The Role of Ceramics in the Configuration of a New Solar Thermal Collection System for Domestic Hot Water and Heating

The work presented in this study aims to demonstrate the capacity of ceramic materials in the configuration of solar thermal collectors (CSTs) for the production of domestic hot water (DHW) and heating in buildings. Currently, the ceramic tile and panel manufacturing sector presents very advanced manufacturing systems at a technological level that allows the generation of pieces with high physical and mechanical performances. Especially, their high resistances to extreme temperatures and good thermal conductivities position these materials as great candidates in the field of CSTs. In addition, ceramic materials tend to be durable and corrosion resistant, which makes them a very reliable option in the long term. The results obtained in the test campaign and presented in the article confirm the capacity of ceramics to meet the basic requirements of a CST system for buildings in terms of absorption, energy performance, watertightness, and resistance to water pressure, among other aspects, and make it possible to advance new research to improve the behaviors, performances, and architectural integration of ceramic collectors.