heating & plumbing products
that won't cost the earth
Introduction to Solar
Solar energy is energy directly from the sun. The concept of heating using the power of the sun can be traced to the early Greeks who used to build their houses facing the sun.
Given the relatively high latitude of the United Kingdom, solar systems can have a higher initial cost but the lifetime costs are demonstrably lower than a traditional system as a significant proportion of heating is powered by solar energy.
Solar energy is of course sustainable and has clear environmental benefits.
A system that can capture energy from the sun, and store heat for domestic use is simple in theory; the key is in recognizing that all the components used within the system are engineered to perform at much higher temperatures than used in our traditional heating systems.
Solar heat can be collected by utilizing:
- A solar collector;
- A store for this heat, which is generally a hot water cylinder
- A circulating pump, temperature control device, and components to maintain the system for safety and performance.
What is Solar?
Solar heating systems are one of the options for renewable and sustainable energy sources that are being implemented across the world as we continually strive to come to terms with the future. Solar heating is seen as the most accessible of the renewable energy options, and advances in technology, consumer demand and Government policy on climate change are accelerating the growth in new systems being installed significantly in the last few years.
Free energy from the sun can provide the home owner with over 60% of their hot water requirements every year, and with energy costs soaring, just this one aspect makes solar hot water systems a desirable proposition.
For the aspiring installer or home owner, solar collectors and solar hot water storage cylinders are now readily available. Intaeco have the range of equipment that complete the system installation. The most important rule is to ensure that that equipment is rated to operate at the higher temperatures that can be generated within the solar system.
Solar Products
Solar Pump Station
Description: The Solar Pump station integrates all the necessary components for the efficient operation of a solar system. The components are all solar rated, and arranged within the insulated package ready to take flow and return connections.
Solar Controller
Description: Solar Controllers are basically temperature differential thermostats, but to effect efficient harvesting of free solar energy have to perform many more tasks. In brief, sensors measure the temperature of the fluid in the solar collector, and compare against the temperature of the water in the HWS cylinder (store). Heat transfers from hot to cold, so as soon as the temperature of fluid becomes higher in the collector, the pump will bring that heat down to the cylinder and transfer it into the store. This is its most simplistic definition of operation.
Expansion Vessel
Description: As with any sealed system, the pumped circulation solar system has to have an expansion capability to cope with fluid expanding as the temperature increases. Also in the solar system, the expansion vessel diaphragm has to have the ability to work within higher temperatures than that expected of a standard heating vessel. Intaeco Solar Plus vessels and eres solar vessels have been designed to function in high temperature solar installations. System fluid capacity dictates what size vessel is used, though most domestic applications require a capacity of between 18 Ltrs and 24 Ltrs.
Thermostatic Mixing Valve
Description: The Solar Thermostatic Mixing valve is designed to temper the water temperature to a safer level. Unlike the under basin, or bath/shower type valves we are familiar with on the market, the Solarmix is designed to function continuously at high temperatures, something a standard TMV2 valve could not cope with.
Flexible Pipe System
Description: Making the connection between the solar collector on the roof, and the system below creates different set of problems for the installer. Yes, it can be achieved by simply using copper tube, but the high temperatures achieved (therefore traditional soft solder joints should not be used) difficult sets and bends required, and installation time are all factors.
Balancing Valve
Description: For flow balancing, adjusting and control of flow in solar heating systems. Visual flow indicator and flow adjustment. All components rated for high temperatures as could be realised in this type of system. Rated to 130 C max working temperature.
Solar Air Vent
Description: The air-scoop on the pump station provides air removal at the point of commissioning, but no automatic venting. The solar automatic air vent provides long term removal of air.
Discal Air Valve
Description: Dearators are used for progressive removal of air or gas which is continually formed. Even the smallest particles of (micro bubbles) are captured and expelled.
Safety Relief Valve
Description: As with any sealed system or circuit, a safety pressure release valve is required as mandatory for safety, should the system pressure exceed its designed safe maximum.
