Thermosiphon

The principle of the thermosyphon system is that cold water has a higher specific density
than warm water, and so being heavier will sink down. Therefore, the collector is always
mounted below the water storage tank, so that cold water from the tank reaches the collector
via a descending water pipe. If the collector heats up the water, the water rises again and
reaches the tank through an ascending water pipe at the upper end of the collector. The cycle
of tank -> water pipe -> collector ensures the water is heated up until it achieves an
equilibrium temperature. The consumer can then make use of the hot water from the top of
the tank, with any water used is replaced by cold water at the bottom. The collector then
heats up the cold water again. Due to higher temperature differences at higher solar
irradiances, warm water rises faster than it does at lower irradiances. Therefore, the
circulation of water adapts itself almost perfectly to the level of solar irradiance. A
thermosyphon system's storage tank must be positioned well above the collector, otherwise
the cycle can run backwards during the night and all the water will cool down. Furthermore,
the cycle does not work properly at very small height differences. In regions with high solar
irradiation and flatroof architecture, storage tanks are usually installed on the roof.
Thermosyphon systems operate very economically as domestic water heating systems, and
the principle is simple, needing neither a pump nor a control. However, thermosyphon
systems are usually not suitable for large systems, that is, those with more than 10 m of
collector surface. Furthermore, it is difficult to place the tank above the collector in buildings
with sloping roofs, and single-circuit thermosyphon systems are only suitable for frost-free
regions.
 Contents
[hide]

1 Abstract

2 Underlying physics

3 Water heating

o 3.1 Passive

3.1.1 Close-coupled system

3.1.1.1 Materials

3.1.1.2 Cost

3.1.1.3 Pros & cons

3.1.2 Gravity-feed system

3.1.2.1 Materials

3.1.2.2 Cost

3.1.2.3 Pros & cons

o 3.2 Active

3.2.1 Materials

3.2.2 Cost

3.2.3 Pros & cons

o 3.3 Passive air exchange

3.3.1 Materials
 3.3.2 Cost

3.3.3 Pros & cons

4 References

5 Interwiki links

[edit]Abstract

Also known as: thermosyphoning

Thermosiphoning is considered to be an appropriate technology. This process utilizes

natural, renewable resources and the basic laws of thermodynamics to create movement of a
heated supply of air or water. The energy source for this process is solar radiation(or any
other source of heat): the energy of the sun is captured in a solar collection device and is
transferred to either air or water via conduction. The entire process may be explained by
the thermosiphoning effect: When air or water is heated, it gains kinetic energy from the
heating source and becomes excited. As a result, the water becomes less dense, expands,
and thus rises. In contrast, when water or air is cooled, energy is extracted from the
molecules and the water becomes less active, more dense, and tends to "sink."
Thermosiphoning harnesses the natural density differences between cold and hot fluids, and
controls them in a system that produces natural fluid movement. Several systems based on
this technology are currently available, and may be read about in greater detail within the
following text.

[edit]Underlying physics

Thermodynamics is the study of energy.

First law of thermodynamics- States that energy may be changed from one form to
another, but cannot be created or destroyed. - Energy is always conserved.

This law may be applied to the movement of water in thermosiphoning system: Energy from
the sun is directed and transferred (via conduction and convection) to either water, air, or
another medium of choice. This natural process of heating eliminates the need for external
energy sources such as fossil fuels or electricity.

Second law of thermodynamics- States that in all energy exchanges, if no energy enters
or leaves the system, the potential energy of the state will always be less than that of the
initial state. - The net return of a system is always less than that of which was initially
put in.
Energy is always conserved, however energy (or heat in this case) may often be lost in a
given system (thermosiphoning) as heat. Adding insulation with appropriate R values to the
system and its plumbing may greatly reduce heat loss, and thus increase efficiency.

Plancks Law- the wavelength of radiation emitted from a surface is proportional to the
temperature of the surface

Energy transferred as a result of temperature differences between two objects -Dark objects
absorb heat, while light objects reflect

Darkly colored collection plates within the solar collector will aid in increasing solar
absorption, thus increasing the amount of heat available to heat water or air in
thermosiphoning. In contrast, reflective or lightly colored piping and storage tanks should be
utilized as the light colors will help to reduce heat radiation out of the system.

[edit]Water heating
[edit]Passive

The passive thermosiphoning of water is the process of heating and moving water within a
system without the need or use of electricity. This process functions by utilizing natual
phenomena such as solar energy, gravity, and an available water source. A solar collector,
piping, and a water tank are materials required for the heating process. The flow of water is
distributed into, within, and out of the solar collector. Cool water enters the bottom of the
solar collector where it is then heated via convection by solar radiation. When water is heated
it becomes less dense than cooler water, expands, and then rises (flows) through the piping.
The heated water exits the top of the solar collector naturally. The cooler and more dense
water sinks and remains within the solar collector until it is heated. As the cool water is
heated, it expands, rises, is pushed out of the top of solar collector, allowing cool water to
flow into the solar collector. This process continues naturally until the temperature of the
water reaches an equilibrium with solar radiation input.

Two types of thermosiphon water exchange systems are currently available: the close-
coupled system, and the gravity-feed system.

[edit]Close-coupled system

Close-coupled systems function on the same principles of passive thermosiphoning mentioned

above. The storage tank of these systems must be placed above the solar collector to utilize
the water circulation driven by the passive thermosiphoning process.
Schematics

[edit]Materials

Solar Energy

Solar Collector

Piping

Insulation

Water

Storage Tank

Strong roof or other support system

[edit]Cost

Current research (2007) suggests that passive thermosiphon water heaters may range
from $500 to $6,500. Pricing may vary due to tank size, solar exposure, and geographical
location

Many countries, states, and utility services provide incentives for renewable
energy participation
[edit]Pros & cons

Pro's

Non-polluting

Energy Savings - No electricity needed for passive thermosiphoning

Cost Effective
 Space saving - (ie. indoors)

Con's

Tank exposure to external environmental condition may reduce efficiency, depending on

geographical location

Aesthetics - May be considered visually unpleasing

Strong support structure needed (i.e. roof)

Not suitable for extremely cold climates

Location - must be positioned in an area with suitable solar exposure (i.e. south side of
desired area)
[edit]Gravity-feed system

Gravity-feed systems utilize the same principals of passive thermosiphoning as does the
close-coupled system, however placement of the tank differs. Tanks are installed horizontally
into a roof, which is often located directly above the solar collector. Once needed, the heated
water within the storage tank takes the path of least resistance and moves via gravity down
into the desired location. Gravity-feed systems require more piping/plumbing to distribute the
heated water, and this factor should be taken into consideration when installing or purchasing
a thermosiphoning system.

[edit]Materials

Schematics

Solar Energy

Solar Collector
 Piping

Insulation

Water

Storage Tank

Strong roof or other support system

[edit]Cost

Gravity-feed systems are typically the least expensive passive thermosiphoning water
heaters

Current research (2007) suggests that the cost may range from $400 to $5,500 (Not
including the cost-if applicable- of installation). Pricing may vary due to tank size, solar
exposure, and geographical location

Many countries, states, and utility services provide incentives for renewable energy
participation
[edit]Pros & cons

Pros

Non-polluting

Energy Savings - No electricity needed for passive thermosiphoning

Cost Effective

Space savings - (ie. indoors)

Aesthetics - (Horizontal tank placement)

Cons

Plumbing and piping add additional costs to the system

Aesthetics - May be considered visually unpleasing

Strong support structure needed (i.e. roof)

Not suitable for extremely cold climates

Location - must be positioned in an area with suitable solar exposure (i.e. south side of
desired area)
[edit]Active

Also known as: pump systems or split systems

Schematics

Active solar heating systems function on the same basis of the thermosiphoning effect,
however active systems utilize an energy source other than solar energy to help drive the
process. This system installs only the solar collector on the roof, while the storage tank is
installed on the ground or anywhere else below. These active water heating units require
some external form of energy to pump the water throughout the system. By utilizing
additional energy, these active systems are less cost efficient than passive systems.

[edit]Materials

Solar Energy

Solar Collector

Electrical energy

Electrical pump

Additional piping

Insulation

Water

Storage Tank
[edit]Cost

Current research suggests (2007) that active thermosiphon water heaters may range
from $1,200 to $10,500. Pricing may vary due to tank size, internal piping requirements,
solar exposure, and geographical location

Many countries, states, and utility services provide incentives for renewable energy
participation
[edit]Pros & cons

Pro's
 Money Savings

Cost Effective

Aesthetics - Storage tank not placed on the roof

Greenhouse gas reduction - If insulated properly, it has the potential of polluting as little
as passive systems.

Con's

Uses more energy than a passive system

Requires more maintenance than a passive system

Heat loss - during the transfer from the solar collector to the storage tank below

Pollutes some - from the electrical usage

Location - must be positioned in an area with suitable solar exposure (ie. south side of
desired area)
[edit]Passive air exchange

Schematics

An example of a passive solar thermal heating system method is Thermosiphon Heat

Exchange. It is based on the principle of natural convection, in which air or water is
circulated in a vertical closed-looped circuit without using a pump. Cool air indoors travels
through a vent and is directed into an opening in the bottom of a solar collector. The air
contained within the solar collector is then heated by the sun via solar radiation. Cool air is
dense and will sink, while warm air is less dense and will rise. As the air heats up within the
solar collector, it becomes less dense than the cooler air and rises. The warm air rises out of
a vent in the top opening of the solar collector, moves into the desired area (i.e. indoors),
and is replaced by cooler air. This air exchange process will continue until the indoor air
temperature reaches an equilibrium with the temperature outdoors.

[edit]Materials

Keep in mind: the bigger the solar collector, the better.

Solar collector

Frame - 6 vertical 2-by-6-inch boards -sideboards - 2-by-6, and a 2-by-8 boards - top sill -
lag screws - recommended, but not necessary for attachmant Glaze - corrugated
polycarbonate panels - 10 panels - 26 in wide by 8 ft high - Pairs of panels overlapped over
1-by-1-in vertical wood strip - makes 4-foot-wide panels for each bay - ultraviolet-resistant
coating - apply to sun-facing side to extend longevity Solar absorption plate - 2 layers
black metal window screen - attached across the top and bottom of bays Vents - holes cut
through buildings siding Note: - plastic flaps will prevent back flow of air through upper vents
at night

[edit]Cost

Current research (2007) suggests that passive heat exchangers may range from $55.00
to $400. Pricing may vary due to size of collector/s, insulation of area to be heated, solar
exposure, and geographical location.

Many countries, states, and utility services provide incentives for renewable energy
participation
[edit]Pros & cons

Pro's

Low cost

Energy saver

Pollution reduction

May be used to cool electronics

Con's

Increased maintainence - (ie. covering during times of low solar radiation)

Geographical location may alter effectiveness

Requires manual closing of back draft dampers at night

South facing installments preferred

[edit]References
 National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) Dynamic Maps, GIS Data, and Analysis
Tools- Solar Maps (2007)

Available: http://www.nrel.gov/gis/solar.html

Citarella, Joe. "Thermosyphons - Better Approach to CPU Cooling?" Overclockers. 5

August 2005. http://www.overclockers.com/articles1246

Reysa, Gary. "Build a Simple Solar Heater" Mother Earth News. January
2006 http://www.motherearthnews.com/Alternative-Energy/2006-12-01/Build-a-Simple-
Solar-Heater.aspx

"Part 2: A Tour of Renewable Energy

Applications." http://www.uneptie.org/pc/tourism/documents/energy/11-26.pdf

Mirmov, N. I., Belyakova, I. G. "Heat liberation during vapor condensation in a

thermosiphon." Journal of Engineering Physics 43(3), pp.970-974, 1982.

Design and Performance of a Compact Thermosyphon. Aniruddha, P., Yogendra, J.,

Beitelmal, M,Patel, C., Wenger, T.

Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering.

2002. http://www.hpl.hp.com/research/papers/2002/thermosyphon.pdf