ARK Solutions
Concentrated Solar Boiler
Heating is the majority of most buildings' utility cost and concentrated solar operates at 72% efficiency vs about 23% for solar PV — slashing natural gas costs.
133 kWh/m²
Solar energy captured per square metre
70%
Reduction in natural gas heating costs
20°C
Interior temperature advantage over outside
12-month
Year-round heating capability
Harnessing the Solar Advantage
Concentrated solar thermal technology provides high-grade heat for buildings and process heat needs, reducing reliance on fossil fuels. When paired with ARK's storage and distribution approach, it becomes a practical year-round heat, cooling (with absorption chilling) or electricity generation (with organic rankin cycle). The system uses parabolic trough collectors to concentrate solar radiation onto a heat transfer fluid, which is then stored in insulated tanks and delivered through a hydronic radiant heating system. The result is a facility that captures free solar energy during the day and releases it as heat when needed — day or night, summer or winter.
When integrated with ARK's Sprung Structure and clear membrane building system, the concentrated solar boiler becomes part of a fully integrated energy strategy that includes passive cooling in summer, solar heating in winter with biogas CHP as a backup and supplemental source. Together, these systems can reduce a facility's total energy costs by 70% or more compared to a conventionally heated.
ARK is one of a small number of buildings worldwide that currently incorporate concentrated solar into its HVAC system.
How the System Works
Concentrated Solar Collection
Parabolic trough collectors track the sun and concentrate solar radiation onto a heat transfer fluid. Alberta receives over 2,300 hours of sunshine per year — more than many regions considered ideal for solar energy.
Thermal Storage
Heated fluid is stored in insulated tanks, providing thermal energy on demand — including overnight and during cloudy periods. Storage capacity is sized to the facility's heating load and local solar resource.
Hydronic Heating Integration
Solar thermal energy is delivered to the greenhouse through a hydronic radiant floor and perimeter heating system. This provides even, consistent heat distribution at the root zone — ideal for plant growth.
Hybrid Backup System
The solar boiler is integrated with a biogas or natural gas backup system that activates only when solar thermal storage is insufficient. In most Alberta conditions, backup usage is minimal.
Cut Your Heating Costs by 70%
Speak with an ARK advisor about integrating concentrated solar heating into your controlled environment facility design.