1 tight fittings…use stainless hose there is seldom enough space. four connections required: solar...
TRANSCRIPT
1
Tight Fittings…Use Stainless Hose
There is seldom enough space.
Four connections required:Solar fluid to (top of pump)and from (top of tank)collectors; and
Potable water in (upper) and potable water out (lower) of exchanger in tank.
2
Ceiling penetrations?Yes…two. And two connections to water line. Here’s the connection for potable cold inlet.
Consider the placement ofceiling joists.You want to leaveroom for insulationaround pipe leadingto attic space.
3
Cut in and solder water line.Tie-in to an existing water line can be problematic. Here, the system was set topre-heat an on-demand system.
A shop vac isvery useful to remove any traceof moisture inexisting waterlines.
4
Pump in separate packaging.
Pumps are rated according to head height.System 1, 2, 3 and 4 use different pumps.
This is a Star21, rated to21’ of head.
Measure fromtop of pumpto top of collector.
5
Attach pump to flange at bottom.
Notice the arrow showing direction of flow?
The rubbergasket isshown onpump. Tightendown two bolts. Next, attachflow meter.
6
High head pumps.
Gang two pumps togetherfor higher head applications.
Here are two ganged Star 21 pumps for a three storyapplication.
7
Don’t fill the tank before it’s time!
Before filling tank, install the drain valve,pump and flow meter. Shut all valves.
Leave P/T valveand solar fluidreturn (top of tank)available for fillingtank.
You’re ready to fill.
8
Fill fitting…hose to pipe thread!
Not shown is the rubber hose gasket.
The plan is tofill the tank withhose water. Thetank will fill, thenoverflow when full.
Where willoverflow go?
9
Ready to fill...let ‘r rip!!!Sheetrock dust visible from ceiling penetrations.
This hosefilled the 80gallon tank in10 minutes.Other hosestook 20 minutesto fill tanks.
Hoseand PipeFitting
10
Drain 2 ½ Gallons for Expansion
Draining off water allows tank to be its own expansion tank.
A 5 gallonbucket, filleda bit overhalfway, willprovide ampleexpansion intank.
11
Quick Disconnects Are Nice
This is the fitting fromcollectors to tank. Aquick disconnect maybe useful sometime inthe future.
Everything lines up, nice and tight, afterfilling the tank!
12
Tape AND Pipe Compound Here
This flow meter fitting, copper to plastic, deserves extra attention. It is recommended to use both tape and plumber’s putty on this fitting.
Tighten this down all the way.
13
What about PEX to collectors?Some say: Supply fine, return not good.Others say: Supply fine, return after 15’.
Pex is rated to 180 degreespressurized, and 200 degreesunpressurized. Pex has beenreported to have failed onreturn lines after only 3 years.
Use “Shark tooth” connectionfor copper/pex connections.
14
Connect T1 from Collector18 gauge, 2 wire cord, and 2 wire
connectors.Open controller,you’ll see tinyT1 lugs.
Need little screwdrivers!
15
Tank filled? Lines Connected?
Time to test for leaks, adjust pump for head.
Now for fun!Plug pump tocontroller, andcontroller towall. The pumpshould comeright on, you’llsee action in flow meter.
5 Gal./Min
16
Adjust flow to collectors.No leaks, correct?! Excellent job!!!You may now insulate your joints.
In the last slide,flow was at 5 gallons per minute.Here, it’s adjustedusing ball valvedown to 2.1 gallonsper minute.
LitersGallons
17
Why 2.1 gallons per minute?
This installation involved 3 Solene 4’ * 8’collectors. The recommended flow rate is0.7 gallons per minute for a 4’ * 8’. If using4’ * 10’ collectors, the recommended flow rate is 1 gallon per minute per collector.
Three collectorsat 0.7 gallons eachis 2.1 gallons per minute. Measureat top of slide.
18
Check out display!T1 or T2 blink, temperature shown in display.
Minus buttoncauses readoutto display alternatingsensors andassociatedtemperatures.
19
Mount Controller As Appropriate
T1 (collector ) is up to 129 degrees!
The controller was finallymounted on the wall, buttemporarily mounted hereand there as the installprogressed.
Chose a visible placementfor controller.
20
Almost Finished With Install.This 80 gallon tank isfeeding pre-heated water to a boiler. The boiler has 1-1/2” lines, while the exchanger has a ¾” line. A flow regulator was used to divert the first 10 pounds of waterpressure through exchanger.
21
No leaks. All lines insulated. Everything checks out. All lines insulated.
Having observedthe system andfinding no issues,all joints and linesare insulated, andthe job is complete.
Congratulations.
22
Congratulations! You’ve Won!!!
For the next 25-30 years, your system should effortlessly provide abundant, solar heated water. Enjoy!
23
Hardware Store Partial List2- 3/4” - 1” connectors (Collectors)4- 1” no-stop unions (Collectors)10’- 1” pipe (collector to first 90)6- 3/4” - 3/4” stop unions8- 3/4” – 3/4” elbows2- 3/4” Shut off valves2- 3/4’ T- Connections (H2O supply)40’ – 3/4” Pex (Collector supply)2- 3/4” Shark Tooth connectors50’- 3/4” Copper (10’ Sticks)40’ – 18/2 thermal wire (T1)2- Wire crimp connectors (T1)1- Stainless steel connector (T1)100’- 3/4” Pipe insulation40- 8” zip ties4- 3/4” thread -3/4” slip fitting2- 3/4” quick disconnect fittings
1- Flux and Brush1- Contact cement (insulation)1- 50/50 solder1- Polyurethane sealant2- 3/4” hose to 3/4” pipe fitting6- 3” lag bolts/washer (collectors)1- Strap for water lines in atticHandfull of roofing nailsHandfull of 16p nailsHandfull of 1-1/2” screws10’ – 2” * 4” bracing (attic)Pipe dopePipe thread wrapElectrical tapeExterior flat paint and brush2- 1” hole roof jacksPipe cutting tool, Emory paper
24
BTU Calculation25 degree observed T1 and T2 difference 2.1 gallons per minute flow60 minutes per hour flow, 7 hours per day8.34 pounds per gallon of water1 BTU is one pound of water raised one degree.
25 Degrees * 2.1 gallons/minute * 60 minutes * 7 hours* 8.34 pounds per gallon = 183,897 BTU/Day
Check: 2000 BTU/S.F. Collector/Day Estimate3- 4’ * 8’ collectors = 96 S.F. area96 S.F. * 2,000 BTU/S.F. estimate = 192,000 BTU
25
Thank you.Questions or comments are appreciated.
So are pictures of your installations.
Communicate with us at: