Apricus
Apricus is a global company focused on providing simple and effective solutions for families and businesses concerned about the effects of climate change and rising energy costs. Apricus solar thermal systems are widely used in both residential and commercial applications to provide hot water, space heating, industrial hot water and even air-conditioning. Installing just one Apricus solar thermal collector can reduce CO2 levels as much as planting more than 200 trees and is the perfect choice for people wanting to become part of the SOLUTION by reducing their carbon footprint.
Apricus Products (Download Brochure):
Apricus Evacuated Tube Solar Collector -
(Thermal Solar Heating)
The Apricus Solar Collector or Solar Water Heater is a device that absorbs thermal energy from the sun and converts it into usable heat. The heat is normally absorbed by water, or a freeze resistant water mix, which can then be used to supplement hot water heating, space heating and even space cooling via use of an absorption chiller or dessicant cooler technology.
The operation of the solar collector is very simple.
1. Solar Absorption: Solar radiation is absorbed by the evacuated tubes and converted into heat.
2. Solar Heat Transfer: Heat pipes conduct the heat from within the solar tube up to the header.
3. Solar Energy Storage: Water is ciruclated through the header, via intermittent pump cycling. Each time the water circulates through the header the temperatures is raised by 5-10oC / 9-18oF. Throughout the day, the water in the storage tank is gradually heated.
Apricus Heat Dissipator
The Apricus heat dissipator (HD) is specifically designed for use with Apricus solar collector installations that are sized for optimal winter, spring and autumn output. The HD can dissipate the excessive heat produced during summer periods, or periods of non-use. This protects systems from overheating and/or excessive hot water dumping.
- >1.3kW heat dissipation capacity*
- Suitable for fresh water or glycol/water systems.
- Powder coating casing for excellent corrosion resistance.
- Silver brazed copper piping with 1/2"M BSP inlet and outlet.
- Easy mounting on exterior wall or in roof space.
- Able to be connected in series for greater heat dissipation capacity.
- Minimal pressure drop.
- May be used as a simple hydronic space heating panel.
- Neat, attractive design.
The HD is installed on the return line from the solar collector(s). When the temperature in the storage tank exceeds the pre-set limit (~80oC / 176oF), the controller switches a solenoid which directs the solar return flow through the HD before returning it back into the standard flow line. Alternatively a thermostatic mixing valve/tempering valve set to a suitable temperature can be used, providing mechanic, automatic regulation of flow through the heat dissipator.
As the hot water passes through the HD, heat is dissipated via the aluminium fins to surrounding air, the vertical fin arrangement promoting a passsive air current.
One HD-25 unit can dissipate most of the heat produced by an AP-30 collector in full sun (will depend upon the location of the unit and airflow)
The copper pipe to and from the collector should be heavily insulated, as should the lengths of pipe to and from the HD. The solenoid valve prevents flow of collector return water through the HD during normal temperature operation, thus preventing unnecessary heat loss.
