Solar Hot Water System That Tracks the Sun -SolarBeam

Online, June 30, 2011 (Newswire.com) - SolarTron Energy Systems Inc.
Amherst, NS

SolarBeam Concentrator - a parabolic reflector that concentrates sunlight onto a small absorber to create solar energy.
The reflector tracks the sun to create solar hot water. It consists of 16 polished anodizedâ€aluminum petals that are resistant to salt spray and acid rain. The system is designed for extreme weather conditions, including wind velocity of 160 km/h.

The celestial tracking system is computer controlled and can provide remote monitoring of solar hot water production.
The heat transfer medium, foodâ€grade polyglycol, runs through insulated pipes between the collector and heatâ€exchanger. When the desired system temperature (maximum 98 °C) is reached, the collector goes into safe mode (tips upright) to avoid overheating of the hot water tanks.

When there is no sun, the concentrator automatically tips upright and stays in that position until the sun comes out. Ideally located in an area open all day to the sun, the SolarBeam can be roofâ€mounted (concrete, flat roof only) or postâ€mounted on the ground at least 6 m away from any obstacles such as buildings or trees.

For typical commercial use, one SolarBeam concentrator is equivalent to 15 conventional solar panels because it can track the sun and does not lose efficiency at higher water temperatures. It is much more efficient than flat panels and evacuated tubes. Because of the maximum system temperature, SolarBeam uses inexpensive, easyâ€toâ€install flexible piping, unlike fixed panel systems that require copper pipe and fittings throughout. To see how the SolarBeam tracks the sun, check out these SolarBeam videos

A photovoltaic collector currently being developed will enable thermal collectors to be retrofitted with electricity generating capability.

Specifications:
• Reflector size: 4.5 m diameter (15.9 m2); collector size: approx. 650 cm2 (100 sq. in.)
• Optical efficiency: 91%
• Expected thermal output during the course of the day: 11 kW (40,000 BTU/h)
• Expected electrical output: 4 kW from photovoltaic collector in combination with comounted 7 kW thermal collector
• Design life: 25 years with yearly greasing of the gear train and occasional spray washing.
• Payback period expected: as short as six years or less; highly dependent on average daily hours of direct sunlight (varies with location), heating requirements (initial and desired
water temperatures), cost of energy being displaced, rebates (government programs)
• Certification: SolarBeam is in the process of getting certified for rebates in USA, Canada,Europe, and Australia
Environmental Benefits:
Annual emission reduction (per unit): dependent on displaced energy source and average daily hours of direct sunlight (example, based on displacement of fossilâ€fuel and daily sun average of 4 h: 10 t annual CO2 reduction plus proportional reductions in SOX, NOX, and
other emissions)

Uses:
Process and domestic hotâ€water heating (up to 98 °C); air conditioning (absorption chiller);electricity generation (coming soon)

Applications:
Any facility that uses hot water (beverage maker, hospital, school, fire department,government building, mall or freestanding store, winery, farm, hotel, swimming pool,residence

Advantages:
Relatively inexpensive fabrication; modular installation; reduction of fossil fuel requirements and consequent emissions; durable and rugged; easily expandable; more energy and space efficient than equivalent flatâ€panel or evacuatedâ€tube installations; compatible with existing hotâ€water systems; optional photovoltaic module for electricity generation

ABOUT THE COMPANY
EG Energy Controls Ltd. has been designing and manufacturing energyâ€saving products for over 17 years in Amherst, Nova Scotia. Seeing a need for alternative energy sources, engineering and management staff started to develop a solar concentrator; in October 2009
SolarTron was registered as a independent company and went into the production of the SolarBeam Concentrator.
The principal market for SolarBeam is heating contractors and solar installers worldwide.
Sales expectations are to sell 40-60 SolarBeams in 2011, 150 in 2012, and 300 in 2013.