Thermosyphon Solar Systems

Thermosyphon systems in global terms represent the most common solar system type. In warmer countries around the Mediterraean, in Africa, Australia and particularly China, thermosyphon systems would be regarded as the norm. In this arrangement the storage cylinder is mounted above the collector (generally on the roof attached to the top of the collector) so that solar heated water will circulate from the collector to the cylinder by natural convection (natural circulation). As long as freezing is not a problem and ambient temperature is reasonably high, the sytem can work quite efficiently without an external electrical supply. Provision must be made for coping with thermal expansion in sustained hot weather and this is normally provided by a simple pressure relief valve. These systems are not suitable to our climate due to the risk of freezing and the substantial heat losses that would occur from the exposed cylinder in our windier and cooler conditions. They also impose a substantial roof load that would require additional and general costly roof-strengthening.

Examples of Thermosyphon systems

Suntreksolar