09-13-2007, 01:33 PM
royal,
Here is site with a simplified schematic for close loop solar water heating system.
http://www.kingsolar.com/catalog/mfg/pac...-ecl4.html
A closed loop system refers to the loop to the solar collectors. It is isolated from the storage tank system by a heat exchanger. Needed when the panels may freeze and you have to run a propylene glycol solution in the outdoor parts or if you need to keep the water pressure from the storage tank plumbing from the panel. There are simpler systems if you don't fit either category.
One other important point. most people use a on demand tankless water heater as a backup when there is no sun. You need to make sure you get a tankless heater with a modulating burner. A modulating burner will lower the heat if the incoming water is already hot. Full blast on the tankless burner when the incoming water is already hot can burn up the heat exchanger and you will be buying new one.
Larry
Here is site with a simplified schematic for close loop solar water heating system.
http://www.kingsolar.com/catalog/mfg/pac...-ecl4.html
A closed loop system refers to the loop to the solar collectors. It is isolated from the storage tank system by a heat exchanger. Needed when the panels may freeze and you have to run a propylene glycol solution in the outdoor parts or if you need to keep the water pressure from the storage tank plumbing from the panel. There are simpler systems if you don't fit either category.
One other important point. most people use a on demand tankless water heater as a backup when there is no sun. You need to make sure you get a tankless heater with a modulating burner. A modulating burner will lower the heat if the incoming water is already hot. Full blast on the tankless burner when the incoming water is already hot can burn up the heat exchanger and you will be buying new one.
Larry
Larry