Cost Effective Type of Pipe Insulation for Solar Thermal Systems
Abstract
Baltic States climate is colder than the average European climate, and solar radiation amount is less. This gives an increased need to optimize the overall solar thermal system for the Baltic States conditions. Solar thermal system manufacturers and vendors emphasize attention to solar energy absorption unit, but the rest of the system components remain in consumer choice. The publication describes a method for selection of the more energy effective and cost profitable pipe insulation type in solar thermal systems. The most popular heat pipe insulation materials in Baltic region were inspected and compared. The amount of absorbing energy value and heat losses were calculated and displayed in the graphic form. As a result the method was defined. The method helps determine most cost-effective solar thermal systems pipe insulation type.