Maintenance
61
16
Maintenance
Grant Solar Thermal systems require
only basic maintenance in order to
ensure that they continue to give
efficient trouble-free operation. The
following procedures should be carried
out annually.
16.1 System checks
Isolate the electrical power supply to all
system controls.
Check the following:
1 Collectors
Collector fixings - ensure that they are
secure – retighten if necessary.
Condition of collectors – check glazing
is undamaged and clean glass to
remove any dirt deposits if necessary.
Pipe connections – check for any
evidence of leaks and rectify as
necessary.
Pipe insulation – check insulation on
exposed pipes and replace if damaged.
Collector sensor – ensure it is correctly
located and securely fitted.
2 System pipework
Leaks - visually inspect system for any
evidence of leaks and rectify as
necessary
PRV operation – test by briefly rotating
plastic cap on valve to operate.
Pipe insulation – check condition of
pipe insulation and replace if damaged.
3 Expansion vessel pressure
Check the charge pressure in the
vessel as follows:
a)
Close the isolation valve – on the
expansion vessel connection
b) Open the small Drain cock on the
connector and drain off a small
amount of solar fluid into a clean
container. Keep this fluid to test –
see 2-Solar fluid below.
c)
Check the air charge in the vessel -
refer to section 14 for correct
pressure.
d) Adjust or re-pressurise the vessel as
necessary to achieve the correct
pressure. NB. This may require
putting additional solar fluid into the
system. Refer to Section 14 for
system filling guidance.
16.2 Solar fluid
Using the small amount of solar fluid
removed from the expansion vessel,
carry out the following tests:
a)
Using a Refractometer - check
antifreeze concentration and level of
protection.
b) Using suitable litmus indicator strips
– check Acidity ph value.
Replace solar fluid as required if either
test indicates the fluid is unsuitable.
Safety!
If the replacement of solar fluid is
required, and the system filling point
(pump station) is located in the roof
space, there should be a suitable flat
surface on which to stand the filling
station, i.e. floor, loft boarding or similar.
16.3 Hot water storage
cylinder
1
Check as per manufacturer’s
recommendations (refer to
instructions supplied with the
cylinder).
2
Cylinder sensor - ensure it is
correctly located and securely fitted.
16.4 Restarting system
The following procedure should be
followed to put the system back into
operation:
1 System pressure – check cold
system pressure (on pressure
gauge) is correct for static height of
system (refer to Section 14 – table
10 for details). Top-up or re-fill as
required.
2 Controls - After reconnecting the
power supply to controls, check the
following:
Settings on Solar Controller are
correct – Refer to Section 12 for
details.
Operation of Solar Controller
– operate override and check
that solar pump starts.
3 System flow – with the solar pump
running check the volume flow rate
and reset as necessary (refer to
Section 14 – table 11 for details).
NB. Ensure that correct system
volume flow rate is also set in the
solar controller.
WARNING
Before commencing any work on
a solar thermal system cover the
collectors and allow the system to
cool down.
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