57
insTallaTion
Solar Thermal -
Installation and Servicing
mainTenance scHeDule To bs 5918: 1989 -
Code of practice for
SOLAR HEATING SYSTEMS FOR DOMESTIC HOT WATER
British Standards Institution (Indirect)
While a properly designed and installed solar heating system
should be expected to give a service life comparable to that
of other types of heating systems, some maintenance may be
necessary to maintain the efficiency of the installation.
During a maintenance inspection the following items should be
checked:
collecTor anD roof
1.
Collectors fitted to manufactures instructions. Glazing clean
and free from cracks
2.
Roof tiles replaced and secure
3.
For flat roof installation: the supporting frame is secure or
weighted
4.
Automatic air vent is open with cap in place
5.
Automatic air vent isolation valve is closed
6.
Sensor secure in pocket
7.
Water proofing checked
8.
Insulation in place and firmly attached
9.
Glazing seals are weather tight and sound
solar sysTem
1.
All joints checked for leaks
2.
Glycol in system and correctly pressurised
3.
All ancillary components and pipe work adequately
supported
4.
All covers are in place
5.
Manual air vents cleared and closed
6.
Drain valves closed and free from leaks
7.
Check valve bleed screw closed
8.
Pump orientation correct and operating without undue noise
or vibration
9.
Pump isolation valves fully open
10.
Pump and flow meter setting correct
11.
Filling loop closed and disconnected
12.
Pressure relief valve cleared and free from leaks
13.
No isolation valve between collectors and safety valve
14.
All non-return valves, solenoids and motorised valves are
working correctly
15.
No evidence of serious corrosion
54 insTallaTion anD mainTenance cHecKlisT
elecTrics
1.
Controller fitted and sited correctly
2.
Controller operated in the correct manner
3.
Earth bonding in place
4.
Correct fuse fitted to solar controller spur
5.
Cylinder control and reference sensors secure in pockets
6.
All electric cables neatly secured
finisHing
1.
All packaging removed
2.
Indoor and outdoor areas clean
Ideal recommend that the above maintenance procedure is
followed annually, preferably when the boiler and/or cylinder
is also serviced.
The antifreeze has a minimum service life of 5 years and so
this fluid must be changed at each 5 year interval.
Before de-commissioning/draining the solar circuit, make sure
there is no chance for collector temperature to exceed 100°C,
that all check and isolating valves are open and that the heat
transfer fluid is captured in storage vessels for safe disposal
at a recognised safe disposal centre.
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