Solar flow meter or rotameter in the solar collector circuit – what is it?

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Posted on: 2025-10-20
 

In solar installations - meaning those centered around solar collectors - just like in other heating and hydraulic systems, monitoring operating parameters is extremely important, as we know. One of the fundamental devices that enables monitoring the operation of a solar heating system is a solar rotameter, also called a solar flow meter. A small but very crucial component of the installation, thanks to which the entire system of solar collectors can function correctly. Why? Read below.

Flow Meter or Solar Rotameter?

Or are they the same thing? That is exactly the answer - a solar rotameter and a solar flow meter are the same device, used interchangeably in our language. They mean e5xactly the same thing, and there are no technical differences here. The word 'rotameter' is obviously of foreign origin; the more Polish term is 'flow meter', and it's worth keeping this in mind - because these terms are used interchangeably.

What is a Solar Rotameter?

A rotameter is a measuring device used to control the flow of the working fluid in an installation. Most commonly, one hears about small underfloor heating rotameters - meaning those used in underfloor heating manifolds.

In solar systems, a rotameter also appears and performs the same functions - meaning it serves to measure the flow of the working fluid (hence 'flow meter') - typically a mixture of water and glycol. The solar rotameter is installed in the hydraulic circuit, most often in the pump group of the solar installation.

How is a Rotameter Constructed in a Solar Collector System?

Structurally, a rotameter is not complex; it consists of a transparent tube with a scale and a float (indicator). When the fluid flows through the rotameter, the float rises to a specific height, thereby indicating the current flow rate – usually in liters per minute. In order to properly measure the circulation of the fluid in the solar collector circuit, it must, of course, be appropriately calibrated.

Flow Meter and Correct Flow in a Solar Installation

The main task of the solar flow meter is to control and regulate the flow of the working fluid in the solar collector circuit. Proper flow is crucial in order to:

  • ensure effective collection and transport of heat from the collectors,
  • protect the installation from overheating,
  • maintain even operation of the entire system,
  • extend the lifespan of the circulation pump and other components.

Thanks to the rotameter, the installer or user has the ability to quickly verify whether the installation is operating within the set parameters - and whether it is threatened by, for example, overheating on extremely hot days. Thanks to the flow meter, potential problems can be diagnosed earlier, including issues with the solar system's circulation pump.

Why is a Solar Rotameter Important?

Without flow control, a situation could arise where the fluid circulates too slowly – in which case the collectors can overheat, and the glycol can degrade. Conversely, too high a flow unnecessarily increases the pump's electricity consumption - and heat transfer can be weaker because glycol exchanges heat with the surroundings somewhat less effectively than water.

The rotameter allows you to find and maintain the golden mean, ensuring optimal operation of the installation. It is just as important as other elements of solar pump groups, such as safety groups or air separators.

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Posted in: Pump groups - and everything related to them, Solar collectors

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