INDUSTRYTHERMAL
ensures that the panel empties fully so as not to leave any potentially damaging residue within it. When temperatures then fall, the volatile inhibitors return to the liquid phase without degradation.
Prepared solution 20
This is why chemical water treatment plays a fundamental role in protecting solar thermal systems and ensuring long-term efficiency. As such - in October 2010 changes were made to Approved Document Part L to state that installers must now comply with commissioning requirements set out in relation to newer technologies, such as solar water heating.
When commissioning solar systems, the primary circuits should firstly be thoroughly cleaned with an appropriate cleaner and flushed through – and then filled with a solar heat transfer fluid.
This should contain a volatile inhibitor package, capable of protecting the system from frost and corrosion at all operating temperatures by helping to maintain the stability of glycol - one of the main ingredients used within a solar heat transfer fluid. The ability to protect and maintain the system across a wide range of temperatures is crucial to the ongoing performance of solar thermal systems. This means at increased temperatures the ingredients must evaporate at the same time as the solar fluid
evaporates to become
gaseous. This
One product that achieves just this is Fernox Solar S1, a pre-mixed heat transfer fluid. This product has been developed specifically to combat accelerated fouling and corrosion of system components in solar thermal systems and operates within parameters as low as -28°c and up to peak temperatures attained by evacuated tube collectors, offering an ideal solution. Fernox Solar S1 is also now available in a concentrated version in smaller containers that are easier to store and transport, ideal for installers who have more experience working with solar thermal systems and are comfortable mixing the fluid themselves.
In addition, as a low viscosity product, this helps to ensure the fluid is dissolved properly as the higher the viscosity (thicker the fluid) the more likely it will have circulatory issues. Furthermore, the efficiency of the heat transfer rate is improved by a low viscosity fluid.
With such a variety of factors coming into play that could affect the system performance, the good news for specifiers and installers is that system health checks are available to offer guidance and advice for renewable installations. Services can cover solar thermal systems as well as other renewable technologies, providing details of any defects and recommendations for treatment. For example, the Fernox Renewable Technology Health Check allows installers to get an in-depth analysis of the system before proceeding with any treatment. In addition, it’s an invaluable service to certify compliance with Part L of the Building Regulations and the cleaning and treatment specification of the system.
Solar thermal systems are a practical and viable solution to traditional heating methods. However it’s crucial that suppliers, installers and users are aware of the technology’s vulnerabilities if they are going to fulfil their true potential. The truth of the matter is that the benefits solar thermal systems have been installed to provide will soon be negated if it has not been treated in accordance with Part L of the Building Regulations with the required chemical water treatments.
© 2011 Angel Business Communications. Permission required.
www.solar-pv-uk.com Issue IV 2011
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