HAMWORTHY HEATING OFFERS GREATER CHOICE WITH NEW SOLAR THERMAL SYSTEMS

Having looked at how solar thermal energy is commonly used in commercial buildings, Hamworthy Heating has introduced two new systems offering customers greater choice in the use of solar energy.

Hamworthy acknowledges that there are many options available for deploying solar energy, based on the existing heating and hot water system, storage requirements and profiling of hot water demand.

To use solar for the generation of domestic hot water (DHW), the most common approach is to use cylinders (calorifiers) with twin coils; one coil is used to transfer the solar energy into the stored water, and the other to provide auxiliary heat input from another source, such as a condensing boiler.

Another way of using solar energy is for a pre-heat system into existing hot water generation plant. A calorifier, or multiple calorifiers depending on the DHW system demand and size of solar collector field, can extract the heat from the solar collectors and transfer it into the stored water. The cold feed supply to the DHW system is fed via this pre-heat storage process.

A final, and more innovative choice for hot water generation, integrates solar into a direct gas-fired water heater, retaining all the benefits associated with separating hot water generation from the space heating system. This option enables the water heater to be installed closer to the point of use, minimising distribution system heat losses, and maximising the solar contribution to hot water.

Reflecting its expertise in the integration of renewable technologies, Hamworthy’s new solar thermal solutions demonstrate alternative methods of using solar energy, enabling effective systems to be designed more easily.

Trigon solar hot water solutions

The Trigon solar collector is an intrinsic part of all Hamworthy solar thermal solutions.

Employing an holistic approach, the Trigon solar system is a complete package, which delivers everything required for a solar hot water solution: vertical or horizontal mounting Trigon flat plate solar collectors; on-roof or A-frame collector installation kits; solar transfer station with a choice of standard or advanced controls; Powerstock single or twin coil calorifiers and storage tanks; Dorchester DR-TC solar water heaters and integrated solar controls.

Developed from Hamworthy’s comprehensive understanding of commercial hot water applications, the Trigon solution delivers a choice of system applications that provide all the benefits of a system using solar energy – including reduced energy bills and carbon reduction.

Dorchester DR-TC solar water heater with integrated gas burner

Where boilers are not part of the solution or space is limited, Hamworthy’s Dorchester DR-TC solar water heater comes into its own with its integrated back-up heat supply from a high efficiency condensing gas-fired burner system.

The Dorchester DR-TC can be used with Trigon solar collectors to provide a compact yet efficient system, with all the necessary controls supplied to prioritise the use of solar energy.

Delivering financial savings, the Dorchester DR-TC operates independently from a space heating circuit, running the hot water system separately.

“The challenge for many when considering sustainable energy sources, like solar energy, is how to maximise the return and achieve a realistic cost benefit justification,” said Kevin Potter, Hamworthy Heating’s Business Development Manager (DHW Systems).

He continued: “At Hamworthy, we are adept at carefully balancing this real-world practicality with environmental ambitions. Coupled with our knowledge and experience of heating and hot water system design, we are able to provide complete reassurance and support throughout a project, helping customers use solar resources to maximum effect.”

For customers considering solar energy, a site survey can be carried out to identify specific project requirements and factors on site to ensure the optimum solar solution is selected for each project.

Working with customers, Hamworthy completes solar energy calculations alongside a sizing and performance report, which is delivered with each quotation.

For advice on making the right choice for your hot water systems, talk to Hamworthy. Tel: 0845 450 2865, email sales@hamworthy-heating.com , or visit www.hamworthy-heating.com .