| Solar Thermal Water Heater: Installing the Water Heater and Interior Pipes |
From "Solar Solutions"
episode SLR-105 |
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It's time to position and install the solar water heater and connect the interior pipes with the exterior part of the system.
Materials: (Most of the needed components come in a kit.)
Copper piping
Solder and propane torch
Heat exchangers
Glycol antifreeze mixture
Circulating pump
Solder and propane torch
Boiler drains
Flow indicator
Temperature gauges
Programmable controller
1" insulation
These directions are only a general guide. Please consult manufacturer's complete instructions for detailed step-by-step and diagrams, or consult a professional.
- Shut off main water supply, turn off electricity at the main breaker, and drain all water from old standard water heater.
- Carefully insert heat exchangers into the bottom of the new hot water tank (figure A) and tighten into place. Join the two exchangers with copper pipe.
- Several key hardware components must be assembled to connect the return pipe leading from the outdoor system to the water heater. These include: a circulator pump, two boiler drains, a flow indicator and several temperature gauges. The pieces are dry fitted before being sealed and soldered later.
- Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions as you assemble the hardware components in the following order: boiler drains, circulator pump (figure B), flow indicator, first temperature gauge. Finally, the expansion tank will be added and the second temperature gauge is positioned.
- Connect cold water feed pipe to the water heater pipes. Seal and solder all interior dry-fitted pipes (figure C).
- Insulate interior copper pipes (figure D) and connect return from the solar panel to the "go to" pipe that leads from the hot water system (figure E). Seal and solder remaining pipes and add insulation where needed.
- Charge the system with glycol antifreeze. Mix 50% glycol antifreeze with 50% water in a large bucket. Feed into system using the two boiler drains and a larger pump (figure F).
- Seal the system and add proper pressure. Bleed any remaining air from system.
- Attach the programmable controller. The controller (figure G) will prompt the pump to turn on when needed and monitors the temperature in the panels and tan k. The controller has two sensors: one that runs to the collectors, and one to the tank.
Carol Runge says installing a solar thermal water heater is, ". . .only a first step for us. My overall goal is to one day be completely off the grid."
RESOURCES :
Solar Living Source Book: The Complete Guide to Renewable Energy Technologies and Sustainable Living
Model: 0916571041
Author: John Schaeffer (Editor), Doug Pratt (Editor)
(Real Goods Solar Living Sourcebook, 11th Ed)
Real Goods
Website: www.realgoods.com
The Solar Electric House: Energy for the Environmentally-Responsive, Energy-Independent Home
ISBN: 0963738321
Author: Steven J. Strong, William G. Scheller
Chelsea Green Publiishing Company
Solar Buildings
Covers zero-energy building and other solar technologies.
Solar Buildings
Website: www.eere.energy.gov/buildings/
U.S. Department of Energy - Solar Energy
U.S. Department of Energy - Solar Energy
Website: www1.eere.energy.gov/solar
Solar Power System Consulting and Installation (Chesapeake Wind & Solar)
Chesapeake Wind & Solar
Website: www.cwsenergy.com
Solar Thermal Collector Panels (Heliodyne)
Model: Gobi 3366
Heliodyne
Website: www.heliodyne.com
Solar Water Heater Tank (Vaughn)
Model: 120-gallon stone lined tank with 2 heat exchangers
Vaughn Corporation
Website: www.vaughncorp.com
Solar Tank Thermostat Controller (Thermomax)
Thermomax
Website: www.thermomax.com/usdt2001.htm
Solar Water Heater System Circulator Pump (Bell & Gossett)
Bell & Gossett
Website: www.bellgossett.com
GUESTS :
Jeff Gilbert
Chief Technical Officer and Co-Founder
Chesapeake Wind & Solar LLC
Website: www.cwsenergy.com
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