Uses for Active Solar Heating Devices and Systems
There are basically two types of solar heating systems: active and passive.
With passive solar heating, the heat from the sun is simply trapped in some way.
This is how a greenhouse works; the heat from the sun is let in but struggles to
come out.
Active solar heating, though, is how most homes use solar energy. With active
solar heating,, the energy is trapped and then the system does something to
improve the way the heat is collected and distributed. Here, you will learn a
little more about active solar heating and what the uses are for it within the
home as well as which type is the best to use to heat a home.
There are basically two types of active solar heating systems, and each has its
own pros and cons.
Liquid Based
In a liquid based active solar heating system, the sun’s energy is used to heat
water or other liquid which is then used to heat space or water. These liquid
based systems are most appropriate for use in central heating of homes.
In such a system, there is a collector that is used to collect the heat from the
sun in water, antifreeze, or some other type of liquid. The absorbed heat is
then circulated through a pump that moves the liquid to where it is needed. It
can be used to heat water indirectly or the panels can heat water directly.
Additionally, the heated fluid can be moved through the house to heat the space.
Actually, the liquid solar system can be used with a forced air system to heat a
home. A liquid to air heat exchange is generally used. This is done by heating a
coil with the liquid that is heated and letting air pass over it. Additionally
heating may be needed, so a furnace is usually in place to act as support. It is
basically a hybrid system in such cases.
Air Based Active Solar Heating Systems
In an active solar heating system that is based on air, water or antifreeze are
not used. Instead, air is used as the fluid for absorbing and carrying the
energy through the home or building. This type of system is useful for heating
rooms or even preheating air for recovery ventilators.
The biggest different in air and liquid based systems is that the air systems
collect heat earlier and later in the day. This makes an air system, in many
cases, more efficient and better during select times of year than the liquid
systems. Also, air systems will not freeze since no liquid is used. The only
real drawback is that air is significantly less efficient in terms of
transferring heat compared to liquid.
Best Uses
Active solar Heating is used most often for home heating. The biggest upside,
whether you use liquid or air, is that solar heat is basically free. Even if the
solar heat is used just to offset some of that taken from “the grid” it is a
great way to save fuel and money.
Summing it Up
As you have seen, active solar energy systems are the best way to capture heat
for your home. In fact, the heating of buildings and spaces are the most common
and best uses for the active solar heating systems you see today. So when you
think of solar energy, now you know it is more than just big panels adorning the
side of a building. It is about active transportation of that heat and energy
through the use of liquid or air. It is about preserving and using this
renewable and virtually limitless natural resource as an alternative to dirtier
and nonrenewable sources.
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