BALANCED FLOW
- When you have to split a solar system as in Fig.
10
.2 or Fig.
10
.3, page
#10
, it is critical that the
shown plumbing runs be followed to assure equal water flow through both rows of panels. Since water will follow the
path of least resistance, if one plumbing run is shorter than the other, more water will flow through it than through the
other one. Keep this in mind if you design a panel layout different than the examples.
Your Swim Joy representative can
also assist with this and explain the use of “balancing valves” on larger systems.
If you are installing the solar panels on a flat roof or flat ground rack, the top (return) header of the panel should be at
least 3” higher than the bottom (feed) header to assure equal flow through all of the tubes of all the panels. To achieve
even distribution of water throughout the row of panels, proper flow rates and a little back pressure should be present.
AUTOMATIC DRAIN DOWN
- The panels and the PVC pipe should be installed so the water will drain out of them
when the pool pump shuts off. This is especially important in are
a
s of the country where freezing conditions occur. (The
Swim Joy solar pool panels are warranted against internal freezing when installed to allow for drain down.) To allow
for the water to drain, a vacuum breaker (2-1
8
10-02
9
) is installed on the solar feed line above the non-positive three-
way valve as shown in (Fig.
26
.1, page
#
2
6
). (Non-positive means that the valve allows for water to drain back through
the valve even while in the off position. If you have a 3-way valve that is not non-positive, you can make it so by drilling
an 1/8” hole in the diverter). If, as a result, of a unique roof design or adverse pool equipment location, it is not possible
to achieve complete automatic drain down, manual drain down valves should be installed in appropriate places in the
plumbing or at the end of the bottom (feed) header.
6. Solar Panel Layouts & Hydraulics.
- Cont.
SOLAR PANEL LAYOUTS & HYDRAULICS
- CONT
-
14
INSTALLATION MANUAL - SWIM JOY SOLAR POOL HEATER
Instead of installing and end cap (2-1810-013) at the
end of the header, you would install a Manual Drain
Down Bib Attachment Set (#1-5115-021AS). A top
header mounted vacuum relief valve (#2-1410-023H)
would be ideal to allow air into the panel array as
well. Fig. 14.1
to the right is an example of an
installation that will not automatically drain and
details the additional components required to
manually drain the solar panels
. These valves should
be opened when shutting down the system for the
winter months or when freezing conditions are
possible. Your Swim Joy representative can assist you
with the parts necessary for the manual drain down
installations.
NOTE:
Solar panels can be freeze damaged if
temperatures reach 40 degrees Fahrenheit, so freeze
damage can occur in virtually any weather climate. It
is extremely important to take the necessary steps to
ensure your system will automatically gravity drain, is
automated with a control system that features freeze
protection or is installed with the proper components
to manually drain the system
.
