How does a solar water heating system work?

A solar water heating system is a way of using the sun's energy to heat water for domestic or industrial use. There are several types of solar water heating systems, but most systems consist of a solar collector, a storage tank, and a circulation system.

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The solar collector is typically mounted on the roof or on a frame on the ground, and it is designed to absorb sunlight and convert it into heat. The collector is typically made of a flat plate with a dark surface, which absorbs the sunlight and converts it into heat. The heat is then transferred to a fluid, such as water or a special heat-transfer fluid, which is circulated through the collector.

The storage tank is used to store the heated water, and it is typically located in a warm area of the home or building, such as a basement or utility room. The storage tank is typically made of a material that is resistant to corrosion, such as stainless steel or fiberglass, and it is insulated to keep the water hot.

The circulation system is used to circulate the heated water or heat-transfer fluid from the solar collector to the storage tank. There are several types of circulation systems, including active and passive systems. Active systems use a pump to circulate the fluid, while passive systems rely on the natural circulation of the fluid due to the difference in density between the hot fluid in the collector and the cooler fluid in the storage tank.

Overall, a solar water heating system works by using the sun's energy to heat a fluid, which is then used to heat water in a storage tank. The heated water can then be used for domestic hot water or for space heating, depending on the type of system and the intended use.