Solar water heating systems convert the energy received from the sun into heat and allow the water to be used hot. These systems, which have working principles such as solar collectors, passive and active systems, closed and open circuit systems and heat storage, have become popular recently.

Solar water heating systems, whose usage area is increasing day by day, provide serious energy savings. It is environmentally friendly and has an important place in the fight against climate change. Thanks to its features such as low maintenance cost, long life and easy installation, its usage areas are increasing. On the other hand, solar water heating systems, which can be installed in open areas and roofs, meet their own energy needs from the sun and reduce foreign dependence.
 

When talking about solar energy water heating systems, solar energy water treatment systems should also be briefly mentioned. This application, which is now known as the most advanced technologies used to obtain clean water, purifies salty or polluted water using different methods and as a result, a consumable water can be produced. These applications for water purification with multiple different methods;

• Use of polystyrene and carbon powder
• Condensation and evaporation
• Activated carbon and sand filtration
• Mobile water treatment systems can be preferred as.

Recently, special systems are used in these systems, which are preferred by everyone who wants to save on electricity bills. Those who want to realise healthier water consumption by utilising sunlight while achieving high efficiency solar energy water treatment systems are also doing research on. While sunlight is important at this stage, the panels will also need to be cleaned regularly. Because these systems, which are installed in a certain area or preferred as mobile mobile devices, should not be affected by ambient dust and other environmental factors.

Solar panel purifier is part of the water treatment system. In addition to this system, as in all purification devices reverse osmosis and softening systems should also be utilised. Those who want to consume more healthy and clean water then solar water treatment systems can start taking action on.

Solar Powered Water Heating Systems

Solar energy, which is one of the most suitable energy sources in the world and has a serious production potential in Turkey, is also used for water heating systems. In other words, these systems, which are used to obtain clean water by utilising renewable energy, convert solar energy into electrical energy and heat the water. These applications, which have become the first choice of those who want to use hot water economically in their living spaces, include pumps, storage tanks, liquid circuits and solar collectors.

It is an environmentally friendly and economical option, while hot water is obtained by using the sun's rays, it provides serious savings from the electricity bill. In addition, the use of fossil fuels is reduced by these systems and contributes to the environment. Solar powered water heating systems are produced in different sizes and types. It can be customised according to the needs in living spaces. Although the initial cost may seem high, it significantly reduces the energy cost in the long term and starts to show its return on investment.

Collectors, which are installed in open areas such as gardens or roofs and meet the hot water needs of homes and workplaces, are environmentally friendly compared to energy sources such as natural gas or electricity. These systems, which basically obtain water vapour by using solar energy and produce consumable water with the condensation of steam, include activated carbon filtration, sand filtration and reverse osmosis systems. Solar water heating systems, which are considered the most important technology in terms of human health and environmental sustainability, have gained popularity in our country.

What Does Solar Energy Water Heating Systems Do?

Solar water heating systems are used to obtain hot water by utilising solar energy. These systems, which appear as a special technology, are mostly preferred in the Aegean and Mediterranean regions. Because in these regions, which receive sunshine all year round, the need for hot and clean water is constantly increasing while saving energy. These systems;

• Increases the Value of Living Spaces: When used in homes, it increases the value of the living space. Because these systems are considered an important investment.
• Provides Long Life Use: Solar energy water treatment systems that require minimum maintenance are known to be produced in a durable structure.
• Environment Friendly: As it is known, solar energy is the cleanest energy source. In this way, solar water heating systems can be used to obtain hot water without harming the environment.
• Saves Money: It reduces your need for resources such as natural gas or electricity. In this way, it allows you to save on electricity. Many studies have shown that solar collectors save between 20 per cent and 50 per cent annually.

In Which Areas Are Solar Energy Water Heating Systems Used?

These systems, which are used in many areas, have become widespread in enterprises, agriculture sector, industry, living spaces, pool heating and health sector.

• Pool Heating: It is the most ideal method used for heating swimming pools. In this way, while increasing the temperature of the pool water, it offers a better quality and comfortable swimming experience.
• Health Sector: Many health institutions and hospitals prefer these systems to produce hot water. In addition, hospitals that reduce energy costs also maintain hygiene standards.
• Industry: Solar water heating systems are also used in industrial plants. Especially in the production phase, the need for hot water is met in this way and a serious energy saving is achieved.
• Agriculture: These systems, which can be preferred in irrigation systems, reduce energy costs and increase product yield.
• Businesses: Solar water heating systems have now become the first choice of commercial enterprises. Because with these systems, environmental impacts are reduced while the profitability rate increases.
• Living Areas: It is preferred to meet the need for hot water in living areas. While homeowners reduce energy costs, they also increase the material value of the house thanks to these systems.

Then solar energy water treatment systems areas of use will be as follows;

• Houses
• Workplaces
• Agricultural fields
• Clinics
• Hospitals
• Office buildings
• Restaurants
• Hotels
• Rural areas
• Swimming pools

How to Heat Water with Solar Energy?

In order to heat water with solar energy, these systems must have some features. In addition, there are two different methods of water heating as active and passive systems. There is a fundamental difference between both systems. Natural convection is utilised in the passive system. In active systems, there is a fluid movement and a pump is used to move the water.

• Active Solar Energy Systems: Electricity and water production is provided from solar energy. In the active system where high efficiency collectors and solar cells are used, there is also an additional heat storage feature. As a result, heat distribution is constantly monitored within the system.
• Passive Solar Energy Systems: It is known as the most common method. Although the cost is low, it is not a complex technology. It is sufficient to install equipment on the wall or roof to receive solar energy. In passive systems that work on the principle of storing energy and distributing it indoors, water can be heated with solar energy in winter.

These systems are handled in two different ways according to the way water circulates;

• Open Circuit Systems: It is based on cold water passing directly through the collector and being heated and transferred to the tank. It can be said that open circuit systems, where calcification problem is frequently seen, are not preferred much.
• Closed Circuit Systems: These are the systems in which the liquid circulating in the collector and the domestic water are separate from each other. It is an important process in order to avoid freezing problems in winter periods. In addition, heat transfer passes through the heat exchanger and heats the domestic water.

Companies, apartments or large enterprises can make heating faster and more efficient by using solar tracking system devices for water heating systems. With the solar tracking system, solar panels change direction according to the direction of the sun and receive the sun's rays in the most efficient way throughout the day. This greatly increases the efficiency you get.

Working Principle of Solar Water Heating Systems

Solar water heating systems have some working principles. The following steps include these principles.

• Collectors: Solar collectors are the basic component of these systems. Collectors that absorb sunlight create heat energy. Water or antifreeze usually circulates in these collectors. Thanks to the sun rays hitting the surface of the collectors, the liquid starts to heat up.
• Active Systems: In active system water heating, heat transfer usually comes to the collectors with the help of a pump and then sent to the tank. The pump finds the difference between the temperature of the water in the collector and the tank and starts to work.
• Passive Systems: There is no pump in passive systems. Water is in a natural movement. As it heats up, it is sent to the upper part of the tank and when it cools, it is sent to the lower part of the tank.
• Heat Exchanger: The heat obtained in the collector is transferred to the water through the heat exchanger. In other words, the heat exchanger directly transmits the hot water heat in the collector to the water in the tank. In this way, hot water emerges without any mixture in the two liquids.
• Storage Tank: The heat obtained is stored in the storage tank. These tanks, which store the hot water produced on sunny days, keep the heat ready for use when the sun is insufficient.
• Control Unit: Here are automatic control systems that can detect the temperature difference. Its main task is to ensure that hot water is transferred to the tank and the application runs smoothly.