Apricus Solar Water Heating System Installation and Operation ...

Apricus Solar Collector Installation & Operation Manual - USA7.7. Pump Operationa) Fixed Speed Operation: The Apricus closedloop pump station is supplied standard with a 3speed Grundfos pump. The speed used willdepend on the system head (line pressure losses).See pump specification sheet in Appendix 8.i) Measuring Flow Rate: By utilizing the flowmeter above the pump the flow can bemonitored and the pump speed adjustedaccordingly. The system flow rate can befurther adjusted by turning the flow restrictorscrew (5/32” or 4mm Allen) on the flow meter.ii) Nominal Flow Rate: The recommendednominal flow rate for Apricus evacuated tubesolar collectors is 0.026 G/tube/minute or 0.1L/tube/minute. Refer to section 3.5.b) Variable Speed Operation (recommended): The Apricus Controller allows for variable speed control ofthe 3 speed Grundfos pump. Refer to section 6.4 for programming details.i) Flow Rate: When using variable speed control, the pump should always be set to Speed 3 unlessthis achieves an excessive flow rate. The full speed flow rate should be no more than 1.3 gpm / 5 lpmper 30 tube collector. The restrictor screw on the flow meter can be used to adjust the flow rate slightly.If both full and minimum flow rates are more than 50% faster than the recommended levels, reducingto pump Speed 2 may be required.ii) Speed Setting: Initially, set the “Min rev pump” value to 50%, then manually test the pump operation(Operation Menu) at this level and monitor the flow rate. The flow rate at the slowest pump operationlevel should be around 40-50% of the full flow rate. Adjust the “Min rev pump” until a suitable flow rateis achieved. 30% is the minimum possible setting.ii) Operation: The pump will operate between the dTMax and dTMin temperature range, switching onat 100% when dTMax is reached and reaching minimum pump speed at dTMin. If dTMin is under-run,the pump will switch off. If the “Min rev pump” setting does not achieve a slow enough speed, reducingthe dTMin down to 2-3° F will help to prevent the pump cycling on and off throughout the day.c) Check Valve: All Apricus pump stations are manufactured with the pump check valve installed.7.8. Expansion Tanka) Expansion Tank Purpose: The expansion tank is used to accept expansion of the heat transfer fluid asit heats, preventing a pressure increase and subsequent dumping from the pressure relief valve. For astandard domestic installation using an Apricus pump station, the 4.7 gallon expansion tank provided is asuitable capacity.b) Pressure Setting: The expansion tank is already pre-charged to 12 psi, but should be raised to thesame pressure as the system. It is recommended that the closed loop systems be operated at 40 psi. Thispressure setting MUST be lower than the operating pressure of the main’s pressure.c) Pressure Testing: The integrated check valve on the side of the pump station is opened when thethreaded Onix fitting is connected. System pressure tests (with air or water) should be performed beforeattaching expansion tank.d) Mounting: The expansion tank is supported using the L-shaped mounting bracket. The L-bracket ismounted to the wall with the hardware provided in the expansion tank mounting kit.Step 1. Mark and drill two (2) pilot holes using the mounting bracket as the guide.Step 2. Insert the plastic hollow wall anchors into the holes, if building structural members are notavailable.Step 3. Using a Phillips head screwdriver and the appropriate screws and washers secure the pumpstation to the wall.Copyright 2011 – Apricus Inc Doc: A7-05.4.1.4-PB-1.9 Page 66 of 126