fig.19c |
100% UTILITY |
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consumed so that the tank lining is not. At a certain point in the process, the anode rod is no longer completely effective and the corrosive processes begin to eat away at the tank's glass lining. In time the solar storage tank, like any other gas or electric water heater, will begin to leak. The process is not reversible and the tank must be replaced.
System temperatures and water quality affect the rate at which the anode rod is consumed. In general, the higher the average system temperature the faster the rate of corrosion. By changing the anode rod after the fifth year of system operation, and every three to five years thereafter, it is possible to extend the life of the solar storage tank. Periodic replacement of the anode rod in your solar storage tank can significantly extend the tank life.
9.3The solar storage tank also should be flushed annually to minimize sediment
Open the flush valve on the bottom of the storage tank (No. 15) and drain a sufficient volume of water to eliminate the sediment. After the procedure is complete make sure the tank is completely full of water before restoring power to the thermostat and heating element. Turn the controller to the "on" position.
9.4If you live in a dusty climate it is a good idea to wash off the dirt that settles on the collector glass once a month. Clean glass allows the collector to
maintain a high level of thermal performance.
9.5Check the exterior pipe insulation annually and patch or repair any exposed surfaces or degraded areas. Repaint as necessary.
9.6In the unusual instance of collector glass breakage, the glass should be replaced immediately. This will reduce the likelihood of water accumulating inside the collector and deteriorating the insulation. Contact your installation contractor.
9.7If you detect a glycol or water leak, or the glycol loop pressure drops unexpectedly, contact your installation contractor immediately to diagnose the problem and recharge the system.
9.8If it’s been a sunny day and you don’t have hot water, first make sure that the controller is set in the automatic position. If the controller is properly set and the pump has not been running, unplug the line cord from the controller receptacle and plug the pump directly into a nearby 115 volt outlet. If the pump does not run it may need to be replaced. If the pump does run when plugged directly into the wall outlet, the problem may be located in the controller or one of the 10k ohm sensors. Contact your installation contractor for service.
9.9If you have a full tank of hot water before bed and the solar storage tank is cold in the morning, the check valve (No. 4) may not be seating correctly and should be cleaned or replaced. Also make sure that the circulating pump is not running after 6:00 p.m. If the pump is running and the control indictor light "Solar" #1 is on after 6:00 p.m., check both sensors to
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