UTILIZATION OF SOLAR THERMAL-ENERGY IN MOUNTAIN REFUGES THROUGH AN INNOVATIVE SYSTEM

An innovative heat transport system has been associated to solar therm al collectors, and, due to its specific features, used in those situat ions like the mountain refuges, where the conventional systems with di fferential thermostat and circulation pump, or the thermosiphon units cannot be conveniently installed. Solar heat has been used for hot san itary water production, for heating a sewage treatment plant, and for water production by snow melting, also at the refuge observatory ''Reg ina Margherita'' in the Italian Alps, at an altitude of 4550 m. above sea level, the highest refUge in Europe.