Thermomax Systems
Thermomax - the original and still the best
The Thermomax Solar range reflects our on-going commitment to a zero carbon lifestyle and a brighter future for us all. When it comes to creating efficient and cost effective energy solutions that address today’s growing environmental concerns, the Thermomax Solar range of products leads the way. The Thermomax brand is the original and still the best vacuum tube collector in the world.
Solar Thermal Vacuum Tube Systems
Solar thermal technology transforms direct and diffuse solar radiation into useful heat using a solar collector.
Each solar collector consists of a highly insulated manifold and a row of solar tubes. The vacuum inside each tube provides perfect insulation and therefore protects the system from outside influences such as cold and windy weather or high humidity. The vacuum technology ensures the most effective transfer of energy into heat, giving extra performance in comparison to traditional flat plate collectors and providing heat not only on warm, sunny days, but also in cooler, windy or humid conditions.
Why Thermomax?
With over 25 years of experience, the Thermomax brand is firmly established as the world leader. Thermomax collectors are the premium product in the market, designed specifically for a Northern European climate. They provide a superior performance whatever the weather.
Easy Installation
The unique ‘plug and play’ design of Thermomax solar collectors makes installation quick and easy. There is no need for heavy lifting equipment, as tubes can be carried onto the roof individually. Usually facing south, the collector is fixed to the roof by easy-fit roof brackets, which are simply fixed to the rafter.
A Positive Environmental Impact
Burning fossil fuels produces vast quantities of carbon dioxide, a major contributor to global warming. The average household with a Thermomax system installed can expect to generate approximately 1,836 kWh per year with zero emissions.
Performance and Savings
- Thermomax products have been designed specifically for Northern European climates
- Supplies up to 70% of your annual hot water needs - reducing dependence on increasingly expensive fossil fuels
- Works from dawn until dusk and throughout the year
- Provides heat even in cold, windy or humid conditions
- Rapid conductivity and transfer of energy into heat
- 30% more effective than fl at plate collectors
- Average 25-year lifespan
Thermomax Collectors are effective for both Domestic and Commercial applications
In addition to domestic hot water, the superior performance of a Thermomax vacuum tube collector can also provide central heating support for standard or under floor heating, specialised industrial hot water heating for high temperature applications and solar cooling.
Domestic Installations
These range from typical, single module systems for domestic hot water to larger installations and systems designed to fit building constraints.
Commercial Installations
These range from small-scale water heating to large applications for solar cooling.
Complete system solutions for domestic applications
These are the general steps that need to be followed in order to find a package that best suits your requirements. At Kellys we will work with you through these steps to help you make the correct choice.
There are three basic steps to consider:
Step 1 - Select and size cylinder type
Step 2 - Choose the system size
Step 3 - Choose a collector type
Step 1
Select your cylinder
A twin coil hot water storage tank enables energy input from the central heating system to the top half of the tank and energy input from solar system to the bottom half of the tank. At Kellys we supply a range of high quality, market leading cylinders. Choose your cylinder according to whether your system is pressurised or vented.
Stainless Steel - For use in a pressurised system.
Copper - For use in an open vented system
Choose the correct size
This is dependent on your household’s hot water demand, which is estimated at 50 litres per adult / per day.
Cylinder storage size is calculated at twice the demand. Therefore, we would recommend a 200 litre cylinder for a one to two adult household and a 300 litre cylinder for three to five adults.
Step 2
Choose the system size
It is important that the solar system is correctly sized in relation to the number of occupants to maximise efficiency.
There are 2 basic collector sizes for domestic systems:
- 2m2 collector for 1-2 adults
- 3m2 collector for 3-5 adults
These sizes are based on ideal orientation. Please contact us for further advice on sizing.
Step 3
Choose between 3 collectors
Before you choose your collector, you need to decide where it will be positioned on your house. Between the best and worst orientation, annual energy contribution can be nearly halved. To get the best efficiency, the collector should be installed, facing due south at an angle of 30-40°.
The Thermomax range consists of three evacuated tube collectors all suitable for domestic use HP200, HP100 and DF100. The information below should help you decide which is the best for your home.
For all Thermomax collectors, deviation from south can be compensated as individual tubes can be rotated up to 25°.
Heat Pipe Collectors
There are 2 products available in this premium range, suitable for when the ideal installation position on the building is achievable. Both heat pipe collectors have an unique temperature limitation device.
HP200 (Dry System) - The recommended product for domestic use, ideal for Northern European climates.
HP100 (Wet System) - Highly efficient with rapid heat transfer due to the heating fluid passing across the condenser.
Direct Flow Collector
This versatile product provides the perfect solution when the ideal position is not available.
DF100 - Simple, easy to install and cost effective. DF100 can be installed on facades or flat roofs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does Solar only work when the sun is shining?
A: Thermomax solar vacuum tubes work all year round - and even in winter it will help to give you hot water because vacuum tubes absorb energy efficiently in all different weather conditions.
Q: Where are the panels fitted?
A: Ideally to a south facing roof or slight deviations of about 30 - 40° from that. The inclination / pitch of the collector is equal to the geographical latitude. So if you live at 45° latitude north the ideal pitch is about 45°. Once again slight deviations are not a problem and will only slightly affect the solar yield.
Q: What are the savings?
A: Up to 70% of your annual hot water and / or heating cost. Over time your savings will increase as the price of oil/ gas / electricity and other natural fossil fuels will escalate in the future. Solar also reduces carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions - one of the largest single contributors towards global warming.
Q: Do I need planning permission?
A: Normally only if the building is in a conservation area / listed building or under construction - but you should check with your local planning office. Thermomax panels are environmentally friendly and aesthetically pleasing.
Q: What does installation involve?
A: Thermomax collectors are light and modular and can usually be installed in one day. They easily attach to your existing structure via a roof kit.
Q: Do they break easily?
A: The tubes are tested to withstand the mechanical load requirements of Solar Keymark which means the tubes have been subject to a force of 1000 N/m2. Thermomax collectors are certified to meet the requirements of this standard and tests have proven they can withstand more than 3 times this force.
Q: Can I combine solar thermal with heat pumps and other Renewables?
A: Yes, Thermomax collectors can be used with all forms of traditional or renewable heating systems without any difficulty.
Q: What maintenance is required?
A: No collector maintenance is required. The glass tubes are round and perfectly smooth. They allow air to circulate around them and will not trap moisture or debris. A system check by a professional every three to five years should be sufficient.
Q: Is there a solar system suitable for use on a large scale commercial building?
A: The collectors can be integrated with your existing system to provide hot water throughout the building for wash hand basins / showers / canteens etc. In fact, anywhere large quantities of free hot water can be used. Hospitals, leisure centres, swimming pools are all suitable large scale commercial applications.
Q: Is it possible to retain heat gained?
A: Yes, the heat is stored in a twin coil solar cylinder usually for domestic hot water. However, the stored energy can also be used for space heating or to heat a swimming pool. It is also possible to combine the different applications.
Q: What happens when I go on holiday?
A: A well-designed and sized solar system should provide you with the right amount of hot water for your household requirements. Even when going on holiday the system will still work, feeding the energy into the cylinder. This will just lead to a slightly higher cylinder temperature. The system is self-regulating - HP100 and HP200 tubes have a memotron valve to switch them off at 95/135°.