Solar Thermal Design Question

  • Active since 1995, Hearth.com is THE place on the internet for free information and advice about wood stoves, pellet stoves and other energy saving equipment.

    We strive to provide opinions, articles, discussions and history related to Hearth Products and in a more general sense, energy issues.

    We promote the EFFICIENT, RESPONSIBLE, CLEAN and SAFE use of all fuels, whether renewable or fossil.
Status
Not open for further replies.
D

DenaliChuck

Member
Mar 25, 2008
222
South Central Colorado
Hey Folks,

I've been looking around for a simple solar thermal plumbing design for my new house. I'm not looking for sizing, just a plumbing and controls schematic.

I need a design that has a solar collector, buffer tank, and electric water heater. The system would provide DHW as well as space heat via in-floor hydronic.

The primary heat load will be DHW so an electric water heater sized to accommodate the occupants, will more than supply the heat load for the house.

I plan to use a couple solar collectors, 500 gallon converted propane buffer tank, and an 80 gallon water heater (either superstor with hx and electric backup, or a marathon with an added external hx).

Can you point me to a design?

Thanks!

Chuck
 
Thanks begreen! Those look like great resources, and I haven't seen them in previous google web searches. It will take a few to go through the info there! I'll be sure to post my design for others.

Any others out there?
 
I have a DIY DHW system based on the Build it solar design.
It has been preforming quite well so far.

http://www.builditsolar.com/Projects/WaterHeating/Metal1K/Metal1K.htm

I have two 4'x8' panels will give me 100gl of 150::F water when it is sunny out.
You probably need to look closely at the feasibility of space heating as the
number of panels will be much larger than what is needed for just DHW.
 
Hi,
This one is any updated version of the $1K system mentioned above

http://www.builditsolar.com/Projects/SpaceHeating/DHWplusSpace/Main.htm

It does both domestic water heating and space heating and is very simple.

I added a backup heating system that heats the solar storage tank when there is not enough solar, so now it is the only heating system for that part of the house. This gets rid of one of our two forced air furnaces.

Gary
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

velvetfoot
Thinking Of Simplifying My Heating System
Replies
8
Views
441
The Inglenook
Prometeo
Prometeo
E
Heat Storage For Low Temperature Solar Thermal
Replies
13
Views
2K
The Green Room
lml999
lml999
Mark987
Sizing a Heat Exchanger Help
Replies
1
Views
2K
The Boiler Room - Wood Boilers and Furnaces
Mark987
Mark987
N
New set up of an old boiler with storage
Replies
10
Views
2K
The Boiler Room - Wood Boilers and Furnaces
all night moe
A
G
DV fireplace cold draft, options on table
Replies
3
Views
319
It's a Gas!
DAKSY
DAKSY
Top Bottom
Back