Thermomax are one of the world leaders in solar evacuated tube technology and have huge market shares across the EU where solar energy has been more widely used than the UK. Unlike many companies they are not new to solar technology and have one of the longest experiences within this field. Our solar proposals include an expected solar yield, set out clearly for you to see how much solar energy contribution to expect throughout a typical season.

There are two types of evacuated tube systems, Direct Flow system and Heat Pipe system.

The DF 100 Direct Flow Solar Collector

The DF100 system is a direct flow solar collector and has performance efficiency considered to be exceptional. Applications include domestic and commercial hot water supply, swimming pool heating and industrial process heat.

The direct flow systems consists of a copper manifold and stainless steel support with solar collectors tubes. Heat transfer from the collector plate to the insulated manifold heat exchanger is via a specially designed copper heat transfer tube, through which solar circuit fluid is circulated. The design of this tube incorporates a patented dividing strip configuration, which separates the flow and the return of circuit fluid through the solar collector tubes.

The collector plate and the heat transfer tube are vacuum-sealed inside a glass tube. This provides exceptional insulation, whilst assuring perfect protection against adverse weathering influences such as humidity and pollution. High quality insulation in the manifold ensures minimal heat loss. This means the solar collector has extra performance in comparison with the traditional flat panel collector, providing heat not only in warm sunny days but also in cold, windy or humid conditions.

The HP200 Heat Pipe Solar Collector

The heat pipe solar tubes provide systems with a range of temperatures suitable to the varying requirements of the user. This can range from simple domestic hot water supply to air conditioning and sea water desalination.

The heat pipe system consists of a stainless steel manifold and stainless steel support with solar collector tubes. The manifold, which has a minimal liquid capacity, is made from a high grade of 'marine quality' stainless steel and sealed in a weather resistant metal cover. The condenser of the solar tube fits inside the manifold, which carries the heating fluid. There is a thick polyurethane CFC free foam insulation between the manifold and its cover.

Thermomax patented temperature-limiting tubes are unique. The maximum working temperature is controlled by means of a memory metal spring, which is positioned inside the heat-pipe's condenser. The memory metal is programmed to change its shape at a pre-set temperature. This allows for the condensed fluid to be retained inside the condenser. When the programmed temperature has been reached, the memory metal spring expands and pushes a plug against the neck of the 'heat-pipe' blocking the return of the condensed fluid and stopping heat transfer. At temperatures below the maximum programmed limit, the spring contracts allowing the condensed fluid to return to the lower section of the 'heat-pipe'. The fluid, due to the heat from the absorber plate, is evaporated, transferring thermal energy to the condenser.