14-EN
INSTALLATION and OPERATION MANUAL
6.2. Collector outlets/connections
Upon design of vertical risers it is recommended that the heat carrier flow speed be between
0.5 and 0,8 m/s, and the riser pipes be made of copper.
For example: For collector area 20m
2
the required flow rate is 1000L/h at a heat-carrier speed of 0,5 m/s
- recommended pipe section is ø28x1 Cu.
We recommend - two and/or more collector fields to be connected using the Tichelmann principle.
When installing the collector it is mandatory that on its highest point an automatic air purge be
installed to facilitate system charging.
Connection of collectors is carried out using Hollander joints.
The use of galvanized pipes and fittings for connecting collectors to water tanks is forbidden due to
electrical corrosion hazard
Fixing the fittings:
Always use two opposing spanners when tightening the compression fittings. Do not twist the
copper pipe (inlet/outlet) as the header maybe damaged.
Tighten with standard length spanners using moderate torque force. Do not overtighten the
fittings.
Flood the circuit with water and check the for leaks at the compression fittings. If leaking then
loosen the fitting completely, and wrap the Teflon plumbing tapes or a suitable sealing
compound.
For several collectors connections, it is necessary to use the flexible pipes between two collectors
because of the Expansion on heating and contraction on cooling.
Heat loss from the piping can be significant and should be taken to insulate any possible points of
heat loss. Ensure the insulation material is tight against the pipeline, inlet and outlet. Using the
silicone sealant to form a water-tight seal on the temperature sensor. The insulation foam should
be protected against the UV. The circulation pump should be also insulated otherwise it could be a
source of heat loss.
6.3. Stagnation temperature
Stagnation refers to the condition that occurs when the pump stops running, due to pump failure, power
blackout, or as a result of a high tank temperature protection feature built into the controller, which turns
the pump off. If a PTRV is installed on collector inlet or outlet the collector will continue to increase in
temperature until the limit of the temperaure relief valve is reached, at which point hot water will be
dumped from the system. If a PTRV is not installed on the collector, steam will form in the header.
Eventually some steam may feed back to the storage tank via the return line.
The PTRV on the tank will open to release pressure or heat as required. Under such conditions the
manifold will normally reach a maximum temperature of around 160/320F.. Generally the heat returning
from the collector in the form of steam is not enough to affect a continued increase in tank temperature
(ie. Heat input <tank heat losses)Under normal use stagnation should rarely occur as a result of pump
stoppage, since power blackouts normally happen during storms and not clear sunny weather. High tank
temperature protection should only occur when hot water is notused for several days (when on holiday),
and only during strong periods of sunlight (summer). If leaving the house for an extended period of time
(more than 2-3days), it is advisable to cover the collector panel or design the system with a heat
dissipation device or alternative use for the heat, thus preventing overheating of the system and collector
stagnation. Stagnation of the solar collector will
NOT damage the solar collector, however insulation used on the piping close to the manifold inlet and
outlet should be able to withstand temperatures of up to 200
℃
/395F. (Eg. Glass wool or mineral wool-
with an exterior wrap of aluminium foil, thus protecting against the elements).
