Environmental

The two basic types of solar hot water systems are?(two answers)

• Passive

• Tube

• Active

• Panel

Answer explanation

The two basic types of solar hot water systems are Passive and Active. Passive systems rely on natural circulation, while Active systems use pumps to circulate water, making them the correct answers.

The type of solar hot water system that requires a pump is?

• Passive

• Active

• Hot water only

• Dual fuel

Answer explanation

The active solar hot water system uses a pump to circulate water, making it more efficient in collecting and distributing heat compared to passive systems, which rely on natural convection.

The component that controls a solar thermal hot water system is called?

• Cold water monitor

• Heating

  Brain

• Differential Temperature Controller

• High limit Stat

Answer explanation

The Differential Temperature Controller is the key component in a solar thermal hot water system, as it regulates the temperature difference between the solar collector and the storage tank, ensuring efficient heating.

The circulating pump in a solar hot water system pumps what

• cold water

• Hot water

• heat transfer fluid

• Paraffin

Answer explanation

The circulating pump in a solar hot water system is responsible for moving the heat transfer fluid, which absorbs heat from the solar collectors and transfers it to the water storage tank, making 'heat transfer fluid' the correct choice.

the auxiliary heat source for the solar hot water system is for?

• to allow for installation of a hot water tank

• Incase cost of solar is too high

• to allow hot water when there is no or insufficient solar

• because most solar is retro fitted

Answer explanation

The auxiliary heat source is essential for providing hot water when solar energy is insufficient or unavailable, ensuring a consistent supply regardless of solar conditions.

The installation of a solar hot water system collector array is typically classed as permitted development for houses and bungalows providing:(pick 2)

• the solar collectors are not installed above the ridgeline and do not project more than 200mm from the roof or wall surface.

• the solar system is limited to 50 litres

• the property is not in a conservation area or in a World Heritage Site

• The solar system has an auxillary back up

Answer explanation

The correct choices are that solar collectors must not be above the ridgeline and should not project more than 200mm, and the property must not be in a conservation area or World Heritage Site to qualify as permitted development.

The optimum orientation and tilt for solar is?

• North east

  45 degrees

• East

  40 degrees

• South

  30 degrees

• south west

  60 degrees

Answer explanation

The optimum orientation for solar panels is south, as it receives the most sunlight throughout the day. A tilt of 30 degrees is ideal for maximizing solar energy capture in many regions.

The type of heat pump system that will most likely require planning permission is?

• Ground

• Water

• Oil

• Air

Answer explanation

Air heat pump systems often require planning permission due to their external units, which can impact the visual aesthetics and noise levels in residential areas, unlike ground or water systems that are typically more discreet.

The co efficient of performance can be worked out by?

• Heat in / heat out

• Heat created / Heat used

• Input /output

• output / input

Answer explanation

The coefficient of performance (COP) is calculated as output (useful heat) divided by input (work or energy used). Therefore, the correct choice is 'output / input', which reflects the efficiency of a system.

What type of system might contain a Buffer tank?

• Solar thermal

• Heat pump

• Biomass

• Oil

Answer explanation

A heat pump system often uses a buffer tank to store thermal energy, allowing for better efficiency and performance by managing the flow of heat. Solar thermal, biomass, and oil systems typically do not require buffer tanks.