Remplir le circuit fermé d'un système de chauffe-eau solaire avec du glycol

Table of Contents

1. 🌞 Introduction
2. 💡 What is a closed-circuit system?
3. 🔄 The role of the collective closed-circuit system
4. 🔒 Closed-loop collector circuit: Understanding the basics
   1. 💧 The importance of using the right fluid
   2. ❄️ Protecting collectors in below-zero temperatures
5. 🛠️ How to fill the closed-loop collector circuit
   1. 🔗 Required materials for the filling process
   2. ⚙️ Step-by-step filling instructions
6. 🚰 Testing for leaks and ensuring proper connections
   1. 🧪 Inspecting connections at the AGM 2.5 pump module
   2. 🔍 Identifying and repairing leaks
7. 🔁 Draining and refilling the closed-loop circuit
   1. 🔄 Emptying the test water and preparing for ST5 solution
   2. 🚀 Refilling with the ST5 solution
8. 🏗️ stabilizing the pressure and finalizing the process
   1. ⏳ Checking for stability in pressure gauge
   2. 🌡️ Normal operating pressure range
9. 💡 Conclusion

🌞 Introduction

In the realm of solar water heating systems, a closed-circuit system plays a crucial role in transferring solar energy effectively. This system utilizes a collective closed-circuit approach to ensure seamless energy transfer from the solar collectors to the storage tank. By employing a heat exchanger system, this closed loop circulates a mixture of water and a propylene glycol solution known as ST5. The ST5 solution acts as a protective measure against collector damage during periods of freezing temperatures. It's important to note that the use of any other solution in the closed-loop collector circuit is strictly prohibited. In this article, we will delve into the essential steps and instructions for filling and maintaining the closed-loop collector circuit like a pro. Let's get started!

💡 What is a closed-circuit system?

Before we delve into the intricacies of the closed-loop collector circuit, let's take a moment to understand the concept of a closed-circuit system. In the context of solar water heating, a closed-circuit system refers to a configuration where the fluid used for heat transfer remains in a sealed loop. Unlike an open-loop system that constantly draws water from a supply, a closed-loop system recirculates the same fluid, making it an efficient and self-sustaining solution. By maintaining a closed circuit, the system minimizes water usage and ensures optimal heat transfer from the solar collectors to the storage tank.

🔄 The role of the collective closed-circuit system

The collective closed-circuit system plays a pivotal role in the overall functionality of a solar water heating system. It acts as an intermediary channel, facilitating the transfer of solar energy from the solar collectors to the storage tank. By utilizing a heat exchanger system, this closed circuit enables the efficient exchange of thermal energy between the fluid in the collectors and the water in the storage tank. This mechanism ensures that the energy captured from the sun is effectively harnessed and utilized to provide hot water to households, promoting energy efficiency and sustainability.

🔒 Closed-loop collector circuit: Understanding the basics

To comprehend the filling process of the closed-loop collector circuit, it's vital to grasp the fundamentals of this integral component of the solar water heating system. The closed-loop collector circuit consists of a carefully designed network of pipes, connectors, and various fittings that enable the smooth circulation of the heat transfer fluid.

💧 The importance of using the right fluid

To ensure optimal performance and longevity of the system, the choice of fluid used in the closed-loop collector circuit is crucial. In this case, the ST5 solar transfer fluid, which is a blend of water and propylene glycol solution, is the recommended choice. The use of ST5 provides effective freeze protection for the system, preventing any potential damage to the solar collectors during periods of below-zero temperatures. It is essential to note that only water and ST5 should be used in the solar water heater system, specifically for filling the closed-loop collector circuit.

❄️ Protecting collectors in below-zero temperatures

One of the primary purposes of the closed-loop collector circuit is to safeguard the solar collectors from adverse weather conditions, particularly freezing temperatures. The ST5 solar transfer fluid, with its anti-freeze properties, ensures that the collectors remain undamaged even in sub-zero temperatures. This protection is crucial as the collectors are exposed to the elements and can be susceptible to freezing without the appropriate preventative measures.

🛠️ How to fill the closed-loop collector circuit

Now that we understand the significance of the closed-loop collector circuit and the role of the ST5 solar transfer fluid, let's delve into the step-by-step process of filling the closed-loop collector circuit.

🔗 Required materials for the filling process

Before you begin the filling process, gather the following materials to ensure a smooth procedure:

• One bottle of ST5 solar transfer fluid
• One 10-liter bucket
• One small water pump capable of generating at least 300 kiloPascals of pressure
• Three clear PVC hoses, each approximately one meter long
• Two metal hose clamps

⚙️ Step-by-step filling instructions

1. Fill the bucket with clean water.
2. Connect one end of a plastic hose to the drain port and place the other end into the bucket.
3. Connect one end of the second plastic hose to the fill port and the other end to the discharge connection of your filling pump.
4. Connect one end of the third plastic hose to the suction side of your filling pump and place the other end into the bucket.
5. Using the fill port key supplied with the AGM 2.5, open the fill and drain ports by turning about four turns.
6. Close the pump isolation valve by turning the screwdriver slot into a horizontal position.
7. Start pumping until water is flowing freely back into the bucket from the plastic hose connected to the drain port.
8. Continue pumping until the water is flowing freely with very few air bubbles. This process typically takes about 30 seconds.
9. Close the drain port and continue pumping until the pressure gauge reads between 1 and 1.2 bar.
10. Then, close the fill port and stop pumping.
11. Inspect all connections at the AGM 2.5 pump module and check for any leaks.
12. If leaks are found, they must be repaired, and the testing procedure must be completed again.
13. Once you are sure there are no leaks, open both the drain and fill ports, allowing the water in the circuit to flow back into the bucket.
14. After releasing the test water from the system, leave all the hoses connected to the AGM 2.5 module but empty the test water from the bucket.
15. Empty the contents of the ST5 container into the bucket and fill with 10 liters of clean water, following the same procedure as the test process.
16. Start the filling pump and continue until the solution is flowing freely back into the bucket from the plastic hose connected to the drain port.
17. Continue pumping until the water is flowing freely with very few air bubbles, stabilizing usually within 30 seconds.
18. Close the drain port and continue pumping until the pressure gauge reaches 1 to 1.2 bar.
19. Close the fill port and stop pumping.
20. Check if the pressure gauge is now stable at a pressure between 1 bar and 2 bar.
21. Anywhere between these two pressures is considered normal operating pressure, with slight variations depending on installation specifics and the day's temperature.
22. Finally, open the pump isolation valve by turning the screwdriver slot into the vertical position.
23. Congratulations! Your closed circuit is now ready to offer efficient solar thermal energy transfer!

🚰 Testing for leaks and ensuring proper connections

Ensuring the absence of leaks and maintaining proper connections is crucial for the optimal performance of the closed-loop collector circuit. Let's explore the steps to test for leaks and ensure a sealed system.

🧪 Inspecting connections at the AGM 2.5 pump module

Before proceeding with the filling process, carefully inspect all the connections at the AGM 2.5 pump module. It's essential to examine each connection point for any signs of leakage or loose fittings. This step ensures that the system remains sealed and free from potential leaks that can hinder the efficiency and effectiveness of the solar water heating system.

🔍 Identifying and repairing leaks

In the event that leaks are detected during the inspection or filling process, it is crucial to address them promptly. Leaks can compromise the efficient operation of the closed-loop collector circuit and may lead to reduced performance or potential damage. If you find any leaks, it is imperative to repair them before proceeding further. Once the necessary repairs are completed, the testing procedure, as mentioned in the previous section, must be repeated to ensure a leak-free and functional system.

🔁 Draining and refilling the closed-loop circuit

Periodically draining and refilling the closed-loop circuit is necessary to maintain the system's performance and ensure long-term efficiency. Let's explore the steps for draining the system and subsequently refilling it.

🔄 Emptying the test water and preparing for ST5 solution

To commence the draining process, start by emptying the test water from the system. Ensure that all hoses connected to the AGM 2.5 module remain intact during this step. Once the test water is removed, empty the contents of the ST5 container into the bucket to prepare for refilling the system with the appropriate fluid.

🚀 Refilling with the ST5 solution

With the test water emptied, and the ST5 solution ready, proceed to fill the system with the ST5 solar transfer fluid. Follow the same filling procedure as outlined in the previous section, ensuring that the fluid is flowing freely back into the bucket from the plastic hose connected to the drain port. Monitor the pressure gauge to ensure it stabilizes between 1 and 1.2 bar. Once stabilized, close the drain port, stop pumping, and verify the pressure gauge remains steady within the recommended operating pressure range.

🏗️ Stabilizing the pressure and finalizing the process

After successfully filling the closed-loop collector circuit, it's essential to stabilize the pressure within the system. This section explores the steps involved in stabilizing the pressure and finalizing the filling process.

⏳ Checking for stability in pressure gauge

Once the filling process is complete, observe the pressure gauge to ensure it remains stable within the normal operating pressure range. Normal operating pressure typically falls between 1 bar and 2 bar, with slight variations depending on the specific installation details and the prevailing temperature. A stable pressure reading ensures optimal performance and efficient heat transfer within the solar water heating system.

🌡️ Normal operating pressure range

Understanding the normal operating pressure range is essential for monitoring and maintaining the closed-loop collector circuit. The recommended range for stable pressure typically falls between 1 bar and 2 bar. It's important to note that the operating pressure may vary within this range due to installation specifics and fluctuations in temperature. By monitoring the pressure gauge and ensuring it remains within this range, you can ensure the proper functioning of the solar water heating system.

💡 Conclusion

The closed-loop collector circuit is a vital component of a solar water heating system, allowing for efficient transfer of solar energy. Filling and maintaining this circuit correctly are crucial to ensure optimal performance and longevity of the system. By carefully following the step-by-step procedures outlined in this article, you can confidently fill the closed-loop collector circuit with the ST5 solar transfer fluid, test for leaks, stabilize the pressure, and finalize the process. With a properly filled and well-maintained closed-loop collector circuit, you can harness the power of solar energy to provide hot water for your household while promoting energy efficiency and sustainability.

《Resources》

• AGM 2.5 Pump Module
• ST5 Solar Transfer Fluid