Can I Use a Solar Trough Heater for a Thermosiphon System?

Panels and Troughs

• Solar troughs are shaped like arches, with the inverted portion tilted toward the sun. Troughs tend to be much larger than solar panels and are often used in industrial settings, where they absorb a large amount of sunlight and convert that energy into electricity. This electricity is then harnessed for power. The solar collectors used in thermosiphon systems feature tubes of water that are heated by the sun. This heat is collected in tanks.

Thermosiphon Systems

• Thermosiphon systems are one of the simplest water heating systems. They do not employ pumps, nor do they require electricity to function. A solar collector, usually in the form of a solar panel or properly configured solar trough, contains water-filled tubes and is connected to a thermosiphon tank. The hot water enters the tank and displaces the heavier, cool water. This cool water siphons into the tubes, where it warms and then returns to the thermosiphon tank. Most systems have an additional storage tank for the heated water. This water can be used in residences and businesses and is an energy efficient alternative to mechanical water heaters.

Solar Trough Heaters

• Solar trough heaters are used for commercial electrical production. Their curved shape allows for intense sunlight reception at rates up to 60 times greater than flat solar panels. Within the trough's central valley lies an oil-filled tube. When sunlight heats the oil to temperatures greater than 200 degrees Fahrenheit, the oil travels to and powers generators that produce electricity.

Considerations

• Oil-filled solar trough collectors are not suited for thermosiphon systems, but troughs fitted with water tubes can be used in place of flat panels. Flat panels from thermosiphon tubes cannot be used in solar trough heater systems.