We have conceived and designed the most innovative natural circulation solar system, capable of combining solar collector and storage tank in a single product. These are EGO and EGO PRIME, the solar panel with integrated storage, with a compact design, ALL IN ONE: all in one and ideal for everyone.
As we know by now, since we have already talked about it in depth in this article, to live efficiently andsustainably in your home, you can opt for a solar thermal system with natural circulation. This type of system uses solar energy to provide domestic hot water at no additional cost. The solar thermal panel is the fundamental element of this system, as it uses the sun’s rays to generate thermal energy that is used to heat domestic water. This is done by the movement of the liquid inside the panel, which depends on the difference in density between the hot and cold liquid. When the fluid heats up, it expands, reducing its density and rising towards the top of the collector, where the tank is located. At least, this is what happens in traditional natural circulation solar systems. Pleion, in fact, has conceived and designed an innovative natural circulation solar system capable of combining the solar collector and storage tank in a single product. We are talking about our flagship product: the EGO solar panel with integrated storage. The EGO solar collector differs from a common natural circulation solar system because it does not have a storage tank. In fact, it is the collector tubes themselves that perform the function of a tank. This means that the EGO solar collector is an ALL-IN-ONE (all-in-one) natural circulation solar thermal system. In addition, the capacity of the integrated tank can be expanded with a specific accessory called SOLARBANK: an optional tube that can be added to the EGO collectors to increase the litre.
EGO and EGO PRIME: the most innovative solar thermal system with natural circulation
EGO and EGO PRIME differ only in the material with which they are manufactured, containment frame and frame. There are no differences, however, in the technological part and in the performance. EGO and EGO PRIME are a compact and integrated solar thermal system with natural circulation, ALL-IN-ONE, therefore all in one: unlike traditional natural circulation systems, in fact, they do not have an external boiler. Inside the box there are special steel pipes containing the necessary water, depending on the size chosen, to be quickly heated by the sun and introduced directly into the system. What differs them from traditional systems is the fact that a heat transfer fluid does not flow inside them: the sun, in fact, directly heats the domestic water contained inside the panel itself. What makes the system truly innovative is the absence of the footprint of the accumulator, as well as the choice of materials that distinguish each individual component.
LEXAN sheet
EGO abandons glass for a highly innovative material used in various hi-tech applications: LEXAN;® while LEXAN® THERMOCLEAR,™ 100 Made in Italy, is used for EGO PRIME. With these types of materials, the weight of the structure is reduced but not the quality, improving its performance. The LEXAN® and LEXAN® THERMOCLEAR™ sheets, both made of honeycomb polycarbonate, significantly reduce heat loss compared to traditional glass, eliminate condensation and increase resistance to bad weather and hail. Finally, the exclusive design of the frame makes the system very similar to an attic window. The material used for the sheets, honeycomb polycarbonate, is also distinguished by:
Unbreakability: it is not afraid of any atmospheric element and is 250 times more resistant than glass;
Transparency: exceptional ability to conduct solar radiation;
Lightness: 80% lighter than glass. In addition, the EGO PRIME sheet guarantees 10 years against yellowing;
Efficiency: strong reduction of heat loss during the night hours;
Double UV protection.
Lightweight and easy to install
Current solar systems are very heavy and difficult to transport even when empty. EGO and EGO PRIME, on the other hand, weigh 40% less thanks to the use of innovative materials: they are easier and faster to install and do not require too many precautions, since the 105-liter EGO model weighs only 36 kg and the EGO PRIME model just 29 kg.
Functional design
EGO and EGO PRIME stand out for their beauty from every point of view: a product that combines aesthetics and practicality. The frame, which can be easily removed, makes it a design element that can be adapted to any type of architectural environment and at the same time allows for quick installation and simple maintenance. The support brackets are light and refined: made of 100% recyclable material, they simplify assembly and optimize transport and are available in the BASIC version as standard and DELIGHT as an option.
Safe and high-performance
Most naturally circulating solar systems can sometimes have various critical issues, such as low corrosion resistance from very aggressive water or pressure resistance problems. EGO and EGO PRIME are characterized by efficient and resistant hydraulics, thanks to: Domestic water storage: the domestic water storage tank is made with an innovative stainless steel alloy that allows you to conserve domestic water without risking damage even in the presence of very aggressive water, offering greater resistance to corrosion. Shells: the shells are made of special plastic material enriched with a high presence of fiberglass, in order to be more resistant and to be completely recycled.
Description of the EGO and EGO PRIME system
Solar collectors with integrated storage use solar energy to produce hot water for sanitary use, they operate at temperatures lower than the boiling point of water at atmospheric pressure in areas not subject to ice formation. These collectors are not suitable for heating buildings, heating swimming pool water or process water. The EGO and EGO PRIME system is mainly composed of two integrated sets: the solar collector and the storage system.
Solar collector
The bearing frame of the collector is made of aluminum. The external protective structure consists of a lightweight and UV-resistant frame, made of heat-sealed PVC in the case of the EGO model, or aluminum in the case of the EGO PRIME model. The transparent cover of the collector is made of honeycomb polycarbonate, a 10mm honeycomb polycarbonate sheet with co-extruded anti-UV protective treatment and on both sides. Compared to traditional solar glass, this material:
reduces the weight of the manifold by 80%;
limits heat loss during the night;
it guarantees excellent transparency to solar radiation;
Increases weather resistance.
The upper frame consists of a heat-sealed PVC frame, in the case of the EGO model, or aluminum, for the EGO PRIME model, which can be easily removed to have access to the storage tank. The frame is light and resistant to UV rays and is characterized by a design that makes it adaptable to any architectural context. The lower thermal insulation consists of a 30 mm thick polyurethane foam panel covered with aluminum foil; the side insulation, on the other hand, is made of natural polyester fiber with a thickness of 25 mm.
Storage system
The domestic water storage system consists of a series of cylinders made of high quality stainless steel, a special alloy capable of withstanding high pressures and even very corrosive water. The cylinders are closed at the ends by special caps in thermoplastic material reinforced with fiberglass suitable for food contact, to combine lightness and resistance. The caps are connected to each other by means of tubes, to allow the flow of water between one cylinder and another, so that the water passes through all the cylinders in series.
Working principle of EGO and EGO PRIME
The solar panel with integrated storage is a solar thermal system in which the storage container also acts as an absorber for direct heat exchange. The storage system, in fact, directly receives the action of the sun’s radiation, which passes through the transparent roof and transmits the thermal energy directly to the domestic water, contained in special stainless steel cylinders. The accumulation, the volume of which varies depending on the size chosen, is then quickly heated by the sun. The water inlet is located at the bottom of the system; The water is heated by passing from the lower cylinders to the upper ones and then comes out of the highest cylinder to be introduced into the system and sent directly to the users. The special shape of thetank means that the cold inlet water cannot be mixed with the hot outgoing water, thus reducing the mixing effects typical of traditional natural circulation solar systems. The circulation of water is ensured by the pressure of the supply network, and therefore of the aqueduct, well, etc. When the tap downstream of the system is opened, hot water comes out from the upper part of the manifold and the same amount of cold water enters the system from the lower part. One way to optimize the performance of the EGO and EGO PRIME product is to take advantage of hot water mainly during the afternoon and evening hours.
Where to install EGO and EGO PRIME
The solar collector with integrated storage can be installed both on a flat roof and on a sloping roof, but also on the ground or on any other type of structure, such as an attic, a roof or on the balcony. However, it is a good idea to choose in advance the place where the collector will be installed, possibly in a space capable of withstanding the weight and dynamic actions caused by variable actions, such as snow or strong winds, or areas subject to vortices or winds due to thermal inversion. Another important aspect is to orient the transparent surface of the collector as south-facing as possible. But even a slight and possible deviation to the east or west allows you to enjoy a satisfactory operation of the system. It is preferable to choose an installation site where the system is not subject to shading during the day, if not minimally. Therefore, obstacles such as trees or nearby buildings should be avoided, as they can shade the system even temporarily and consequently reduce its performance. For proper operation, it is essential to install the manifold with an angle of inclination between 15 and 60°. If you want to place the collector on a flat surface or on a flat roof, the support brackets allow installation with a 45° inclination and are available in two models:
BASIC SUPPORT: pair of galvanized sheet metal support brackets (supplied as standard);
DELIGHT SUPPORT: pair of electro-polished stainless steel support brackets (on request).
Pleion designed EGO and EGO PRIME so that everyone could use them: from residential applications, to all those places where it is necessary to have hot water even inthe absence of electricity, such as in rural areas or in emergency situations, up to commercial applications, such as car washes, campsites and construction sites.
EGO SOLAR BANK: hot water 24h/24
EGO SOLAR BANKis an accessory designed to be combined with theEGOandEGO PRIMEsolar collectors in order to guarantee a reserve of domestic hot water of solar origin that is preserved from cooling at night in a more effective way than what happens in the EGO and EGO PRIME collectors without SOLAR BANK. The integration of EGO SOLAR BANK allows you to enjoy a natural circulation solar system that is always efficient with hot water available even in the early morning sun, 24 hours a day, thanks to an optional insulated pipe that can be applied to any model of EGO and EGO PRIME,even on models already installed. The SOLAR BANK single-pipe hydraulics consist of an additional 35 litres of hot water protected by high-density foamed insulation. Turbocharge your EGO and EGO PRIME solar collector with EGO SOLAR BANK, for immediate and always available hot water.
EGO and EGO PRIME: different sizes and colors tailored to style and well-being
With EGO and EGO PRIME you can choose from 5 sizes, each designed to perfectly meet your demand for well-being and savings. Each size is characterized by an elegant and compact design, ideal for any type of roof and surface. From the versatile 105-litre EGO 110, a 36 kg featherweight suitable for a wide range of uses, to the powerful 245-litre EGO 260 for the most demanding demands. Find the solar collector model that best suits you and your family’s well-being.
EGO 110: capacity 105 l; weight 36 kg EGO 150: capacity 140 l; weight 43 kg EGO 180: capacity 175 l; weight 50 kg EGO 220: capacity 210 l; weight 57 kg EGO 260: capacity 245 l; weight 64 kg
EGO PRIME 110: capacity 105 l; weight 29 kg EGO PRIME 150: capacity 140 l; weight 36 kg EGO PRIME 180: capacity 175 l; weight 43 kg EGO PRIME 220: capacity 210 l; weight 50 kg EGO PRIME 260: capacity 245 l; weight 58 kg
The EGO solar collector is available in 2 magnificent standard colours: LUNAR WHITE and TILE RED. While the EGO PRIME manifold is available in 3 standard colors: ALUMINUM, WHITE and TILE RED. Finally, to make your solar collector even more yours and to make it integrate perfectly into the environment in which it will be installed, 3 other optional colors are available only on request: NIGHT BLACK,SILVER and GREEN FOREST.
PLEION AUSTRALIA
GiulioDC
I’m the Founder of AVAM Australia, importing innovative Italian technology to the Australian market with a focus on energy-efficient and sustainable solutions.
