Temperature Monitoring Solution for Solar Mat Heating Systems
Background
Solar Mat (solar heating mat / solar collector mat) is widely used in solar water heating and swimming pool heating systems. It works by absorbing solar energy and transferring heat to circulating water, providing an energy-efficient and environmentally friendly heating solution.
In such systems, temperature control is a critical factor. If the water is circulated at the wrong time, it may cause overheating of pipelines or inefficient heat transfer. If circulation starts too early, the system may lose efficiency and fail to reach the desired water temperature.
To achieve stable and automatic operation, real-time temperature monitoring of the Solar Mat is essential.
System Application: Swimming Pool Solar Heating Control
The most typical application of Solar Mat temperature monitoring is in swimming pool heating systems, where temperature difference control (ΔT control) is used to manage circulation pumps automatically.
System Configuration
In a standard installation: Temperature Sensor A is installed on the Solar Mat outlet pipe or directly on the collector surface. Temperature Sensor B is installed at the swimming pool return water pipe or inside the water tank
This dual-point measurement allows the controller to compare solar collector temperature and pool water temperature in real time.
Temperature Sensor Technology
For this application, we use PT100 platinum resistance temperature sensors (RTDs) HTS300 Series.
Why PT100 is selected:
High measurement accuracy
Excellent long-term stability
Strong repeatability in temperature difference control
Suitable for industrial-grade solar thermal systems
Reliable performance under outdoor conditions
PT100 is especially suitable for applications where precise temperature difference control is required, such as solar collector systems and pool heating automation.
Signal Processing and Transmission Solution
A PT100 sensor itself is a passive resistance element. It does not generate a digital signal or communication output such as RS485. Its resistance changes according to temperature, and therefore a signal conversion module is needed to signal transmission.
We specially developed a custom acquisition module for the customer, which integrates signal conditioning and data transmission functions. This allows the PT100 sensor system to directly communicate with industrial controllers or PLC systems.
Key Technical Advantages
This Solar Mat temperature monitoring solution provides:
Accurate real-time temperature difference control
Stable and reliable pump switching logic
Improved energy efficiency of solar heating systems
Prevention of overheating and reverse heat loss
Long-term stable operation in outdoor environments
Flexible integration with PLC or control systems via RS485
Typical Application Scenario
Swimming pool solar heating systems
Residential solar water heating systems
Commercial solar thermal circulation systems
Solar collector field temperature monitoring
Energy-saving building heating systems
Conclusion
Temperature measurement plays a key role in the efficient operation of Solar Mat heating systems. By using PT100 temperature sensors combined with a dedicated signal conversion module, the system can achieve accurate differential temperature control and fully automated pump operation.
This solution ensures higher energy efficiency, system stability, and long-term reliability in solar thermal applications, especially in swimming pool heating systems where precise temperature control is essential.
