PRODUCT GUIDE - MARCH 2011

Working towards a greener planet

SOLAR HOT WATER HEATING

Firebird's Envirosol™ range of solar hot water heating systems is arguably the most extensive on the market and offers customers a wide choice of collectors, system configurations and accessories. Designed and manufactured to Firebird’s exacting standards, our solar systems are second to none in terms ofperformance, durability and efficiency.

Moreover, when you purchase a Firebird product you have the back-up of our technical office and nationwide service support. Peace of mind from a company that has deliveredpremium heating products for over 30 years.

Why Solar energy?The benefits of using solar energy for hot water heating are immense. For one the energy source comes for free and research shows that solar hot water heating systems can deliver up to 70% of the hot water requirements for an average household in Ireland and in the U.K.

Investing in solar energy is an investment in the future of the environment and should add to the resale value of your property. By using solar energy to heat domestic hot water you will be helping to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels while improving the energy efficiency and potentially the value of your home. In particular solar energy scores positively with the new BER -Building Efficiency Rating scheme.

Is there enough solar energy?You don’t actually need frequent sunny days for solar panels to work. Envirosol Solar Panels can capture free solar energy on hazy days and even overcast days. During the summer months, the Envirosol Solar Heating System could provide the total energy needs for heating all your water.

You can benefit from solar energy anywhere in Ireland and in the U.K. However, the further south you live, the more powerful the sun. Local factors will also have an effect on the radiation including pollution free skies, local weather variations and the orientation of your roof.

It must be stressed though, that everyone can benefit from solar power if you place your panel in the correct position.Even if you have a flat roof you can use mounting brackets to achieve the optimum angle.

SOLAR RANGE

ENVIROSOL SOLAR PAGE 16

Solar Heating Systems

NEW: Solar dedicated website

www.firebird-solar.com

To Hot Taps

Solar Collector

Tank

Cold Water Feed

Controller

Pump

No. of Persons No. of collectors Tank Size (l)

2 x CPK-7210N Flat panels 2-4 2 x CVSKC-10 Vacuum tubes 200 30 or 40 TZ58 Heat Pipes

3 x CPK-7210N Flat panels 5-6 3 x CVSKC-10 Vacuum tubes 300 50 or 60 TZ58 Heat Pipes

The main components of a domestic hot water solar system are the solar collectors, water storage tank, solar controller and solar pumping station. The diagram on the right shows a basic concept layout of a solar hot water heating system.

When designing a solar system it is imperative that the system is sized correctly; otherwise inadequate performance or overheating may occur. The following is the generally accepted best practice for sizing a solar system for the Irish and the U.K. climate.

Step 1Calculate the household hot water usageGenerally speaking the average daily hot water usage is between 35-65 litres per person When sizing solar systems 50 litres is normally taken as an average.

Step 2Determine location of collectors Ideally, collectors should be orientated due south if possible and at a pitch of between 40˚ and 50˚. Variations to the optimum positions are permissible and the chart on the right shows the % reduction in solar energy captured. For example collectors facing due east at a 30˚ inclination will capture 80% of the maximum potential energy.

Step 3Calculate number of collectors requiredA solar system should be designed to cover the hot water requirement almost completely during summer months. As a ruleof thumb approximately 1 m2 of collector aperture area is required per person. Note if the collectors can’t be installed tooptimum conditions the correction factors in the chart above should be applied. i.e. if the collectors are facing due east at a 30˚ inclination, then 1 m2 is multiplied by 100/80 = 1.2 m2.

Step 4Determine storage tank size A general recommendation is to have 50 litres of water storage capacity for every m2 of collector aperture area. Recommended tank sizes for Firebird solar collectors are shown in the table below;

SOLAR RANGE

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SOLAR SYSTEM DESIGN & SIZING

CPK7210-N FLAT PANEL COLLECTORFirebird’s CPK7210-N Flat Plate Collector is one of the most efficientcollectors in the world, with an optical efficiency of 81.8%. One of the unique features of the CPK7210-N is that the collector base is extruded from a single aluminium sheet thus removing the need for welds, joints or glueing at the corners.

Other features: • Glass is a special tempered solar glass. • Absorber is constructed from a single sheet of selective Tinox™ selective absorber coating. • Heat transfer pipes behind the absorber are ultrasonically welded along the entire length to ensure optimal heat transfer. • 50mm of mineral wool insulation. • Professional finish.

Sales Code SOL100FPC

SOLAR RANGE

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SOLAR COLLECTORS

CVSKC-10 VACUUM TUBE COLLECTORThe CVSKC-10 Vaccum Tube Collector is a U-pipe direct flow evacuatedtube, often referred to as a ‘Sydney’ tube. They are amongst the most efficient solar collector designs due to the CPC reflector aluminium plate place behind the tubes. It reflects solar radiation back onto the absorber. The CVSKC-10 collector offers optimum performance in terms of the installation footprint. Ten tubes have an incredible aperture area of 1.6m and with a height of only 1.64m, will fit on most restricted roof spaces.

Other features: • Delivered assembled to cut down installation time. • Co-axial glass tubes with excellent vacuum ~5 Pascals. • Transfer manifold insulated with mineral wool insulation. • Light weight construction for ease of handling.

Sales Code SOL150VTC

TZ58-1800 HEAT PIPE SOLAR COLLECTORThe TZ58-1800 Heat Pipe Solar Collectors offer an optimum performanceto price ratio. The tubes are highly efficient due to a round shaped absorber design so that they capture the solar energy throughout the day.

Other features include: • High build quality - aluminium manifold design, nickel plated condenser head, borosilicate glass. • Manifold can be installed initially and the tubes added later during commissioning (avoiding the lifting of heavy items onto the roof). • Reinforced mounting kit manufactured to Firebird’s specification.

Sales Code SOL820VTS - 20 Tube SetSOL830VTS - 30 Tube Set

Firebird offer three collector types to ensure that customers can choosethe right collector to suit their installation requirements and budget.

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Outer Dimensions: Height [mm]

Width [mm]

Depth [mm]

Heat Pipe Dimensions Diameter [mm]

Length [mm]

Weight [kg]

Gross collector area [m2]

Aperture area [m2]

Max Operating Pressure [bar]

Stagnation temperature [˚C]

Angle of inclination permitted

Performance data; *

Zero-loss collector efficiency, η0

Collector heat loss coefficient, a1 [W/m2 K]

Collector performance ratio, a2 [W/m2 K2]

Absorption

Emission

Annual Energy Yield [kWh/m2]

2020

1825

155

58

1800

78

3.507

1.867

200

15˚ to 75˚

73.4%

1.529

0.0166

> 94 %

< 7%

> 525

2020

2655

155

58

1800

115

5.005

2.791

200

15˚ to 75˚

73.4%

1.529

0.0166

> 94 %

< 7%

> 525

1645

1115

107

31

1.83

1.59

10

286

15˚ to 75˚

60.5%

0.850

0.010

> 96%

< 6%

> 529

2038

1039

98

38

2.11

1.88

10

216

15˚ to 75˚

81.8%

3.705

0.015

> 95%

< 5%

> 525

CPK7210-N

Flat Panel 20 tube set 30 tube set

CVSKC-10

Vacuum TubeTechnical SpecificationTZ58-1800

PITCHED ROOFAll Firebird solar collectors can be installed on a normal slate or tiled roof using our weather-proof aluminium mounting frame kits. Mounting kits are constructed from robust materials and come with easy to follow instructions. Mounting kits for flat plate collectors and vacuum tubes are available for double and single collector configurations. Mounting kits for TZ58-1800 heat pipes are supplied for sets of 20 and 30 tubes.

Sales Code SOL101FMT On-roof Mounting kit - 2 flat plate collectors SOL103FMT On-roof Mounting kit - 1 flat plate collectorSOL151VMT On-roof Mounting kit - 2 Vacuum Tube collectorsSOL153VMT On-roof Mounting kit - 1 Vacuum Tube collectorSOL822KIT On-roof Mounting kit - 20 TZ58-1800 Heat PipesSOL832KIT On-roof Mounting kit - 30 TZ58-1800 Heat Pipes IN-ROOF An in-roof installation kit is available for the CPK7210-N flat plate collectors. Note that in-roof installation is not possible with evacuated tube collectors. With an in-roof kit the collectors are set lower on the roof giving a more aesthetically pleasing finish. Our in-roof kit comes with side, top and bottom flashings, collector mounting rails, coach bolts, rubber seals and installation instructions. Available in double and single collector configurations - for tiled and slate roof constructions.

Sales CodeSOL511TRF In-roof Mounting kit TILE roof - 2 flat plates SOL512TRF In-roof Mounting kit TILE roof - 1 flat plateSOL511TRF & SOL513SRS In-roof Mounting kit SLATE roof - 2 flat platesSOL512TRF & SOL513SRS In-roof Mounting kit SLATE roof - 1 flat plate

FLAT ROOF INSTALLATIONIf solar collectors have to be installed on a flat roof or surface then a flat roof mounting kit is required. Flat roof kits are available for both flat plate collectors and vacuum tube collectors and come with mounting frame, coach bolts, rubber seals and installation instructions. Available in double and single collector configurations.

Sales CodeSOL102FMT Flat roof kit for 2 flat plates SOL104FMT Flat roof kit for 1 extra flat plateSOL152VMT Flat roof kit for 2 vacuum tubes SOL154VMT Flat roof kit - 1 extra vacuum tubeSOL174FRK Flat Roof Mounting Kit, TZ58-1800 Heat Pipes, 20 tubesSOL172FRK Flat Roof Mounting Kit, TZ58-1800 Heat Pipes, 30 tubes

FIXING OPTIONS

* All based on aperture area.

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ENVIROSOL SOLAR PAGE 20

SOLAR CONTROLLER & PUMP STATIONThe Firebird solar controller ensures the efficientoperation of the solar system, managing the efficienttransfer of solar energy from the collectors to thewater storage tank. The controller is easy to use and displays key systemdata at the touch of a button. The controller LCD hasa basic system diagram to explain the informationbeing displayed such as: • Collector temperature. • Upper and lower tank temperatures. • Activation of solar circulating pump or back-up heating system. • Hours of operation.More advance controllers are available on request which can handle east-west collector set-ups and display capture solar energy in kWh. The solar controller is incorporated into the solar pumping station that houses key plumbing components for a solar circuit, including solar circulating pump, non-return gravitational valves, flow rate regulator, pressure relief valve, connection for expansion vessel as well as filling points for solar fluid

Sales CodeSOL401CTRSOL403CTR Deltasol BS Plus Controller for East/West collectors.SOL404FPS Flowcon D2F Pump Station for East/West collectors.

WATER STORAGE TANKSThe solar twin coil tank is used to store hot water heated by the solar system. The tank has two internal coils; the solar circuit provides heat through the lower coil while the back-up heating system (boiler) will heat the hot water via the upper coil.

Firebird water storage tanks are built from premium quality stainless steel and include an electric immersion as standard. We currently provide 200 and 300 litre twin coil unvented solar tanks plus a 300 litre triple coil open-vented tank with a 1" coil, suitable for a solid fuel heating source.

Sales Code SOL215TNK Twin Coil Solar Tank, 215 litresSOL305TNK Twin Coil Solar Tank, 305 litresSOL305TTK Triple Coil Solar Tank, 305 litres

FLEXI PIPES, 1m High grade 1m stainless steel flexi pipes which can beconnected to the flow and return side of the collectorarray. This saves the installer having to makecomplicated pipe bends through the roof of thehouse. Fittings can be included to connect the pipeto the different solar collector types.Sales CodeSOL402FPP 1m Flexi pipeSOL001ELB & SOL001FEM Fittings for Flat plateSOL075ELB & SOL075TAP Fittings for Vacuum tube

STAINLESS STEEL INSULATED TWIN PIPE Flexible pre-insulated twin pipe with UV protectionsheath for linking collectors to solar tank.Saves considerable installation time and money.Sales CodeSOL015TWP Insulated Twin Pipe DIN16 – 15mSOL025TWP Insulated Twin Pipe DIN16 – 25m

PIPE FLASHINGThe pipe flashings provide a tidy solution for passingsolar flow and return pipes through the house roof.Sales Code SOL509TRF Pipe flashing; Tiled roofSOL510SRF Pipe flashing; Slate roofSOL524VTL Glidevale G1 Vent Tile

COLLECTOR COVERSIf solar collectors are installed before the system hasbeen commissioned with the glycol anti-freeze, thenthey must be protected from sunlight. Firebird providesolar covers which have a special UV protection toprevent the collectors from overheating.Sales CodeSOL514FPC Solar Cover – CPK7210-N Flat PlateSOL515VTC Solar Cover -Vacuum Tube

EXPANSION VESSELS ACCESSORY KITSales Code SOL519EVK Expansion Vessel Accessory Kit (inc. check valve, wall bracket and 1 flexi hose)SOL505EXP Intermediate Expansion Vessel, 5 litreSOL512EXP Intermediate Expansion Vessel, 12 litre

OPTIONAL ACCESSORIESWE OFFER A RANGE OF ACCESSORIES TO COMPLEMENT

YOUR FIREBIRD SOLAR SYSTEM INSTALLATION

EXPANSION VESSELSAn expansion vessel is necessary to absorb theexpansion of the solar fluid when high temperaturesare reached in the solar collector.Currently available sizes are 24 and 35 litres.

Sales Code SOL502EXP 24 litre expansion vesselSOL503EXP 35 litre expansion vessel

ANTI-SCALD MIXING VALVEAnti-scald (mixing) valve must be fitted close tothe hot water outlet of the solar tank so that deliveryto the taps does not exceed 65˚C

Sales Code SOL504MIX

AIR VENT An automatic air vent should be fitted at the highestpoint in the solar circuit system in order to remove airfrom the system during commissioning. An isolatingvalve should be fitted before the air vent and isolatedonce the system has been commissioned.

Sales Code SOL501AIR Air VentSOL505STP Isolating Valve

SOLAR ANTI-FREEZEThe heat transfer fluid used in a solar circuit isnormally a mixture of water and a polypropyleneglycol anti-freeze. The glycol anti-freeze alsocontains an additive to protect against corrosionand evaporates at higher temperatures than waterto allow higher system temperatures.Firebird recommends a 40% glycol to 60% watermix to ensure frost protection to circa -25˚C.

Sales Code SOL506FFL Tyfocor L Anti-freeze - Flat plateSOL507VFL Tyfocor LS Anti-freeze - Vacuum tube

OTHER SYSTEM COMPONENTSTHE FOLLOWING COMPONENTS MAY BE SUPPLIEDAS STANDARD ON CERTAIN SOLAR SYSTEM KITS