1. Vacuum Glass Tube
Glass evacuated tubes are the key component of the solar collectors. Each evacuated tube consists of two glass tubes. The outer tube is made of extremely strong transparent borosilicate glass, that is able to resist impact from hail up to 25mm in diameter. The inner tube is also made of borosilicate glass tube, but coated with a special selective coating which features excellent solar heat absorption and minimal heat reflection properties. The air is withdrawn (evacuated) from the space between the two glass tubes to form a vacuum, which eliminates conductive and convective heat loss. In order to maintain the vacuum between the two glass layers, a barium getter is used (the same as in television tubes). During manufature this getter is exposed to high temperatures which causes the bottom of the evacuated tube to be coated with a pure layer of barium. This barium layer actively absorbs any CO, CO2, N2, O2, H2O and H2 outgassed from the tube during storage and operation, thus helping to maintaining the vacuum. The barium layer also provides a clear visual indicator of the vacuum status. The silver coloured barium layer will turn white if ever the vacuum is lost. This makes it easy to determine whether or not a tube is operating correctly.
Unlike other types of solar collectors, evacuated tube solar collectors still provide excellent results on cloudy days, This is because the tubes are able to absorb the energy from infrared rays which can pass through clouds. Wind and low temperatures also have less of and effect on the function of evacuated tubes when compared to flat plate solar collectors due to the insulating properties of the vacuum.
Glass evacuated tubes are aligned in parallel, the angle of mounting depends upon the latitude of your location. In a North South orientation the tubes can passively track heat from the sun all day. In an East West orientation they can track the sun all year round. The shape of the tubes provides superior absorption when compared to flat plate collectors for a number of reasons:
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