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| To achieve maximum efficiency and
even heat distribution from the sun's heat, a Solar/Gas system must be
capable of absorbing and transferring solar heat to the point of use on
demand. It must also be able to store solar heat for use during the
night and on cloudy days.
m In a liquid solar heating system, liquid circulating through the collectors absorbs heat from the sun and returns it to a well-insulated storage tank. This tank has a large storage capacity and is usually located at a convenient location above or below the ground. m A small pump draws the heated liquid from the storage tank and circulates it through a heat exchanger in a forced air furnace or a circulating hot water heating system. m In a forced air solar system, a blower moves cooler air over a heat exchanger, picking up heat from a solution that was heated by the sun. This warm air is then circulated throughout the home. |
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In an air Solar/Gas heating
system, air is circulated through the collector, absorbing heat
from the sun as it passes through. This heated air can be ducted
directly into the house for instantaneous use, or stored for several days.
This storage system is usually a large bin of small rocks which absorb
the heat from the hot air passing through them. Upon demand, a blower
circulates the warm air from the storage bin throughout the home.
m Due to the uncertainties of weather and practical limits of storage capacity, the sun can't supply 100% of heating needs. A conventional gas heating system is required for those times when there is not enough solar energy to heat your home. |