Introduction
The procedures in this manual are for all ProgressivTube Passive Solar Water Heater models. The only difference in the four available models is the amount of water each one holds: PT-30-CN, 30 gallons; PT-35-CN, 35 gallons; PT-40-CN, 41 gallons; PT-50-CN, 51 gallons. All models have a 30-year design life.
This Owner’s Manual describes the operation of a 2-way system. The two functional modes of this system are solar pre-heat and solar by-pass. Solar pre-heat is the normal mode of operation. When using this mode, the solar system pre-heats the water before entering your conventional water heater. The solar by-pass mode allows you to shut down the solar collector and operate with just your conventional water heater. The by-pas mode is for severe winter operation or for other reasons that require complete solar shut down.
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Both methods of testing are best performed during the afternoon of a clear sunny day.
f you leave for vacation, or for some other reason your system is not to be used for a long period of time, it is recommended the system be left in the solar pre-heat mode with the collector filled.
If your system is going to be unused for a long period of time during potentially severe winter weather with temperatures falling below 10° F, it is recommended you place the system in the Solar By-pass mode and drain the collector.
Winter Operation
The solar collector/storage unit on your roof is virtually freeze proof in sunbelt areas. The large mass of water held within the heavy copper tanks is the primary reason for the unit’s freeze resistance. The carefully designed components of the unit, such as thick foam insulation; two layers of glazing; and a special low heat emitting surface on the tanks, all contribute to the unit’s ability to retain heat.
However, in areas where the pipes leading to and from the unit could freeze, your installation contractor has used heavy pipe insulation and provided your system with an automatic freeze protection device.
If you live in a cold weather climate, the collector should be shut down by draining in the event of outdoor air temperatures below 10° F with overcast skies for several days. Good performance can be expected from your system during daytime conditions of clear skies and moderate freezing conditions (20’s and 30’s).
Boost Your Savings
Your savings will vary from month to month with weather and sunlight conditions. You can boost the savings from your solar appliance by scheduling hot water usage (dishwashing and laundry) in the early afternoon.
Maintenance
A. Cleaning the Glazing
Your ProgressivTube® solar water heating system is virtually maintenance-free. Occasionally, the glazing of the collector may need to be cleaned. The best time to clean the glass is early morning before the collector gets too hot. Use a household glass cleaner and soft cloth, just as you would for windows.
B. Flushing the Solar Collector
Please refer to the system diagrams before starting this procedure.
As with all conventional water heaters, it is recommended the solar collector be flushed once a year. With your system positioned in the normal Solar Pre-heat mode perform the following:
1) Attach a hose to boiler drain 5A located on the pipe coming from the collector.
2) Open the boiler drain and let the water run for several minutes. The water should be drained to a proper location and precautions taken, because the water flowing from your hose will be extremely hot.
3) Close boiler drain 5A and remove the hose.
C. Flushing the Conventional Water Heater
Please refer to the system diagrams before starting this procedure.
1) Position the system in the Solar By-pass mode.
2) Attach a hose to the drain fitting at the bottom of your conventional water heater.
3) Open the drain fitting.
4) Allow the water to run for several minutes to a proper drain location. Precautions should be taken because the water flowing from your hose could be extremely hot.
5) Close the drain fitting, remove the hose and position the system in the Solar Pre-heat mode.
How to Drain the Solar Collector
Please refer to the system control diagrams before starting this procedure.
1) Position the system in the Solar By-pass mode.
2) Your system is now operating as a conventional water heater.
3) Attach hoses to both boiler drains, valves 5A and 5B.
4) Open both boiler drains. Make sure hoses drain the water to a proper location. Both boiler drains must be opened so that the collector is properly vented to the atmosphere. Failure to open both boiler drains while draining could damage the collector voiding the warranty. Caution: water may be extremely hot!
5) After all water has been drained from the collector, close both boiler drains and remove hoses.
How to Refill Your Solar Collector After Draining
Please refer to the system control diagrams before starting this procedure.
1) Attach a hose to boiler drain 5A on the pipe coming from the collector.
2) Open the boiler drain all the way.
3) Position the system in the Solar Pre-heat mode. The three-way ball valve, #2, should be the last valve moved into its solar pre-heat position.
4) After all the air has been purged from the collector and only water is coming from the hose, close boiler drain 5A. Your solar system is now back in operation. It is important to purge all the air from the system to prevent sputtering of your hot water at the facet
The solar energy system described by this manual, when properly installed and maintained, meets the minimum standards established by the Florida Solar Energy Center, in accordance with
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ProgressivTubeÒ
Solar Water Heater
Owners
Manual
Congratulations!
As the owner of a ProgressivTube® solar water heating system, you are on the leading edge of the effort to reduce the use of conventional fuels and take advantage of the sun’s free energy.
The ProgressivTube® solar water heater works simply on sunlight and your local water pressure. There is no electrical energy needed to make it function. Once the system has been filled, it will operate on the pressure or flow rates that are normal to your household. The uncomplicated design and quality construction of the solar collector will provide you with years of energy-saving, trouble-free operation. This manual is furnished as your guide to the operation, freeze protection and preventative maintenance procedures of your solar appliance.
How the System Works
The ProgressivTube® solar water heater is a pre-heater to your conventional gas or electric water heater. The system is installed so you can by-pass the solar collector if necessary, and operate only from your conventional water heater.
The system has no moving parts and operates whenever solar energy is available. It uses no electrical power that adds cost to your utility bill. When hot water is used, solar pre-heated water flows from the water within the solar collector into your conventional water heater, reducing or eliminating gas or electricity usage for heating water.
To ensure a continuous supply of hot water, the thermostat on your conventional water heater must be left on as a back-up heat source. For greater savings the setting can be reduced to 105° F. However, if you have heavy water usage or an automatic dishwasher without a booster element, the thermostat should be set at 120° F.
Is My System Working?
You can tell if your system is working by turning on a hot water faucet in the house and allowing it to run for several minutes. Compare by touch, the temperature of boiler drain 5B on the pipe going to the collector with the temperature of the boiler drain 5A on the pipe coming from the collector. Boiler drain 5A should feel significantly warmer than boiler drain 5B.
For a more precise measurement, place a bucket under boiler drain 5A and fill it with water after letting a hot water faucet in the house run for several minutes. Use a thermometer and compare the difference in temperature of the water in the bucket with water coming from a cold water faucet.
Section 377.705, Florida Statutes. This certification does not imply endorsement or warranty of this product by the Florida Solar Energy Center or the State of Florida.
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