GLOSSARY OF SOLAR TERMINOLOGY
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ABSORBER:
The heat absorber is the part of the solar
collector which receives radiant energy from the sun and transforms it
into thermal energy. It is usually made of metal that is coated with
a heat-absorbing material.
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ACTIVE
SYSTEM: An active solar energy
system uses either liquid or air to transport heat to the point of use.
It is comprised of collectors to absorb the sun's solar energy; pumps,
pipes, blowers and/or ducts to transport the energy, a heat storage area,
controls and valves. An active system can be installed during construction
or retrofitted into an existing structure.
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COLLECTOR:
A collector is the part of a system that
collects and absorbs the heat of the sun and, in turn, heats a fluid or
air.
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EXPANSION
TANK: A small tank that compensates
for liquid expansion in a fluid system.
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GLAZING:
The transparent covering on the collector,
usually glass or plastic.
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HEAT EXCHANGER:
This is a device for transferring heat
energy from one medium to another. In a solar energy system as heated
fluid or air from the collector passes through the heat exchanger, it transfers
its heat load for immediate use or storage.
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HYDRONIC
SYSTEM: A closed loop heating system
utilizing the solar-heated hot water.
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INSOLATION:
The rate of solar radiation received.
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INSULATION:
Material used to reduce heat loss on exposed
piping and through the wall of collector assemblies, water heaters and
storage tanks.
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MIXING
VALVE: A valve which automatically
mixes hot and cold water to meet a controlled temperature setting.
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PASSIVE
SYSTEMS: A passive solar energy
system utilizes the design of the structure to collect, store and transmit
solar heat. It maximizes the use of natural convection, conduction
and radiation while minimizing the use of mechanical devices powered by
conventional fuel.
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PUMP: In
active solar space heating and water heating systems, small electric pumps
are required to move the heat transfer fluid through the system and back
to the collector.
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STORAGE:
Storage
of solar heat is necessary to meet energy demands during non-sunny hours.
Heat storage is accomplished by properly sized hot liquid storage tanks,
heating rocks in a large storage bin, or eutectic salt storage.
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TILT ANGLE:
The angle from horizontal that the collector
is tilted to provide maximum exposure to the sun. This angle is determined
by geographic location and any seasonal variations in the projected use
of solar energy. (Pool heating in the spring and fall, space heating
in the winter months)
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TRANSFER
MEDIUM: The liquid or air used to
transport solar heat.
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