The Solar Hot Water Project
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Finished at last.
I will document the latest progress soon, almost there, the next steps are:
1/ Running 2 pipes to the roof, flushing & checking for leaks (Done 27/4/13)
2/ Fixing the frame to the roof (Done 21/4/13)
3/ Installing the controller & other electrical bits (Done 19/4/13)
4/ Making & installing the heat pipes & evacuated tubes and testing the system. Heat pipes made 4/5/13. Done 10/5/13
5/ Bits & pieces such as the manifold temperature sensor to install, a few pipe clips & also the pipe insulation. Done 10/5/13.Sensor installed & outside insulation completed 5/5/13.
SUCCESS!!!!
11/5/2013
It's all installed and working, it's the first day & the weather is slightly cloudy but the system is running perfectly, I will need to fine tune the temperature settings & analyse & document the results but it all looks really good so far.
I haven't even insulated the manifold yet. When the sun is out the system looks like it could be too good as the temperature rises even when the pump is running cooler water past it but it then settles down again when the cloud comes.
It's too early to know for sure, especially with unsettled weather, but I like what I see so far.
12/5/2013
I added glass wool insulation around the manifold today, this made a huge difference, the temperature of the manifold stays constant even though the pump is running cooler water through it, an amazing result.
As soon as I stop fiddling with the setup I'll record the results.
1/ Running 2 pipes to the roof, flushing & checking for leaks (Done 27/4/13)
2/ Fixing the frame to the roof (Done 21/4/13)
3/ Installing the controller & other electrical bits (Done 19/4/13)
4/ Making & installing the heat pipes & evacuated tubes and testing the system. Heat pipes made 4/5/13. Done 10/5/13
5/ Bits & pieces such as the manifold temperature sensor to install, a few pipe clips & also the pipe insulation. Done 10/5/13.Sensor installed & outside insulation completed 5/5/13.
SUCCESS!!!!
11/5/2013
It's all installed and working, it's the first day & the weather is slightly cloudy but the system is running perfectly, I will need to fine tune the temperature settings & analyse & document the results but it all looks really good so far.
I haven't even insulated the manifold yet. When the sun is out the system looks like it could be too good as the temperature rises even when the pump is running cooler water past it but it then settles down again when the cloud comes.
It's too early to know for sure, especially with unsettled weather, but I like what I see so far.
12/5/2013
I added glass wool insulation around the manifold today, this made a huge difference, the temperature of the manifold stays constant even though the pump is running cooler water through it, an amazing result.
As soon as I stop fiddling with the setup I'll record the results.
Half filled with glass wool insulation.
I will be adding a lot more detailed information soon, but for now I hope you have found my initial pictures & general information helpful.
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