Solar Boiler™ Installation Manual (OG-300), page 9 of 14
IN.410.06.DEC/99
Congratulations
You are now ready to enjoy of your new Solar Boiler™. It can provide a large fraction of your hot water requirements. If you have any
questions or comments regarding its operation or installation, contact your dealer, installer, or Thermo Dynamics Ltd.
Operating Restrictions
Do not use the Solar Boiler™ system to heat any treated water system, such as pools, directly.
Use the proper mixture and quantity of propylene glycol USP and distilled water for freeze protection. DO NOT use automotive
antifreeze, recreational vehicle antifreeze, ethylene glycol, or other poisonous fluids. Thermo Dynamics recommends a mixture of 40%
Propylene Glycol USP and 60% distilled water for use as the heat transfer fluid.
System Maintenance
-
Solar Collector Glass:
In some areas the glass plate of the collectors may require cleaning once a year with an industrial cleaning product. In areas where air
pollution is severe, more frequent cleaning may be required.
-
pH and Freeze Protection:
The pH and freeze protection capability of the propylene glycol USP/water solution should be checked annually.
-
Back Flushing the Heat Exchanger:
The Solar Boiler™ heat exchanger should be flushed with clean water ever 6 months. First, close the valve at the bottom of the solar
storage tank near the Flexhose™ that connects the tank to the Solar Boiler™. Second, connect a hose to the drain bib at the bottom
tank tee, and place the free end in a drain. Open the drain bib and allow water to flow for a few minutes. This will remove residue
from the heat exchanger and hoses.
-
Reservoir Fluid Level:
The fluid level in the Solar Boiler™ reservoir should be checked every year. Instructions for this procedure are part of the refilling
instructions.
Repairs
If any of the components of the Solar Boiler™ or Micro-Flo® solar collectors are damaged, your local dealer or Thermo Dynamics Ltd.
should be advised before any repair is attempted.
In the case of broken glass, we recommend the use of an industrial vacuum cleaner to remove all glass fragments fro the collector and
surrounding area. Cover the collector with a sheet of plywood to protect the absorber plate until a replacement glazing is obtained.
Disconnect the wires from the photovoltaic module to the Solar Boiler™ and contact your local dealer or Thermo Dynamics Ltd.
The Solar Boiler™ should be repaired by a qualified solar technician. In some cases it may be necessary to disconnect the Solar
Boiler™ for factory repair. Your local solar dealer or Thermo Dynamics should be notified before you attempt disconnection.
There are several ways to increase the performance of your Solar Boiler™ and to reduce hot water heating costs. Here are a few tips on
getting the most from your water heating system.
-
Add an insulating blanket to your electric water heater.*
-
Add an insulating blanket to your solar storage tank.*
-
Install low flow shower heads.
-
Use warm water instead of hot when washing clothes.
-
Insulate exposed hot water pipe where possible.*
-
Minimize hot water use on overcast days.
-
Use solar heated water as it is collected. If possible, postpone consumption of hot water to mid-morning or noon on a sunny day.
-
Lower the thermostat setting of your electric water heater from 60
°
C (140
°
F) to 50
°
C (122
°
F). This should only be done by a quali-
fied technician.
* Available by mail order from Thermo Dynamics Ltd.