Thermic diode solar panels for space heating

Thermic diode solar panels are a new method of heating buildings using solar energy. Each panel combines all the necessary elements of a complete solar energy system (collector, controls, storage heat exchangers and ducting) into a single module. They have no moving parts and they need no external power. Panal operation is discussed and thermic panels are compared to other typical solar heating systems: air heating, water heating, active and passive. Residential and commercial applications are also discussed.

The performance of thermic panels are compared to conventional solar systems. A computer simulation of thermic panels in a residential space-heating application resulted in predictions of the percentage of solar heat provided by the panels. The predictions are compared to similar analyses of conventional solar systems. Thermic panels did as well or better than conventional systems in the six climate types investigated. However, since their installed cost is less, they are expected to be more economic than conventional solar systems.

Thermic panels improve the economics of flat-plate collectors by their modularity and simplicity. Modularity reduces installation costs and raw materials cost; simplicity reduces maintenance costs. Furthermore, the panels can be integrated into the buildings structure, saving the cost of the wall or roof elements they replace.