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Collectors, Part 1 |
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Batch Collectors, or Integrated Collector Storage (ICS) Devices
In these systems, the hot-water storage tank is the solar absorber. The tank is painted black or has a special coating and is mounted in an insulated box, usually about 6 inches deep, that has glass on one side. Cold water is piped to the bottom of the tank. Sun shines through the glass, heats up on the black surface, and warms the water inside the tank. Warmed water is taken from the top of the tank when a hot faucet is opened and cold water again moves into the tank. Some are single large tanks (30 gallons or more), and others use several metal tubes plumbed in a series. Single tanks are usually made of steel. Tubes are usually made of copper. Tube-type tanks perform better because more surface area is exposed, but they also cool off more quickly at night. ICS tanks can reach temperatures as high as 180 F on a warm sunny day, and half that on a warm cloudy day.
There are some disadvantages to batch collectors. They are extremely heavy when full and must be mounted on sturdy structures (a reinforced roof or on the ground). When mounted |
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