Unpressurized (Gravity Drain) Solar Water Heater Systems:
All glass heat pipe systems are unpressurized, which means the collector must be on the roof to allow water to drain from the tank by gravity. This means no pump or pressurization is required, nor are any high-pressure fittings required to the solar tank. Glass heat pipe, unpressurized (gravity) system advantages:
- • Lowest cost per liter of water heated
- • Glass heat pipes do not corrode
- • Can stand freezing temperatures-no water in tube
- • No water leaks if bottom of tube broken
Installation Procedure:
Before Assembling Collectors:
Prior to installation of the solar collectors, the following items should be addressed:
- Decide on location of solar hot water system
- Check access for piping from solar tank to point of use (bathroom tank?)
- Install pipe runs from solar tank to point of use
- Pipes should be installed rising slightly to avoid the creation of air pockets
- Insulate all pipe runs Ensure all valves are open
FRAME COMPONENTS & STRUCTURE
Frame Attachment to Roof
- Select a suitable location on the roof for the collector. In the northern hemisphere, the collector should face due south, at an angle to the ground equal to the latitude. For example, latitude of 49 degrees would use a collector angle of about 49 degrees.
- Remove roof tiles at the corners of an area large enough to fit the collector (2).
- Secure a stainless steel band to a rafter using coach screws and washers (3).
- Replace the roof tiles, leaving the band protruding (4).
- Secure the collector frame to the bands
