Thermomax ‘Thermomax’
Solar hot water collector, evacuated tube, ‘heat pipe’
The Thermomax solar tubes provide systems with a range of temperatures suitable to the varying requirements of the user. This can range from simple domestic hot water supply to air conditioning and sea water desalination.
The Thermomax system consists of a stainless steel manifold and stainless steel support with solar collector tubes. The manifold, which has a minimal liquid capacity, is made from a high grade of 'marine quality' stainless steel and sealed in a weather resistant metal cover. The condenser of the solar tube fits inside the manifold, which carries the heating fluid. There is a thick polyurethane CFC free foam insulation between the manifold and its cover. The system is secured to the roof by means of stainless steel fixing brackets. In the case of a flat roof, a stainless steel frame is available to fit the collector to an optimum angle.
Thermomax patented temperature-limiting tubes are unique. The maximum working temperature is controlled by means of a memory metal spring, which is positioned inside the heat-pipe's condenser. The memory metal is programmed to change its shape at a pre-set temperature. This allows for the condensed fluid to be retained inside the condenser. When the programmed temperature has been reached, the memory metal spring expands and pushes a plug against the neck of the 'heat-pipe' blocking the return of the condensed fluid and stopping heat transfer. At temperatures below the maximum programmed limit, the spring contracts allowing the condensed fluid to return to the lower section of the 'heat-pipe'. The fluid, due to the heat from the absorber plate, is evaporated, transferring thermal energy to the condenser. Thermomax's patented Memotron tube is state of the art technology and provides complete safety through effective temperature control.
Two sizes of collectors are available in arrays of 20 and 30 tubes. Tubes can be adjusted to face the optimum orientation for maximum solar radiation absorption. Each solar tube is a complete and an independent collector with its own heat transfer mechanism, the 'heat-pipe'.
• High performance, even in adverse weather conditions due to vacuum insulation.
• Self-limitation of maximum working temperature, achieved by the innovative use of a memory metal spring inside the condenser.
• The 'heat-pipe' technology ensures high heat transfer and low heat capacity.
• Ease of installation - each tube can be installed individually.
• Minimum maintenance requirement - a single tube can be replaced at a time.
| Material/s: | includes glass, stainless steel |
| Environmental statement: | none |
| BRE Ecopoints: | unrated |
| Green Guide rating: | unrated |
| Environmental certification: | none |
| 3rd party accreditation: | none |
| 3rd party product endorsement: | BSI registered Solar Keymark |
| Quality certification: | ISO 9001 |
| Reusability / Recyclability: | reusable & stainless steel is recyclable |
| Recycled content to ISO 14021: | unknown |
| Life expectancy | unknown |
| Substitute for or new materials / method: |
non-renewable hot water generation |
| Downloads: | Product brochure Technical manual |
| Codes of Practice: | |
| Workmanship Work Section: | |
| Country/s of manufacture: | UK |
| UK distribution location: | Northern Ireland |
| Alternative products: | Solar collectors |
| Further information: | Guide to hot water solar collectors |
| Information last updated: | Saturday 3rd, May 2008 |
| Manufacturer's evidence rating:* |  |
| Manufacturer: | Thermomax Ltd |
| Address: | 7 Balloo Crescent, Balloo Industrial Estate, Bangor, BT19 7UP, Northern Ireland |
| Telephone: | 028 91270411 |
| Fax: | 028 9127 0572 |
| Email: | solar@thermomax-group.com |
| Website: | www.thermomax-group.com |
| Supply chain availability: | Manufacturer |
| Supplier: | Thermomax Ltd |
| Telephone: | 028 91270411 |
| Email: | solar@thermomax-group.com |
| Website: | http://www.thermomax-group.com |
The product has been selected on the above average performance in the following areas:
| - | Abiotic depletion | - | Acidification |
 |
Global warming | - | Eutrophication |
| - | Ozone layer deplection | - | Solid Waste |
| - | Human toxicity | - | Radioactivity |
| - | Fresh water aquatic ecotoxicity | - | Minerals extraction |
| - | Terrestial exotoxicity | - | Water extraction |
| - | Photochemical oxidation |
*Note:
Manufacturer's evidence rating
* One star rating: The product has been included based on an assessment of the manufacturer's own product information.
*** Three star rating: The product has been included on the basis of a third party, independent, Life Cycle Analysis (BRE Ecoprofile or similar).
