Heating and hot water
Maximize the comfort and energy efficiency of your building by making the most of solar energy
In addition to harnessing sunlight through photovoltaic panels, there are currently other ways to reduce our energy dependence on general grids. Solar thermal energy is one of the most efficient and sustainable ways to harness solar radiation.
There is now technology capable of capturing the sun's heat to transform it into thermal energy applied directly to our domestic hot water supply (DHW), and even supporting heating systems or underfloor heating. This technology not only helps reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions, but also adapts to different climatic conditions and specific needs of each client.
Elements of a solar thermal installation
Solar thermal systems convert solar radiation into thermal energy to heat water. The process begins in solar collectors, which are devices that capture the sun's heat and transmit it to a heat-transfer fluid, which is usually a mixture of water and antifreeze. This fluid moves through a closed circuit using a circulation pump.
The heat collected by the heat transfer fluid is transferred through a heat exchanger to a water storage tank, heating the water to be used for domestic consumption or heating. Depending on the installation, the hot water can be used directly for showers, sinks, or to feed radiator or underfloor heating systems.
Solar thermal collectors
A solar collector is a device designed to capture solar radiation and transform it into thermal energy, which is used to heat water, air or other fluids in solar thermal energy systems.
Water tank
Essential in any hydrosolar installation, it ensures that hot water is available when needed, even at times when there is insufficient solar radiation. These tanks are designed with good insulation to minimise heat loss, and usually include one or more coils that allow heat transfer from the heat transfer fluid to the water for consumption.
Heat exchanger
A crucial component that enables the efficient transfer of thermal energy from the heat transfer fluid to the water to be used for DHW or heating. Typically, a plate heat exchanger or internal coil is used in the tank. This component ensures that the heat captured by the collectors is transferred effectively, without directly mixing the heat transfer fluid with the potable water, which is important for maintaining water safety and quality.
Circulation group (pump and pipes)
This system consists of a pump that moves the heat transfer fluid through the solar collector circuit and the heat exchanger, as well as the system of pipes, valves and meters necessary to ensure an adequate and safe flow.
Control system
Functioning as the brain of this installation, this system is designed to adjust the flow according to the availability of solar energy and the demand for hot water. By monitoring the temperature in the solar collectors and in the storage tank, it sends signals to the different connected elements to activate the circulation pump when the temperature in the collectors is high enough to heat the water.
We carry out complete projects
At Frida Solar we offer comprehensive solutions that go beyond solar thermal. Our commitment is to provide complete projects that integrate the best use of solar energy. The combination of these technologies, carefully designed and adapted to the needs of each client, complement each other to maximize energy savings and sustainability.
Whether for homes, businesses or communities, our wide range of solutions allows us to create customized systems that optimize comfort, reduce energy costs, and actively contribute to caring for the environment. A goal that we continue to follow and fulfill during more than 10 years of specialized experience as a solar engineering company.
