Solar Hot Water Systems

By admin

Jun

29

Harvey Abouelata asked:




The primary components of a drainback-type solar hot water system include:
Solar collectors – typically installed on the roof, the solar collectors gather heat from the sun. Storage tank- residential storage tanks are generally 65-120 gallons, depending upon the number of people in the household. Hot water flows from here to the fixtures in your home or business. Drainback tank- this small tank provides freeze protection, and holds the liquids that circulate through the solar loop when the pump is off. System Controller- The system controller is a small, sophisticated computer. This computer is attached to temperature sensors on the roof and in the storage tank, as well as the circulating pump. When the collectors are warmer than the storage tank, the controller switches the system on. Circulating Pump- The circulating pump runs the solar loop. Water circulates through the collectors on the roof and gets hot. From here, the water flows down to a heat exchanger where it heats the water in your storage tank. Cooler water then circulates back up to the roof, where the cycle begins again. Flow meter- The flow meter is used to attain optimum circulation, so that heat is transferred efficiently to your storage tank. Pipes and Insulation- Because of the heat generated by the solar collectors, we recommend copper pipe. PVC piping, particularly near the solar collectors, will not withstand the high temperatures generated. High quality insulation surrounding the copper pipes in a solar hot water system prevents heat loss and makes the system more efficient.
How to choose the system that’s right for you

If you’re interested in a drainback-type system, you’ll want to consider the following.
Where should I put the collectors? If you have a south-facing (or near-south) roof that’s unshaded, this is often the ideal location. For a drainback system, the collectors need to be above the level of both the drainback tank and storage tank. What type of collector should I use? There are many options out there. Sustainable Future offers two types, flat plate collectors manufactured by AET and evacuated tubes manufactured by Sunda. For some people, it’s an aesthetic decision. Flat plate collectors look more like skylights if they are flush-mounted. You’ll need slightly less surface area if you use the evacuated tubes. For residential systems, the cost of using one versus another is very similar. Do the collectors need to be tilted at an angle? Ideally, yes. However, if you prefer the look of flush-mounted collectors, this can be done with a small decrease in the efficiency of the collectors. If efficiency is of primary importance, we suggest tilting the collectors approximately 10 degrees more than your latitude (for customers in the northern hemisphere). This gives a “winter bias” and makes your collectors most efficient during the winter months when the sun is low in the sky. What happens at night or when it’s cloudy? A well-insulated solar hot water system will retain the heat in the tank overnight with no problem. If, for example, it’s cloudy for a week in December and you’re using your hot water each day, most systems have either a gas or electric backup to provide supplemental heat if enough solar energy isn’t available. We can also retrofit your old hot water system. What size storage tank do I need? This depends upon how much hot water you’re using per day. For 3-4 people, we recommend an 80-gallon solar storage tank. If you have teenagers who like long showers or a larger family, you may need the 120-gallon tank.

hot water storage tanks

Propane Water Heater More Cost Effective To Operate

By admin

Jun

29

Korbin Newlyn asked:




There are numerous reasons that some homeowners are choosing a propane water heater, primarily among them is the cost of operation as well as recovery time. Most households with a propane water heater have do not have choices available to supply their home’s hot water and if natural gas is not one of them, they usually select gas over electric.

Cost Reduction

Generally speaking, a propane water heater will cost approximately 30 percent less to run compared to an electric water heater and the recovery rate is roughly twice as fast. Because they are also available in s variety of sizes, they offer an assortment of installation options.

It is also claimed that they require smaller space requirements and many venting options. In addition, their use in instant heat hot water heaters helps familys save even more money.

Studies have demonstrated that approximately 20 percent of the cost to heat hot water is lost in keeping the water hot when there is no immediate demand. A propane water heater for tank less systems heats the water only at the time it is required, lowering the annual cost for hot water.

Demand is an additional concern as tank less on demand systems will provide, based on its size, between five and seven gallons of hot water each minute. A tank supply system can output quite a bit more than that.

Propane Water Heater Heats More Water Faster

One of the main benefits of a propane water heater is that it can heat more water, much faster than a traditional electric hot water heater and your storage tank for propane is normally outside of the residence. An electric water tank might need up to an hour to recover and reheat 40 gallons of hot water, whereas a propane water heater might recover a similar amount in roughly half the time.

One of the downsides is with an electric water heater there is no requirement to vent the burner from the heat source, which is one of the requirements with a propane water heater. The needed space around the heater can also be much less as no allowance for any of the flames from the bottom of the tank has to be made.

In the case of an electric hot water heater, they are wired into the house’s electrical system and piped into the water supply lines. A propane water heater will also become an integral part of the water supply system, as well as having a propane gas line run between the water and the propane storage tanks.

hot water storage tanks

What is a good diameter, wall thickness, and length for heat exchangers (coils)?

By admin

Jun

29

TAM88 asked:


I am trying to design a storage tank for a solar hot water heating system.
To be more specific. Me and my group are working on a project to design a hot water solar system and we are trying to find the question i asked above.

hot water storage tanks

Best Purchases – Water Tanks, Indoor Water Features And Garden Pumps!

By admin

Jun

28

How Does A Tankless Water Heater Work?

By admin

Jun

28

Jo Williams asked:




Consider this scenario: You come home after a hard day’s work, and the only thing on your mind is taking a nice, long, hot shower. You hop in, and start to enjoy the hot water splashing down upon you. However, just a few minutes into your escape from the day, you notice the water temperature turning lukewarm. Another minute later, it is bordering on chilly. Before you know it, your nice hot shower has turned into a freezing torture test. How can this happen? Well, more than likely the problem can be traced to an underachieving storage tank water heater. For this reason (and others), more and more people are starting to discover the benefits of switching over to a tankless water heater. How does a tankless water heater work? In this article, we’ll give you the skinny on this amazing system.

Before we examine the tankless water heater, let’s take a closer look at its counterpart. A storage tank water heater keeps a certain level of water hot 24 hours a day, which can lead to some negative results. First, this constant energy use leads to higher electricity bills and unnecessary wear on the water tank. In addition, when the hot water supply gets used (as in the example above), the water tank needs a standard amount of time (also known as recovery time) to heat the water back up again. This can often be frustrating, especially in larger family homes where the battle for hot water can be “heated”.

That leads us to tankless water heaters. These systems are designed to heat water as you need it, which means that everyone in your family will be able to use hot water anytime on demand. How is this possible? Well, whenever somebody turns on the hot water faucet, the tankless water heater springs into action. Cold water flows into the heater and is instantly heated by copper and brass water ways known as exchangers. The result is endless hot water in a matter of seconds! The hot water temperature is set by you and will always remain the same, which should eliminate any incidences of burns or scalding water. When the members of your family are finished using the hot water, the tankless water heater will shut down until it is needed again. As you can see, this system is far more efficient than standard storage tank water heaters.

Tankless water heaters also last longer than storage tank water heaters. Aside from being more space effective (most units are a quarter of the size of conventional heaters), tankless water heaters also provide unobstructed heat transfer. Why is this? Because water is not actually stored in a tankless heater, mineral build-up does not occur. This enables a tankless water heater to perform at the highest level for upwards of 20 years or more.

Now that you have a better idea about how a tankless water heater works, why not consider replacing your outdated storage tank with a system of your own? You will save energy, space, and money, and best of all you and your family will always be guaranteed hot water any time it is needed.

hot water storage tanks

Can we develop a solar heater based on coffee makers?

By admin

Jun

28

Mr. P asked:


I was thinking the main problem in solar water heating – is that the solar panel is on the roof, and the storage tank is below it – Convection flow won’t allow flow, so we have to pump it there – more energy.

However – coffee makers (filter type) heat the water at the bottom, and this produces gas pressure to lift the hot water up . It then repeats in small cycles of heating and moving water.

Obviously water won’t boil in a solar heater to do this – but Dichloromethane will.
By fitting two or more non return valves in the system to ensure one way flow, and purging the system of all air. The Dichloromethane will do the work by itself. A pressurised expansion tank is all that is needed.
Dichloromethane boils at 40 degrees celcius – turning to vapour within the solar heater – expelling all the hot liquid. this returns to liquid when not heated in the pipes and water tank, creating a negative pressure. The non-return valves ensure the solar heater is filled again – assisted by the pressureised expansion tank, and a second heating cycle is started.
This will continue untill nightfall.

If the coil inside the water tank is at the bottom, then a further heating stage can take the water from 40 degrees to 60 – only a 20 degree raise. This may be by using another liquid of a higher boiling point.
What do you think?
Secondary heating can be by Methanol – boiling at 67 degrees celcius.
Complete automation !
Freezing points for these two are -95 and -97 degrees celcius – so no danger there – so can be left as a permanent fixture throught the winter. It may even produce heat on bright days.

hot water storage tanks

the fill rate of my well storage tank has recently increased dramatically. What does this indicate?

By admin

Jun

28

Dougie V asked:


the pressure of the hot water at my sinks has slowly fallen off as well. could this be related to the pressure issue at my tank?
the pressure on the hot water at my sinks & showers has slowly fallen off as well. the pressure on the cold side is fine. hot & cold flow thru the same faucet, so the blockage thing is out. the pressure in the slop sink in the basement is good, but yhe pressure upstairs is weak & seemingly getting weaker over time. i never have the slop sink on when another faucet is on. this problem does not flucuate at all, it is present constantly. i have checked all valves for partial closure & all are fully open. has anyone ever experienced this prblem, & could it be related to a bladder/pressure issue in the tank?

hot water storage tanks

What Are Combi Boilers And What Can They Do For You?

By admin

Jun

27

Why isn’t it possible to use water as fuel for cars?

By admin

Jun

26

papa_de_q asked:


To those more knowledgeable about these types of things, this may seem like a “dumb” question. However as a non-scientist it makes perfect sense to me.

1.
Suppose one had an ignition system that completes a circuit allowing current from a battery to heat a heating element for a boiler full of water. Or… initially one had to plug up the heating element into a power source.

2.
The steam from the boiler powers an alternator/generator that:

a. Powers an electric motor for the vehicle

b. Generates even more electricity to heat the boiler. intensely hotter (using gear ratio factors to make the rotation even faster) and heating elements of the hottest variety (losing very little energy as it transfers from electricity to heat – almost none lost as light)

Here’s the part that may be dumb – I feel like I’m missing something otherwise it would’ve already been done…… The water tank may have to be huge (so 4 passenger cars would have to be or about the size of minivans for water storage – so what?)…. and you fill up on WATER. From any available water source!!

Of course you don’t turn off the engine during the day – unless you want to wait until the water heats. (but you can turn it down very low)

But voila’!! The vehicle runs on water!!!! Even dirty water – ocean water – bath water – laundry water.

Ok. Why won’t this work?
Ok guys – granted it is a steam powered engine. but is essentially an ELECTRIC ENGINE – much as trains use diesel engines to generate electricity to power electric engines to power the locomotive. OBVIOUSLY some engineer somewhere figured you’d come out on top by using the fuel to power and electric engine. Hmmmm?
Correction :
To power AN electric engine.
Finally assuming I “can” control the rate of the boiling water – not impossible and assuming the weight (payload) to be the weight of 4 passengers and the water. The seam engine would be no bigger than the what fits normally in the engine space allowed in the average truck – or minivan as it were. C’mon where are the real scientist that can give substancial and significant reasons why this can’t work.
ok… I fdidn’t make it clear that the electricity for the heating element comes from the alternator. The faster the car goes…the faster the water boils. so having enough electricity to generate enough steam is contigent on how fast the electric motor is turning. this seems like cyclical logic.. but hey… everything in you gasoline engine is cyclical as well. So what? (Instead of charging a battery to fire spark plugs, I’m heating the boiler) Also when I take my feet the accelerator, the wheels are still turning …producing even more electricity.

hot water storage tanks

Tankless Water Heaters Save Energy

By admin

Jun

26

Thomas Henricks asked:




The tankless water heater operates on the principle that it heats water on demand as it is called for. Differing from traditional hot water heaters that require a storage tank, the tankless water heater requires no storage tank and so you experience no standby heat energy loss. Standby heat loss is the heat lost and energy wasted by heating water and then storing it in a tank. This is a characteristic of traditional hot water heaters. Avoiding standby heat loss is the key to how tankless water heaters manage to be energy efficient.

Whether a tankless water heater is point-of-use or a whole-house unit, they work the same basic way. Cold water enters the unit and is heated by a heating element which is turned on by a flow activated switch. The heat exchanger can be electric resistance heating coils or a gas fired burner using natural gas or propane.

There are three variables that have to be considered in sizing the unit.

The volume of water the unit is required to heat, measured as flow rate in gallons per minute (GPM)

The temperature of the cold water entering the unit

The desired temperature of the hot water exiting the unit.

Those three factors are what determine the type, size and possibly even the number of tankless water heaters you need.

Types of Tankless Water Heater

There are two basic types of tankless water heaters, Point of Use and Whole House.

Point of Use Tankless Water Heater

It creates 170 degree F hot water instantly and you can pour water that is ready to make tea or coffee or soup right out of the faucet. The point of use tankless water heater is small enough to fit underneath a sink cabinet or in a small closet. They are normally dedicated use heaters which simply means that one unit serves one faucet. Point of use tankless water heaters are less expensive than whole house water heaters.

Whole House Tankless Water Heater

Whole house water heaters can provide higher flow capacity and can handle demand for more than one fixture at a time. For example they normally easily supply two shower fixtures at one time or a dishwasher, kitchen sink and a bathroom hot water faucet. Some shower heads can require as much as six times more water than a bathroom faucet.

The number and size of whole house tankless water heaters you need will be largely determined by flow rate. That is determined by the number and types of fixtures you would potentially operate all at the same time. You may find that you will need more than one whole house tankless water heater hooked up in parallel to meet your hot water demands.

Once you have made the changeover, you will be very pleasantly surprised at your energy costs.

hot water storage tanks

Solar Water Heaters

By admin

Jun

26

Choose your Hot Tub Service with Care

By admin

Jun

26

The Benefits Of Solar Hot Water

By admin

Jun

25

What You Need to Know About Hot Water Tanks

By admin

Jun

25

David Cannell asked:




A hot water tank can make a huge difference to your utility bills. Your usage is responsible for up to 15% of your energy bill, with this in mind its easy to see how choosing the right tank can save money. By utilising rain water and linking your water catchments with your tank you will see your water usage bill decrease as well. In recent years the technology used in hot water tanks has improved greatly. By simply replacing your current hot water system with a similar one and not exploring new options, you could be doing yourself a disservice.

There are three categories that water heaters fall into, storage water heaters, tankless on-demand water heaters and instant dispensers. Most homes have a system that falls under storage water heaters, they’re the large white tanks that hold hot water until it is required. On-demand water heaters are gaining in popularity. Dispensers are found in older homes.

There are many advantages to the hot water storage tank system. Firstly, they are not as prone to breakdowns as with other systems. Systems are low maintenance, particularly if you go with a brand that has a good name. The water pressure from these systems is usually better as well.

When you are looking at a hot water tank storage system, the tank that you select can make a big difference. Look for a brand you can trust that offers a warranty. Energy ratings are important, take note of the star rating and see how that will effect your energy consumption and in turn your bills.

Solar systems are gaining in popularity. Powered by panels on the roof, the water is heated in a specialized tank. The result is enough water for a family all delivered without using power off the grid. In some cases you can even sell excess power back to the electricity company for a profit.

If you use rainwater at your home, it is possible to link up your water tank to your system. You will need to make sure that you have a filtration system in place, particularly if you live in an urban area. While many people just use rainwater for gardening and laundering, there are many benefits to using rainwater for all your needs. Utilising rainwater means that you are taking pressure of the water grid. You’ll no longer have to pay for water usage. You’ll be helping the environment and your hip pocket at the same time.

hot water storage tanks

How Solar Hot Water Works

By admin

Jun

25

Michael Bloch asked:




I have a kitchen with no cabinets and I was wandering what could I do as an alternative?

By admin

Jun

24

Motherof2 asked:


I’m remodeling the home I purchased from my mom and where I grew up as a child. Unfortunately there isn’t much space to store anything. The kitchen which is where we mostly are for homework and meals is not so big, and the ultimate is that there are no cabinets. I was wondering what could I do for storage if I decided not to go with cabinets. The kitchen is shaped like a rectangle(approx. 20 ft. x 10 ft.), housing the gas stove, washer and dryer, a double sink, refrigerator, gas hot water tank and a table which seats four.

hot water storage tanks

Planning Ahead To Beat the High Cost of Heating Your Home

By admin

Jun

24

me and my boyfriend have been seeing and living with one another for 3 years?

By admin

Jun

24

arc16314 asked:


we inspired one another to better our selves. he lived with an uncle to get to work,neither of us had cars or a perminent resident. we mett at work ( we were temps) we saved, got a place ,a car, and better jobs. we had the world. his mother had a house and told us we could live there, it needed work. painting, cosmetic stuff we could do,she took a lone for the hot water tank and furness . we moved from our nice haven into the house and worked. winter was comeing, the house still had no place to cook or shower, my mother lost her mind also among evrything else. to make this short ,2 years later the house still isnt done, and weve been staying here and there with evry thing we own in a storage unit. the stress of that, on top I turned 21 this year and have been doing what most 21s do, (he’s 27) been there, done that attitude. we’ve grown apart, we have no communication. i love him, but we are not the friends we once were. help!

hot water storage tanks

Tankless Hot Water Heaters Are Safer

By admin

Jun

24

James Hunt asked:




The tankless hot water heater is an innovative way to save money on your water-heating bill. Storage-type hot water heaters lose heat all day long consuming more energy than any other job in the home except space heating. Tankless hot water heaters only heat the water you need as you’re using it. You never store hot water again. You never wait for water to heat up again. You never run out of hot water!

Traditional water heaters pose a danger to small children. Water does not have to be heated to extreme temperatures for extended use as it does in a tank water heater. With the old type of hot water heater it is necessary to run hot water from the tank and right away you have to relief the extreme temperature with cold water to make it comfortable to the touch. Tankless water heaters are set to a pleasant temperature of your choice and you don’t have to use the cold-water side again. There would no longer be extremely heated temperature to cause burns, disfigurement and perhaps death.

There are a bacterium that grows naturally in water and is found in rivers, lakes, and streams. The bacteria are found in the water supply of every building, at moderately low concentrations. The bacterium only becomes dangerous when circumstances constructive to its growth exist. Legionnaire’s Disease is a type of pneumonia infecting the lungs. 10,000 – 100,000 cases of Legionnaire’s Disease occurs in the U.S. each year. Disturbingly, about 5% – 15% of these cases are grave, mostly in smokers, the elderly and in those whose weakened immune systems make them vulnerable to bacterial infections.

The bacterium has been found to thrive in domestic tank type water heating systems in which temperatures are kept at steady levels for extended periods of time. The ideal temperature for the growth of this particular bacterium is 95 – 131 degrees F. The incubation period is 2 – 10 days.
Unfortunately this is the temperature maintained in the average home water heater, 24 hours a day, all year long. In other words, all the circumstances that are needed for the growth of this disease are there in your standard residential conventional tank water heater.

hot water storage tanks

Shower Pumps – Installing and Buying Tips

By admin

Jun

23

Kenny Leones asked:




The easiest way to deal with insufficient water pressure is to install a new shower pump. The following instructions will show you how to perform this procedure.

Required Tools and Materials

5 amp plug point
15-mm pipes
Pump
Surrey flange
Isolating valve
Concrete paving slab

Step 1

Place the pump as near the cold and hot water storage tanks as possible. Try putting it 30 m under the cold water tank and about 4 m from the hot water tank. Set the pump as low as you can and the water input head as high as can be. Ensure the water area around the pump has good ventilation. Put it on a concrete slab to keep the noise down.

Step 2

Put the shower pump on the slab in a horizontal manner. The pipe outlets must be set upwards. Join the pipe to the cold water tank. This should be done before linking the pump to electricity. Hook up the supply pipe to the cold water supply. Ensure the supply tank has the right capacity so water flows properly (i.e., 8 liters a minute).

Step 3

Link the pipe to the hot water outlet. Now connect the pipe to the water cylinder using the flange. Affix the thermostat to the pump so the water doesn’t get too hot.

Step 4

Set up the isolation valve and join it to the shower inlet. Make sure the valve isn’t fastened too tightly. Put the brass ring between the pipe and nut.

Step 5

To finish installing a shower pump, connect the pump wiring to an electric switchboard. Make certain there is a 5 amp plug for this connection.

Tips and Warnings

Check with your municipality for the regulations concerning pump installation. There may be restrictions regarding the capacity. The electrical connections should also be installed only after the piping setup is finished.

Before You Buy a Pump

Determine if your bath has positive or negative pressure. If the cold water tank is above your tank level, it is positive. If it is lower, you have negative water pressure. Check the pump specs so you don’t make a mistake when you shop.

When you look for a shower pump, consider the outlet pressure too. The water pressure capacity varies widely per product, so choose the one that best fits your needs. The pressure range is from 1.5 bar to 4.5 and higher.

Another factor you have to consider is the power supply. Pumps can work with numerous output power frequencies, so check this aspect out carefully. Also remember that these pumps have an induction meter. If the wrong pipe specs are applied to the incorrect power supply, the outcome could be a disaster. The quantity of water you use is also an issue. There’s no point buying a 350 W pump if you only take one shower per day.

Putting in a new shower pump is the most practical solution to problems with water pressure. As long as you know what to look for when you buy pumps, those water pressure issues will be a thing of the past.

hot water storage tanks

How to Turn Your Yard and Garden Into a "Naturescape"

By admin

Jun

23

Water Heaters – Easily Neglected Until They Fail

By admin

Jun

22

Allen Taigom asked:




Water heaters provide your house with hot water by using heating elements to covert cold water to heated water. Traditionally they used a storage tank to hold heated water until it is needed. They are not difficult to install yourself, but it is wise to use a professional plumber. This way, you have the guarantee that the work is done correctly and without any problems.

Water heaters are electric, propane, or oil powered devices used to heat water for residential and commercial use. The most common types are storage and tankless (also known as instant hot water heaters). Once set up they become easy to ignore… till they stop working. The typical one lasts about eight to 12 years and accounts for roughly 15% to 20% of your utility bill. They have become some of the most advanced systems in our homes and most people are pretty darn excited about it.

When previously the water heaters have been the equipment that resulted in the most grief, they’re now the simplest to make use of appliance which might be making folks wish they’d switched a long time ago. They’re present in virtually every house and are a significant part of every day life people take for granted, including washing clothes, dish washing, cooking, taking baths or showers, and even heating the home. And those are only the domestic functions we count on.

Due to their extensive usage, they are required to be strong, durable and reliable in order to provide hot water for the longest period of time. They are essential for every family. So when buying something which plays a very important role in the family’s welfare, care should be taken to get the heater that best suits the size of the family, the space that you have available for the unit and more so the available facilities to install it properly. They are available in at least five different types. Some of these work faster than others and some of them work more cheaply than others.

hot water storage tanks

All my fish in 20 gal. tank started laying on the bottom before they all died. All new fish in used clean aqua?

By admin

Jun

22

skeater asked:


It was my tank that I just restarted. Before I moved all my fish I’d had for yrs got Ick and died. I cleaned it all with hot water. Tank sat for 4 months and I had cleaned my gravel and had it in bucket for storage. When I put the gravel into clean tank I was suprised that it was still wet after all that time. I didn’t reclean it, did something in gravel kill all my new fish?

hot water storage tanks

Western Iceland

By admin

Jun

22

hoosiertim asked:


Shot on September 6, 2008. The video begins as we sail into Reykjiavik, Iceland. After disembarking the ship I travel to Þingvellir National Park. The continental drift can be clearly seen in the cracks or faults which are traversing the region, the biggest one, Almannagjá, being a veritable canyon. My tour then continues to Strokkur, a geyser in the geothermic region beside the Hvítá River. Strokkur erupts very reliably every 5-10 minutes, hurling boiling water to heights of up to 70 feet. Next it is off to Gullfoss (English: Golden Falls) located in the canyon of Hvítá river. Our last stop is back in Reykjiavik at the Pearl. Perlan (English: The Pearl) is a landmark building situated on the hill Öskjuhlíð where there had been hot water storage tanks for decades. In 1991 the tanks were updated and a hemispherical structure placed on top. From the viewing deck you get fine views of the city. Full length videos can be found on my web site @ timvp.com

hot water storage tanks

Passive Solar Water Heating – Solar Hot Water

By admin

Jun

21