condensation in solar evacuated tubes?

Canbuildhalf

Hi all I recently had evacuated solar tubes installed and over half of them seem to have condensation in them is this a problem or normal?? Water temperature has gone to 41 degrees in this fine weather over last few days without using any hot water does this sound normal or should it be higher? Will try upload a photo.

Mr Gumby

You almost certainly either have a leak somewhere or water got into the tubes as they were installed.

Canbuildhalf

Thanks for your reply Mr Gumby,i cannot upload photos as need to have over 50 posts on boards to do so but would you consider this a problem if water got in during installation or will it effect performance? there are 30 up there the first 10 look perfect the next 20 are a 3rd full with condensation in blotches.

Mr Gumby

It would have to effect the performance you would think, can you not approach the installer to rectify the situation? Remember these are vacuum tubes if the vacuum is broken you will also see a condensation like effect but much more pronounced, you need on the spot advise as to the problem, it may well be all you need is to remove the tubes individually from the manifold and let the moisture escape, any leaks would be obvious at the same time. Be very careful if attempting to remove the tubes yourself, they get VERY hot, dull days only, or cover them with a white sheet for a while first.

shane 007

If they are a Sydney tube, the heat pipe is open to atmosphere & could indeed collect condensation on the inner surface of the tube.
If they are a full evacuated tube with the heat pipe and heat transfer find within the evacuated area, then there is leakage from atmosphere into the tube. However, if this was the case, there is normally a silver chemical coating inside that reacts to oxygen and covers the inside with a white powder when reacted.

I would think you have a Sydney tube and condensation is downside of this less efficient tube.

RavenII

They've lost their vacuum seal, they'll still work, just not as efficiently! The only fix is to swap out the tubes; if they are recently fitted they should be under warranty?

kscobie

Get your installer to have a look, he will know/should know quiet quickly