Are Apricus collectors more efficient than flat plate collectors?
When comparing peak efficiency levels it may seem that there is little difference between flat plate and evacuated tubes. In fact, flat plate may actually be higher, but this is during minimal heat loss conditions. When averaged over a year evacuated tube collector have a clear advantage. The key points are: 1. Due to the cylindrical shape of the evacuated tube, the solar tubes are able to passively track the sun throughout the day. Flat plate collector only provide peak energy output at midday when the sun is perpendicular to the collector’s surface. 2. Air is evacuated from the tube to form a vacuum. This greatly reduces conductive and convective heat loss from the interior of the tube. As a result, wind and cold temperatures have less effect on the efficiency of the evacuated tube collector. 3. Apricus solar collectors can be used in cold temperatures when flat plate collector have limited or no heat output. 4. Evacuated tubes are strong, long lasting, and should one be broken, inex
