How Does Vacuum Tube Solar Energy Work? Step by Step Review
Vacuum tube solar energy systems are high-tech products that convert sunlight into heat extremely efficiently. In this comprehensive guide, we examine the working principle of vacuum tube systems that we offer at wholesale prices from the manufacturer step by step.
📑 Contents
1 Absorption of Sunlight
The working principle begins with sunlight reaching the vacuum tubes. The selective absorber coating located on the inner surface of the tubes absorbs up to 92% of solar radiation and converts it into heat.
🔬 What is Selective Absorber Coating?
This special coating absorbs visible light and infrared radiation at maximum levels while keeping heat loss (infrared release) at minimum levels. ALN/AIN-SS-Cu or TiNOX technology is generally used.
2 Vacuum Insulation
The most important feature of vacuum tubes is the vacuum gap between the inner and outer glass layers. This vacuum environment provides perfect insulation that prevents heat from escaping.
Air molecules are heat carriers. The vacuum environment eliminates air molecules and prevents heat transfer. In this way, efficient operation is possible even in cold weather down to -30°C.
Conduction
No heat conduction because there is no air
Convection
No convection because there is no air flow
Radiation
Minimized with selective coating
3 Heat Pipe Technology
After the absorbed solar energy is converted into heat, the copper heat pipe inside the tube comes into play. Thanks to this revolutionary technology, heat transfer takes place extremely efficiently.
🔥 Heat Pipe Working Cycle
The special fluid (usually water or alcohol based), heated by solar energy, evaporates at low temperatures.
The vapor rises towards the top of the tube and reaches the manifold.
The vapor cooled in the manifold condenses and transfers its heat to the water.
The liquefied substance goes down by gravity and the cycle repeats.
4 Water Heating
The heat transferred from the manifold heats the water in the stainless steel tank. The tanks used in our products are offered in 150L, 200L and 250L capacities.
Summer Months
Water temperature: 80-95°C
Caution: Scalding risk! Use a mixer.
Winter Months
Water temperature: 50-70°C
Ideal usage temperature on sunny days
5 Thermosiphon Principle (Natural Circulation)
Hot water in the tank is directly ready for use. In systems working with the thermosiphon principle, a pump is not needed - hot water rises upwards by natural circulation. In this way, electricity consumption remains zero.
Not affected by power outages, no risk of pump failure, maintenance cost is minimum. Just sunlight is enough!
System Components
The vacuum tube solar energy system consists of 4 main components:
Vacuum Tubes
- • Double-walled borosilicate glass
- • Selective absorber coating
- • 58mm diameter, 1800mm length
- • 92% absorption rate
Heat Pipe
- • Copper material
- • Fluid evaporating at low temperatures
- • High heat conduction
- • Protection against freezing
Water Tank
- • 304 stainless steel inner tank
- • 50mm polyurethane insulation
- • 150L / 200L / 250L capacity
- • Electric heater option
Frame (Assembly Set)
- • Galvanized steel
- • Adjustable tilt angle
- • Suitable for every roof type
- • Corrosion resistant
Find the System That Suits You
Calculate the ideal system based on your number of people and usage habits.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does vacuum tube solar energy heat water?
Sunlight is absorbed by the selective absorber coating on the inner surface of the vacuum tube and converted into heat. This heat evaporates the fluid inside the heat pipe. The vapor rises and condenses in the manifold, transferring its heat to the water in the tank.
What is a heat pipe?
A heat pipe is a copper tube containing a special fluid that evaporates at low temperatures. The fluid, heated by solar energy, evaporates, rises, condenses in the manifold to release its heat, and then goes down again. This cycle repeats continuously.
Does the system use electricity?
No, thermosiphon principle systems do not use electricity. Hot water rises by natural convection. It works completely mechanically without the need for a pump. It is not affected by power outages.
How many degrees does the water heat up to?
In summer months, water temperature can rise up to 80-95°C (warning: scalding risk!). In winter months, it is between 50-70°C on sunny days and 35-50°C on cloudy days.
