Viability of use of PVC tubes in solar collectors: an analysis of materials

Abstract

This paper presents a study of the inherent degradations of PVC tubes due to the thermal effect and ultraviolet solar radiation. The approach relates its causes and its effect of use of the PVC tubes as elements to absorption, forming a coil, in solar collectors for water heating. It is demonstrated that such degradations can be burst through the use of an outflow and an appropriate regimen of work, as well as of a protective layer for the tubes, in this case black ink used to magnify its absorption. The results of the properties of tubes that had been exposed to the degradation effect for up to five years are presented. The viability of use of this type of collector is demonstrated through comparative analysis of tubes exposed and not exposed to the sun, concluding for the low cost, easy assembly and maintenance of the system