The operation, performance, and cost of these controls vary. Some control systems
monitor the temperature in different parts of the system to help determine how it is
operating. The most sophisticated systems use microprocessors to control and
optimize heat transfer and delivery to storage and zones of the house.
It is possible to use a solar panel to power low voltage, direct current (DC) blowers
(for air collectors) or pumps (for liquid collectors). The output of the solar panels
matches available solar heat gain to the solar collector. With careful sizing, the
blower or pump speed is optimized for efficient solar gain to the working fluid.
During low sun conditions the blower or pump speed is slow, and during high solar
gain, they run faster.
When used with a room air collector, separate controls may not be necessary. This
also ensures that the system will operate in the event of utility power outage. A
solar power system with battery storage can also provide power to operate a
central heating system, though this is expensive for large systems.
monitor the temperature in different parts of the system to help determine how it is
operating. The most sophisticated systems use microprocessors to control and
optimize heat transfer and delivery to storage and zones of the house.
It is possible to use a solar panel to power low voltage, direct current (DC) blowers
(for air collectors) or pumps (for liquid collectors). The output of the solar panels
matches available solar heat gain to the solar collector. With careful sizing, the
blower or pump speed is optimized for efficient solar gain to the working fluid.
During low sun conditions the blower or pump speed is slow, and during high solar
gain, they run faster.
When used with a room air collector, separate controls may not be necessary. This
also ensures that the system will operate in the event of utility power outage. A
solar power system with battery storage can also provide power to operate a
central heating system, though this is expensive for large systems.
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Alternative-Heating-Info.com
Solar Heating System Controls
See also: Photovoltaic System Components
See also: Photovoltaic System Components
Controls for solar heating
systems are usually more
complex than those of a
conventional heating system,
because they have to analyze
more signals and control more
devices (including the
conventional, backup heating
system).
Solar controls use sensors,
switches, and/or motors to
operate the system. The
system uses other controls to
prevent freezing or extremely
high temperatures in the
collectors.
systems are usually more
complex than those of a
conventional heating system,
because they have to analyze
more signals and control more
devices (including the
conventional, backup heating
system).
Solar controls use sensors,
switches, and/or motors to
operate the system. The
system uses other controls to
prevent freezing or extremely
high temperatures in the
collectors.
The heart of the control system is a differential thermostat, which
measures the difference in temperature between the collectors
and storage unit.
When the collectors are 10°–20°F (5.6°–11°C) warmer than the
storage unit, the thermostat turns on a pump or fan to circulate
water or air through the collector to heat the storage medium or
the house.
measures the difference in temperature between the collectors
and storage unit.
When the collectors are 10°–20°F (5.6°–11°C) warmer than the
storage unit, the thermostat turns on a pump or fan to circulate
water or air through the collector to heat the storage medium or
the house.