Efficient storage tank layout

[carbon neutral]

What would be the most efficient set up for a heat storage tank(s) if I plan to use a wood boiler and solar heat? I would think the best solution would be to put the tanks in series and operate them as a cascade. The returning cold water would pass through the solar tank first then the wood boilers tank. Solar would tend to operate more efficiently at lower temperatures so I would think having a seperate tank from the wood boiler would be best?
Current thoughts on tank sizes would be 250 gallon tank for 160 ft/sq solar and 1300 gallon for EKO 40. Do these tank sizes sound about right?
Also during the summer months I plan on using the wood boilers tank for irrigation (solar alone should provide ample heat for DHW so I don't need the boilers tank), rain water from the roof will be directed to the tank and a sprinkler pump will be used to pump out the tank. Can anyone think of any issues I may have by filling and draining the tank on a daily basis?

 

[Willman]

Can anyone think of any issues I may have by filling and draining the tank on a daily basis?

I would definitely check into filtration of rain water prior to tanking it.

Will

 

[carbon neutral]

My thoughts on filtration are to use gutter guards on the gutters, which keeps leaves, branches, and other large stuff out of the gutters. Then just before the tank have a seperate filter tank. I found some filter tanks @ www.conservationtechnology.com.

 

[steam man]

What would be the most efficient set up for a heat storage tank(s) if I plan to use a wood boiler and solar heat? I would think the best solution would be to put the tanks in series and operate them as a cascade. The returning cold water would pass through the solar tank first then the wood boilers tank. Solar would tend to operate more efficiently at lower temperatures so I would think having a seperate tank from the wood boiler would be best?
Current thoughts on tank sizes would be 250 gallon tank for 160 ft/sq solar and 1300 gallon for EKO 40. Do these tank sizes sound about right?
Also during the summer months I plan on using the wood boilers tank for irrigation (solar alone should provide ample heat for DHW so I don't need the boilers tank), rain water from the roof will be directed to the tank and a sprinkler pump will be used to pump out the tank. Can anyone think of any issues I may have by filling and draining the tank on a daily basis?

Corrosion-I don't know your geographic location but rain water can be very acidic, especially with all the oxygen in it. I don't think this idea would be good for the tanks considering the sizeable investment you have in your system.

Mike

 

[carbon neutral]

Corrosion would be my primary concern especially if I use aluminum heat exchangers. I am located on the CT shoreline, I don't know if that is an especially corrosive rain water area or not. I would like to use copper coils but I am having trouble finding them at a reasonable cost.

 

[Willman]

I would like to use copper coils but I am having trouble finding them at a reasonable cost.

Check out refrigeration tubing. Less than standard soft coil.
Will