Passive Solar Thermal Systems
Passive solar heating systems: Natural use of heat with little technical effort
Passive solar heating systems offer an efficient way to use the sun's natural heat without relying on complex technical solutions. Unlike active solar thermal systems, which are powered by pumps and mechanical components, passive systems work in a purely natural way.
The solar energy is transferred directly into the interior of the building through solar radiation and heat conduction. An example of a passive solar heating system is solar space heating.
It uses specially designed windows and building structures to absorb solar energy while optimizing heat transfer. Such systems can provide an additional source of heat for rooms, especially during the sunny months.
Another passive solar heating system is solar domestic water heating. Here, the water is heated in a specially designed collector tank, which heats up due to the sun's rays. This type of water heating is not only environmentally friendly, but can also lead to significant energy savings.
The low technical effort and low operating costs make passive solar heating systems particularly attractive. They do not require an additional energy source or complex maintenance measures, but work almost maintenance-free due to their natural functioning. This means that both private homeowners and companies can benefit from the advantages of passive solar heat.
In combination with active solar heating systems, passive systems can further improve the efficiency and performance of the solar thermal system. The intelligent interaction of both systems makes it possible to make optimal use of solar energy and generate maximum thermal energy.
Passive solar heating systems thus offer an economically attractive solution for the natural use of heat. With little technical effort and low costs, they enable the efficient use of solar energy and make an important contribution to energy independence and sustainability.
Examples of Passive Solar Thermal Systems
- Sun walls: Specially designed walls that absorb solar energy and release it into the interior.
- Trombewand: A wall of glass in front of a dark, heat-absorbing wall that stores heat and slowly releases it into the room.
- Solar collector without pump: A hot water tank heated by natural convection.
- Solar greenhouses: Use glass or transparent materials to capture sunlight and retain internal heat.
- Solar Ventilation: Uses natural air circulation to ventilate and cool a room.
- Daylight architecture: Large windows or skylights positioned to receive maximum sunlight.
- Thermal storage masses: Materials such as concrete or water that store heat and release it when needed.
- Solar ovens: Use the sun's rays to cook or heat food.
- Solar ponds: Water ponds that serve as thermal storage and can release heat to adjacent buildings.
- Sun veranda or conservatory: An extension to a building that stores solar energy and serves as a heat source.
- Earthships: Homes made from recycled materials with high heat-retaining properties that use passive solar techniques.
- Solar air collectors: Collect and store thermal energy from the sun and direct it into the room through natural convection.
These examples illustrate the many ways in which passive solar thermal systems can be used in different contexts and applications.
An Overview of Applications for Passive Solar Thermal Systems
- Space heating in residential buildings
- Greenhouse heating
- Pool heating
- Solar ovens and solar cookers
- Ventilation systems
- Solar dryer for food and clothing
- Daylight use for interior lighting
- Heat storage in thermal masses such as stone or water walls
- Cooling through nightly heat release
- Heat generation for water heating
- Energy-efficient windows and glazing
- Sun decks and conservatories for heat absorption
- Solar panels for hot water production (without pumps)
- Climate control in underground buildings
- Solar Distillation and Desalination Systems
- Underfloor heating systems by solar radiation
- Animal stables and shelters with temperature-regulating properties
Advantages and applications of passive solar heating systems
Passive solar thermal systems offer a variety of benefits and have different applications. One of the biggest advantages is that they work without active technical components and therefore require little maintenance.
By leveraging natural physical principles, passive solar thermal systems can efficiently use solar energy to heat rooms or provide hot water. One area of application for passive solar heating systems is space heating. By using special constructions such as solar panels and heat accumulators, solar energy can be used to heat indoor spaces in a natural way. This can be particularly advantageous in cooler climates to reduce the energy required for the conventional heating system.
Another area of application for passive solar heating systems is water heating. Here, too, solar panels can be used to heat the water in a storage tank. This method is environmentally friendly and cost-effective, as it uses solar energy instead of resorting to conventional heating systems.
In addition, passive solar heating systems can also be used to support active solar heating systems. By using solar energy to preheat the storage of an active system, for example, the efficiency and performance of the entire system can be improved. Overall, passive solar heating systems offer a cost-effective and sustainable way to use solar energy efficiently. They are low-maintenance and can be used in various applications such as space heating and water heating.
By combining it with active solar heating systems, efficiency can be further increased. Take advantage of solar energy and explore the possibilities of passive solar heating systems for your home or commercial property.
Advantages and disadvantages at a glance
| Advantages of passive solar heating systems | Disadvantages of passive solar heating systems |
| Easy installation | Limited control over temperature |
| Low operating and maintenance costs | Less efficient in less sunny regions |
| No moving parts, less wear | Initial Cost of Heat-Absorbing Materials |
| Environmentally friendly (no greenhouse gas emissions) | Design constraints (orientation, materials) |
| No additional energy sources required | Less flexibility in application |
| Longevity | Can cause overheating in very sunny areas |
| Good scalability |
Result
Passive solar heating systems, on the other hand, rely on natural heat utilization with little technical effort. They are particularly suitable for use in buildings where high thermal insulation and optimal alignment can be used. The advantages and areas of application of passive solar heating systems are manifold and range from efficient bathing water heating to heating support.
It is important to note that there are differences between passive and active systems. While active systems require controlled technical support, passive systems are largely maintenance-free and require low operating costs. The possibilities for promoting solar heat should also be taken into account when deciding on a particular system.
The best way to use the power of the sun efficiently is to inform yourself well and choose the right solar heating system for your needs. Professional service and competent advice are at your disposal. Take advantage of the numerous advantages of solar heating systems and benefit from an environmentally friendly and cost-saving heat supply
