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AFPC Flat Plate Solar Air Collector
AFPC Flat Plate Solar Air Collector
Modular Solar Air Heating Collector for Residential Heating, Commercial Buildings & Solar Wall Systems
What is AFPC?
Customer-first definition
If you are choosing a solar heating technology, you are not only buying "collector efficiency." You are buying system reliability, low-maintenance operation, and predictable long-term performance.
AFPC is a flat plate solar air collector that uses air—instead of liquid—as the heat transfer medium. The absorber captures solar radiation and transfers heat directly to airflow, which is then delivered by natural or forced circulation to the heating terminal.
This is why AFPC is often selected for cold climates, high-altitude regions, and projects where maintenance access is limited.
Why a Flat Plate Solar Air Collector (Not a Liquid System)?
From a project owner's standpoint, the best technology is the one that delivers heat with the fewest operational surprises.
Liquid Solar Thermal Challenges
Freezing risk (or the need for glycol and freeze-protection design)
Potential leaks from piping, joints, pumps, and heat exchangers
Higher commissioning complexity
Higher dependence on ongoing maintenance and water quality control
AFPC Air-Based Advantages
Direct hot-air heating (simple, fast response)
Preheating ventilation air (improves indoor comfort and reduces HVAC load)
Hybrid heating (solar air + air source heat pump / boiler backup)
No liquid circuit maintenance
Direct Hot-Air Heating
Simple, fast response for immediate space heating
Preheating Ventilation Air
Improves indoor comfort and reduces HVAC load
Hybrid Heating
Solar air + air source heat pump / boiler backup
Working Principle (Single Module)
AFPC follows an engineering-friendly heat transfer logic:
Solar radiation passes through the cover and is absorbed by the selective absorber
Heat is transferred to the internal air duct channel
Air is heated and delivered to the terminal through natural draft or a fan
Heated air can be supplied directly to rooms or routed to a heat exchanger / HVAC unit
This "air-to-air" approach is ideal when the design goal is stable heating + minimal maintenance.
Selective Absorber Coating: High Durability for Long-Term Outdoor Operation
In solar air heating, the absorber coating is not just a performance factor—it is a reliability factor.
AFPC adopts a black chrome selective coating deposited by chromium atom deposition, with key optical properties:
Optical Properties
This selective coating supports high solar absorption while limiting thermal radiation loss—helping AFPC maintain strong output across a wide operating range.
AFPC systems are described as achieving solar-thermal conversion efficiency above 80%, and designed for high-temperature, severe cold, and high-altitude operation, with no freezing or leakage concerns and long service life expectations.
Bonding Technology: Higher Heat Transfer, More Stable Module-to-Module Consistency
In air collectors, heat transfer efficiency depends heavily on how well the absorber and airflow channel are integrated.
AFPC uses Bonding technology to enhance the thermal contact structure and improve heat transfer.
In your product materials, Bonding is described as increasing thermal efficiency by about 15% compared with conventional approaches.
This matters especially for:
Multi-module series/parallel arrays
Solar wall systems (façade arrays)
Projects requiring consistent output across multiple collectors
Modular Product Philosophy: One Module, Many Deployments
AFPC is engineered as a standardized module, not a one-off custom façade device.
That gives EPCs and distributors a practical advantage:
Fast replication across projects
Easier logistics and inventory
Simplified installation training
Predictable commissioning and maintenance
Scalable capacity by adding modules
This modularity is also the foundation for the AFPC solar wall concept.
Solar Wall System: AFPC as a Façade Array
(System Form, Not a Separate Product)
A "solar wall" is best understood as a system configuration: an array of AFPC modules integrated on the building façade to harvest solar heat and deliver preheated or heated air.
Your AFPC materials already include "Solar wall working principle / Solar wall" as a dedicated concept, confirming that solar wall is a system form built around the air collector approach.
Why customers choose a solar wall approach
Turns unused façade area into a productive heating surface
Reduces daytime heating load, especially during sunny winter days
Fits naturally with ventilation and make-up air systems
Can be designed as modular arrays for phased investment
Application Scenarios
HEAVY SECTION
For Dealers + EPC + Owners
Residential Heating For Dealers & Homeowners
Typical buyer concerns
Will it work reliably in winter?
Do I need glycol, drainage, or freeze protection?
Is maintenance complicated?
Will I get customer complaints and warranty issues?
Why AFPC fits residential dealers
AFPC is attractive to residential distributors because it avoids the two biggest sources of after-sales problems: freezing and leakage. Using air as the working fluid significantly reduces installation risk and simplifies training requirements.
Recommended residential configurations
A) Direct hot-air space heating
1–2 AFPC modules
Fan-assisted delivery to living area or hallway distribution
Suitable for rural houses, villas, standalone homes
B) Fresh air preheating + indoor comfort upgrade
AFPC heats incoming fresh air before it enters the ventilation system
Reduces heating load while improving air quality
Ideal when owners want "comfort + ventilation" rather than only heat
C) Hybrid with existing heating (boiler / heat pump)
AFPC provides daytime solar preheat
Backup system covers nights and cloudy conditions
Gives owners a stable comfort level without oversizing solar
Residential sizing logic (dealer-friendly)
For dealer-facing projects, we recommend presenting sizing in a simple, repeatable way:
Confirm building insulation level (poor / average / good)
Confirm target function (direct heating vs fresh air preheat)
Select module count and airflow based on collector area and duct resistance
Reserve backup heating for nights and low-irradiance periods
This approach supports fast quoting and low-risk delivery.
Small Commercial & Multi-Unit Buildings Schools, Clinics, Offices
Typical buyer concerns
We need stable operation with minimal staff involvement.
We cannot risk leaks or complex glycol maintenance.
Can it integrate with ventilation or AHU systems?
Typical AFPC deployments
A) Ventilation Make-up Air Preheating
AFPC array provides preheated air to AHU/ventilation, reduces heating coil load and boiler runtime, improves comfort at entrances, corridors, classrooms
B) Daytime Heating Support
Many public buildings peak heating demand during daytime occupancy. AFPC aligns with this load profile, reduces fuel cost and improves sustainability reporting
C) Modular Phased Investment
Start with a smaller array, expand later by adding modules and adjusting fan selection
Industrial Heating & Solar Wall Factories, Workshops, Warehouses
Typical buyer concerns
We need heat fast and we need it safe.
We can't afford downtime.
We need scalable capacity for large spaces.
Can it work with existing boiler or process heating?
Why AFPC works in industrial projects
Industrial spaces often benefit from hot air because air distribution can be direct, responsive, and compatible with workshop ventilation patterns.
AFPC can be used as:
Direct workshop air heating
Ventilation air preheating
Solar wall façade arrays for large airflow volume
Solar wall advantage in industrial sites
For large factories, façade surface area is often abundant. A solar wall array can:
Provide significant daytime heating support
Reduce boiler cycling
Integrate with make-up air fans and exhaust balance
System Design & Installation
This is where most competitors become vague. For AFPC, your materials provide clear, practical fan selection guidance—this is exactly what engineers and dealers need.
Connection Modes and Scaling
AFPC supports:
Single Unit
Single unit installation
2 Units in Series
Two collectors connected
3+ Units in Series
Up to 6 units maximum
Why series connection matters:
Series increases air temperature lift
But also increases duct resistance
Fan static pressure selection becomes critical
Fan Selection Rules
Your guideline states:
Recommended fan airflow: 35–50 m³/h per m² of collector area
Fan temperature resistance: 150°C (or 70°C if fan is installed at the inlet side)
When more than 2 collectors are connected in series, fan static pressure should be > 300 Pa
| Power (W) | Air Flow (m³/h) | Static Pressure (Pa) | Voltage (V) | Speed (RPM) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 60 | 240 | 310 | 220 | 2800 |
| 90 | 350 | 360 | 220 | 2800 |
| 120 | 480 | 450 | 220 | 2800 |
| 180 | 650 | 510 | 220 | 2800 |
| 250 | 860 | 580 | 220 / 380 | 2800 |
| 370 | 1100 | 650 | 220 / 380 | 2800 |
| 550 | 1450 | 680 | 220 / 380 | 2800 |
| 750 | 1810 | 790 | 220 / 380 | 2800 |
| 1100 | 2250 | 940 | 220 / 380 | 2800 |
Duct Routing and Insulation
(What affects real output)
To protect delivered heat:
Minimize Duct Runs
Minimize unnecessary elbows and long duct runs
Insulate Ducts
Insulate ducts in cold zones
Airtight Connections
Ensure airtight connections to avoid performance loss
Maintenance Access
Design maintenance access for fan and filters (if used)
Commissioning Checklist
Essential verification steps:
Verify airflow at design point
Confirm outlet air temperature rise under stable irradiance
Check air leakage and duct sealing
Verify control logic and safety bypass
Record baseline operating data for after-sales reference
AFPC 2.0 Upgrade
Product Evolution + Supply Confidence
Next Generation Solar Air Heating
In your materials, AFPC 2.0 is presented as an upgraded hot-air panel version that has completed validation and entered batch delivery.
Engineering Evolution
The product is evolving based on engineering feedback from real-world deployments
Batch Production Ready
The manufacturer can deliver at scale with verified design and proven reliability
Technical Highlights & Key Specs
Customer-readable + Engineer-usable
AFPC core highlights from your product materials include:
Air as the heat transfer medium (no freezing/leakage risk)
Selective black chrome coating with stated optical properties
System solar-thermal conversion efficiency described as >80%
Hybrid capability with air source heat pumps to improve COP in cold climates
Key Performance Indicators
Before reviewing the table, it is important to understand how these parameters are used in real projects:
These parameters allow system designers to accurately calculate airflow, temperature rise, and overall system performance.
AFPC Product Parameter Table
Model: AFPC Flat Plate Solar Air Collector
| Model | AFPC |
| Dimensions (mm) | 2000 × 1000 × 80 |
| Gross / Contour Area (m²) | 2.0 |
| Heat Collecting Area (m²) | 1.87 |
| Peak Efficiency | 0.70 |
| Static Pressure | 100 Pa |
| Recommended Air Volume | 150 m³/h |
| Air Interface Size | Φ115 / Φ125 |
The listed airflow and static pressure values represent typical single-module operation. For multi-module series connections or long duct systems, fan selection should be adjusted according to total pressure loss and target airflow.
How to Use These Parameters in System Design
A) Residential & Small Systems
1 AFPC module
Air volume around 150 m³/h
Suitable for direct hot-air heating or fresh air preheating
Simple duct routing and low system resistance
B) Multi-Module & Solar Wall Systems
2–6 AFPC modules connected in series or array form
Total airflow calculated based on collector area and design guidelines
Static pressure increases with module count and duct length
Fan selection must consider:
Airflow demand
Temperature resistance
System pressure loss
Test Basis & Data Reliability
The AFPC flat plate solar air collector has been tested according to relevant national solar thermal testing standards, with verified results covering:
These test results provide a reliable foundation for engineering design, system simulation, and long-term project planning.
Practical Selection Reminder
When using the parameter table for real projects, always combine it with:
This ensures that AFPC performance on site matches design expectations.
When AFPC is the Right Choice
(and when it's not)
AFPC is ideal when you prioritize:
Reliability and low maintenance
Cold climate operation without freezing protection complexity
Modular deployment and scalable capacity
Integration with ventilation / air heating distribution
AFPC may not be the first choice when:
The project requires large-volume hot water storage as the primary output
The site has extremely limited space and requires very high-temperature fluid for industrial processes
(These projects may prefer liquid-based solar thermal solutions.)
This honest boundary-setting increases buyer confidence and reduces misapplication risk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common Questions Answered
Yes—especially on clear, cold days. Solar air collectors can perform well in winter because the system can deliver warm air without freeze risk, and the thermal losses are primarily managed through insulation and duct design. The key is to size airflow correctly and ensure airtight ducting.
It can support or partially cover space heating depending on insulation level, climate, and how many modules are installed. In dealer projects, AFPC is commonly used as:
Daytime heating support, and/or
Fresh air preheating
with a backup heater for nights and low-irradiance periods.
A practical approach is to start with 1–2 modules for residential applications, then validate comfort improvement and energy reduction. Final sizing should consider:
Building heat loss (insulation)
Target function (direct heating vs fresh air preheat)
Duct length and pressure losses
Local winter solar irradiance
For most controlled and predictable heating applications, yes. A fan ensures stable airflow and controllable outlet temperature. Your engineering guideline also emphasizes fan selection and pressure requirements for multi-module connections.
Use engineering rules of thumb as a starting point:
35–50 m³/h per m² of collector area
Ensure temperature resistance (150°C exhaust side or 70°C inlet side)
If more than 2 modules in series, fan static pressure should be >300 Pa
For large arrays, boiler induced draft fans are often selected due to high temperature resistance and pressure capability.
Yes. AFPC supports series connection, and your material indicates up to 6 units in series.
Engineering note: More modules increase outlet temperature but also increase pressure loss—fan selection and duct design must be done together.
It is most "worth it" when the building has:
Significant daytime heating demand
Cold climate with clear winter sunlight
High fuel/electricity cost or sustainability targets
Need for ventilation air preheat (where solar heat directly offsets HVAC load)
AFPC systems are generally low-maintenance. Typical checks include:
Fan operation and bearing condition
Duct sealing and insulation integrity
Cleaning intake screens/filters if installed
Verifying sensors and control logic seasonally
A solar wall is a façade-based array that uses multiple air collector modules to heat or preheat air for buildings. In your materials, "solar wall working principle" is explicitly included as part of the AFPC concept set.
Why Soletks AFPC
When customers evaluate a solar air heating solution, they look for three things:
Engineering Clarity
Can you specify airflow, pressure, and system boundaries?
Manufacturing Maturity
Can you deliver consistent modules at scale?
System Integration
Can it work with ventilation, heat pumps, and real building constraints?
AFPC is designed as a modular product with clear fan selection principles, scalable series deployment up to 6 units, and hybrid compatibility with air source heat pumps—helping dealers, EPCs, and owners reduce project risk while improving real-world heating performance.
Need a Quick Configuration Proposal?
Send us your project details and we'll provide a customized AFPC solution
Send us:
Project location (city/country)
Building type (house / school / factory / solar wall)
Available installation area
Target function (direct heating / ventilation preheat / hybrid with ASHP)
