Heat pipe solar collector

SolarMaster heat pipe collector which can absorbs thermal energy from the sun and then converts it into available heat. The heat is usually absorbed by water, or a anti-freeze liquid and water mixture, which can then be used to supplement hot water heating, space heating and even space cooling.

Collector structure:
The SolarMaster solar collector comprises three main parts:


Evacuated Tube
Absorbs solar thermal energy and converts it to available heat. Vacuum between the two glass layers insulates against heat loss.

Heat Pipe
Copper pipe that transfers the heat from within the evacuated tube up to the manifold.


Manifold
Insulated box containing the copper header pipe. The header is pair of contoured copper pipes with dry connect sockets that the heat pipes plug into.

How it works:
Step 1: The absorber coating on the inner glass tube absorbs sunlight and converts it into heat.

Step 2: Steam forms inside heat pipe which transfers heat rapidly up to the manifold.

Step 3: A pump circulates water or heat transfer fluid through the header pipe, carrying heat back to the storage tank. Gradually throughout the day the tank is heated up.