SolarPlus Solar Panels Ireland Solar water heating offer Solar heating system

The solar water heater explained

If we start at the compressor, the r134A gas is compressed, raising its temperature by
approximately 120° C. This compression causes the gas to liquify and this liquid
is circulated through a heat exchanger coil (fig. 2) which transfers the heat to
the water in the storage tank.



Fig.2

The liquid refrigerant then passes into a liquid reservoir and then through an
expansion valve. This valve returns the r134A to a cold vapour and this is
pumped through the copper pipes at -25°C to the network of veins in the panel.
The exchange of environmental energy with the solar panel causes the vapour to
convert to a gas and this leaves the panel at between 10°C - 60°C (depending on
exterior conditions) The gas is then compressed again which brings us back to
the start of the cycle.


Why is r134A refrigerant used?

This material has many advantageous properties

• Non-corrosive.

• Non-toxic.

• Very stable at high temperatures and pressures.

• No harmful effect on the environment.