SOLAR PANEL & LAYOUT HYDRAULICS.
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11
BALANCED FLOW
- When you have to split a solar system as in Fig. 6.2 or Fig. 6.3, page 7, 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 Heliocol 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 ares of the country where freezing conditions occur. (The Heliocol
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 (2-1410-023) is installed on the solar feed line above the non-positive three-way valve as
shown in (Fig. 13.1, page 22). (Non-positive means that the valve allows for water to drain back through the valve even
while in the off position. If you have 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.
Instead of installing and end cap (2-1410-013) at the end of the header, you would place a pipe connector, and (2-1410-
005) 1½” slip x 1½” threaded PVC reducer bushing, along with a ½” Boiler Drain 1-5115-017. These valves should be
opened when shutting down the system for the winter months or when freezing conditions are possible. Your Heliocol
representative can assist you with the parts necessary for the manual drain down installations.
Install (2) SS Screws (2-1020-006) to secure gator top to gator bottom assembly.
6. Solar Panel layouts & Hydraulics.
- Cont.
INSTALLATION MANUAL HELIOCOL
®
SOLAR POOL HEATER
©
2014 UMA Solar
