

The absorbed solar energy heats a fluid, usually water or a mixture of water and antifreeze, that circulates through the collector. This heated fluid is then pumped to a storage tank where its thermal energy can be used for domestic hot water, space heating, or even swimming pool heating. The systems can be passive, relying on natural convection, or active, using pumps and controllers. The efficiency and performance of a napkollektor depend on factors such as its design, orientation, tilt angle, and the amount of direct sunlight it receives. They are an environmentally friendly technology, contributing to reduced reliance on fossil fuels and lower greenhouse gas emissions.