Energie EcoTop Stainless 250i User manual

Owners Manual
Thermodynamic Solar System
EcoTop Stainless 250i/300i
“Solar enhanced thermodynamic
The smartest way to heat water”
www.taec.co.nz

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The Energie Eco Solar Thermodynamic Systems
Comply with the requirements of AS/NZS 2712:2007
As tested by Applied Research Services
P.O. Box 867, Nelson, New Zealand.
Report number 13-3627
Manual updated July 2020, version 1.4
The Alternative Energy Company Limited
03 540 3003
18 Warren Place, Mapua, Nelson, New Zealand 7005
[email protected]

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Very important!
Please read the following instruction manual thoroughly before any
installation works or operation of the solar system proceeds! Failure to install
the equipment as detailed in this manual invalidates the warranty and could
endanger people and damage property.
The following safety warnings must be heeded: -
This appliance must be installed to our installation instructions, AS/NZS 3500, and to the
New Zealand Building Code G12 Water supplies.
The fixing of the solar panel and cylinder must comply with the current relevant selections
of the New Zealand Building Code and must not compromise the structural integrity of the
building.
Materials and fittings used to install this appliance must meet the requirements of AS/NZS
3500.4: 2003 Section 2.
The electrical installation of the equipment must comply with the current AS/NZ standards
and the New Zealand national electrical regulations.
The electrical input is: 240v~/50 Hz.
All hot water pipes must be installed to satisfy the requirements of New Zealand Building
Code Clause H1.3.4, (except where connected to a heat dissipation device).
The Eco Thermodynamic Solar System shall only be used for heating fresh water to the
temperature limits indicated.
The minimum permitted water pressure for use in the circuit is 100 kPa.
The maximum permitted water pressure for use in the circuit is 300 kPa.
This system must have a water softener installed if the water PH levels are less than 6.5 or
are greater than 8.5 as per AS/NZS 3500.4 Appendix B.
The Eco system shall must only be switched on once the hot water cylinder is filled with
water.
The Eco compressor ‘COMP’ must not be activated before the installation has been
completed and the refrigerant supply has been fully loaded.

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Table of contents
Table of contents .................................................................................................................................... 4
1 Introduction .................................................................................................................................... 5
1.1 Refrigeration gas..................................................................................................................... 5
1.2 The main components of the system ..................................................................................... 5
1.3 Dimensions of Hot Water Cylinder ......................................................................................... 6
1.4 Technical Features .................................................................................................................. 7
2 Hot Water Cylinder ......................................................................................................................... 8
2.1 Cylinder Labelling.................................................................................................................. 10
3 System Operation ......................................................................................................................... 11
3.1 Start-up of the System .......................................................................................................... 11
3.2 Control panel......................................................................................................................... 12
3.3 Control panel symbols .......................................................................................................... 12
3.4 Operating Modes .................................................................................................................. 13
3.5 Menu parameters ................................................................................................................. 14
3.6 Parameters Description ........................................................................................................ 15
3.7 Disinfect Function ................................................................................................................. 16
3.8 Holidays Function.................................................................................................................. 16
3.9 TCC Function ......................................................................................................................... 17
3.10 Crono (Sleep) Function ......................................................................................................... 18
3.11 Table of Errors....................................................................................................................... 19
4 Problem Solving ............................................................................................................................ 20
5 System Maintenance .................................................................................................................... 22
5.1 General Inspection................................................................................................................ 22
5.2 Magnesium Anode................................................................................................................ 22
5.3 Safety Thermostat................................................................................................................. 23
5.4 Empty the Hot Water Cylinder.............................................................................................. 23
5.5 Cleaning the strainer on the Pressure Reducing Valve......................................................... 24
5.6 Checking the control board fuses, and replacing the board................................................. 24
6 Electrical diagram.......................................................................................................................... 25
7 Energie Guarantee ........................................................................................................................ 26

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1Introduction
1.1 Refrigeration gas
The refrigeration gas used in the Eco system is R134a. This is CFC free, is non-inflammable and
does not harm the ozone layer;
•The system comes preloaded with the required refrigerant gas. No additional gas should
be required for the installation.
•Legally, in New Zealand the refrigerant in this system cannot be released into the
environment.
•Handling of the refrigerant must be carried out by an approved refrigeration technician.
1.2 The main components of the system
1. Water storage cylinder
2. Thermodynamic block
3. Thermodynamic solar panel
4. 6x aluminium L-shaped brackets, with bolts, nuts and washers
5. Copper pipes (pair-coil)
6. Expansion tank (optional)
7. Pressure reducing valve

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1.3 Dimensions of Hot Water Cylinder
Note:
The plumbing connections on the 250lt EcoTop cylinder are at an angle of 180° from the control
panel. On the 300lt EcoTop cylinder they are at an angle 135° clockwise from the control panel.

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1.4 Technical Features

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2Hot Water Cylinder
The EcoTop cylinder is made of stainless steel. The thermal insulation is of expanded polyurethane
with a thickness of 45-50 mm.
The hot water cylinder has a cold water inlet, hot water outlet, recirculation port and an outlet for
the TPR valve. It also comes equipped with a magnesium anode mounted at the back side.
There is, in the central part of the hot water cylinder, a support electrical heater (immersion
heater) as well as safety thermostat and temperature probe.
1

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Thermodynamic block
1. Solenoid valve
2. Low pressure switch
3. Liquid tank
4. 2-way valve
5. 3-way valve
6. Filter dehumidifier
7. Unidirectional valve
8. Load/read valve
9. Compressor
10. Thermostatic expansion valve
11. Electronic circuit board
Water Cylinder
12.Anode
13.Anode cover
14.Electrical heater
15.Electrical heater cover

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2.1 Cylinder Labelling
A. Model
B. Production number
C. Serial number
D. Production date
E. Volume
F. Weight
G. Downstream pressure of PRV
H. Upstream maximum pressure of PRV
I. Maximum pressure in hot water cylinder
J. Maximum temperature in hot water cylinder
K. Recommended temperature in hot water cylinder
C
A
D
B
F
E
H
G
I
J
L

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3System Operation
3.1 Start-up of the System
Before starting the EcoTop system, check that the entire installation is set up according to the
recommendations in the complete installation manual then you may plug your equipment to
the power supply.
You must not start the compressor if the installation has not been completed. This may result
in damage to the compressor.
After switching on your equipment, you should wait a few seconds until the controller starts.
Then follow these instructions:
Notes
•The control panel may be locked. To unlock the panel, press the OK button for 3 seconds.
•When the compressor is started, the small icon at the lower left-hand corner will come on and start to flash. There is a start
delay on the compressor. After the delay the compressor will start, and the icon will stop flashing (the default is 2 minutes).
•The temperature displayed is the temperature at the thermostat, located about 1/3 the way up the cylinder. The outlet
temperature should always be hotter than this.
•Note: If the ON/Off light is flashing, the system is in Standby. Both the compressor and E heater are not turned on. You
will not get any hot water heating in this mode.

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3.2 Control panel
The control panel of the EcoTop is simple and intelligent. It allows you to configure several
operating parameters according to the operating mode you select.
It comprises six command keys (ON / OFF / CANCEL, MENU, COMP ▲, E-HEATER ▼, DISINFECT and
OK / LOCK) which allow you to monitor and change settings.
3.3 Control panel symbols

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3.4 Operating Modes
The Eco system is programmed to work in 3 running modes, ECO, AUTO and BOOST, which are
summarized in this table:
Note that the electrical heater is sometimes referred to as “Immersion heater”, or
“Resistance” in the EcoTop system.
ECO Operating Mode
In ECO operating mode, the equipment runs only as a thermodynamic system to heat the
water in the hot water cylinder maximising savings for the user.
If required, the electrical heater (immersion heater) may be activated by manually pressing the
key (E-HEATER). The system will automatically change operating mode to BOOST and indicates
the reason of its activation. If you manually switch off the E heater, the equipment will revert
to ECO mode.
AUTO Operating Mode
In AUTO operating mode, the equipment will run as a thermodynamic system and/or electrical
heater, (emersion heater) and the operation of the electrical heater is managed in an
optimized way to keep the water hot.
The electrical heater will start every time:
•The user activates it manually (key E- Heater).
•The contact LP opens (low external temperature, lack of fluid, leak in the circuit, etc.).
•The compressor running time exceeds parameter T05*
•The water temperature is below P08*
* Parameters T05 and P08 are adjustable and can be turned ON and OFF
BOOST Operating Mode
In BOOST operating mode, the equipment runs as a thermodynamic system and an electrical
heater, (emersion heater) simultaneously.
This mode enables the fastest recovery of hot water.

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The Eco comes set by default to work in the “ECO” operating mode. If the user wishes to alter the
operating mode, he/she must follow these procedures:
Once the panel is unlocked (press the OK button), the user can change the operating
mode when he/she wishes; he/she need only press simultaneously the keys MENU +
OK/LOCK for 3 seconds and select the mode that suits users’ needs with the cursor.
Note: After changing modes, check that the compressor is still turned on.
3.5 Menu parameters
Every time it becomes necessary to alter the settings, the user must access the Menu
The OK key must first be pressed for 3 seconds to unlock the system
To access the menu, the key MENU must be pressed for 3 seconds.
After accessing, use the keys COMP ▲and E-HEATER ▼to navigate the menus and submenus.
In order to confirm values / parameters press the key OK/LOCK.
Press the key CANCEL to exit the menu.

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3.6 Parameters Description
Values
Code
Type
Description
Min
Max
Default
F01
Language
Portuguese
English
French Dutch
Italian
Spanish
***
***
English
F02
Clock
Date and Time
F03
Chrono
ON / OFF Chrono
Chrono OFF
F04
Mode
ECO mode
AUTO mo de
BOOST mode
***
***
ECO
F05
Holidays
Number of days
1
99
0
F06
Disinfect
0 –Disinfect function inactive
1 –Disinfect function active once a week (weekly)
2 –Disinfect function active once a month (monthly)
0
2
0
Number of days
0
99
0
F07
Parameters
P01 –Setpoint for compressor
10
55
53 °C
H01 - Gradient P01 (diff between start and stop)
1
10
3 °C
P02 - Setpoint for electric heater
10
60
53 °C
H02 - Gradient P02
1
10
3 °C
P05 –Safety Temperature
70
80
70 °C
P06 - Setpoint anti-legionella (disinfect)
60
69
65 °C
P08 –Minimum water temperature to activate
electrical backup (Only visible in Installer level,
parameter active and configurable only in AUTO)
5 / OFF
40 / ON
16°C / ON
T01 (timer) –Delay time of the compressor
1
20
2 min
T05 (timer) –Maximum time the compressor
running straight without stopping (parameter active
and configurable only in AUTO mode)
6 / OFF
15 / ON
12h / ON
T07 (timer) –Delay time of the compressor after
the LP error Low pressure)
1
20
10 min
P01TCC Setpoint compressor (when TCC active)
10
55
53 °C
H01TCC Gradient P01TCC (when TCC active)
1
10
3 °C
P02TCC Setpoint compressor (when TCC active)
10
60
53 °C
H02TCC Gradient P02TCC (when TCC active)
1
10
3 °C
F08
Info
Show settings adopted in the parameter list
F09
Efficiency
Energy consumption
Compressor (Instantaneous W)
Support
Compressor (daily kWhr)
Support (daily kWhr)
Compressor (accumulated kWhr)
Support (accumulated kWhr)
Energy saving (kWhr)
***
***
***
F10
Levels of
access
Level 1
Password: 0022
Level 2
Password: ????
F11
Test Outputs
Compressor
Electrical backup
Solenoid valve
OFF
ON
OFF
F12
Errors
Errors list
***
***
***
Erase errors list
Manufacturer level
F13
Restore
Values
Reset all the parameters to the manufacturer
parameters
***
***
***

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F14
System
Probes configuration
***
***
1 probe (S1)
Delete counters
***
***
***
Anode ACI ON/OFF
OFF
ON
OFF
3.7 Disinfect Function
Eco’s electronic control features aDisinfect function, which consists of a water heating cycle
increasing the temperature to a higher temperature for a period long enough to prevent the
formation of germs inside the tank. The Disinfect function can be set automatically or manually.
The NZ Building Code G12 regulation regarding protection of hot water storage from Legionella is
daily to greater than 60°C, or weekly to greater than 60°C for 1 hour).
The installer must set the disinfect function to at least weekly as required by NZ Building Code. The
Set point should be set to at least 62°C when using the weekly function.
When automatic Disinfect mode is not activated, the user must activate it manually on the key
Disinfect.
At the end of the function, when the temperature reaches the Disinfect setpoint the system returns
to the original operating mode.
The Disinfect function is activated:
•When you press the “DISINFECT” key for 3 seconds
•On the penultimate day of the holiday period (see section 9.7). During the holidays the
value attributed to the parameter disinfect must be nil)
•Automatically when the desired time period is set in the function disinfect
The disinfect function is cancelled when you press the CANCEL (ON/OFF) or DISINFECT keys
The NZ building code requires the temperature to be raised
daily to >60°C daily, or weekly to >60°C for one-hour.
It is recommended that the installer sets the disinfect function
to weekly with a set point of at least 62°C
3.8 Holidays Function
To activate the Holiday function, you need to access the menu and set the number of days you will
be on holiday, and your equipment will automatically enter Standby mode until the last day of
holidays. On the last day, the equipment will begin the Disinfect function to eliminate any
formation of germs that appeared in the hot water cylinder during the time you were away. After
the holidays and once the program Disinfect is over, the equipment will resume the previous mode
selected (ECO, AUTO or BOOST).

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3.9 TCC Function
The TCC function enables the possibility of reaching higher water temperatures when an
alternative electric energy source is available (solar PV, wind, hydro) increasing the efficiency of the
thermodynamic solar system and maximising the alternative electric energy source.
Firstly, turn the power off to the system.
Undo the three screws and remove the top cover from the
system, then undo the four screws and remove the cover
plate on the electronic control unit.
Connect a pair of wires from an inverter relay to terminals
1 and 2 on the inputs at the top left of the control board.
These are the two connections on the left of the green
input block in the picture
.
Be careful that this is a dry contact (without power). Applying power to this contact may cause
irreversible damage to the control board.
When the contact K1 closes, it activates the TCC function and the compressor and electric heater
will operate to the TCC set points. This function will be indicated on the display.
The compressor will operate to parameters P01TCC and H01TCC and the electric heater will
operate to P02TCC and H02TCC.
Note: When the contact K1 is open, the equipment will assume the previous working mode (Eco,
Auto or Boost) and its previous parameters.
The K1 contact may also be used to take advantage of tariff with variable price. Other options are a
temperature switch, or a wifi switch. To do this, connect a timer or switch to the 1 and 2 contacts.
Note that this relay or switch must be a dry contact switch. It must have no power supply on it.
If you set your equipment to Holiday mode DO NOT turn it off
with the key ON/OFF,or the function will become inactive.
If you do switch it OFF, or you come home early when you return from
your holidays you must remember to switch on your equipment and
cancel the days of holidays introduced (set the value to 0).
If you do not set the value to 0, your equipment will not restart
until the days of holidays selected have expired.

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3.10 Crono (Sleep) Function
The Crono, or Sleep function allows you to program the system to only operate only at the
desired time.
To set the hours of operation, perform the following procedure:
1. Enter the Menu and access the parameter F03- Crono
2. Select for example, a weekly schedule (Monday to
Friday)
3. Set the operating hours for each period
4. Set the operating mode
a. M01 –The system operates within the programmed
time periods. When not in the time period the
system goes to standby
b. M02 - The system operates within the programmed
time period as the TCC function. When not in the
time period the system goes to standby. When the
TCC contact is active, the system will operate as the
TCC function
5. Activate the Crono function. Use the key to change the
status to active and OK to confirm

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3.11 Table of Errors
The installation, assembly and repair of Eco must only be carried out by qualified technicians.
Symbols
Description
Problem / Checking
Er01–S1
Anomaly detected in probe 1
Damaged probe –Measure internal resistance of probe which is
approximately 10 KΩ at the temperature of 25 °C.
Probe disconnected from controller –Check that the connector is
properly attached to the electronic plate and/or the connection
terminals are secure.
Er02–S2
Anomaly detected in probe 2
Er03–TA
Anomaly detected in water
temperature
Water temperature in hot water cylinder is too hot –Check that
there is no anomaly in the electronic board, such as a damaged relay.
Temperature probes short-circuit –Measure internal resistance of
probe, it should be approximately 10 KΩ at the temperature of 25 ºC,
check that the connector is well attached to the electronic plate and
the connection terminals are in good condition.
E10-ACI
Impressed current anod e
Deposit without water
Disconnect impressed anode
E11-LT
Low water temperature
warning
Temperature in storage tank less than 0°C
LP
(may not be an
error)
Protection system is
activated
Check low pressure gauge –Check that the connector is properly
attached to the electronic plate and that the connection
terminals are secure, and that the pressure gauge is running.
Lack of cooling fluid in the circuit –Load of fluid incomplete or
leaking. Low external temperatures.
LINK ERROR
Communication failure
Connection cable between display and command panel –Check
the cable is in good condition or that the plugs are correctly
inserted (display and command panel)

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4Problem Solving
PROBLEM
POSSIBLE CAUSES
HOW TO PROCEED
No power
to control
board
Power supply failure
•Check the power supply
•Check the main circuit breaker
•Check the control boards fuses.
Cable damaged or disconnected
Check the integrity of the electronic board’s
electric circuit
Low water
temperature
Equipment is switched off
Press the key ON/OFF.
Compressor and E heater are off
(On/Off key is flashing)
Switch on compressor with key “COMP”
Absence of power supply or
damaged cable
•Check the equipment is plugged in and
switched on at the socket
•Check that the corresponding circuit-
breaker is connected
•Check the integrity of the cables
•Check that the electrical cable is not
disconnected from the electronic board.
•Check electric protection (residual current
circuit-breaker)
ECO mode is selected, and
outside temperature is very
low
•Alter the equipment to "AUTO" mode to
initiate automatic management of system
•Alter the equipment to "BOOST" mode to
reheat water faster
Error on the display panel
Check the presence of error on electronic
board and consult the table of errors
Have used of large amount of
hot water
Set the appliance for "BOOST" mode and
wait for water heating
Water leak in plumbing
Check and fix leak
Low temperature
programmed as the set-point
Adjust the temperature of the set-point
Electrical heater is not working
(Safety thermo switch
activated)
Make sure the support resistance is operating.
Reinstate the safety switch (see sect 11.4)
Cold water feeding to hot water
line. Plumbing not set up
correctly
Tempering valve set low
Shut off the cold water supply valve to switch
off the safety device. Open a hot water tap.
Wait 10 minutes and if you get hot water,
replace the faulty plumbing and/or proceed
with the correct positioning of the safety
device.