Heat Pipe Collector

Heat pipe collector:

A heat pipe collector is an efficient solar thermal system featuring a sealed tube containing working fluid within the core component. The fluid vaporizes upon absorbing solar radiation and condenses at the cooling end, with enhanced heat transfer achieved through metal fins and absorber plates. This system demonstrates pressure-resistant operation, high thermal efficiency, and exceptional frost resistance, making it ideal for low to medium-temperature heating and hot water systems. It particularly excels in environments with significant temperature variations, delivering outstanding performance.

Operational principle:

The heat pipe collector is composed of double-layer vacuum glass tube and the heat pipe inside. The vacuum layer reduces heat loss, and the heat pipe is filled with low-boiling-point working medium (such as methanol, ammonia, etc.).

When sunlight is shining, the evaporated section (lower end) of the heat pipe absorbs heat, and the working medium vaporizes and rises to the condensation section (upper end), releases heat and condenses back to form an efficient heat cycle.

The condensation section is in contact with the heat conduction block or heat exchanger of the water tank to transfer heat to the water, and the working medium itself does not directly contact the water to avoid leakage risk.

Advantages compared with traditional collectors:

Anti-freezing: vacuum environment + heat pipe one-way heat transfer, no freezing and cracking in cold areas;

High temperature resistance: when exposed to air, the heat pipe automatically stops heat transfer to avoid overheating;

Efficiency: The heat pipe thermal conductivity is hundreds of times that of ordinary metal, and it starts quickly (hot water can be output in a few minutes);

Simple maintenance: the failure of a single vacuum tube does not affect the operation of the system.

Typical application scenarios:

Household water heater: solar water heating system in high cold areas;

Industrial heating: to provide preheating water or small heating for factories;

Agriculture: Greenhouse heating or hot water supply for farms.

Our advantages:

Fin sheet: 3003 rust-proof aluminum material, corrosion-resistant, does not rust, heat transfer fast;

Flow path: copper, corrosion resistant, heat transfer fast;

Welding: phosphorus copper electrode, strong toughness, high strength, corrosion resistance;

Customization: source factory, support customization.

Product Parameter:

Q1: What is a heat pipe solar collector?
A1: A heat pipe solar collector uses evacuated glass tubes with sealed copper pipes to efficiently transfer solar heat to a circulating fluid. It's known for its fast start-up, high efficiency, and excellent performance in cold climates.

Q2: How does a heat pipe work in solar collectors?
A2: The heat pipe inside the evacuated tube contains a small amount of fluid. When heated by sunlight, the fluid vaporizes and rises to the condenser end, transferring heat to the water system. The vapor then condenses and returns to the bottom, repeating the cycle.

Q3: What are the advantages of heat pipe collectors over flat plate collectors?
A3: Heat pipe collectors offer better performance in low sunlight or cold environments, faster response time, and less heat loss due to vacuum insulation. They're ideal for areas with cold winters or industrial hot water needs.

Q4: Can heat pipe collectors be used year-round?
A4: Yes. Their design with vacuum insulation and antifreeze compatibility makes them suitable for year-round operation, even in sub-zero temperatures.

Q5: What maintenance is required for heat pipe solar collectors?
A5: Maintenance is minimal. Regularly checking for leaks, cleaning the glass tubes, and inspecting the heat exchanger once a year is typically sufficient.