lp-585 Rev. 000 Rel. 001 Date 9.10.18
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A. Shutdown Procedures
Simply unplug the solar controller to shut down the drain back system.
The pump will stop and water will drain out of the collectors into the
reservoir.
E. Estimated Life of Components
Proper care and maintenance will determine the life expectancy of the
individual components of the solar system. Refer to manufacturer’s
warranty information to determine coverage of individual
components. To obtain warranty service, call your local service or
installing contractor.
Never open the pressure relief valve while the system is in operation
or hot water is present. Allow to cool prior to opening. Failure to do
so could result in serious personal injury or death.
6. The area near the water heater must be kept free of flammable liquids
such as gasoline, paint thinners, adhesives, or other combustible
materials.
F. Temperature and Pressure Relief Valve
A temperature and pressure relief (T&P) valve is designed for
emergency safety relief and shall not be used as an operating control. A
T&P valve functions by discharging water in an emergency. Therefore,
it is essential that a discharge line be piped from the valve in order to
carry the overflow to a safe place of disposal. The discharge line must
be the same size as the valve outlet, must pitch downward from the
valve, and terminate at least 6” above a drain where any discharge will
Never open the pressure relief valve while the system is in operation
or hot water is present. Allow to cool prior to opening.
B. Draining the Drain Back Reservoir
1. Unplug the controller and wait until all water returns to the
reservoir.
2. Attach hose to fill valve.
3. Open the pressure relief valve.
4. Open fill valve.
5. Allow the system to completely drain.
6. Close fill valve and the pressure relief valve.
7. Remove drain hose.
D. Vacation Shutdown Procedure
If hot water is not to be used for an extended period of time, unplug
the controller and allow the solar collectors and piping to drain into
the drain back reservoir. To re-energize, simply plug in the controller.
C. Routine Maintenance
The heat transfer fluid level in the drain back reservoir should be
checked twice a year. With the system turned off, make sure that the
water level in the reservoir reaches the top of the sight tube. If not,
follow the instructions in “Fill the Drain Back Reservoir”, this manual.
Periodically check the temperature difference between the collector
supply (from the tank to the collector) and collector return lines (from
the collector to the tank). As a rule, an 8 – 12° temperature gain should
be expected across a collector, in bright sun, at the proper flow rate.
Larger systems may have a greater temperature difference.
The storage tank should be flushed to prevent scale build up
on an annual or bi-annual basis following the manufacturer’s
recommendations.
Following installation of the T&P Relief Valve, the valve lever
MUST be operated AT LEAST ONCE A YEAR by the water heater
owner to ensure that waterways are clear.
Certain naturally
occurring mineral deposits may adhere to the valve, blocking
waterways and rendering the valve inoperative. When the lever
is operated, hot water will discharge if the waterways are clear.
PRECAUTIONS MUST BE TAKEN TO AVOID PERSONAL INJURY
FROM CONTACT WITH HOT WATER AND TO AVOID PROPERTY
DAMAGE. BEFORE operating lever, check to see that a discharge
line is connected to the valve, directing the flow of hot water from
the valve to a proper place of disposal. If no water flows when the
lever is operated, replacement of the valve is required. TURN THE
WATER HEATER “OFF”
AND CALL A PLUMBER IMMEDIATELY.
Part 9 - Troubleshooting
Owners are advised to contact the installer whenever in-depth
interaction with the solar system is required.
A. Leaks
For leaks in the potable water system or solar storage tank, close the
cold water inlet and unplug the solar controller. This will isolate the
solar system until repairs can be made.
3. Clean and inspect the solar collector (#1). Dirt or film may settle
on the surface and affect performance. Check collector supplier for
cleaning procedures.
4. Check piping and component insulation for deterioration.
5. Inspect the T&P valve (#19) on the water heater. Lift the release
handle lever. Make sure discharge is directed to an open drain.
be clearly visible.
For your safety, DO NOT attempt repair of electrical wiring or other
operating controls. Refer repairs to qualified service personnel.
Failure to do so could result in serious personal injury or death.
C. Operating Suggestions for the User
A properly designed solar hot water system provides solar energy
for approximately 70 – 90% of annual hot water needs. Listed below
are some suggestions that will maximize the benefits of your solar
hot water system.
1. Showers - If possible, take showers during the day, or in the
early evening. Use low flow showerheads to reduce water
consumption.
2. Dishwashing – Run your dishwasher during the day, after
showers, to ensure as much hot water as possible is available
for showers.
3. Laundry – Spread clothes washing over the week instead of
washing all at the same time.
4. Single Lever Faucets – When using cold water, make sure the
lever is all the way over in the cold position. This prevents
hot water from inadvertently flowing from the solar storage
tank.
B. Other Problems
A noisy pump could be an indication of worn bearings, obstructions,
or a leak in your system. Call your installer for diagnosis of the
problem, repair of the system, and/or replacement of components.
Summary of Contents for Drain Back
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