The Solar Dynamics hot water system may be installed in two ways. These are the “Natural Convection” installation, and the “Split System” installation methods.
The Solar Dynamics Natural Convection System
The natural convection system is installed with the storage tank and the collector panel together on the roof, with the tank being higher than the collector panel.
The natural laws of physics; radiation, conduction and convection combine to make this system work effortlessly, without any mechanical or electronic input.
As the radiant solar energy is absorbed by the transfer of heat to the water in the collector tubes, the heated water expands and rises to the storage tank. The colder water from the bottom of the tank being heavier descends to the collector to be heated. This is referred to as the convection cycle.
The Natural Convection circulation will occur with the minimum temperature change. This is why the convection method will heat more water year round, than its forced method counterpart.
The Solar Dynamics “Split System”
The split system is installed with the collector on the roof, and the storage tank at a lower level, e.g. inside the garage. In the split installation method, the cold water needs a mechanical force to take the water to the collector on the roof, and back to the storage tank. This is provided by a direct current pump.
The energy for the pump is provided by solar electricity, through a photo-voltaic (light energy) panel. The split system relies on direct sunlight for the pump’s operation. In dense cloud cover conditions the split system will be less effective than its natural convection counterpart.
Where aesthetics are of major concern, the right-sized Solar Dynamics Split Hot Water System meets the specifications of performance with beauty.