Solar heating of a private house: options and device schemes

Active heating sunlight collect vacuum collectors

Air solar collector

An air solar collector, equipped with a system of forced transmission and distribution of energy, is able to provide much more heat compared to a passive variant. The air circulation rate is automatically adjusted depending on the temperature in the house and the degree of heating of the collector.The air heated in the collectors can enter the ventilation system or the premises directly. If its temperature is high enough, it can also be used to heat the heat transfer fluid. Excess daytime energy is stored overnight in heat accumulators.

Solar air heating based on a solar collector. From the hollow panel (1) through the air channels (6) the fan drives the air into the technical room, where the automation, depending on the situation, distributes it to the air preparation unit (3) or a massive heat accumulator (2). At the same time, the hot water coil (5) can also heat up. During the day, when the rooms need heating, the system operates in mode B, warm air from the collector is sent to the rooms. When the required temperature in the house is reached, the air flow is redirected to the heat accumulator, mode A. At night, when the collector does not provide heat, the damper closes the channel leading to it, circulation is carried out between the heat accumulator and the premises.

Vacuum solar collector

The most advanced device for solar heating today.

Schematic diagram of a vacuum solar collector. The liquid absorber circulating through the U-shaped tubes, when heated, evaporates and rises up into the collector. The latter is connected to the circuit of the heating system and, in turn, the liquid coolant circulates through it. The absorber gives energy to the coolant, cools down, condenses, goes down. The cycle repeats

Solar heating of a country house based on vacuum collectors is much more efficient than other solar systems, however, in addition to the uneven heat generation traditional for solar systems, it has three more significant drawbacks: in severe frost, heat transfer drops sharply, installations are fragile and expensive.

Vacuum solar collectors should be installed in such a way that they are protected from vandals. This is especially true for our country, getting a pebble into a glass tube is a sweet thing.

Vacuum panels are not connected directly to the heating system. At a minimum, buffer tanks are needed to smooth out uneven heat generation.

The "correct" scheme for connecting a vacuum solar collector to the heating system. Heat is not transferred directly, but through a heat exchanger, daytime excess heat is stored in a heat accumulator (buffer tank) for the night

Please note that the diagram shows a "normal" heating boiler, the solar system only complements it

Electric solar panels can only be used indirectly for heating. It is unreasonable to spend electricity on space heating directly, it can be used more rationally. For example, send fans and automation of active solar systems to work.

Electricity is the most efficient form of energy

This is perhaps the fastest growing segment of heating devices today. Universal, environmentally friendly, giving the ability to connect anywhere in the house, in addition, a safe and cheap source of energy is often used:

• in standard electric heating boilers
• in convectors
• in electric heaters
• in infrared panels
• as heating elements of the "warm floor" system
• in conventional heaters

The only significant drawback of this type of heating is its complete dependence on electrical networks. Given the great deterioration of the power grids of urban and rural infrastructure, the danger of disconnection due to natural phenomena, electric heating in most cases today is necessarily duplicated by the installation of backup equipment.

Another disadvantage of electricity is the high cost, which requires additional costs for equipping the building with a special system that controls the temperature regime and the operation of heating devices. In fact, today it is the most acceptable type of energy source that can bring home ownership closer to the standards of energy-saving heating of a private house.

But the main thing is that for building energy-saving heating of a private house with your own hands, this is the most suitable energy source.

Economical gas boilers

If you want to get the highest degree of savings, then it is important to understand the varieties of existing gas boilers. They can be floor, hinged and condensing. The first are installed on the floor, the others are mounted on the wall

While others can be wall-mounted or floor-mounted, a distinctive feature of such equipment is high efficiency, which can reach 100% or more. The most economical heating boilers belong to this type

The first are installed on the floor, others are mounted on the wall. While others can be wall-mounted or floor-mounted, a distinctive feature of such equipment is high efficiency, which can reach 100% or more.The most economical heating boilers are of this type.

Such a high efficiency is due to the fact that such units use two sources of energy, the first is gas combustion, but the second is the energy that is released during the condensation of steam. If you choose a mounted boiler, you will be able to save even when purchasing, since such equipment is cheaper compared to other gas boilers.

Advantages of solar systems and features of their design and installation

In order for a renewable energy system to become truly effective for your private home, a careful calculation must be carried out. First of all, the required level of energy consumption in the house is determined, the total power of all household appliances and their maximum load are calculated. Then the maximum possible efficiency of the solar panels intended for use and their area are calculated. It is possible that the required number of solar energy batteries simply will not fit on the roof of your house and you will have to look for additional sources of energy or other areas for placement.

manifold drawing

In any case, a solar-powered system should have a backup power source, which will allow you not to depend on the vagaries of the weather.

A similar approach must be applied in the design solar heating systems. Manufacturers usually indicate the possibility of solar heating collectors to work in certain temperature conditions. Do not neglect this information.And again - in case of a long winter and cloudy weather, your house should be equipped with an alternative source of heat supply - it can be any heating boiler of your choice, from a traditional Russian stone wood-burning stove, ending with newfangled electric boilers.

With the right combination of innovation in heating and a traditional, time-tested approach, you can fully enjoy the benefits of solar energy, which we get absolutely for free.

1 Methods of use

The energy of sunlight has been used for a long time and successfully, so the technology is not an innovation. But this service is most often used by residents of hot countries and southern latitudes, since in warm climatic conditions such an alternative resource can be extracted all year round. But the northern regions, where there is a lack of natural radiation, use solar heating only as an additional option.

A kind of intermediaries between the sun and the mechanism that generates energy are solar panels and special collectors. Moreover, these elements can differ both in purpose and in design. But the essence of their work is to accumulate solar energy for later use.

The batteries are presented in the form of panels, on one side of which there are photocells, and on the other - a locking mechanism. It is quite possible to mount such a design on your own, but you can purchase ready-made products that are sold in a wide range.

A solar system is a device that is part of a heating system.It is a large heat-insulated box in which the coolant is built. Such a device, together with batteries, is fixed on a raised shield facing the luminary. It is also possible to simply lay the heating elements on the roof slope.

The transformation itself is carried out in pipes that are located inside the box. Using solar panels to heat a house in winter is quite realistic, but on the condition that there will be at least two hundred sunny days a year.

Comparison of characteristics of solar collectors

The most important indicator of a solar collector is efficiency. The useful performance of solar collectors of different designs depends on the temperature difference. At the same time, flat-plate collectors are much cheaper than tubular ones.

The efficiency values ​​depend on the manufacturing quality of the solar collector. The purpose of the graph is to show the efficiency of using different systems depending on the temperature difference.

When choosing a solar collector, you should pay attention to a number of parameters showing the efficiency and power of the device. There are several important characteristics for solar collectors:

There are several important characteristics for solar collectors:

• adsorption coefficient - shows the ratio of absorbed energy to total;
• emission factor - shows the ratio of the transferred energy to the absorbed;
• total and aperture area;
• efficiency.

The aperture area is the working area of ​​the solar collector. A flat collector has a maximum aperture area. The aperture area is equal to the area of ​​the absorber.

How does a solar power plant work

We are not going to take your time and tell you how semiconductor modules generate current.But if you want to organize solar heating of a private house, you need to understand the principle of operation of a photovoltaic station and know all the nuances that affect its power.

A solar power plant (SPP) consists of the following elements (shown in the diagram below):

• one or more panels that perceive the radiation of the sun;
• rechargeable batteries (batteries) that store the generated electricity;
• the controller monitors the level of charge, directs the current to the desired circuit;
• The inverter converts the direct voltage of the solar panels into alternating current 220 V.

Scheme of a solar installation with an inverter and a controller

1. During daylight hours, the batteries produce a current that passes through the controller.
2. The electronic unit evaluates the battery charge level, then directs the energy to the desired line - for charging or for consumers (to the inverter).
3. The inverter unit converts direct current into alternating current with standard parameters - 220 V / 50 Hz.

There are 2 types of controllers - PWM and MPPT. The difference between them is the way the batteries are charged and the amount of voltage loss. MPPT units are more modern and economical. Batteries are used different: lead-acid, gel and so on.

SES includes special batteries that are not afraid of deep discharge

If you plan to use several modules, then they are interconnected in 3 ways:

1. A parallel connection scheme allows you to increase the current in the circuit. The "negative" contacts of all batteries are connected to one line, the "positive" ones to the other. The output voltage remains unchanged.
2. The use of a series circuit makes it possible to increase the output voltage.The "negative" terminal of the first panel is connected to the "plus" of the second, and so on.
3. The combined method is used when you need to change both parameters - current and voltage. Several modules are connected in series, then the group is connected to a common network in parallel to other similar groups.

How solar panels for the home and related equipment look like, the master electrician will tell in the video:

What is energy saving heating

If you make a similar request in any search engine, then the advertisements of various electric heat sources, possibly alternative installations - heat pumps, solar collectors, will mainly fall into the issue. To put it mildly, this looks somewhat paradoxical, because electric heating has always been and will be the most expensive way to heat a house.

Obviously, energy-saving heating systems are those that allow more profitable use of available fuel and energy resources while maintaining a given temperature regime inside the premises.

Thermal imaging allows you to determine the weak points of the object that need to be insulated in the first place

It is unlikely that this definition can characterize any one type of heating, and even more so some individual models of heat generators. And if it comes to that, then, in order to make such a loud statement, you need to compare not only with “classmates”, but with all available options. There have been no technological breakthroughs for a long time, there is no need to look for a miracle. In this case, real energy saving consists in a whole range of measures aimed at saving money. How it is achieved is another question.Due to objective and subjective reasons, for each object and for each user they will be different, but general directions can be identified.

Do-it-yourself system installation

The main elements of any solar collector are a heat-insulating storage box and a whole system of pipes: drainage pipes, cold water inlets, cold and hot water supply to mixers, hot water supply to the storage tank, storage replenishment.

Almost all elements of the collector can be made or purchased independently.

Location and installation of the drive

It is best to place the system on the south side of the roof and the attic of the house.

The role of the solar energy storage in the collector is performed by a tubular radiator placed in a glazed box, which is turned at a certain angle to the luminary.

The radiator grille can be welded on your own - steel pipes with thin walls and a small diameter are suitable for this (as an option - 16x1.5 mm). For the outlet and inlet pipes, it is better to use a larger diameter.

The walls of the box are made of boards up to 30 mm wide, the bottom is made of hardboard or plywood, additionally reinforced with slats. The box is carefully insulated - to retain heat as much as possible. Styrofoam is best suited for this, although other materials (extruded polystyrene foam - XPS or mineral wool) can be used. A sheet of tin or galvanized iron is placed on the bottom over the insulation, and the radiator grill is installed directly on it and fixed with clamps.

Heat accumulator

As a heat accumulator, a conventional water tank of 200-300 liters is used.To keep the water hot in it, high-quality thermal insulation is also required: the tank is placed in a box filled with sawdust, polystyrene foam, ecowool, etc.

avankamera

Constant pressure in the hydraulic system is maintained by means of an avankamera - a sealed expansion tank of 30-40 liters with a float valve. The water level in the fore-chamber should exceed the water level in the tank by 80-100 cm.

Connection of parts of the system

The hydraulic system is connected using tees and corner couplings (welding or threading), seams and joints are reinforced with paint, hemp winding or modern sealant.

The installation of a solar heating system begins with the installation of a storage tank in the attic, placed in a heat-insulating box.

A self-made or purchased collector is placed on the sunny side of the roof at an angle of approximately 40-45 degrees relative to the horizon.

Further, the system is mounted into a single structure using steel pipes: half-inch - for high pressure (output from the hot water tank and supply from the water supply to the fore-chamber), inch - for low pressure.

Final stage

After that, the device is filled with water - and solar heating starts to work. The heated water rises up the pipes and displaces cold water from the radiator. In fact, here we are dealing with an ordinary closed system: water, alternately cooling and heating, circulates. The heated liquid with a lower density moves into the tank, and the denser cold liquid returns to the collector.

If the structure is connected to the heating system of a private house, then special electric heaters and temperature sensors are additionally installed to maintain the optimum temperature in the pipes: the sensors will automatically turn the electric heating on and off depending on the weather “overboard”.

Method for increasing productivity

Usually, after experimenting with a small number of solar modules, private home owners go further and improve the system in various ways.

The easiest way is to increase the number of modules involved, respectively, attract additional space for their placement and purchase more powerful related equipment.

What to do if there is a shortage of free space? Here are some recommendations for increasing the efficiency of a solar station (with photovoltaic cells or collectors):

Changing the orientation of modules. Moving elements relative to the position of the sun. Simply put, the installation of the main part of the panels on the south side. With a long daylight hours, it is also optimal to use surfaces facing east and west.

Tilt angle adjustment. The manufacturer usually indicates which angle is most preferred (for example, 45º), but sometimes during installation you have to make your own adjustments based on geographic latitude.

Correct choice of installation location. The roof is suitable because it is most often the highest plane and is not obscured by other objects (say, garden trees). But there are even more suitable areas - rotary devices for tracking the sun.

When the elements are perpendicular to the rays of the sun, the system works more efficiently, however, on a stably fixed surface (for example, a roof), this is only possible for a short period of time. To increase it, they came up with practical tracking devices.

Tracking mechanisms are dynamic platforms that rotate with their plane following the sun. Thanks to them, the performance of the generator increases by about 35-40% in summer, and by 10-12% in winter.

The big disadvantage of tracking devices is their high cost. In some cases, it does not pay off, so it makes no sense to invest in useless mechanisms.

It is estimated that 8 panels is the minimum amount at which the costs will justify themselves over time. You can also use 3-4 modules, but on one condition: if they are directly connected to the water pump, bypassing the batteries.

Just the other day, Tesla Motors announced the creation of a new type of roof - with integrated solar panels. Elon Musk stated that a modified roof would be cheaper than a conventional roof with collectors or modules installed on it.

The use of bimetallic radiators

If you decide to use gas as an energy source, then you can purchase a double-circuit boiler, which will become part of the heating system. Among the elements of the latter will be radiators

In order to get higher efficiency, it is important to choose the right batteries. The most modern of them are bimetallic radiators, which are characterized by lower cost and high heat transfer. Aluminum fins are capable of excellent energy transfer, this indicator for bimetal is 3 times higher compared to steel batteries

Thermal energy is spent more rationally. You can save not only at the time of purchase, but also the operation of the equipment, because the high heat transfer of aluminum allows you to use a smaller amount of coolant. In this case, the heat flow remains equal to the flow from cast-iron radiators. This indicates that bimetallic radiators may be smaller, but their shape will be more attractive compared to cast iron counterparts.

Aluminum fins are capable of excellent energy transfer, this indicator for bimetal is 3 times higher compared to steel batteries. Thermal energy is spent more rationally. You can save not only at the time of purchase, but also the operation of the equipment, because the high heat transfer of aluminum allows you to use a smaller amount of coolant. In this case, the heat flow remains equal to the flow from cast-iron radiators. This indicates that bimetallic radiators may be smaller, but their shape will be more attractive compared to their cast-iron counterparts.

Norms and requirements for autonomous heating

Before designing a heating structure, it is necessary to look into SNiP 2.04.05-91, which sets out the basic requirements for pipes, heaters and valves.

General norms boil down to ensuring that the house has a comfortable microclimate for the people living in it, to properly equip the heating system, having previously drawn up and approved the project.

Many requirements are formulated in the form of recommendations in SNiP 31-02, which regulates the rules for the construction of single-family houses and their provision with communications.

Separately, provisions related to temperature are stipulated:

• the parameters of the coolant in the pipes should not exceed + 90ºС;
• optimal indicators are within + 60-80ºС;
• the temperature of the outer surface of heating devices located in the direct access zone should not exceed 70ºС.

Pipelines of heating systems are recommended to be made of brass, copper, steel pipes. The private sector mainly uses polymer and metal-plastic tubular products approved for use in construction.

Pipelines of water heating circuits are most often laid in an open way. Hidden laying is allowed when installing "warm floors"

The method of laying the heating pipeline can be:

• open. It involves laying on building structures with fastening with clips and clamps. It is allowed when constructing circuits from metal pipes. The use of polymer analogs is permitted if their damage from thermal or mechanical impact is excluded.
• Hidden. It involves laying pipelines in strobes or channels selected in building structures, in skirting boards or behind protective and decorative screens. Monolithic contour is allowed in buildings designed for at least 20 years of operation and with a service life of pipes of at least 40 years.

The priority is the open method of laying, because the design of the pipeline route should provide for free access to any element of the system for repair or replacement.

Pipes are hidden in rare cases, only when such a solution is dictated by technological, hygienic or constructive necessity, for example, when installing “warm floors” in a concrete screed.

When laying the pipeline of systems with natural movement of the coolant, it is necessary to observe a slope of 0.002 - 0.003. Pipelines of pumping systems, inside which the coolant moves at a speed of at least 0.25 m/s, do not need to provide slopes

In case of open laying of the main, the sections crossing unheated premises must be provided with thermal insulation corresponding to the climatic data of the construction region.

Autonomous heating pipelines with a natural circulation type must be installed in the direction of the coolant movement, so that the heated water reaches the batteries by gravity, and after cooling, moves along the return line to the boiler in the same way. The mains of pumping systems are built without a slope, because. it is not necessary.

The use of various types of expansion tanks is stipulated:

• open, used for systems with both pumping and natural forcing, should be installed above the main riser;
• closed membrane devices, used exclusively in forced systems, are installed on the return line in front of the boiler.

Expansion tanks are designed to compensate for the thermal expansion of the liquid when heated. They are needed to dump excess into the sewer or corny into the street, as is the case with the simplest open options. Closed capsules are more practical, because they do not require human intervention in adjusting the pressure of the system, but more expensive.

An open type expansion tank is installed at the highest point of the system. In addition to providing a reserve for expanding the liquid, it is also entrusted with the task of removing air. Closed tanks are placed in front of the boiler, air vents and separators are used to remove air

When choosing shut-off valves, preference is given to ball valves, when choosing a pumping unit - equipment with a pressure of up to 30 kPa and a capacity of up to 3.0 m3 / h.

Budget opening varieties need to be replenished periodically due to the standard weathering of the fluid. Under their installation, it is necessary to significantly strengthen the attic floor and insulate the attic.

Radiators and convectors are recommended to be mounted under windows, in places convenient for maintenance. The role of heating elements in bathrooms or bathrooms can be played by heated towel rails connected to heating communications

What the market offers

solid fuel

The main advantage is autonomy. Furnaces have proven their reliability for centuries. In addition, you will like the pleasant price, always affordable. Of the minuses - long heating, low efficiency, the need to constantly throw up fuel. Unfortunately, there are areas where connection to the gas pipeline is unprofitable due to the high cost of tie-in, in some places it is impossible due to remoteness. Owners of small buildings of 3-4 rooms will be satisfied. In addition, modern designers complement their solutions with a cozy fireplace.

Solid fuel boilers are a great alternative to a stove. The principle of operation is clear to everyone - when combustible materials are burned, heat is released and the coolant is heated. Hot water is distributed through pipes and heats the rooms.It is pleasant to note a wide range of advantages, which in many respects have something in common with the furnace method of heating.

• Profitability. Inexpensive, especially if the forest is nearby.
• Ecological purity. The contents of the firebox burn completely, leaving only ash.
• Loading with firewood, sawdust, briquettes, coal, peat.
• Autonomy.
• Low equipment cost.
• Automation provides ease of control.
• The boiler room will be installed without additional approvals.

But there are also disadvantages.

• Low heat transfer, it is problematic to heat a large area housing.
• Heating occurs by inertia, like a furnace.
• Storage of fuel in a separate room.
• Cleaning soot, soot.
• Manual loading.
• Regular care.
• Additional devices are needed, for example, a heat accumulator, a forced draft device, an additional boiler.
• Chimney installation.

Geothermal systems

New heating systems for private houses make it possible to obtain energy that can be used not only for heating, but also for other purposes. The most popular way to obtain energy is the use of geothermal installations. Such installations work on the same principle as a heat pump. The heat intake is provided from the ground, which is located in the immediate vicinity of the house.

Geothermal heating system

A geothermal installation, as an innovation in home heating, has the following design: a heat pump is installed in the house, which will be fully responsible for pumping the coolant. In the mine, located near the house, it is necessary to lower the heat exchanger. Through this heat exchanger, groundwater will be transferred to the heat pump. As they pass through the pump, they will lose some of their heat.This is because the pump will take heat and use it to heat the house.

If geothermal innovative heating of a country house is necessary, then the coolant should not be groundwater, but antifreeze. To do this, you will need to equip a tank designed for this type of coolant.

Immersion of a horizontal heat exchanger in a reservoir

This method requires a special location of the household - at a distance of about 100 m from the reservoir, which has sufficient depth. In addition, the indicated reservoir should not freeze to the very bottom, where the external contour of the system will be located. And for this, the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe reservoir cannot be less than 200 square meters. m.

This option for placing a heat exchanger is considered the least expensive, but such an arrangement of home ownership is still not common. In addition, difficulties may arise if the reservoir belongs to public facilities.

The obvious advantage of this method is the absence of mandatory labor-intensive earthworks, although you still have to tinker with the underwater location of the collector. And you will also need a special permit to carry out such work.

However, a geothermal plant that uses water energy is still the most economical.

Other alternative non-gas systems

A hydrogen boiler is an alternative source of thermal energy, which is environmentally friendly. The principle of operation is based on the reaction of the interaction of oxygen and hydrogen molecules. As a result of this interaction, a huge amount of heat is released.

However, for the operation of this type of heating, it is important to strictly observe safety precautions.

The main disadvantage of such a device is the high cost of the equipment used. The only way to save money can be considered the option of self-manufacturing equipment. To operate, the system must be permanently connected to the water and power supply. You also need a hydrogen burner, the boiler itself, catalysts and a hydrogen generator. The heat that is generated as a result of a chemical reaction is fed into a heat exchanger. As a result of the installation, waste is generated - ordinary water.