Thermann EVACUATED TUBE SOLAR HOT WATER SYSTEM User manual

EVACUATED TUBE SOLAR
HOT WATER SYSTEMS
OWNERS MANUAL
JULY 2013

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Thermann Solar Hot Water System - Owners Manual
Thank You
Thank you for purchasing a Thermann solar hot water system.
Please store this manual somewhere accessible as it holds important information
about your new Thermann solar hot water system.
In this manual you will find information on:
1. How Solar Heating Works
2. How Your Booster Works
3. System Maintenance and Precautions
4. Basic Troubleshooting Guide
5. After-sales Service
1. How Solar Heating Works?
1.1 Introduction
Thermann strongly believe in informing the homeowner about the basic operation of the solar water
heating system. By gaining a basic understanding you can develop realistic expectations about the
operation of the system, develop habits which maximise energy savings and most importantly, ensure
safe and reliable operation.
1.2 Summer and Winter Solar Heating
Solar radiation is only half or one third as strong in the winter months compared to summer, and therefore
not able to provide the same amount of hot water as in summer. For optimal performance of your solar
system it is recommended that the collectors be angled (pitched) at no less than 20degrees.
Note: for increased performance during winter it is recommended that collectors are pitched at latitude
plus 10-20 degrees, Correct tilting of the system will provide increased year round performance and
reduce energy costs further.
1.3 How Does the Thermann System Work
The Thermann solar collector converts the sun’s energy into
HEAT, quite different to photovoltaic (PV) solar panels, which
convert the sun’s energy into ELECTRICITY.
Step 1. The evacuated tubes absorb the sun’s energy and
convert it to useable heat.
Step 2. The heat inside the evacuated tube, is carried via copper
heat pipes to the insulated manifold, this contains a copper heat
exchanger.
Step 3. An electronic controller measures the temperature of
water in the manifold and compares it to the water in the bottom
of the storage tank. If the manifold temperature is higher, the
controller switches on a circulation pump which brings the solar
heated water back down to the storage tank.
Step 4. Throughout the day, the controller switches the pump on
and off to continuously heat water in the storage tank.
Va cuum Spac e
Absorber Coating
Vapour rises to top
Condensed liquid returns to bottom
Evacuated tube
absorbs sunlight
and converts to
usable he at
Heat Transfer
Heat Exchanger Manifold
Copper
Heat Pipes
Aluminium
Heat Fins
Thermann
Tubes
Framework
UV Stabilised
Rubber Caps
Tube Clips
PRODUCT
QUALITY
GUARANTEE
WARRANTIES
10 YEAR WARRANTY ON TANK
15 YEAR WARRANTY ON MANIFOLD,
TUBES AND FRAMEWORK

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Thermann Solar Hot Water System - Owners Manual
WARNING
ELECTRICAL COVER IS
ONLY TO BE REMOVED BY A
LICENSED ELECTRICIAN
DO NOT TOUCH
!
2. How Your Booster Works?
2.1 Boosting Explained
If the solar contribution during the day is not enough to raise the water to a suitable temperature, an
electric or gas booster can provide additional heating. During sufficient sunny weather, the solar collector
will normally be able to provide enough hot water, but during winter months and overcast days boosting
may be required.
2.2 Legionella Bacteria - The Importance of Boosting
It is a legal requirement that water be heated on a regular basis to kill Legionella bacteria that can lead to
Legionnaires disease. The frequency this temperature must be reached varies, and is explained below:
Type of Thermann System Installed Minimum heat requirements
Bottom element electric boosted system Once per week to 60°C
Mid element electric boosted system Once per day to 60°C
Gas Boosted Systems Minimum 70°C each time water is used
2.3 Electric Boosted Systems
When the electric element is activated it will heat
up all the water above the element to 60°C (or the
thermostat setting). This heating can take as long as
3-4 hours if the tank is cold.
Note: Thermann recommends that the electric
booster is left on, or controlled by a suitable timer.
2.4 Gas Boosted Systems
The gas booster used on the Thermann system,
allows water to bypass the booster if higher than
57°C, this means water is only heated as required.
If the water is less than 57°C the gas booster starts
and “boosts” pre-heated water to 70°C. This “post
boosting” method supplies the household a virtually
unlimited supply of hot water.
Electric
Boosted Tank
Electrical
Cover
Heating
Element
WARNING
WHEN PTR VALVE IS LIFTED
HOT WATER WILL BE
DISCHARGED. ENSURE THE
PTR DRAIN PIPE IS CLEAR
PRIOR TO COMMENCING.
!
3. System Maintenance & Precautions
3.1 System Maintenance
• Cleaning - The Thermann tubes do not usually need cleaning, regular
rain and wind should keep the tubes clean.
• Pressure & Temperature Relief Valve (PTRV) - The PTRV is located
near the top of your hot water storage tank. It is designed to release
pressure in the tank as water expands and contracts during normal
heating.
The lever on the PTRV should be carefully lifted for a few seconds, and
placed down once every 6 months. This will help prevent any debris or
scale build up in the valve.
CAUTION: WHEN PTR VALVE IS LIFTED HOT WATER WILL BE DISCHARGED. ENSURE
THE DRAIN PIPE FROM PTR VALVE IS CLEAR.
• Visual Check - Thermann recommend periodic visual checks of your
system:
A. Check for leaks around the storage tank and pipework.
WARNING: Pipework can be extremely hot, do not touch any exposed copper piping.
B. Ensure water is not entering the pump station.
C. If the tubes are safely visible from ground height, take a look at them
and ensure all tubes are still dark in colour.
(Note: If a tube is a milky/white colour the vaccuum
has escaped and the tube will not be working as efficiently
as it should be).
3.2 Glass Lined Tank Precautions
Glass lined (Vitreous enamel) tanks are fitted with a Magnesium
anode to provide corrosion protection for the tank from the stored
water. Thermann recommend the anode be inspected at least every
three (3) years, and serviced as required.
Small quantities of hydrogen gas can be released by the anode
which generally remains dissolved in the water. This is then flushed
away during normal use.
Depending on the water quality there may be a degree of hydrogen
build up in the tank if the water heater has not been used for two
or more weeks. To resolve the build-up of hydrogen within the
tank “purge” the tank for approximately 30 seconds from the lever
on the Pressure and Temperature Relief Valve (PTRV).
PTR Drain Pipe
Magnesium
“Sacrificial”
Anode
Thermann Tube
Collector
PTR Valve
Gas Boosted
Tank
Instant Gas
Booster
Solar Heated
Water
Min. 70°C
Water

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Thermann Solar Hot Water System - Owners Manual
Problem Cause Solution
Pump Continuously Running
Air lock in manifold Contact your plumber
Insufficient flow rate Increase pump speed
Pump is not circulating even
during sunny weather
Maximum temperature reached in
the tank
This is normal operation, controller
switches pump off once maximum
temperature is reached to prevent
over-heating.
Possible sensor issue Contact your plumber
Why is the pump running at night?
Freeze protection operating
This is normal, but if the pump
is running more than once an
hour, additional insulation on the
collector line should be installed.
Possible faulty non-return valve Contact your plumber
Why is the controller L.E.D.
flashing red? Possible sensor issue Contact your plumber
Why is the water not hot enough?
Booster is not configured correctly
Electric booster should have the
thermostat temperature set to at
least 60°C. Booster must be left
on off-peak, or controlled by timer.
Household hot water usage too
high
Unit may be incorrectly sized,
contact your plumber. Remember
an efficient shower head uses 9
litres/minute. (10 minute shower =
90ltrs water)
Tempering valve installed
A tempering valve must be
installed on every solar hot water
system. Tempering valves will mix
water down to 50°C
Tempering valve may need
replacing or servicing.
4. Basic Troubleshooting Guide
5. After Sales Service
5.1 Warranty/Service Call
If you have an issue with your Thermann solar hot water system,
Call 1800 032 566 or visit www.reece.com.au for your nearest Reece store.
Please fill this in for future reference:
Supplier Name:
Supplier Address:
Supplier Phone:
Installation Date:
Plumber (if different):
System Type:
(eg. 30 tube 315ltr Electric boosted)

Call 1800 032 566 or visit www.reece.com.au for your nearest Reece store.
TH-Owners-Manual-V1.2