General Information |
Thermomax
manifolds are simply added to the "top" of the recirculating hot water loop just
prior to the return leg of the loop. In this arrangement the solar contribution goes
directly to keeping the auxiliary energy source "off" at the tank.
The system consists of an array of Thermomax Evacuated heat-pipe solar
collectors controlled by a Thermomax controller and a flowmeter,
located in the solar loop to measure the flow rate of the solar-heated water. The LCX 400 records the collector array's temperature difference every
ten minutes and calculates the collected energy in kWs. This is displayed in graphic form
representing the system performance. During a 48 hours period, the unit records and stores
for retrieval the total energy collected and also provides a real time display of both the
collector and pool water temperatures. |
| Applications |
The
simplicity of the Thermomax Assisted Reciculating Loop system and its low installation
costs makes the deployment of solar energy in the following applications attractive:
- Commercial Water Heating
- Swimming Pool Heating
- Integration into the Ground Source Heat Pump Loops
- Snow Melt and Deicing Loops
- Desiccant Systems
Since this system is modular, it can be easily
enlarged and it can be repeated on any application that has a reciculating hot water loop
as
part of an incremental capital improvement program. There is no requirement for additional
pumps or controls and expensive thermal storage or heat exchanger equipment. |
| Operation |
- The Thermomax controller establishes that heat is
available from the collector, and turns on the solar loop circulator.
- Heat from the collector is transferred to the heating
loop when available.
- The existing circulator and the new solar circulator
circulate water (heat transfer fluid) through the Thermomax Manifolds.
- When no more heat is available from the collector, the
controller turns off the solar loop circulator.
- Solar energy is transferred to the existing pool
heating loop via the return line from the collector loop.
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| Solar Recirculating System |
The Thermomax
solar water recirculating system consists of the following subsystems:
- The collector loop subsystems (addition)
- The existing heating subsystems
- The solar circulating loop and control subsystems (new)
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