Question by divineburner: Material of a Solar Water Heater?
What is a material for the pipe of a Solar Water Heater?
I meant the pipe that facilitates the convection heat transfer, not the pipe that leads the water down from the Solar Water Heater to my shower (although they might be the same).
Thanks in advance. =)
PS. Please do explain why.
Let’s say we ignore the price, is there any chance with steel?
What would be the take between a black-painted copper and polished steel?
Best answer:
Answer by tinman97prn
The pipes are usually copper because of the good heat conductivity, good long term stability, and moderate cost.
Give your answer to this question below!
January 25th, 2012 @ 11:01 pm
Metallic pipes are the best for heat transference. Copper and aluminum are good at resisting corrosion, so they last much longer than, lets say, iron pipes (which are cheaper).
The line going to the shower could be made of the same material. Just make sure to wrap it with proper heat insulation material to minimize losses during flow.
January 25th, 2012 @ 11:55 pm
Copper is the best common material for Solar Water Heater since it does not release anything harmful in to the water, it does not corrode, it will withstand high temperature, it has good thermal conductivity and it does not let light through the pipe. It is important that light not go into the pipe since it could allow algae to grow inside of it. This is not much of a concern in chlorinated water, but for those who have wells it is.
Steel is corroded by water (rust), and nearly ten times less conductive than copper. On the other hand stainless steel is only 4 percent as thermally conductive as copper.
PVC is another common material that can be used in Solar Water Heaters. However it is riskier than copper; though its low cost does make it attractive. PVC becomes weak at temperatures over 135F (55C) (though in my experience it can handle higher temperatures), it lets light through (allowing a possibility for the formation of algae, unless the water is treated), some say it release chemicals into the water when it heats and it has a thermal conductivity much lower than copper.
There are a few reasons that make PVC’s weaknesses somewhat irrelevant.
-Hot water is rarely consumed, it is usually used for washing dishes, closes and showering. So algae and possibly released chemicals are not an issue.
-It costs much less so its poor thermal conductivity can be overcome by simply using more and heating more water.
-Most homemade solar heaters are inefficient, so high temperatures are naturally avoided.