Following the success of Varisol, the world’s first modular solar thermal collector with no manifold, Kingspan Renewables has launched Varisol HP – a revolutionary new design, which uses advanced heat pipe technology to deliver sustained, top quality performance matched with a lifetime of energy savings.
This latest breakthrough retains all the benefits of the original Varisol DF (direct flow) model – using high performance polymer materials to allow vacuum tubes to simply ‘click-fit’ together to create solar thermal collectors of varying sizes. However, it brings with it the added advantage of Kingspan’s world-leading heat pipe technology. This includes a completely unique temperature limitation device in the condenser for system protection along with dry tube connections for ease of installation and maintenance. Suitable for both domestic and commercial markets, Varisol HP collectors do not degrade in performance levels, allowing end users to benefit from long-lasting, optimum energy capture and savings along with low cost of ownership.
Kingspan Environmental and Renewables Managing Director Ralph Mannion comments: “We’re delighted to be able to combine both our award-winning modular Varisol design with our hero product, Thermomax HP. This has been the result of a major emphasis on research and development here at Kingspan. We were able to develop a unique copper pocket, over-moulded into the Varisol polymer header, to house the condenser and allow for the dry connection of solar thermal tubes. This revelation means our customers can now enjoy the total flexibility of modular design along with the unique benefits of our Thermomax HP vacuum tubes. This includes a temperature limitation mechanism to ensure a lifetime of maximum output and savings as well as dry tube connections for easier upkeep and installation. This makes Varisol more cost-effective and efficient than ever before.”
Varisol technology provides a modern and adaptable alternative to rigid manifold systems. Its precise sizing and modular flexibility means it can be sized to the exact requirements of the end user, so they only use and pay for what is needed for ultimate results. Vacuum tubes are pre-assembled with the Varisol connector for straight-forward installation and collectors can hold up to 150 vacuum tubes in series. It is completely expandable so customers can grow their solar systems as their needs change and comes with a twenty-year guarantee when installed by a Kingspan Solar Accredited Installer.
Continues Mannion: “Thanks to Varisol, high quality solar thermal installations have now become accessible to a wider audience, especially those with potential design issues, such as dormer bungalows or sky lights. However, the end user is not the only one to benefit. With no manifolds to stock or invest capital in, distributors gain from improved stock control and for installers the vacuum tubes are quick and easy to fit. It is also more environmentally friendly, using 100 percent recyclable polymer material and eliminating the need for brazing and welding as well as energy intensive metals.”
The new Varisol model incorporates Thermomax HP vacuum tube collectors, which deliver an unrivalled transfer of solar energy into heat, providing up to 70 percent of hot water requirements throughout the year. The vacuum inside each tube also provides perfect insulation by protecting the system from outside influences, such as cold, wet or windy weather, resulting in quality performance all-year-round.
Varisol forms part of Kingspan Renewables’ all-encompassing solar packages, designed to provide the specifier, installer and end user with the ultimate solar solution. They include the highest level of customer support from initial advice, through to bespoke design, installation, final commissioning and technical support.
