In solar installations, much like in other heating systems, air naturally appears (usually in the form of bubbles). It can enter the circuit during the initial filling of the system, when topping up the solar fluid (glycol for solar systems), and also due to it degassing at high temperatures. Accumulated air bubbles, although seemingly insignificant, lead to disruptions in system operation, reduced efficiency, and the risk of pump damage. They can sometimes also contribute to clogging the heat exchanger for solar systems (if one is present in our installation).
An air separator is a device whose main function is the effective removal of air bubbles from the solar circuit. Thanks to its special construction, the separator in a solar group traps air, which is then vented through an air vent. This stabilizes the fluid flow, and the entire installation works more efficiently and quietly. Air bubbles no longer hinder the system's operation - and that is the goal. This fits into the overall idea of solar groups, which are meant not only to facilitate and speed up installation (by providing a ready-to-mount component) but also to improve the performance of the entire solar collector system.
Circulation pumps, valves, and heat exchangers are particularly sensitive to the presence of air. Gas bubbles can cause cavitation, noise, and even premature wear of components. The air separator effectively minimizes this risk, extending the lifespan of the entire installation, or the pump group itself.
Therefore, the best place for its installation seems to be the solar group, which is a device that, by definition, is meant to gather all components in one place. Indeed, alongside the safety group - the air separator should be standard equipment in a solar pump group.
It's worth adding that there is no standard for placing the air separator on the hot or cold side of the solar group, which are easiest to distinguish by the valve color. It can be located on either side.
By eliminating air from the solar system, the efficiency of heat transfer increases. The solar fluid circulates freely, without encountering barriers in the form of air locks, and the solar panels can operate at maximum efficiency. This directly translates into greater savings and system stability. The separator is therefore as important an element of the pump group for collectors as the solar flow meter or the safety group.
Although the air separator might seem like a minor element of the solar group, its role is invaluable. It protects the installation from failures, reduces energy losses, and improves user comfort. Installing such a device guarantees that the solar system will operate trouble-free for many years, and as mentioned above, the most natural place for its installation is precisely the pump group.
While it is possible to install an air separator independently of the pump group - they are also available on the market separately - it is generally accepted that an air separator is a mandatory part of a solar group. Essentially, a group that does not include this element is not considered a solar group.
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