Copyright © 2014
Ikhwezi Solar (Pty) Ltd, Novatherm CC, Solar Assist (Pty) Ltd
8
Make sure that the tank is rotated to a position where the drain cock is at
the lowest point on the geyser as pictured above. This will ensure that the
maximum volume of water in the tank is available to be heated by the
collector.
The image below depicts the completed mounting of the system.
Larger tank sizes may require additional tank cradle brackets depending on
the roof pitch.
8.2
Suggested mounting method 2
As an alternate to collector hanger brackets, aluminium straps could be used
to secure the collector. Aluminium friendly speed screws can be used to
secure the strap to the back of the collector frame. A strap needs to be fixed
to each corner of the collector frame (i.e. four straps).
Straps should be long enough to be fed underneath the roof tiles and then
folded around the timberwork of the roof. The straps should be positioned
on the peak of the tile and not the valley to prevent water from pooling and
degrading the strap. The straps used should be of sufficient gauge to
provide for a secure mounting of the collector.
The image below depicts the view from below, with a tile removed. This
demonstrates the strap fixed to the frame of the collector and then folded
around the purlin. Fixings appropriate for the type of timber should be used
(i.e. hard woods and soft woods require particular fixings).
In respect of the geyser, stainless steel strapping can be hooped around the
geyser, on either end of the cylinder, using commercially available strap
clamping ystems or other secure means of completing the hoop, leaving
enough length to pass the tail pieces under the tiles and secured around the
appropriate woodwork with appropriate fixings.
As shown in the image below, the strap should fit closely around the body of
the tank. Make sure that the tank is positioned in such a way that the drain
cock is at the lowest point of the tank. Once the tank is in place, fix the
hoop in place and replace tiles.
9.
System Installation
9.1
General installation technique
During fitting and prior to filling, the system must be protected against the
entry of dirt and water. After the system has been mounted, it must be
flushed in order to remove any debris (e.g. metal chips, packaging residue,
sawdust, etc.).
Shade panels until after connecting plumbing and installation is ready for
commissioning in order to prevent heating of empty collector.
Exercise caution during the lifting phase of installing the collector and tank
onto the roof. Ensure that adequate personnel are present to bear the
weight and that they are assisted with supportive lifting tethers and safety
rigging.
With reference to section 6 above, measure the size of the collector, and use
measurement to locate the best position on the roof to affix panels,
matching measurements to supporting roof trusses and purlins. Avoid
interference with coping or gutters.
A minimum distance between the top of the panel and the tank flow outlet is
300mm. In split system installations distances should be kept as short as
possible and generally should not exceed 3 metres.
For roof pitches above 30°, special and/or extra strapping or brackets may
be required to prevent downward movement of the tank and collector.
Measure the exact size of your tank and use this to locate the best position
on the roof at which to affix tanks to supporting roof trusses and purlins.
If necessary, strengthen rafters used for securing the panel and tank, for
example by adding noggins between rafters or adding thicker timbers
alongside them (refer section 6.5 above).
9.2
Cylinder and System plumbing
9.2.1General
Plumbing must conform to IOPSA code, SANS, PIRB and local regulations.
In a thermo-siphon the geyser is installed above the panel, but kept as close
as possible.
All piping runs should be kept as short as possible, both between the
collector and tank, as well as between the tank and the location of hot water
usage (i.e. bathrooms).
