Thermosyphon

Thermosyphon system

How does a thermosyphon system work?
Another relatively simple, passive system, and the most popular solar water heater worldwide is the thermosyphon. Common in Japan, Australia, India, and Israel, they are easily recognizable because the tank must be located directly above the collector.

Latest Technologies

Thermosyphon Systems

Thermosyphon systems work on the principal of heat rising. In an open-loop system (for nonfreezing climates only), potable water enters the bottom of the collector and rises to the tank as it warms. In colder climates, an antifreeze solution, such as propylene glycol, is used in the closed solar loop, and freeze-tolerant piping, such as cross-linked polyethylene (PEX), is used for the potable water lines in the attic and on the roof.

Several international manufacturers make thermosyphon systems. The advantage of this system over the batch heater is that solar heat is stored in a well-insulated tank, so hot water can be used any time, without the penalty of overnight losses.

Quality Standards

Solar Rating and Certification Corporation

The Solar Rating and Certification corporation currently administers a certification, rating, and labeling program for solar collectors and a similar program for complete solar water heating systems. Collector testing apparatus SRCC’s certification program operating guidelines, test methods and minimum standards, and rating methodologies require the performance of nationally accepted equipment tests on solar equipment by independent laboratories which are accredited by SRCC. The test results and product data are evaluated by SRCC to determine the product’s compliance with the minimum standards for certification and to calculate the performance ratings. Equipment which has been certified and rated by SRCC is required to bear the SRCC certification label which shows the performance rating for that product. In addition, each certified product is published by SRCC in a directory. Each product’s directory listing contains information on the product’s material and specifications as well as the certified thermal performance.