WSE Technologies WSE47 User manual

WSE47
Solar Swimming Pool Heater
_______________
Instruction Manual
www.wsetech.com

WSE47 SOLAR SWIMMING POOL HEATER INSTRUCTION MANUAL 1
WSE Technologies Ph: (306) 244 –8808
303 47th St. E. Fax: (306) 244 - 9970
Saskatoon, SK Canada www.wsetech.com
S7K 5H2 [email protected]m
CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION............................................................................................................................................. 2
SYSTEM COMPONENTS................................................................................................................................. 3
FRAME ASSEMBLY......................................................................................................................................... 5
FRAME MOUNTING.....................................................................................................................................10
PLUMBING .................................................................................................................................................. 12
VACUUM TUBE INSTALLATION ................................................................................................................... 15
FILLING THE SYSTEM ................................................................................................................................... 17
PREPARING FOR WINTER ............................................................................................................................ 18
SOLAR PUMP.................................................................................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
WARRANTY POLICY .....................................................................................................................................19

WSE47 SOLAR SWIMMING POOL HEATER INSTRUCTION MANUAL 2
WSE Technologies Ph: (306) 244 –8808
303 47th St. E. Fax: (306) 244 - 9970
Saskatoon, SK Canada www.wsetech.com
S7K 5H2 [email protected]m
INTRODUCTION
The WSE47 isa highly efficient, cost effective, and reliable way of heating your pool using
the power of the sun. The collectorsare constructed of corrosion resistant materials,
enabling them to provide many yearsof reliable operation. Evacuated tubesare designed
to rely on the sun’sradiation for heating rather than ambient temperatures, meaning the
pool can still be heated when the outside temperature islower than the pool’s
temperature. Thisisespecially beneficial at the beginning and end of the season when
daily air temperaturesare cool, resulting in an extended pool use season.
The collectorsare designed so that they can be installed either on theground or on a roof.
The best location to install the collectorsisan area that receivesthe most sunlight per day
and isasclose to the pool aspossible. We suggest assembling the collector at a maximum
distance of 10 m from thepool at an elevation lessthan 3 m above the pool.
For optimum performance the collector should be oriented facing true South. If the
collector can not be oriented facing south, the output will bereduced slightly but the
collector will still be able to absorb sunlight due to the cylindrical geometry of the tubes.

WSE47 SOLAR SWIMMING POOL HEATER INSTRUCTION MANUAL 3
WSE Technologies Ph: (306) 244 –8808
303 47th St. E. Fax: (306) 244 - 9970
Saskatoon, SK Canada www.wsetech.com
S7K 5H2 [email protected]m
SYSTEM COMPONENTS
The WSE47 isshipped in 3 boxes.
BOX #1 STAND AND HARDWARE:
20 –Black base cups
4 –Mounting L brackets
2 –U channel main support rails(connect to manifold)
2 –U channel frame legs
2 –Side brace (connectsthe main support railsto the rear frame legs)
2 –Rear legsX brace (connectsframe legsin an X shape)
1 –Main crossbrace for main support rails(connectsthe main support rails
together in the middle)
1 –Front lower support rail (base cupsanchoring point)
2 –M8 x 48 mm bolts
8 –M8 x 10 mm bolts
10 –M8 x 15 mm bolts
1 –M8 x 20 mm
21 –M8 nuts

WSE47 SOLAR SWIMMING POOL HEATER INSTRUCTION MANUAL 4
WSE Technologies Ph: (306) 244 –8808
303 47th St. E. Fax: (306) 244 - 9970
Saskatoon, SK Canada www.wsetech.com
S7K 5H2 [email protected]m
BOX #2 NON-PRESSURIZED MANIFOLD:
1 –Stainlesssteel manifold
20 –Black dust seals
2 –Threaded steel couplings
BOX #3 M SERIESEVACUATED TUBES:
20 –47 mm glassevacuated collector tubes
PART DIMENSIONS:

WSE47 SOLAR SWIMMING POOL HEATER INSTRUCTION MANUAL 5
WSE Technologies Ph: (306) 244 –8808
303 47th St. E. Fax: (306) 244 - 9970
Saskatoon, SK Canada www.wsetech.com
S7K 5H2 [email protected]m
FRAME ASSEMBLY
STEP1:
Place the manifold on a non-scratch surface with the boltsfacing up. Remove the
nutsfrom the boltsin the manifold. Place the U-channel main support railson the
boltsextending from the manifold using the predrilled holesin the support rails.
The railsshould extend in the same direction asthe 20 tube holesin the manifold.
Fasten the nutsto secure the railsto the manifold.

WSE47 SOLAR SWIMMING POOL HEATER INSTRUCTION MANUAL 6
WSE Technologies Ph: (306) 244 –8808
303 47th St. E. Fax: (306) 244 - 9970
Saskatoon, SK Canada www.wsetech.com
S7K 5H2 [email protected]m
STEP2:
Attach the main crossbrace half way down the main support railsusingtwo M8 x
15 mm boltsand nuts.
Attach the front lower support rail at the lowest point on the main support rails with
four M8 x 10 mm bolts. The lower support holdsthe black base cups, which hold
the bottomsof the evacuated tubes.

WSE47 SOLAR SWIMMING POOL HEATER INSTRUCTION MANUAL 7
WSE Technologies Ph: (306) 244 –8808
303 47th St. E. Fax: (306) 244 - 9970
Saskatoon, SK Canada www.wsetech.com
S7K 5H2 [email protected]m
The distance between the manifold and the lower support rail should be 54” to
insurethat thetubessit properly in themanifold. It may be necessary to drill
additional holesin the main support railsto achieve thisdistance. If the tubesdo
not seal properly in the manifold, it isrecommended to raise the lower support rail
by 1”. This is done by marking a spot 1” above each hole on the main support rail
and drilling a new hole with a ¼” drill bit.
STEP3:
One end of each U-channel frame leg iscut at 45°. Thisend should be inserted
into the U-channel main support rail and connected using M8 x 38 mm bolts.

WSE47 SOLAR SWIMMING POOL HEATER INSTRUCTION MANUAL 8
WSE Technologies Ph: (306) 244 –8808
303 47th St. E. Fax: (306) 244 - 9970
Saskatoon, SK Canada www.wsetech.com
S7K 5H2 [email protected]m
STEP4:
Use M8 x 15 mm boltsto connect the X crossbracing to the frame legsin an X
shape. Connect the two crossbracing piecesin the middle with a M8 x 20 mm
bolt.

WSE47 SOLAR SWIMMING POOL HEATER INSTRUCTION MANUAL 9
WSE Technologies Ph: (306) 244 –8808
303 47th St. E. Fax: (306) 244 - 9970
Saskatoon, SK Canada www.wsetech.com
S7K 5H2 [email protected]m
STEP5:
Attach two of the mounting L bracketsto the lowest point on the main support rails
using the pre drilled holesand M8 x 10 mm bolts. Attach the other two L brackets
to the two rear legs.

WSE47 SOLAR SWIMMING POOL HEATER INSTRUCTION MANUAL 10
WSE Technologies Ph: (306) 244 –8808
303 47th St. E. Fax: (306) 244 - 9970
Saskatoon, SK Canada www.wsetech.com
S7K 5H2 [email protected]m
FRAME MOUNTING
WARNING - Before you mount your WSE47 collector on a roof, make sure
your pump issuitable for overcomingthe head pressure required to pump
water up to the collectors.
When the collectorsare to be mounted on aflat roof, the collectorscan be connected
together on strut railsand set on blocksasshown in the photo below. Alternatively, the L
bracketson the frame can be screwed into pressure treated lumber that isset in cement
deck blocks. A structural certification should bedone when mounting the panelson a flat
roof to ensure weight, anchoringand wind loading are acceptable.
For ground mounting the above method can be used or the L bracketscan be staked
directly into the ground. In all mounting locations, you should ensure that themanifold is
level otherwise you may experience problemswith air in the system.
For vertical mounting on a wall or deck railing, the rear legsof the frame can be removed
and the L bracketsattached to thetop of the U channel main support railsbehind the
manifold. The L bracketscan then be screwed into a strut that isattached horizontally
along the wall.
If you are mounting the collectorson a sloped roof, make surethat you will be able to
mount the collectorsat a minimum 45° angle from horizontal. If the collectorsare

WSE47 SOLAR SWIMMING POOL HEATER INSTRUCTION MANUAL 11
WSE Technologies Ph: (306) 244 –8808
303 47th St. E. Fax: (306) 244 - 9970
Saskatoon, SK Canada www.wsetech.com
S7K 5H2 [email protected]m
mounted at lessthan 45° the water may not completely fill the evacuated tubes, which
will reduce performance. Depending on the pitch of your roof, you may need to make
modificationsto the collector frame in order to achieve thisminimum angle. Thismay
include cutting the rear legsand drilling new holes.
We highly recommend using a strut type mounting system to attach the collectorson a
roof. Thisincludesfastening a Flat Jack®or equivalent type assembly to the raftersof the
roof and laying a strut acrossfor the collectorsto be mounted onto. Thisenablesthe
collectorsto be fastened securely into the raftersof the roof and also reducesthe
likelihood that the roof penetrationswill leak.
Typically, roof anchorsare placed in every second rafter and no more than 6 feet apart.
Roof mount systemsin many municipalitiesrequire building permits, and in those cases
the municipal office may require a structural engineer’s certification that the roof and
implementation are acceptable.
It isbeyond thescope of thismanual to provide instructionsfor the installation of the Flat
Jack®mounting system. For theseinstructionsplease contact us.

WSE47 SOLAR SWIMMING POOL HEATER INSTRUCTION MANUAL 12
WSE Technologies Ph: (306) 244 –8808
303 47th St. E. Fax: (306) 244 - 9970
Saskatoon, SK Canada www.wsetech.com
S7K 5H2 [email protected]m
PLUMBING
WARNING- All connectionsmust be made in CPVC, copper, stainlesssteel
tubingor brass. The collector connectionswill get very hot when the panels
are not in use. Thiswill cause connection material that hasnot been designed
for high temperaturesto fail, causingpotential property damage.
WARNING –A vent ismandatory. The water in the system will expand when
it isheated and contract when cooled. If no vent isinstalled thismay break
the glasstubes.
WARNING –The WSE47 isa low pressure system. If the pressure in the
collector isgreater than 15-20 psi, the tubesmay leak or even break.
WARNING –Be sure to use a thread sealant, such asTeflon tape to prevent
leaks.
The collectors are plumbed with 1” threaded connections. It isrecommended
that all connectionsbetween collectorsbe made with union fittingsor a 1” hose with hose
clamps. Thisallowsfor ease of service if anything ever happensto the collectors.
Becausehigh flow ratesare not required, linesleadingto and from thepool can be
reduced to ¾” hose or piping. The WSE47 connection kit includes two ¾” hose adapters
for thispurpose.
The diagram below showsa basic layout for connecting your WSE47 to your pool.

WSE47 SOLAR SWIMMING POOL HEATER INSTRUCTION MANUAL 13
WSE Technologies Ph: (306) 244 –8808
303 47th St. E. Fax: (306) 244 - 9970
Saskatoon, SK Canada www.wsetech.com
S7K 5H2 [email protected]m
Note in the diagram that the solar collector hasitsown designated return line to the pool.
You must provide the collector with itsown return line and must not combine it with any
other return line in order to minimize back pressure and ensure optimum performance.
Install a by-passafter the filter to direct some of the water to the solar collectors. Make
sure to include a shut off valve. The panelsoperate at their highest efficiency when the
water flow rateisclose to 15 Litersper minute(4 gallonsper minute). Thisisnot an exact
number and theperformance will not be greatly affected if the flow isslightly higher or
lower.
The WSE47 Collectorsare designed to operateat low pressure (15-20 psi max). To ensure
that the pressure in the system doesnot increase enough to damage the collectors, a vent
must be installed. A minimum of one vent pipe isrequired for every 5 collectorsand
should be located at the outlet end of the last collector before the return line to the pool.
Multiple collectorscan be installed together in series, up to a maximum of 5. The higher
pressure needed to pump water through more than 5 collectorsmay cause the seals
between the tubesand manifold to leak. If more than 5 collectorsare desired, they will
need a separate pump and plumbing linesto and from the pool. For example, a system
with six collectorsshould be separated into two separate rowsof 3 collectors, each with
itsown vent, supply line, return line, and pump.

WSE47 SOLAR SWIMMING POOL HEATER INSTRUCTION MANUAL 14
WSE Technologies Ph: (306) 244 –8808
303 47th St. E. Fax: (306) 244 - 9970
Saskatoon, SK Canada www.wsetech.com
S7K 5H2 [email protected]m
The vent consistsof a piece of vertical pipe open at the top. The height of the vent
dependson back pressure of the return line going back to the pool. To minimize the
length of the vent, thereare a few thingsyou can do:
1. Plumb the return line to the pool with a larger pipe, such as 1 ½”. Increasing the
size of the return linewill reduce the back pressure. The best location for the return
line isat thedeepest end of the pool.
2. Connect theoutlet of thecollector to the pool with a separate return line, asshown
in the diagram, asopposed to connecting it with the return line from the backup
heater.
3. Avoid using eyeball fittingsif possible.
4. Do not connect the solar outlet to the input of a heat pump or gaspool heater.
If you are unsure what length of vent isneeded, install a 4 foot high vent. More than 4 feet
isunnecessary due to the limitationson operating pressure inside the collector.
The photo below showsthe WSE47 connection kit attached to the manifold. The vent rises
vertically from the connection kit and the return line to the pool is a ¾” hose attached to
the hose adapter on theconnection kit. Note that if your system includesa differential
temperature controller and solar powered pump, the vent connection kit may be different.
See the Solar Pump section for details.

WSE47 SOLAR SWIMMING POOL HEATER INSTRUCTION MANUAL 15
WSE Technologies Ph: (306) 244 –8808
303 47th St. E. Fax: (306) 244 - 9970
Saskatoon, SK Canada www.wsetech.com
S7K 5H2 [email protected]m
VACUUM TUBE INSTALLATION
DANGER–Risk of burnsand scaldingdue to escapingsteam! Water and
steam inside the tubescan reach 100 °C (212 °F) when exposed to the sun.
DANGER–Alwayswear work gloveswhen handlingevacuated glasstubes.
Damaged or broken edgescan be sharp.
WARNING –Use extreme caution when workingwith vacuum tubes. They
can easily be damaged if not handled with care.
STEP1:
Locate the black rubber dust seals, black base cups, and a box of evacuated tubes.
Slide a black rubber dust seal over the open end (top) of the tube and slide it down the
tube approximately 12”. For easier installation, place the black dust seals in warm water
to soften them prior to placing them on the tubes. Do thisfor all 20 tubes.
STEP2:
Dip the open end of the tube in a bucket of water to lubricate it before inserting it
into the manifold. Grasp the tube gently with onehand and place your other hand on the
back of the manifold to help prevent sudden movement of the tubeinto the manifold.
Gently rotate the tube upwardsinto the manifold with a slow twisting motion.

WSE47 SOLAR SWIMMING POOL HEATER INSTRUCTION MANUAL 16
WSE Technologies Ph: (306) 244 –8808
303 47th St. E. Fax: (306) 244 - 9970
Saskatoon, SK Canada www.wsetech.com
S7K 5H2 [email protected]m
STEP3:
Insert the black base cup over the bottom of the tube and snap the cup into place
in the front lower support rail. Adjust the base cup by turning the threaded portion until
the cup isseated firmly against the bottom of thetube.

WSE47 SOLAR SWIMMING POOL HEATER INSTRUCTION MANUAL 17
WSE Technologies Ph: (306) 244 –8808
303 47th St. E. Fax: (306) 244 - 9970
Saskatoon, SK Canada www.wsetech.com
S7K 5H2 [email protected]m
FILLING THE SYSTEM
Once the framesare secured, the system hasbeen connected to the pool, and the
tubeshave been installed, it istime to fill the system.
WARNING –Water should be introduced into the WSE47 system when the
tubesare not hot. Introducingcold water into a hot tube may cause it to
break. The system should be filled in early morningor if the tubeshave been
covered duringthe day.
WARNING –Once the system isfilled, heatingcan only be stopped by
coveringthe surface of the collectors.
DANGER–If there hasbeen water in the collectorsthat hasbeen heating
without continuouscirculation, startingthe pump will discharge very hot
water for a few minutes. Do not allow pool use until thishot water has
dissipated.
To fill the system, start by opening the valve on the return line and the valve on the pipe
running to the collectors. It isnormal for water to discharge from the vent when filling as
the air insidethe system escapesfrom the vent. Make sureto check and repair any leaksin
the system.
Fill timeswill vary with the pump used, but each collector holdsapproximately 36 L of
water. Thiscan be used along with the pump rating to give you an estimated fill time.

WSE47 SOLAR SWIMMING POOL HEATER INSTRUCTION MANUAL 18
WSE Technologies Ph: (306) 244 –8808
303 47th St. E. Fax: (306) 244 - 9970
Saskatoon, SK Canada www.wsetech.com
S7K 5H2 [email protected]m
PREPARING FOR WINTER
WARNING - It isvery important that all the water in the system be removed
before any freezingtemperaturesoccur. The glasstubeswill break if the water
inside them freezes.
DANGER–The water in the tubesmay remain hot even after many hours
without sunshine. Extreme caution should be used when removingand
drainingtubes.
To remove the water from the manifold, you will need to remove a glasstube. The water
inside the manifold will simply drain from the manifold by gravity. Make sure to do this
when the water isnot hot, otherwiseyou risk injuring not only yourself, but any plant life
the water may drain onto. After the water in the manifold hasbeen drained, the water in
each individual tube can be emptied and the plumbing linescan be drained.
Pressurized air should be used to clear the linesleadingto and from the collectors, but
keep in mind that over pressurizing the collector could causedamage to the glasstubes.
Theoretically, the water remaining in thetubeswill boil dry if left for along enough time
before freezing occurs. Removing at least one of the tubesfrom the manifold will speed up
thisprocess. Unfortunately, thisdoesnot alwayswork in practice, so WSEstrongly
recommendsthat every individual tube be removed and drained before freezingoccurs.
Thisisthe only way to guarantee that all the water isout of the system before freezing.
Damage caused by failure to drain each individual tube will not be covered by warranty.

WSE47 SOLAR SWIMMING POOL HEATER INSTRUCTION MANUAL 19
WSE Technologies Ph: (306) 244 –8808
303 47th St. E. Fax: (306) 244 - 9970
Saskatoon, SK Canada www.wsetech.com
S7K 5H2 [email protected]m
WARRANTY POLICY
Limited Liability Warranty
The WSE47 manifold iscovered by alimited liability warranty from defectsin material
and workmanship for aperiod of 5 years. TheWSE47 evacuated tubesare covered by a
limited liability warranty from defectsin material and workmanship for a period of 10
yearsand damage due to hail up to 1 inch in diameter.
Thiswarranty doesnot apply if, in the judgment of the manufacturer, the product failsdue
to any one of the following causes:
- Damage from shipment, handling, or storage
- Abuse or misuseof theproduct for other than itsintended purpose
- Failure to observe or conform to the product’s instructions for installation, maintenance,
and operation
- Unauthorized modificationsof any kind, including a defaced or removed serial number
- Repair by anyone other than the manufacturer or an approved agent
The maximum liability of themanufacturer isthe product purchase price. You can find if
your product iscovered by the manufacturer warranty by comparing the duration of the
warranty against the purchase date.
Returns
You must obtain a Return MaterialsAuthorization (RMA) number from WSEbefore
returning a product. The email [e-mail]. Productsreturned without
an RMA number are not processed and will bereturned to you.
• Proof of purchase is required to get warranty service.
• Return shipping is prepaid by the customer.
• International customers may be subject to duties, taxes and brokerage fee. Customers
are responsible for feesincurred.
Warranty Replacement Procedure
Do not ship your defective product to the manufacturer before contacting customer
support.
1. Obtain a Return MaterialsAuthorization (RMA) number by contacting customer
support.
2. A customer support agent will do troubleshooting to see if the product isdefective.
If it isdeemed defective, the following information isrequired: