Spain-based Soterna S. Coop. says it has developed a solar panel system with an integrated thermal boiler. The thermal boiler is made of Radel polyphenylsulfone (PPSU) resin from Solvay Specialty Polymers USA LLC that provides long-term hoop stress resistance, along with resistance to prolonged exposure to hot chlorinated water, according to the companies.
Soterna says its decision to go with PPSU instead of the traditional stainless steel represents the first use of a thermoplastic for thermal boilers in a pressurized solar panel system.
The 80 kg (176.5-pound) thermal system, which measures 2,029 mm by 1,020 mm by 240 mm (80 inches by 40 inches by 9.5 inches), withstands high pressure 600 kPa (6 bar) and hot 95 degrees C (203 degress F) chlorinated water, Soterna says. The system consists of two extruded profiles with injection-molded end caps that are welded onto the profiles. The profiles are connected to each other and hold a total of 150 liters (40 gallons) of water.
