Vacuum tube collectors provide long term fuel savings
This page is dedicated to the solar industry that is seeing new vitality with the rising cost of fuel and the technology innovations of the vacuum tube arrays. This page is a pictorial review of a recent installation here in Florence MA. The system features a 8 tube Sunda Seido 5 system that provides domestic hot water for the home's occupants. Take a look below to see how this system was installed and put into operation. The installed cost of this system was $7600.00
This picture shows the beginning stage of the vacuum tube installation. I have already mounted the aluminum top header and lower support bracket. The Sunda system features a unique "dry" fit header that allows each tube to be removed as needed (in the event of a failure) without draining the system. The design of these tubes allow solar harvesting for longer periods of the year and with improved performance
A few more tubes along in the assembly. The top picture shows the final product, fully assembled on the roof. This array is equal to 2 4 ft by 8 ft conventional flat panels in a package that is smaller than one single panel.
tubes before assembly on roof. Shows temperature probe on condenser tip
overcast sky during temperature testing
temperature of condensor even with overcast sky (107 F)
new slimduct PVC chase hiding piping from basement to the new panels
Here is the basement mechanicals of the system. I have installed a 79 gallon storage tank that serves as a preheater for the client's existing water heater. The theory behind this application is that we have no outside influence other than the solar to heat this vessel. The water temperature is simply measured at the tank and then on the roof panel, if the panel is higher than the storage tank, the system is activated. Since the water enters the storage tank at 55 F, I can use 80F solar harvesting to preheat the hot water, extending the solar season dramatically.
Orchard Valley Heating and Cooling has been presented with two national design / installation awards this past year! A Radiant Panel Association System Showcase award and most recently, a Contracting Business magazine "Quality Home Comfort Award" for a radiant / hydro-air residence in Heath Mass. This remarkable home was designed by Austin Design of Colrain MASS (413-624-9669) and features an amazing indoor lap pool. Take a look at the awards page for more info. This is the 7th first place award in the past 8 years. If you are in the market for quality- you are at the right place!!
