Thermomax collectors are designed to overcome the limitations of 'flat plate' panels, especially in unfavourable weather conditions. They convert both direct and diffused solar radiation into heat. The heat absorber has a special selective coating, which converts the maximum amount of solar radiation into heat, whilst having very small radiation losses. Infra red light, which can pass through clouds, is also absorbed and converted into usable heat. The vacuum inside the glass tube, being the best possible insulation for a solar collector, supresses heat losses, which results in performance far superior to any other type of solar collectors.
Heat transfer is via a heat pipe, to a highly insulated manifold heat exchanger.
The special fluid inside the 'heat pipe' evaporates when heated, transfering energy to its top. The vapour then condenses, and the fluid returns to its original position due to gravity. The heat is thus transfered via the heat exchanger, to the hot water system. The solar glass tubes are very smooth and perfectly round, therefore any dirt or dust is either washed away by rain, or blown away by the wind. The sealed tube and use of high grade stainless steel entirely eliminates corrosion.