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HOW DOES A SOLAR THERMAL BUFFER TANK WORK?
The key distinction between indirect and direct solar thermal buffer tanks lies in how they manage the interaction between the solar collector system and the fluid used to store thermal energy. The decision is usually based on whether the system is in a freezing climate or not.
Choosing between direct and indirect buffer tanks depends on specific system requirements and environmental conditions, with each design offering its own set of advantages and trade-offs.
DIRECT SOLAR
THERMAL STORAGE
In a direct solar thermal buffer tank, the water circulates directly through the tank, transferring heat to the stored water within the tank. This direct approach can be more efficient but requires a robust, freeze-protection strategy such as cycling the loop at night to prevent freezing. As such it is generally used in mild climates with out risk of freezing.
INDIRECT SOLAR
THERMAL STORAGE
Conversely, in an indirect solar thermal buffer tank, a heat exchanger separates the solar collector fluid from the water within the tank. This design allows for greater flexibility in choosing collector fluids, including those optimized for heat transfer performance, without concern for freezing. In most case a mixture of glycol antifreeze is mixed with the water in the solar loop preventing freezing. While slightly less efficient due to the additional heat exchange step, indirect tanks offer reliability in cold climates and ease of maintenance.
