SUNSTAR RESIDENTIAL INSTALLATION MANUAL
26
CONTROLLING THERMAL DEFORMATION
PIPING
Thermal deformation (expansion & contraction) occurs in all materials subject to change
in temperature. Piping will expand & contract in all directions, but the greatest change will
occur with the length of the pipe. Very long pipe runs subject to a large change in temperatures
during the year will require controls for thermal deformation designed in.
Pipe loops or expansion fittings are both allowable means for absorbing thermal deformation.
Piping runs that will experience more than 1” of length change should have some means of
controlling thermal deformation. Uncontrolled expansion and contraction can lead to pipe
ruptures and damage to other system components.
COLLECTORS
SunStar collectors are designed to allow for normal, vertical expansion & contraction (along
the riser tubes) using the mounting hardware design for the collector. The Top Mounting Pads
are designed to be a fixed position for the collector while Bottom Mounting Pads are designed
to be a secure connection while allowing for the collector to change length with the ambient
temperature.
During installation take note of the ambient temperature to determine how to position
the Bottom Mounting Pad with respect to the lower manifold of the collector. In very
warm conditions the bottom manifold should be set at the farthest position possible (most
extended) while cold conditions require the opposite (most contracted). (Fig. 9.1 & 9.2)
Fig. 9.1
Fig. 9.2
