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:: Specific Design Brief
CAT 4:
Solar Water
Heating - further information
PRODUCT DESIGN UK
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ISSUES & RESOURCES
Sustainability issues
The energy source used to heat most hot water used in Britain is a fossil
fuel. Burning fossil fuels adds to Climate Change and air pollution. The
Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution has stated that The government
should now adopt a strategy which puts the UK on a path to reducing carbon
dioxide emissions by some 60% from current levels by about 2050.
Heating water accounts for about 22% of energy used in homes in Britain
(not including central heating).
On average commercial solar water heating systems produce about 50% of the
hot water needs of a home over the course of a year.
Other issues
How much hot water is needed?
What temperature does it need to be?
When is it needed?
Sources of Information
Energy post 16 (TEP) - Designing a solarimeter and solar water heating system,
written for A-level*
Pupils Guide to Solar Power - CAT (£3)*
Solar Water Heating, a Resource Guide CAT (£2) Comprehensive list of
organisations, suppliers and manufacturers.
Tapping the Sun a guide to solar water heating CAT (£3.50)
Solar Water Heating: a DIY guide CAT (£5.99)
Solar Energy Factsheet CAT (£3)
The Practical Solar Handbook Bushell (£6.95)
Solar Water Heater VITA (£8.95) guide for the construction of a portable solar
collector and storage tank.
The
solar Trade Association aims to maintain standards within the industry and to
promote the use of solar power.
www.solartradeassociation.org.uk
Construction Resources is a builders merchants specialising in ecological
materials, including solar waters panels. 16 Great Guildford St, London SE1 0HS
www.ecoconstruct.com
Examples of a variety of solar water heating systems can be seen in use at the
Centre for Alternative Technology, Machynlleth, Powys SY20 9AZ
www.cat.org.uk
Manufacturers of panels and solar products
www.filsol.co.uk
www.solartwin.com
www.solardesign.co.uk
www.thermomax.com
www.aessolar.co.uk
www.solarmatt.com
Manufacture an ultra thin black oxide nickel foil for high absorption and
low emittance of infra red radiation.
www.specialmetals.com
Clip fins for solar collectors are available from CAT mail order.
FURTHER INFORMATION
KEY QUESTIONS |