Product Overview AP Evacuated Tube Solar Collector
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Delivering Sustainable Hot Water Solutions Product Overview AP Evacuated Tube Solar Collector

AP Solar Collector Product Overview Product Overview Apricus AP range of evacuated tube solar collectors are suitable for both residential and commercial applications. The design of the AP solar collector is a culmination of nearly 10 years of feedback from installers and solar professionals all over the world and aims to meet their requirements with the following key features: • Modular “plug ‘n’ play” design (Manifold, frame and tubes in separate packages) • Lightweight manifold design • Choice of Stainless Steel or Anodized Aluminium mounting frames • Extremely reliable header design due...

AP Solar Collector Product Overview How it Works Header Pipe The AP solar collector is comprised of four main parts: Evacuated Tube (ET) Absorbs solar energy and converts it to usable heat. Vacuum between the two glass layers insulates against heat loss. Heat Transfer Fin Evacuated Tube Heat Pipe (HP) Copper vacuum pipe that transfers the heat from within the ET up to the manifold. Heat Pipe Manifold Insulated box containing the copper header pipe. The header is a pair of contoured copper pipes with dry connect sockets that the heat pipes plug into. Mounting Frame Strong and easy to install...

AP Solar Collector Product Overview Main Component Specifications Component Evacuated Tubes Solar Absorber Coating Heat Pipes Copper Header Pipe Heat Transfer Fins Rubber Components Mounting Frame Materials & Specifications Material: Borosilicate 3.3 Tube style: Twin wall all glass Dimensions: ∅58mm / 2.28” outer tube; ∅47mm / 1.85” inner tube; 1.8m / 71” length, 1.8mm / 0.07” outer tube wall thickness Material: Graded AL/N on AL Absorptance: >92% (AM1.5); Vacuum: P<5x10-3 Pa; Material: High purity “oxygen free” copper (ASTM: C10200; DIN: OF-Cu) Heat transfer fluid: distilled water Maximum...

AP Solar Collector Product Overview Instantaneous Efficiency The instantaneous efficiency level depends on the surface area used for the calculation. It is important to use the same area (absorber, aperture or gross) when comparing collectors. Aperture is the standard area measurement for presenting efficiency values. AP Collector Performance Variables for Different Surface Areas Variable Gross Area * Surface area values differ slightly from Europe to North America due to difference in measuring methods. The following is the AP solar collector performance curve based on the aperture area....

AP Solar Collector Product Overview Instantaneous Efficiency IAM is a measure of the change in collector performance as the angle with the sun changes. This is measured in two planes, longitudinal which represents sun’s path over the collector throughout the year and transversal which represents the sun’s path over the collector each day. SUMMER SPRING AUTUMN MORNING WINTER The following table provides the IAM values for Apricus AP Solar Collectors (same for all sizes). A value of 1.00 is when the sun is perpendicular to the collectors surface; so midday for transversal, and mid...

AP Solar Collector Product Overview Flow Rates The liquid flow rate through the collector depends on the desired temperature rise. In most cases a variable speed controlled pump is recommended so a target temperature rise is maintained. The following calculations are based on water as the circulating liquid, with collector operating at the maximum rated midday output. Please note that either side of midday output can exceed these levels by up to 15% due to the IAM angle adjustment factor. Values will differ slightly for other heat transfer fluids. Flowrate (L/min) For most domestic hot...

AP Solar Collector Product Overview Snow & Wind Loading AP solar collectors are rated for up to 295kg/m2 / 60lbs/ft2 snow loading. The roof and attachment points must also be suitably rated. Mounting frames are available for the AP solar collector that can withstand category C cyclonic winds (249km/h / 155mph). For such conditions there are specific requirements that must be observed. Certification The AP range of solar collectors have obtaining the following certifications: IAPMO USEC North America Solar Keymark

AP Solar Collector Product Overview Choice of Materials Choice of material is extremely important for a collector that is going to be exposed to the elements 24/7 and expected to last for many years, and so great consideration has gone into the selection of materials for the AP solar collector. Following is a summary of some of the key material choices that may differ from other products on the market. Silicone Rubber HTV Silicone rubber is used for the manifold seals and tube caps as this material does not become brittle during freezing conditions and does not crack or powder with extended...

AP Solar Collector Product Overview Packing Packing Design 10 years of shipping experience have provided many valuable lessons and helped develop packing methods that provide the best balance between cost, weight and safety. Regardless of if the packages are shipped air freight, palletized for LCL sea freight or in a full shipping container, the very best efforts are made to ensure it arrives safely. Packing Format Box Type Manifold Box Contents Standard: Manifold, heat transfer paste, tube clips Optional: Basic mounting frame, brass fittings Container Packing Loose Box of 10/10 ET/HP (15...

AP Solar Collector Product Overview Manufacturer Limited Warranty AP Solar Collector LIMIT OF LIABILITY WARRANTY EXCLUSIONS EXCEPT FOR THE EXPRESS LIMITED WARRANTY PROVIDED FOR HEREIN APRICUS HEREBY DISCLAIMS AND EXCLUDES ANY AND ALL OTHER WRITTEN OR ORAL EXPRESS WARRANTIES OR R E P R E S E N TA T I O N S . A N Y I M P L I E D W A R R A N T Y O F MERCHANTABILITY OR IMPLIED WARRANTY OF FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE MUST ARISE UNDER STATE LAW TO APPLY, AND IS HEREBY LIMITED IN DURATION TO THE DURATION OF THE WRITTEN LIMITED WARRANTIES PROVIDED HEREIN UNLESS OTHERWISE BARRED BY ANY...