5
II. UTILIZATION
P
ROGRESSIV
T
UBE
Passive Solar Water Heaters are designed as self-contained units that act
as a solar collector and storage tank integrated into one piece of equipment. In most cases,
they are utilized as a pre-heater to a conventional water heater; however, they can be installed
as direct solar water heaters. The unit can also be used as a pre-heater for a terminal or
instantaneous water heater. If a P
ROGRESSIV
T
UBE
unit is installed to a terminal or
instantaneous water heater the procedures and plumbing schematics for either the two-way or
three-way system should be followed. Make certain the instantaneous tankless water heater
has a temperature limiting device. Many electric models do not include this safety device and
should be avoided.
P
ROGRESSIV
T
UBE
systems are designed to operate automatically. However, as with all solar
water heating systems, the total amount of solar contribution by the system is dependent upon
the hot water consumption pattern of the household, daily weather conditions, and variable
amounts of available sunlight throughout the year. Energy savings will vary from month to
month, but it is possible to maximize these savings by scheduling large hot water usage, such
as clothes and dishwashing, for the early afternoon.
The simple design and quality construction of P
ROGRESSIV
T
UBE
will ensure a reliable service
life of twenty-five years or more. This manual details the essential operation of the system and
is intended to illustrate proper installation techniques. To ensure trouble free operation, all
installation work should be performed by qualified licensed contractors and in accordance with
all local codes.
III. SYSTEM
CHARACTERISTICS
All P
ROGRESSIV
T
UBE
Passive Solar Water Heaters are designed to efficiently collect solar
radiation and to convert it into usable energy for household or business hot water usage. Do not
use P
ROGRESSIV
T
UBE
units for heating or storing anything except POTABLE water.
The P
ROGRESSIV
T
UBE
system is a passive system because it has no moving parts and
operates on local water pressure and solar radiation. There are no pumps or controls to
maintain and no electrical energy is required to make it function. Once the system has been
filled, it will operate at the flow rates that are normal to the household.
The collector/storage tank of the unit absorbs solar radiation through its highly selective surface
that raises the temperature of the water stored in the collector. Water flows through the cold
water supply line into the lowest tube of the unit. The tubes in the P
ROGRESSIV
T
UBE
are
connected in series so that the top of the lower tube feeds the bottom of the next tube. This
flow configuration ensures the delivery of the hottest water for each usage.
The colder replacement water is contained in the lower tubes where it is heated by the sun.
When hot water is used in the household, solar preheated water is drawn into the conventional
water heater, reducing or eliminating electricity or gas usage for heating water. (A direct solar
system does not use a conventional water heater. Hot water flows directly from the unit to the
point of use).
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