SOLAR PANEL LAYOUT & HYDRAULICS.
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11
BALANCED FLOW
- When you have to split a solar system as in Fig. 6.2 or Fig. 6.3, page 7, it is critical that the shown
plumbing runs be followed to assure equal water flow through both rows of panels. Since water will follow the path of
least resistance, if one plumbing run is shorter than the other, more water will flow through it than through the other
one. Keep this in mind if you design a panel layout different than the examples.
Your eco-SPARK representative can also
assist with this and explain the use of “balancing valves” on larger systems.
If you are installing the solar panels on a flat roof or flat ground rack, the top (return) header of the panel should be at
least 3” higher than the bottom (feed) header to assure equal flow through all of the tubes of all the panels. To achieve
even distribution of water throughout the row of panels, proper flow rates and a little back pressure should be present.
AUTOMATIC DRAIN DOWN
- The panels and the CPVC/PVC pipe should be installed so the water will drain out of them
when the pool pump shuts off. This is especially important in ares of the country where freezing conditions occur. (The
eco-SPARK solar pool panels are warranted against internal freezing when installed to allow for drain down.) To allow
for the water to drain, a vacuum breaker (2-1410-023) is installed on the solar feed line above the non-positive three-
way valve as shown in (Fig. 13.1, page 25). (Non-positive means that the valve allows for water to drain back through
the valve even while in the off position. If you have If you have a 3-way valve that is not non-positive, you can make it
so by drilling an 1/8” hole in the diverter). If, as a result, of a unique roof design or adverse pool equipment location, it is
not possible to achieve complete automatic drain down, manual drain down valves should be installed in appropriate
places in the plumbing or at the end of the bottom (feed) header.
Instead of installing and end cap (2-1410-013) at the end of the header, you would place a pipe connector, and (2-1410-
005) 1½” slip x 1½” threaded PVC reducer bushing, along with a ½” boiler drain. These valves should be opened when
shutting down the system for the winter months or when freezing conditions are possible. Your eco-SPARK representative
can assist you with the parts necessary for the manual drain down installations.
6. Solar Panel Layouts & Hydraulics.
- Cont.
INSTALLATION MANUAL eco-SPARK™ SOLAR POOL HEATER
©
2015 UMA Solar
