Exchange of Competency for efficient Solar Absorbers

High-Tech Knowledge of the Automotive Industry is integrated into the new Schlemmer ecotech Solar Absorbers

Hassfurt, 19 March 2010 - If the best from one industry is used in solutions for another industry, then this most of the time will mean progress for such industry.

Highly sophisticated, corrugated tubes allow for efficient exploitation of solar energy in the extremely easily to handle "Hexagon" modules which have been presented for the very first time and in the large surface absorbers developed by Schlemmer ecotech. Under the roof of the Schlemmer Group, the manufacturer of components for renewable energy generation resorts to materials, techniques and certified quality standards already proven in technically sophisticated industries. As a worldwide operating supplier of cable protection systems, media-conducting components and mechatronic modules, the Schlemmer Group also ranks among the leading manufacturers of corrugated tubes.

The corrugated tubes manufactured in an economic extrusion procedure are designed so that they offer the largest possible surface for heating water. The procedure also allows the use of high-grade, UV stabilised special plastic made of PP copolymer. This material prevents particles from being washed out and hence water from clouding even with chemicals usually used for swimming pool maintenance and with salt water.

Sustainable application of innovation and quality
For years Schlemmer has already supported the exploitation of sustainable energy with high-quality components for solar absorbers and photovoltaic systems. The target is to exploit expertise, innovations, processes and products developed for other market segments for environment-friendly energy generation. The newly established business field, which trades under the name of "Schlemmer ecotech", is to force this project on the market.

Flexible innovation for smaller pools
How high-tech solutions for solar absorbers can be brought into a practically useable form was demonstrated by Schlemmer ecotech on the example of the newly developed "Polyflex Sunny Pool Heating" at a trade show. The 80x80cm large modules, which have the form of a hexagon, are already sufficient as a solar absorber for smaller pools. For larger swimming pools the heating performance of the "Polyflex Sunny Pool Heating" can be increased by easily connecting several absorber modules. The practical solar heating source can conveniently be installed close to the swimming pool and easily be integrated into the water cycle of the pool. Accordingly, smaller pools can efficiently be heated to pleasant swimming temperatures without current and without CO2 emissions with this system which is primarily intended for private use. The maintenance-free system with industry-proven long service life can easily be disassembled over the winter months and stored in a space saving manner.

High-performance solar absorbers for plenty of swimming fun
Corrugated tubes manufactured by Schlemmer have been used in solar absorber systems for fresh and salt water pools for more than 30 years. Since then they are used without any deficiencies. At a trade show in Wels/Austria, Schlemmer ecotech has now presented the powerful "Polyflex Sun Solar Absorber" which has been designed for most different swimming pool dimensions - from private pool to community indoor and outdoor swimming pools. The sophisticated construction of the solar tube increases the efficiency of the "Polyflex Sun Solar Absorber" and guarantees nearly maintenance-free long-term use of the system. Flexible assembly properties allow application of the absorber on a flat or slanted roof as well as in vertical constructions as an energy fence.

Efficiency also shows in the cost/benefit ratio
With the new generation of corrugated tubes for absorber solutions, "Polyflex Sun", Schlemmer ecotech would like to expand its commitment for sustainable energy generation via the worldwide group distribution network. The 100% recyclable material allows the absorber tubes to be used for temperatures in the range from minus 45 to plus 130°C.
In addition, it can also be ideally used as a solar absorber for heat pumps. "Given these product characteristics and good experience, Schlemmer feels responsible to offer these sustainable solutions for the exploitation of solar energy", declares Roland Meissner, Division Manager of Schlemmer ecotech.
Schlemmer ecotech can resort to sufficient experience and reference objects. The company has already equipped numerous swimming pools of all dimensions through supplying installation operations and wholesalers. The thermal efficiency of these systems is that of highly efficient systems. However, exact data thereon is always subject to individual climatic and structural conditions. Therefore, the efficiency of an absorber system is in the opinion of Roland Meissner measured "significantly more seriously" by means of the cost/benefit ratio of a system. "For large swimming pools customer confirm amortisation periods of far less than five years" reports Meissner. In many cases this means a saving effect of up to 40 percent of the energy costs compared to heating pools with natural gas. "For Schlemmer ecotech the mission of acting sustainably not only lies in energy-saving solutions and environment-friendly materials, but particularly also in the cost-effectiveness of a solution and in the social responsibility to make our expertise available to the markets", says Meissner.

The company
Schlemmer ecotech is a new business enterprise set up by the Schlemmer Group that has provided components for renewable energy supply for more than 30 years.