SolarWall
Tegral Solarwall - Solar Cladding System
The SolarWall™ Metal Solar Cladding System (also known as the Transpired Solar Collector) heats external air via a southerly facing solar collector. The system consists of a dark steel or aluminium profiled sheet that is perforated to allow air to pass through its surface into a predetermined cavity. As the air passes through the perforated wall it absorbs the walls warmth. The warm air rises within the cavity to the top of the wall from where it is drawn into the building via a ventilation fan delivering free, fresh, heated air into the building. No gas, and minimal electricity is required hence significant reductions in CO2 can be gained, delivering true, economical, socially responsible, environmentally friendly heating.
During the warmer summer months the SolarWall™ collector acts as a 'sun screen', shading the building from direct solar gain, significantly reducing convective heat gains through the wall. The heated air captured within the cavity is then naturally exhausted away from the building and fresh ambient air can be drawn inside through a summer by-pass damper.
The concept was first developed in the early 1980's but due to the low cost of energy, motivation to invest in the technology was minimal. As the product has evolved and with the upsurge in energy costs and global warming issues, demand for the product has increased significantly.
SolarWall™ is a proven technology worldwide with independently produced software from Natural Resources Canada (RETScreen®) & a weather database from NASA.
It is worth noting that RETScreen v3.1 is unique to the SolarWall™ system, however v4 (which has just been released) also covers other solar air heaters. There is one crucial difference however in that only SolarWall™ has its independent test data embedded within the program. Other solar air heaters, or ones which aren't listed, require the efficiency of the system to be input into the model. It must be ensured that this value has been independently verified.
The Benefits of Solarwall:
Reduced CO2 emissions:
Solar air heating significantly reduces CO2 emissions.
Proven Technology:
SolarWall™ is a proven technology worldwide with independently produced software from Natural Resources Canada (RETScreen®) and a weather database from NASA.
Highly Efficient:
High collection and system efficiencies, can exceed 70% at high flow rates (versus approxiamtely 20% for standard back pass collectors) and every m2 of SolarWall™ is utilised during normal operation.
Enhanced 'U' Values:
The solar air cavity on the southerly facing elevation(s) enhances the 'U'-value and maintains the U-Value of original wall.
Heat Recovery:
Any heated air lost through the southerly facing elevation(s) is collected in the cavity and can be returned back into the building.
Award Winner:
At World Business 'Green Business Awards' in London winner of award for "Best use of product design" for its use on the Sainsbury distribution centre at Pineham in Northampton. The project was for Prologis, who themselves won "Most Efficient Green Business" and "Best Overall Green Business".
Design Flexibility:
Can be used on most buildings including, commercial, schools, universities, retail, industrial, distribution, warehousing, etc.
De-Stratified Air:
The solar pre-heated air distributed through perforated ducts at ceiling level de-stratifies wasted ceiling heat, further increasing energy savings and promoting a more even temperature profile within the building, as well as providing a constant supply of fresh air.
Sustainable support systems:
Photovoltaic cells could be installed to contribute to the running of the fan, reducing the energy requirement of the unit.
Maintenance Free:
Virtually maintenance free as there are no liquids and minimal moving parts.
Green Business:
Winner of the The employment of the system enhances the image of not only the designer but also the developer and building occupier as they demonstrate their contribution to reduce the impact of CO2 on the environment.
Retro-Fit:
Can be employed on older buildings, reducing heating costs as well as increasing the life of the building at minimal cost.
Recyclability:
Similar to all Tegral Built-Up systems, Tegral Solarwall is easy to remove and recycle at end of life. There is a well established process is in place for handling built-Up systems at end of life which is easy and cost effective.
- The pre-finished steel can be separated & is 100% recyclable.Glass-fibre and mineral wool insulation can be processed for re-use at lower grade and mineral
- Wool could be recycled effectively through the manufacturing process. At present the majority of mineral wool and glassfibre insulation liberated at disposal goes to landfill. Demolition contractors are happy to recover built-up systems and use the scrap value of the steel to offset their costs.
Simple Installation:
Air cavity (plenum) is built/designed into the system. This ensures that no internal collector is required and only a simple spigot (typically 30m centres) to a fan / heater unit etc.
Works around Openings:
SolarWall™ systems can be utilised around doors/windows/vents etc, as long as there is a catchment are at the top of the elevation to make the connection to the ductwork/fan unit etc.
Low Pressure drop:
SolarWall™ systems have a low pressure drop across the collector circa 25 - 75pa. This is crucial as a higher pressure differential would require more outlay on the M&E kit to cope with the higher pressures.
Summer Cooling:
The SolarWall™ acts as a shield to the buildings original elevation, protecting it from direct sunlight during the summer season, reducing the solar heat transmission to the inside and thus the cooling load.
Enhanced Aesthetics:
The collector when incorporated into the design can enhance the aesthetics of the building. Can be used vertically, horizontally and even diagonally.
