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Solar Thermal Panels overtaken by Thermodynamic Systems

Another feature from Magic Thermodynamic Box, where they discuss their systems vs Solar Thermal Panels:

Quarterly solar thermal statistics from the UK’s Solar Trade Association (STA) covering 80% of the total market volume show that solar thermal sales have declined by 35% in the first quarter of 2013 when measured against the same period in 2012.  The figures presented also show that sales have been gradually falling since the third quarter in 2010 where they are now less than half when compared to the most recent quarter.

One reason for the decline in solar thermal is the growth of a new kid on the block, Thermodynamic systems, which can provide domestic hot water and central heating.

ThermoDynamic vs Solar

The laws of Thermodynamics date from the 19th Century but technology has only recently progressed enough to allow the production of cost efficient systems.  These have only been introduced in any volume into the UK market in the last year.  The great advantage of Thermodynamics is that they collect and transfer energy when there is no sunlight. In fact they work 24 hours a day taking energy from the ambient environment including wind and rain.  This is a major advantage considering the weather in the UK!

The external Thermodynamic panel acts as an evaporator absorbing energy and turning the refrigerant R134a from a liquid to a gas state.  The unit uses heat pump technology to convert the gas energy to heat by using a small compressor.  The hot gas imparts its energy to the water either through a heat exchanger or coil.  Water temperature can be raised by thermodynamics to 55oC and in some cases higher with the use of an immersion heater.

The gas used is R134a, an ozone friendly refrigerant gas.  It is in a sealed system so doesn’t need annual maintenance and thermodynamic systems are highly reliable with minimal moving parts.  They can be turned off with a flick of a switch.

There are a variety of systems, single panel units supplying potable domestic hot water as a stand-alone system; retrofit units to existing water cylinders with single panels; and central heating or swimming pool units having multiple panel configurations.

Thermodynamics is so new that the systems have yet to be classified by the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) and are not on the list for RHI payments in 2014, however, The Magic Thermodynamic Box is orchestrating the new regime in conjunction with the MCS and is making good progress.

For more information on this new and rapidly expanding renewable energy technology contact The Magic Thermodynamic Box Ltd based in Chelmsford, Essex or browse their products on www.magicthermodynamicbox.com.

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