Industrial/Process Water Heating
Solar thermal collectors can be used to heat water for most industrial processes as the LaZer2 collectors can heat water up to 150°C.
Detailed below is a description of the components, operation and installation etc. of a LaZer2 solar process water heating system.
LaZer2 Solar Collectors
A southerly-facing pitched roof or wall, or a flat roof, are ideal locations for solar collectors to be mounted on. Collectors can be installed on an east or west-facing but the total collector area will need to be increased to compensate for the lower energy levels. Shading, aesthetics, roof condition and accessibility will all be considered when selecting a position for the solar collectors.
Once the average daily hot water demand and usage pattern has been assessed and the collector location identified; the number of collectors required can be specified.
Pipe Work
Pipe work will need to be run from the collector arrays to a solar buffer vessel or plate heat exchanger. Copper pipe work is typically used but stainless steel is an option. The high operating temperatures of the system mean that plastic pipe work is not suitable.
Pipe work connections are usually low temperature braised or soldered connections. The solder used will need to have a melting point of c.300°C
The size of the pipe work installed will depend on the total collector area and length of pipe run.
The pipe work can be run externally or internally. All pipe work will be insulated, and if required mechanically protected. As an anti-freeze is used in all systems no trace heating will be required.
Buffer Vessels, Calorifiers & Heat Exchangers
A solar buffer vessel or solar calorifier is usually required to store the solar energy that the LaZer2 system is producing. If there is a high constant load then it is possible to transfer solar energy using a plate heat exchanger. The specification of the proposed (or existing) water heating system will influence the way in which the LaZer2 system is integrated and the type of vessel or heat exchanger installed.
Controls
The LaZer2 solar control system will usually be installed close to the solar buffer vessel or heat exchanger.
The control settings will be optimised at the time of installation, after which no user interaction should be required. The LaZer2 system operates automatically, but the readings on controller display and gauges should be monitored regularly to ensure that the system is functioning correctly.
The LaZer2 control system is totally separate to the controls for the other heat sources.
Operation
The LaZer2 system functions automatically without user input. The control system monitors the collector and buffer vessel and/or system hot water temperatures and starts the pump when there is useful solar energy to be gained. When there is no more useful solar energy available the controller stops the circulating pump.
The safety features incorporated into every system will ensure that the system temperatures can never get too high and that all components are protected against freezing.
System Design & Specification
The key to installing the correct solar thermal system is to ensure that the design requirements are fully understood and that consideration is made for processes, systems and controls. We offer a full design, specification supply and installation service and can provide a fixed cost quote for any solution.
Installation
The method and timescale for installation will be set once the system has been designed and the operating times of the system are known. Every effort will be taken to minimise process down-time.
Lead times for installation vary depend on the size of the system. We typically book engineers from 4 to12 weeks in advance.
Post-Installation
We stand by our solutions and are therefore always happy to deal with any questions or queries you or the client may have.
Every system we install is covered by a 2-year parts and labour warranty. The solar collectors are covered by a 25-year warranty against loss of vacuum.
There is no scheduled maintenance required for the first 5-years of a systems operating life. After 5-years we recommend that the heat transfer solution is checked and, if necessary, replaced.
We recommend that systems are visually checked 3-months after commissioning, 12-months after commissioning and the annually there after. We offer inspection and maintenance contracts if required.
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