Solarark Solar hot water systems User manual

Solar Hot

Water

Systems

Installation Manual

Providing Insight into hot water, solar systems and various components used

within a SolarArk Solar Hot Water System. This is a con idential document or

SolarArk representative use only. This document is to be taken as a

comprehensive introduction into solar heating. This document is or the use

o SolarArk accredited installers only.

July 2012

Table of Contents

Introduction to Solar Water Heating ....................................................................................................................5

Key Features .........................................................................................................................................................6

Tempering Your Water Supply .............................................................................................................................7

Boosting Options ..................................................................................................................................................7

Gas Boosting .........................................................................................................................................................8

Water Flow ...........................................................................................................................................................9

Electric Boosting ...................................................................................................................................................9

Water Delivery & Recovery Rates ........................................................................................................................9

Local Standards .................................................................................................................................................. 10

SolarArk Accreditations ..................................................................................................................................... 10

SolarArk System Compliance ............................................................................................................................. 10

Authorised Installers .......................................................................................................................................... 11

Sa ety Precautions and Legionella ..................................................................................................................... 11

Pressure and Temperature Control and Relie .................................................................................................. 12

Water Quality .................................................................................................................................................... 12

Corrosion ........................................................................................................................................................... 13

Freeze protection and Snow Loading ................................................................................................................ 13

Hail Resistance ................................................................................................................................................... 13

Wind Stress ........................................................................................................................................................ 13

Lightning Protection .......................................................................................................................................... 14

Collector Dimensions & Weights ....................................................................................................................... 14

Roo Structural Integrity .................................................................................................................................... 14

Stagnation and Excess Heat ............................................................................................................................... 14

Water Boiling Point ............................................................................................................................................ 16

Automatic Air Eliminator ................................................................................................................................... 16

Piping Connection and Valves ........................................................................................................................... 16

Storage Tanks .................................................................................................................................................... 19

Galvanic Reaction .............................................................................................................................................. 19

Sa ety Reminders ............................................................................................................................................... 19

Tanks – Stainless Steel ....................................................................................................................................... 20

Tanks – Vitreous Enamel (Glass Lined) .............................................................................................................. 20

Sa ety Drip Tray ................................................................................................................................................. 21

Gas Boosted Storage Tank ................................................................................................................................. 21

Basic System schematic ..................................................................................................................................... 22

Collector Positioning .......................................................................................................................................... 23

Storage Tank Location ....................................................................................................................................... 24

Pipe Insulation ................................................................................................................................................... 24

Installation Procedure ....................................................................................................................................... 24

Mounting rame ................................................................................................................................................ 24

Mani old and Bottom Track Attachment .......................................................................................................... 25

Mani old and Bottom Track Attachment Process ............................................................................................. 25

Installation Planning .......................................................................................................................................... 26

Positioning Mani old ......................................................................................................................................... 26

Attachments to Roo Frame .............................................................................................................................. 26

Wind Loading ..................................................................................................................................................... 27

Snow Load ......................................................................................................................................................... 28

Tiled Roo Attachment....................................................................................................................................... 28

Colorbond/Zincalume/Galvanised Corrugated Roo ......................................................................................... 29

Asphalt Tiled Roo .............................................................................................................................................. 30

Flat Roo Installation (Adjustable Frame) .......................................................................................................... 30

Adjustable rame Front Track ............................................................................................................................ 30

Adjustable rame Round Feet Anchoring .......................................................................................................... 30

Adjusting Frame Angle ...................................................................................................................................... 31

Collector Plumbing ............................................................................................................................................ 31

System Filling and Air Purging ........................................................................................................................... 32

Draining Solar Collector ..................................................................................................................................... 33

Tempering Valve ................................................................................................................................................ 33

Flow Control Valve ............................................................................................................................................. 34

Automatic Air Eliminator ................................................................................................................................... 34

Circulating Pump ............................................................................................................................................... 35

Controller Function & operation ....................................................................................................................... 37

Controller Temperature Sensors ....................................................................................................................... 38

Pump and Controller Box .................................................................................................................................. 39

System Start Up ................................................................................................................................................. 39

Installation Re erence Guide ............................................................................................................................. 40

Troubleshooting ................................................................................................................................................ 41

Troubleshooting Guide ...................................................................................................................................... 42

Installation Instructions ..................................................................................................................................... 45

Flat Roo Frame Assembly Guide-30 Tube Collector ......................................................................................... 49

Standard Tubes Assembly Guide -30 Tube Collector ........................................................................................ 53

Flat Roo Frame Assembly Guide-10 and 20 Tube Collector ............................................................................. 55

Standard Tube Assembly Guide -10 and 20 Tube Collector .............................................................................. 58

Bill o Materials .................................................................................................................................................. 60

Glass Line Electric Boost ................................................................................................................................ 60

Glass Line Gas Boost ...................................................................................................................................... 61

Stainless Steel Electric Boost ......................................................................................................................... 62

Stainless Steel Gas Boost ............................................................................................................................... 63

Installation Checklist .......................................................................................................................................... 64

Installation Report Form.................................................................................................................................... 65

Customer Details ............................................................................................................................................... 65

Installer Details .................................................................................................................................................. 65

Distributor Details ............................................................................................................................................. 65

SolarArk Maintenance ....................................................................................................................................... 67

PTRV ................................................................................................................................................................... 67

Glass Breakage ................................................................................................................................................... 67

Replacement o Broken Tubes .......................................................................................................................... 67

Unpacking New Tubes ....................................................................................................................................... 67

Evacuated Tube Installation .............................................................................................................................. 69

Insulation Inspection ......................................................................................................................................... 69

Cleaning O Solar Collector ................................................................................................................................ 69

Other System Components ............................................................................................................................... 70

Precautions and Warnings ................................................................................................................................. 70

Warranty Warranty Conditions ......................................................................................................................... 71

Warranty Exclusions .......................................................................................................................................... 72

Component Warranty ........................................................................................................................................ 74

SolarArk Warranty Claim Procedure ................................................................................................................. 76

Disclaimer .......................................................................................................................................................... 77

SolarArk Frequently Asked Questions ............................................................................................................... 78

Thank you or your decision to purchase a SolarArk Evacuated Tube

Solar Hot Water System.

The content o this manual provides detailed in ormation on

maintenance, troubleshooting, sa ety precautions and warranty that

should be thoroughly read and adhered to ollowing installation.

Should you have any questions regarding the in ormation contained,

please contact SolarArk on Ph: 1300 760 966 or support.

Introduction to Solar Water Heating

The design o the cylindrical evacuated tubes allows maximum absorption o the sun’s energy to

convert it to heat.

The cold water rom the bottom o the storage tank is pumped up to the insulated mani old o the

solar collector, which passes through the heat exchanger. It absorbs the heat and is returned back

to the storage tank.

The controller measures the di erential temperature between the water supply rom the bottom o

the tank and the water return rom the collector to maintain the set temperature within the

storage tank.

The circulating pump operates intermittently throughout the day to maintain maximum hot water

output and minimise energy consumption.

Key Features

SolarArk utilizes copper, aluminium and titanium as part o a three target ilm technology.

This provides excellent heat retention that exceeds other standard tubes by more than 12%.

The diameter o the heat exchanger has been

speci ically designed to maintain low pressure drop.

High density Rockwool insulation is used to ensure

maximum solar heat gain by minimising the amount o

heat loss even in cold temperatures.

The solar controller will maintain the temperature at the bottom o the tank to a pre-set

temperature o 65°C to 70°C. The on/o di erential settings o the controller are designed

to ensure optimum pump cycling as the water in the mani old heats up. I the collector

reaches 8°C hotter than the tank the controller turns the circulating pump on, and o again

once the temperature decreases to 2°C.

SolarArk solar collector tubes and heat exchanger are individually tested or vacuum and

pressure to guarantee high quality and per ormance.

The tubes are designed to withstand hail and high winds, have long lasting per ormance and

are cheap and easy to replace i damaged.

The complete system is lightweight or easy installation and the stainless steel rame is

resilient to corrosion.

SolarArk are proud to provide a 15 year warranty on their complete solar collector.

Te pering Your Water Supply

Tempering valves are mandatory throughout Australia. They are to comply with local regulations as

a sa ety device to reduce hot water supply to a maximum o 50°C. AS/NZS 3500.4:2003 details the

requirements o the tempering valve.

The unction o the tempering valve is to reduce the 65-75 degree water leaving your hot water

storage tank and blending it with cold water to achieve 50°C .To reduce the possibility o scalding

the tempering valve must be installed to the hot water supply line incorporating all sanitary

household hot water outlets.

Only a solar rated tempering valve to be used with the SolarArk hot water system.

Tempering valve should be inspected and correctly adjusted every year, replaced every ive years.

All adjustments o a tempering valve should only be carried out by a licensed plumber.

Boosting Options

For further procedures please follow gas booster model instructions.

NOTE:

When using a direct low system in high mineral content water areas (hard water), scale may orm

in the solar loop reducing collector per ormance and increasing pressure drop that may also render

the system inoperable due to low restriction.

It is recommended in such areas a water treatment system be installed to remove scale orming

minerals or prevent scale layers rom orming.

Gas Boosted

During periods o low solar contribution, gas or electric boosting is required to maintain 60°

temperature.

Gas Boosting

The instantaneous gas booster is activated i the water passing through is less than 55°C. The gas

booster will automatically turn o when boosting is not required, there ore increases energy

e iciency.

The gas booster is designed or outdoor installation and can be mounted on the storage tank or on

the wall within a short distance o the storage tank. For indoor installation an indoor lued model

can be used. I wall mounting is used insure that the piping rom the storage tank to the gas booster

is as short as possible and well insulated without any exposed section.

Points to Note:

The gas booster operates when there is a minimum o low rate o 2.4 l/m o hot water

lowing through the booster. The use o water saving devices that have

less than 9lpm low rate or that have restrictors may inter ere with the

operation. To ensure operation, open the hot tap ully to check i the

gas booster comes on.

The S20 gas booster requires a minimum o 120 KPa water pressure

and the S26 requires a minimum o 160 KPa water pressure to achieve

the maximum low rate and optimal unction. I the pressure is less

than the required pressure, a water pressure pump should be installed.

Instantaneous gas booster electronic temperature controllers will not work with SolarArk

systems and are not to be used.

Water Flow

S21 or S26 hot water gas boosters have limited hot water low due to the low rate o the gas

booster (21 or 26 litres per minute).

To ensure that your instantaneous unit unctions e ectively, it is advisable to use a AAA rated

showerhead with a minimum low o 9 l/m. It is also recommended to periodically check

showerhead or any debris or deposit built-ups as this may a ect water low and temperature.

Model Na e

Model Nu ber

S20

S26

Factory Default Te p

°C

Colour

Dune

Water Pressure (kPa)

Min

120

160

Max

1000

Gas Rate LPG (Mj/hr)

Min

11.3

14.7

Max

125

188

Gas Rate NG (Mj/hr)

Min

10.9

13.8

Max

125

188

Flow Rate 25°C Rise (lp )

Min

Flow Rate Max (lp )

Max

Connection Sizes Gas/Hot/Cold

( )

20/20/20

Electric Boosting

An electric boosted water cylinder is supplied with a 3.6kW

electric boosting element as standard. The thermostat is set

to 60°C. I the solar contribution is low, the electric boosting

element will activate to compensate or heat loss.

Generally, the required heating time would occur overnight

during the o -peak Tari . I o -peak is not available, the

continuous Tari will require an automatic timer setting to

be activated early evening or overnight when solar radiation

is at its lowest. Depending on the water usage pattern the

timer can be operated manually to activate boosting as you need it to avoid running out o hot

water, however it may take 3-4 hours to heat your water.

Water Delivery & Recovery Rates

Delivery /

Recovery Rate

Gas Boosted Electric Boosted

250L - S21 315 – S21 315L – S26 S160L S250L S315L

Available Water

Delivery in First

Hour ( Litres)

873 936 1089 210 330 395

Hot Water

Recovery for 50⁰C

rise (litres)

609 609 762 80 80 80

Local Standards

Installation must be completed in accordance with the requirements o AS/NZS 3500.4

(AS/NZS3500.4.2 “National Plumbing and Drainage Code Hot Water Supply Systems – Acceptable

Solutions”), or in New Zealand, Clause G12 o the New Zealand Building Code, as well as any

relevant local standards and regulations.

SolarArk Accreditations

BSI Benchmark Certi ication is an Australian Company originally established in 1993 to provide

independent certi ication services to companies wishing to achieve ormal recognition o their

management systems. ISO 9001, QS-9000 and ISO 14001 and Product Certi ication.

Accreditation by JAS-ANZ also implies that companies approved by BSI Benchmark Certi ication is

recognised and accepted in each country where JAS-ANZ has signed a Memorandum o

Understanding with other National Accreditation Board.

The Institute or Thermodynamics and Thermal Engineering (ITW) has been working in thermal

solar energy since the early 1970s. In 1993 the Research and Testing Centre or Thermal Solar

Systems (TZS) was established. TZS is the largest testing centre or solar thermal components and

systems in Europe. TZS has long standing established experience in testing the ull spectrum o solar

thermal experience in testing the ull spectrum o solar thermal products as well as in conducting

research and development projects with partners rom research organisations and industry.

SolarArk Syste Co pliance

SolarArk solar hot water system approved to AS/NZS 2712:2007 Solar and Heat Pump Heaters

Design and Construction. The system is designed to allow stagnation when tank maximum

temperature is reach without dumping a large amount o water rom the TPRV.

All SolarArk evacuated tubes solar collectors are modelled to meet the ollowing standards and

requirements or thermal per ormance, energy consumption calculations, potable water

suitability.AS/NZS 2535, AS/NZS 4234:1994, AS/NZS 4020:2005.

All electric and gas storage water heaters are manu actured to Australian Standards AS 1056.1 and

AS 3142.

SolarArk solar collector has been tested to pass the rost tolerance to -15°C level 2 rost protection.

Authorised Installers

All installation o SolarArk solar hot water systems must be installed and checked by a SolarArk

authorised licensed plumber who holds all relevant quali ications.

Any installation, inspections, repairs or maintenance that is required should only be carried out by a

person authorised by SolarArk Pty Ltd.

Safety Precautions and Legionella

In order to kill Legionella bacteria it is an Australian standards requirement (AS3498-2009) that the

hot water in the storage tank be heated up to at least 60°C on a regular basis, either while in the

storage tank (solar electric) or to 70°C by a post boost (gas continuous low).

Bottom element electric: The hot water storage tank must reach 60°C at least once a week. The

element should be activated at least once weekly during winter months and overcast weather. The

element is located at the bottom o the tank.

Mid element electric: The hot water storage tank must reach 60°C at least once daily. The element

should be activated daily during winter months and overcast weather. The element is located in the

middle o the tank, lowering boosting costs by boosting hal o the tank until the solar unit kicks in

again.

Gas boosted systems: Gas booster must be le t on at all times. It will only boost the water i it is less

than 60°C.

Pressure and Te perature Control and Relief

The pressure & temperature Relie Valve is supplied with the water heater

rom the manu acturer. The valve must be installed into the socket marked

“RELIEF VALVE”. No hot water storage tank should be operated without the

PTRV itted and unctional. The PTRV should be checked or correct

operation or replaced at intervals not exceeding 5 years. .

The lever on the relie valve must be li ted and lowered very slowly to

operate the valve at least once every 6 months. Failure to operate the relie

valve at least once every six (6) months may result in the water heater

exploding.

The relie valve and its drain outlet pipe must not be sealed or blocked.

Water Quality

All hot water storage tanks have been manu actured to suit water conditions o most Australian

metropolitan supplies. Water supplies outside o the speci ications speci ied can have a damaging

e ect on the water heater and its longevity. In ormation can be obtain rom your local water supply

authority regarding water quality details

Water Acceptability Co position Range for Stainless Steel Tanks

Water Quality

Total Dissolved Solids <600 mg/litre or ppm

Total Hardness <200 mg/litre or ppm

Chloride <250 mg/litre or ppm

Sodium <150 mg/litre or ppm

Magnesium <10 mg/litre or ppm

PH Levels 6.5 – 8.5

Electrical Conductivity 850 µS/cm

Water Acceptability Co position Range for Vitreous Ena el Tanks

Water Quality

Total Dissolved Solids <600 mg/litre or ppm

Total Hardness <200 mg/litre or ppm

Chloride <300 mg/litre or ppm

Sodium <150 mg/litre or ppm

Magnesium <10 mg/litre or ppm

PH Levels 6.5 – 9.5

Calcium 20 mg/Litre

Iron 1 mg/litre

The water heater is designed or use in areas where the Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) content o the

water supply is less than 2500 mg/L. In areas where the TDS exceeds 600mg/L it is possible that the

magnesium alloy anode (supplied in glass lined heaters only) may become over reactive.

To alleviate this, the magnesium alloy anode should be replaced with an aluminium alloy anode,

available rom your local plumbing supplier. Water can also be very corrosive, the measure o this

is the saturation index, i the water saturation index is greater than 0.40 an expansion control valve

should be itted and where the index is greater than 0.80 the water heater installed should be a

Hard Water Model. Please consult SolarArk or advice i required. In regions with “hard” water

(<200mg/L or ppm), it is advisable to install a water so tening device. This will ensure the long term

e icient operation o the solar collector.

Corrosion

When high concentrations o chloride are present, both copper and stainless steel are susceptible

to corrosion. There ore, the use o this system to heat chlorinated pool or spa water will void

warranty. SolarArk will not warrant any equipment ailure due to corrosion related damage.

Chloride levels present in most reticulated public potable water supplies are sa e or use in the solar

collector provided there is no use o bore waters in the reticulated supply.

Freeze protection and Snow Loading

The solar collector is protected by a rost protection controller. Evacuated tubes are impenetrable

against damage due to cold weather. A low mani old temperature pump circulation eature turns

the pump on i the mani old temperature drops to 4°C and turns o again when the temperature

rises to 6°C.In areas prone to heavy snow all, the solar collectors should be installed at an angle o

50° or greater to promote snow sliding o the tubes. Each tube is tested to withstand >50kg o

Water is the most suitable heat trans er luid in regions where reeze protection is not a concern.

A closed loop system should be used in regions subject to reezing temperatures, a ood grade heat

trans er luid to be used normally polypropylene glycol or glycerine based product.

POWER TO THE CONTROLLER SHOULD NEVER BE INTERRUPTED AS IT IS ESSENTIAL FOR THE

OPERATION OF THE FREEZE PROTECTION FEATURE.

WARRANTY WILL BE VOID IF DAMAGE OCCURS DUE TO POWER SUPPLY INTERRUPTED

Hail Resistance

The SolarArk evacuated tubes are able to handle signi icant impact rom hail o up to 25mm/1” in

diameter. The ability o the evacuated tubes to withstand impact rom hail is greatly in luenced by

the angle o impact and so installing collectors at low angles will reduce their impact resistance.

Wind Stress

When installing the SolarArk collector please consider the ollowing points: wind resistance caused

by high strength winds and the stress applied upon attachment points due to these winds. The

pitched roo rame and angle rame are designed to withstand high wind speeds without damage.

However the roo attachment points may not be as strong. For areas with the possibility o high

winds, additional arrangements or rein orcing attachment points should be considered.

Lightning Protection

Where the solar collector is installed in an area that is prone to lightning it is recommended to earth the

solar collector copper circulation loop to aid in avoiding lightning related damage and sa ety issues,

installers should re er to the local building codes and regulation regarding lightning protection and

grounding.

Collector Di ensions & Weights

Collector Size:

Gross Weight (Empty):

Absorber Area:

Aperture Area:

Gross Area:

Fluid Capacity:

Overall Width:

Overall Height:

Overall Length:

Distance between Inlet

nd Outlet

10 tubes

45 Kg

0.8m²

0.94m²

1.57m²

754ML

810mm

155mm

2000mm

930mm

20 tubes

78Kg

1.6m²

1.88m²

2.96m²

1546ML

1560mm

155mm

2000mm

1680mm

30 tubes

115 Kg

2.4m²

2.82m²

4.35m²

2338ML

2310mm

155mm

2000mm

2435mm

Roof Structural Integrity

Collector weight is minimal and will not cause excessive weight stress on the roo structure. No

rein orcement o the roo structure is required or lush mounted collectors. The SolarArk collectors

weigh approximately 78kg or 20 tubes and 115kg or 30 tubes.

I installing at a raised angle (adjustable rame) in a high wind region, high winds will cause vertical

and horizontal loads on the rame. Please ensure that the roo structure is able to withstand such

orces.

Stagnation and Excess Heat

Evacuated tube solar systems have the ability to heat water well above 100°C during periods o high

solar radiation and minimal hot water usage. The controller has an inbuilt guard against hot water

entering the storage tank. Once the bottom sensor has reached the pre-determined setting o 65°C,

or 70°C (known as TOPOUT) power is no longer sent to the pump. This is needed as it is a

requirement that heat in storage tanks does not exceed 80°C. During these periods o high solar

contribution and minimum hot water usage, the solar collector can generate more heat than is

required at these times, the controller will turn o the pump to prevent the tank rom overheating

and the hot water tank temperature will not increase urther, when water is no longer circulating

through the solar collector that would cause stagnation due to the energy still getting absorbed and

not getting used, the temperature will rise in the mani old there or pressure will start to build-up.

In some cases a crackling noise may be heard in the pipes when the hot water tap is opened i

steam had ormed in the solar collector. This noise may occur recurrently i the cold water supply

pressure is low <400 KPa. Installation o a pressure pump may help reduce the occurrence o this

noise.

Not having the pump cycling will cause stagnation in the mani old. This could potentially occur

during periods o high radiation and little to no water usage in the home. Throughout these

conditions the mani old will reach around 160°C. At this temperature the water does not boil as it is

under pressure, the pressure relie valve on the tank is set to 850kPa. This means that the water

would have to reach roughly 180°C be ore any steam could orm. Whenever the hot water in the

home is used pressure in the system will drop equalizing with the water supply pressure which is

normally between 500 to 800 kpa depending on your local water pressure supply and the pressure

limiting valve. Due to that pressure drop steam may orm.

I the pump stops running due to power blackout or pump ailure, a Pressure Temperature Relie

Valve (PTRV) is incorporated into the hot water storage tank as a sa ety precaution which releases

high temperature water and steam rom the tank should it reach 95°C or 850KPa. The PTRV must

have a downward acing copper pipe connected, running expelled water to an appropriate drainage

point. It is important to ensure the relie valve or drain tube not be sealed or blocked. A regular

maintenance check at six month intervals is recommended.

During stagnation conditions or or households with a cold water delivery <400kPa, large amounts

o steam may be ormed in the collector when the hot water tap is opened causing a loud

“banging” sound within the copper pipes and the storage tank. Installing a pressure booster pump

that can achieve >400kpa pressure is recommended. An air eliminator should be installed on the

water return outlet o the solar collector to help reduce or eliminate this problem. This is applicable

or installations with main water supply or tank water. A check valve must also be installed on the

cold main line be ore the tank.

I noises is heard when hot water is not used that may indicate a ault with the cold water supply

check valve (duo-valve) or check valve not installed. A check valve must be installed to allow the

system to operate at high pressure and prevents hot water lowing back down the cold water inlet

line damaging low temperature rated components.

SolarArk can provide a closed loop system or application with low water pressure situation to

eliminate the noisy piping, as a closed loop system is not governed by the water supply pressure it

has a constant pressure with an independent pressure relie valve rated at 850kpa. Solar loop has

an operating pressure between 650 to 750kpa.

Water Boiling Point

When operating a hot water system under pressure the boiling point at which the water will turn to

steam will change as per the ollowing chart.

Auto atic Air Eli inator

An automatic air eliminator should be installed on the solar collector to provide an escape point or

any air that may be trapped in the solar loop supply and return lines. It will aid in preventing the

solar collector rom overheating in high levels o solar gain and low water usage also in the event o

a power outage.

An automatic air eliminator should also be installed or systems with low water pressure supply and

systems with water supply booster pumps to aid in venting steam rom the solar collector mani old.

Piping Connection and Valves

Only well insulated copper piping to be used or solar low and return lines as per AS/NZS

3500.4:2003 Section 8 details insulation requirements. Any material used or the solar loop must be

appropriately rated or high temperatures and operating pressures that a SolarArk system capable

o producing in normal and high stagnation conditions. Fitting should be temperature rated to

>180°C. Component within a 50cm o collector inlet or out let should be >230°C rated.

Always use copper or brass ittings or the installation o a SolarArk solar hot water system never

use plastic olives or synthetic piping.

Brazing copper piping directly to mani old ports is not recommended as brazing may damage

rubber components on solar collector header .do not over tighten or twist the copper piping on

mani old that could also cause damage only use brass compression ittings supplied.

There are two 22mm ports on the mani old o the solar collector both ports have a 6mm sensor

well located near them that can be used or inlet or outlet. The roo sensor should be installed on

mani old outlet (solar return) an air eliminator also to be installed on solar return.

Gauge Pressure KPa Boiling Point °C

0 100

100 120

200 133

300 143

400 152

500 159

600 165

700 170

800 175

850 177

There are two compression ittings supplied with the solar collector mani old 22mm compression to

½ inch lare connection i connecting multiple collectors or commercial applications a 22mm

compression to ¾ BSP brass ittings may be used. Only Australian standard approved brass ittings

should be used. For domestic heating application up to 60 tubes DN 15 / ½” copper piping can be

used.

For applications above 60 tubes or with a pipe run longer the 40m o combined low and return

lines it is recommended the use o DN18 / 3/4” copper piping.

Applications with the use o multiple collectors a speci ied pipe size should be used based on the

low rate and pressure props o the system.

Flexible connection should always be used when connecting multiple collectors to avoid damage

due to expansion and contraction o the copper header with temperature changes.

Flow control valve should be used to insure the correct solar loop water low. The system

per ormance is based on the correct water low passing through the solar collector and returning to

the hot water storage tank.

An expansion control valve (ECV) can be installed as it limits the maximum pressure in pressurised,

unvented water heating systems by reliving excess pressure to an approved drain point.700KPa

rated ECV should be used.

Expansion control valve to be installed on the cold water supply into the hot water storage tank.

One o the bene its o installing an expansion control valve, it releases pressure at the cold water

supply saving energy by not purging heated water. It is mandatory to install an expansion control

valve in some states in Australia where the water heater is installed in scaling water area. It is also

mandatory to install a non return and an isolating valve or the installation o pressurised water

heaters throughout Australia.

A combined non return isolating valve can be installed to prevent the back low o water rom a

water heater to the main cold water supply. This serves the dual purpose o protecting the mains

supply rom contamination and the loss o water that has already been heated. The isolating valve

component is use ul as a means o controlling inlet water supply to unvented storage water

heaters.

A pressure limiting valve o 500-550KPa must be itted to reduce the main water supply pressure to

protect the storage tank rom damage, ailure to install a pressure limiting valve will void the

warranty .

Pip

Sizing

Reco ended Total Pipe Run Flow +

Return

DN 15

Up to

40 Metres

DN20

Up to

60 Metres

For closed loop system an expansion vessel/tank should always be used to prevent the system rom

dumping the heat trans er luid. For domestic use o up to 90 tubes a 10-12L expansion vessel

should be used. The expansion vessel will accept system pressure increase; re er to expansion

vessel manu actures or correct sizing on large systems.

Storage Tanks

The storage tank is typically an insulated metal tank with an electric heating element in the bottom

or middle o the tank. Gas boosting is also available as an alternative option to electric boosting.

The storage tanks promote thermal strati ication that prevents incoming cold water rom mixing

with the hot water at the top o the tank.

Gas boosted systems provides optimum energy conservation, as it is only required when the

temperature in the tank alls below 55°C.

A thermostatically controlled electric element in the bottom o the cylinder can be connected to ull

tari or "o Peak" power supply. The heated water rises up the cylinder by natural convection to

the top where it is ready or use. As hot water leaves the storage cylinder, it is replaced by cold

water, which enters at the bottom o the cylinder. SolarArk recommends lushing the water heater

at regular intervals as advised by your licensed plumber lushing will clear any build up solids that

have escaped the line strainer. The tank may be used either indoor or outdoor and should be

installed by and located in accordance with your licensed plumber’s recommendation, but usually

close to the outlet where there is the greatest usage o hot water. Installation must comply with

Australian Standard AS 3500.4 and any local authority regulations.

Galvanic Reaction

Some metals can cause corrosion when in direct contact with one another, Zinc or Zn/AL galvanised

components should not be installed in direct contact with the collectors’ stainless steel rame.

Always use stainless steel roo ing screws along with the rubber rame mounting blocks provided, i

using di erent metals to ix the collector in place always use neoprene washers or contact

separation.

Safety Re inders

•Water heater and control box access covers will expose 240V wiring high risk o

electrocution only to be removed by authorised personnel.

•Care should be taken when handling evacuated glass tubes, i knocked or dropped they may

break. Do not expose the tube to direct sunlight during installation, as the heat pipe will get

very hot in just a short exposure to sunlight.

• Always wear leather gloves and sa ety glasses at all times during installation and

commissioning

•Solar pipes and ittings can reach temperatures o over 100°C extreme care should be taken

when installing or servicing SolarArk solar hot water systems

•I hot water system is not used or two weeks or more, a quantity o highly lammable

hydrogen gas may accumulate in the water heater. To discharge this gas sa ely, it is

recommended to turn on a hot water tap or several minutes until all gas discharge is

ceased. A sink, basin or bath outlet should be used. DO NOT USE THE DISHWASHER, CLOSE

WASHER.DRYER OR ANY OTHER APPLIANCE. During this procedure there must be no,

SMOKING OPEN FLAMES OR ANY ELECTRICAL APPIANCES OPERATING NEARBY. I hydrogen

is discharged through a tap similar to air escaping noise will be herd.

• All sa ety percussion should be taken be ore any parts o the installation are started.

Tanks – Stainless Steel

Stainless steel storage tank can be heated using “ ull” or "o -peak" Tari electricity.

Long li e marine grade stainless steel capable o handling high temporisers up to

95°C

The latest aspects o design and material selection include:

Hi-grade stainless steel cylinder

Control o thermal strati ication

Dual Positive Domed Cylinder resulting in optimum location o element(s)

water supply and delivery and lushing-through o suspended solids

Highest level o insulation due to the use o a polymeric external casing

combined with thick polyurethane insulation

Tanks – Vitreous Ena el (Glass Lined)

The Vitreous Enamel (glass lined) tanks are an e icient option or water

heaters. Some eatures include:

Glass lined tanks have a magnesium sacri icial anode that ensures

potable water quality. Suitable to poor water quality areas as an

aluminium anode can be installed to extend the li e o the tank.

The release o hydrogen can sometimes occur i the water is not used or

long periods o time. To combat hydrogen built up, all water heaters

have a pressure and temperature release (PTR) valve itted to Australian

Standards.

I the water has been stagnant or two or more weeks, pull the lever on

the PTR valve to “purge” the system or 30 seconds. This will expel any

hydrogen built up. Caution need to be taken when purging as the water

will be HOT.

This manual suits for next models

Table of contents

Popular Water System manuals by other brands

ECOScience

ECOScience 6300wt Installation and user manual

EarthLinked

EarthLinked AVS-0030-A Quick start instructions

Bayrol

Bayrol PoolManager Chlorine user manual

YATO

YATO YT-85370 manual

Zip

Zip HydroTap G4 user manual

Everpure

Everpure MRS-200 Installation and startup guide

FAFCO

FAFCO 500 Series installation manual

Flow-Rite

Flow-Rite Pro-Fill RV Edition Installation & operation

Jupiter

Jupiter JP108 Aquarius owner's manual

Elkay

Elkay EZWSRK Installation & use manual

Mueller

Mueller HG-1 Suggested specifications

Armstrong

Armstrong Astro 2 Series Installation and operating instructions

Rain Soft

Rain Soft 9593 owner's manual

Alto-Shaam

Alto-Shaam CombiGuard ITEM FI-28727 manual

Hitech

Hitech New Life aa++ Installation & operational manual

Alfalaval

Alfalaval PureBallast 3.1 Compact System manual

Pure-Pro

Pure-Pro LUX-105P user manual

Little Giant

Little Giant Simplex 9S-SMPX owner's manual

SolarArk Solar Hot Water Systems User manual

Popular Water System manuals by other brands