Apricus Solar Collector Key Components

The AP solar collector design incorporates 6 main components:
1. Evacuated Tubes
2. Copper Heat Pipes
3. Copper Header Pipe
4. Glass Wool Insulation
5. Manifold Casing
6. Mounting Frame

Evacuated Tube & Heat Pipe

The heat pipe, heat transfer fin and evacuated tube shown above form the heat absorption and transfer portion of the solar collector. Unlike some other evacuated tube heat pipe designs, Apricus evacuated tubes and heat pipes are not joined or fused together. This allows the two components to move independently, allowing for building movement and the expansion and contraction that occurs daily in a solar system. For more information about evacuated tubes click here, heat pipes click here.

Copper Header Pipe

The AP solar collector's header is designed to providing excellent heat transfer and corrosion resistance while using a simple"plug in" installation method.

The key features are as follows

1.	Heat pipe ports provide simple plug in installation while still ensuring tight contact with the heat pipes for optimal heat transfer. Thermal heat conduction grease is applied to the heat pipes condenser prior to insertion to further enhance heat transfer. Given the high temperatures that the manifold is exposed to, the expansion of the heat pipe condenser and "setting" of the heat conduction paste results in the heat pipe being firmly held in place. This ensures excellent heat transfer for the life of the solar collector. As the heat pipe is extremely reliable and durable, there is no need to ever remove or replace the heat pipe, even if changing a solar tube.
2.	The twin header pipes are molded to match the shape of the heat pipe ports in order to maximise contact area. In addition, the heat pipe ports are brazed to the twin header pipes providing a direct metallic connection.
3.	The "contoured" header pipe design produces turbulent water flow enhancing heat transfer.
4.	The header pipes are brazed using Ag45CuZn, lead free brazing rods, which are suitable for potable water and provide a strong, quality joint.
5.	Available in rear port or end port inlet/outlet configuration.
6.	8mm ID copper temperatures sensor ports at both the inlet and outlet which are brazed directly to the header pipe for accurate temperature measurements.

Glass Wool Insulation

Glass wool is a very popular insulation material, used throughout the world in many high temperature insulation applications. Glass wool is also non-flammable, and so an excellent choice for a high temperature solar thermal solar collector. One key advantage of glass wool is that it can be molded into any shape. Via a process similar to baking a cake, the glass wool is "cooked" at high temperatures matching perfectly the shape of the header and the evacuated tubes.

Glass wool is:
- An excellent insulator K = 0.043W/mK
- Non-flammable (can withstand temperatures up to 300^oC / 572^oF)
- Made from 90% recycled glass
- Very Lightweight (~70kg/m³ density - 4.36p/ft³)

Manifold Casing

The manifold casing serves two main purposes, protecting the header and glass wool insulation from the elements, and making the collector attractive and neat. The casing is made from corrosion resistant grade alumininium and is available in a matt black or silver finish.

Mounting Frame

The Apricus Solar Collector can be installed on most roof surfaces, and a full range of roof angles. A standard frame is provided with all collectors, and additional frame kits are avaiable to suit most common installations. The various frame components can also be used to install on most other non-standard surfaces.

The frames are designed to withstand high speed winds; the tubes provide minimal resistance due to the round shape. Attachment points must also be strong enough to withstand significant pull forces that will occur during strong winds.

Standard Frame
For flush installation on a pitched roof, the standard mounting frame is used. The front tracks are secured to a tiled roof using the stainless steels straps, rubber pads or round feet, depening on the roof's surface.

Low, Mid & High Angle Roof Frames
Frame kits are available which increase the angle of the solar collector, from as little as 12^o to as high as 53^o, allowing the collector to be installed at an optimal angle. The frames kits even allow mounting on a wall.

Click here to see examples of various installation formats.

All frame components, including bolts, washers and nuts are made from stainless steel. The frame kits are already partly assembled, making installation very quick and easy.

For more information on this or any other Apricus products,
please contact your local Apricus dealer.