CPC Evacuated Tube Solar Thermal Collectors



How it works
  • Water is slowly pumped through the solar collector and is heated by the sun.
  • Hot water is typically used to heat a building, activate an absorption chiller, or provide domestic hot water.
  • An insulated water storage tank is typically used to store energy for night use or cloudy days.
About the technology
  • Collector is made of a glass vacuum tube with an aluminum cylinder inside.
  • Light passes through the first layer of glass, through the vacuum, and is then absorbed upon a specialized coating on the second layer of glass, converting the solar energy into thermal energy.
  • Heat is then conducted from the second layer of glass, to the aluminum cylinder.
  • Inside the aluminum cylinder is a copper pipe. Water flows through the copper pipe absorbing thermal energy.
  • Behind the glass tube is a compound parabolic reflector (CPC), an advanced mirror that concentrates light onto the aluminum  tube.
  • This configuration offers extremely high gross collector efficiency in a compact, non-industrial solar thermal collector.
  • Highly sustainable: Copper, aluminum, and glass are the primary raw materials used in construction. All recyclable and abundant natural resources.

Home | CPC Evacuated Tube Solar Thermal Collectors | Solar Power Resources | Contact
©2008 Schroder Zimmerly