Owners Guide and Installation Instructions Solar Loline Conversion Kit Electric Water Heater WARNING: Plumber – Be Aware Use copper pipe ONLY. Plastic pipe MUST NOT be used. It is a requirement of a solar water heater installation that all pipe work be in copper and not plastic, due to the effects of high water temperatures and pressures. This water heater must be installed and serviced by an authorised person. Please leave this guide with the householder.
WARNING: Plumber – Be Aware: · The solar cold and hot pipes between the solar storage tank and the solar collectors MUST BE of copper and fully insulated with Armaflex insulation or similar (minimum thickness 10 mm). · Plastic pipe MUST NOT be used, as it will not withstand the temperature of the water generated by the solar collectors under stagnation conditions. The solar collectors can generate extremely high water temperatures, up to 150°C, and high water pressure of 1000 kPa.
CONTENTS HOUSEHOLDER – We recommend you read pages 4 to 17. The other pages are intended for the installer but may be of interest. About your water heater ..................................................................... 4 Regular care ......................................................................................... 9 How your water heater works ........................................................... 10 Save a service call ....................................................................
ABOUT YOUR WATER HEATER MODEL TYPE Congratulations for choosing a Rheem electric water heater and a Rheem solar conversion kit. The Rheem solar conversion kit converts your Rheem electric water heater into a Rheem solar Loline water heater. Your Rheem solar Loline water heater is designed for the solar collectors to be roof mounted and the solar storage tank to be installed at ground level. The solar storage tank is suitable for either outdoor or indoor installation.
ABOUT YOUR WATER HEATER HOTTER WATER INCREASES THE RISK OF SCALD INJURY We recommend, and it may also be required by regulations, that an approved temperature limiting device, such as the Rheem Temp-Set, be fitted into the hot water piping to the bathroom and ensuite when this water heater is installed. This will keep the water temperature below 50°C at the bathroom and ensuite. The risk of scald injury will be reduced and still allow hotter water to the kitchen and laundry.
ABOUT YOUR WATER HEATER TO TURN ON THE WATER HEATER · Open the cold water isolation valve fully at the inlet to the water heater. · If the solar collectors and solar hot and cold pipes have been drained, it will be necessary to bleed the collector circuit (refer to “Bleeding the Solar Collectors” on page 7).
ABOUT YOUR WATER HEATER ANODE PROTECTION The anode installed in your water heater will slowly dissipate whilst protecting the cylinder. The life of the water heater cylinder may be extended by arranging for an authorised person to inspect the anode and replacing it if required.
ABOUT YOUR WATER HEATER FLUSHING THE SOLAR COLLECTORS It may be necessary to flush the solar collectors if there is sediment in the water supply. To flush the solar collectors, follow the procedure “Bleeding the Solar Collectors” on page 7, allowing the water to flow from the bleed valve drain line for five minutes before closing the bleed valve. It is recommended to flush the solar collectors every five years.
REGULAR CARE TEMPERATURE AND PRESSURE RELIEF VALVE This valve is near the top of the water heater and is essential for its safe operation. It is possible for the valve to release a little water through the drain pipe during each heating period. This occurs as the water is heated and expands by approximately 1/50 of its volume. Never block the outlet of this valve or its drain pipe for any reason.
HOW YOUR WATER HEATER WORKS The Rheem solar Loline system has its vitreous enamel lined solar storage tank installed at ground or floor level, remotely from the solar collectors. As the sun heats the water in the solar collectors the increase in temperature activates the circulator. The circulator then moves the water from the solar collectors through an insulated copper pipe to the solar storage tank.
HOW YOUR WATER HEATER WORKS SINGLE ELEMENT MODELS · Continuous electricity supply This type of connection is suited to where the storage capacity is less than the normal daily usage. · Off-Peak electricity supply This type of connection will only allow boosting to occur during set hours. A volume of water sufficient for the day’s total use is heated and stored. This type of boosting may be more economical due to reduced tariffs by the electricity authority.
HOW YOUR WATER HEATER WORKS MANUAL CONTROLS An isolating switch is installed in your electrical meter box for your solar water heater. Rheem recommends as an optional extra a second switch, called the Booster Switch, be installed in a convenient location such as the kitchen or laundry.
HOW YOUR WATER HEATER WORKS “ONE SHOT CONTROL” SWITCH The “One Shot Control” switch has been specially developed to help provide maximum savings with electrically boosted solar water heaters connected to a continuous electricity supply. Power must be available to the “One Shot Control” switch before the booster heating unit can be activated. The switch has a push button operation and incorporates a neon light indicator.
SAVE A SERVICE CALL Check the items below before making a service call. You will be charged for attending to any condition or fault that is not related to manufacture or failure of a part. NOT ENOUGH HOT WATER (OR NO HOT WATER) · Insufficient sunlight Insufficient sunlight due to cloudy weather during summer months or low solar energy contribution in winter months may mean you will need to switch on the booster heating unit more often.
SAVE A SERVICE CALL · Air in collectors (no solar gain) It is possible under certain conditions, such as when the pipe work has been opened, that air may become trapped in the solar collectors. This will prevent the circulator from moving water around the collector circuit. The air will need to be purged from the solar collectors (refer to “Bleeding The Solar Collectors” on page 7).
SAVE A SERVICE CALL TEMPERATURE AND PRESSURE RELIEF VALVE RUNNING · Normal Operation It is normal and desirable this valve allows a small quantity of water to escape during the heating cycle. However, if it discharges more than a bucket full of water in 24 hours, there may be another problem. · Continuous dribble Try gently raising the easing lever on the relief valve for a few seconds. (refer to “Temperature and Pressure Relief Valve” on page 9).
SAVE A SERVICE CALL HIGH ELECTRICITY BILLS With the installation of your new solar hot water system, maximum electrical energy savings can be achieved with careful planning of hot water usage. Should you at any time, feel your electricity account is too high, we suggest you check the following points: · Is the relief valve running excessively? (Refer to “Temperature and Pressure Relief Valve Running” on page 16).
INSTALLATION – SOLAR STORAGE TANK The system is suitable for installation, and offers protection against freeze damage, in areas up to 800 metres altitude. The system has NO WARRANTY for freeze damage above 800 metres altitude (refer to “Warranty” on page 40). THIS WATER HEATER IS NOT SUITABLE FOR POOL HEATING. SOLAR WATER HEATER STORAGE TANK LOCATION The solar water heater storage tank is suitable for either outdoor or indoor installation.
INSTALLATION – SOLAR STORAGE TANK SAFE TRAY It is a requirement of the National Plumbing Code AS/NZS 3500.4.2 that for new installations all water heaters be installed in a safe tray where in the event of a leak, property may be damaged. Installation of such trays must comply with Clause 4.4 and Sub-clauses 1 to 5 of the above mentioned code.
INSTALLATION – SOLAR STORAGE TANK REDUCING HEAT LOSSES We recommend the first 1.5 to 2 m of the hot water line coming out of the water heater be insulated with weatherproof insulation. In addition, the insulation of the hot water line from the water heater must comply with the requirements of AS/NZS 3400.4.2. ANODE TYPES The correct anode type for the water supply being used must be fitted in the water heater (refer to “Water Supplies” on page 38). The black anode is standard.
INSTALLATION – SOLAR STORAGE TANK ASSEMBLY OF COLD WATER SUPPLY AND SOLAR PIPE CONNECTIONS Use thread sealing tape or approved thread sealant on all fittings. All compression fittings must use brass or copper olives. Ensure the air bleed valve is open when filling collectors. HOT WATER OUTLET Provide a union for disconnection. Insulate pipe. COLD WATER INLET See cold water connection detail as applicable to your local requirements. Provide a union for disconnection.
INSTALLATION – SOLAR STORAGE TANK Rheemglas Single Element Twin Element Optima Single Element Twin Element 111250 162250 411250 462250 111315 162315 411315 462315 111400 162400 411400 462400 Litres 270 340 423 Top Litres 50 50 90 Bottom Litres 250 315 400 A mm 1390 1700 1880 B mm 650 650 690 C mm 695 695 735 D mm 1117 1417 1559 E F mm mm 74 155 74 155 80 155 G mm 1005 1305 1386 H degrees 32 32 30 J degrees 88 88 83 empty kg 72 97 118 full kg
INSTALLATION – SOLAR STORAGE TANK INDOOR LOCATION OUTDOOR LOCATION 23
INSTALLATION – SOLAR CONTROL UNIT The solar control unit is designed to be mounted on the side of the solar storage tank, with its location above and offset from the cold water inlet. The solar control unit, supplied with a 1.8 metre power cord, requires a 220 – 240 V general power outlet (GPO) located within 1.2 metres of its installation. If the installation is outdoors, the power outlet must be weatherproof (refer to “Connections – Electrical” on page 32).
INSTALLATION – SOLAR CONTROL UNIT · Insulate the preformed pipe (4) with the 280 mm long x 12 mm diam insulation (12) and secure with the cable ties (14) provided · Fit the air bleed valve and non return valve assembly (11) to the solar hot water inlet of the 5 way tee (2). Ensure the bleed valve outlet is orientated downwards at a slight angle to the horizontal and to the rear of the solar storage tank. · Connect a drain line to the bleed valve (refer to “Bleed Valve Drain” on page 30).
INSTALLATION – SOLAR CONTROL UNIT SUPPLIED IN SOLAR LOLINE CONVERSION KIT 1. Nipple BSP½” X G½” 9. Screws 2. 5 way tee 10. Cold sensor probe 4. Preformed pipe DN15 11. Air bleed valve and non return valve assembly 5. Compression nut 12. Insulation 280 mm long x 12 mm diam 6. Olive 13. Insulation 220 mm long x 35 mm diam 7. Circulator 14. Cable tie 8. Solar control unit INSTALLATION OF SOLAR COLLECTORS Refer to page 27 for information on solar collector location.
INSTALLATION – SOLAR COLLECTORS SOLAR COLLECTOR LOCATION Solar collectors must be installed in a shade free position and located as follows: · The solar collectors are to installed facing toward the equator (i.e. north facing in the southern hemisphere and south facing in the northern hemisphere). Where this orientation is not practical, a system facing up to 45° from the equator will have its efficiency reduced by approximately 5%.
CONNECTIONS - PLUMBING CONNECTION SIZES · Hot water connection: RP¾/20. · Cold water connection: R¾/20. (cold water inlet to tank: RP¾/20). · Solar hot (from collector) connection: DN15 compression fitting. · Solar cold (to collector) connection: DN15 compression fitting. · Relief valve connection: RP½/15. · Bleed valve connection: G1.0B. · Expansion control valve connection (when fitted): RP½/15.
CONNECTIONS - PLUMBING WARNING: Plumber – Be Aware: · The solar cold and hot pipes between the solar storage tank and the solar collectors MUST BE of copper and fully insulated with Armaflex insulation or similar (minimum thickness 10 mm). · The insulation must be weatherproof if exposed and fitted up to the connections on both the solar collectors and the storage tank, as very high temperature water can flow from the solar collectors to the solar storage tank under certain conditions.
CONNECTIONS - PLUMBING RELIEF VALVE The Temperature and Pressure Relief valve must be fitted before the water heater is operated. Before fitting the relief valve, make sure the probe has not been bent. Seal the thread with Teflon tape - never hemp. Make sure the tape does not hang over the end of the thread. Screw the valve into the correct opening (refer to the installation diagram on page 23) leaving the valve outlet pointing downwards.
CONNECTIONS - PLUMBING EXPANSION CONTROL VALVE Local regulations may make it mandatory to install an expansion control valve (ECV) in the cold water supply line. In other areas ECVs are not required unless the saturation index is greater than +0.4 (refer to “Water Supplies” on page 38). However, they may be needed in corrosive water where there are sufficient quantities of silica dissolved in the water. A drain line must be run separately from the drain of the relief valve.
CONNECTIONS - ELECTRICAL The power supply must not be turned on until the solar storage tank is filled with water, and a satisfactory megger reading is obtained. The solar storage tank with an electric booster heating unit is designed for direct connection to a 240 V AC 50 Hz mains power supply with an isolating switch installed at the switchboard. Flexible 20 mm conduit is required for the electrical cable to the solar storage tank. The conduit is to be connected to the unit with a 20 mm terminator.
CONNECTIONS - ELECTRICAL MANUAL CONTROLS A manual switch can be installed in the power supply circuit to the solar storage tank. The on/off booster switch can be installed with a single element model connected to either a continuous or an Off-Peak electricity supply, or with a twin element model to control the bottom heating unit connected to an Off-Peak electricity supply. The “One Shot Control” switch should only be installed with a single element model connected to a continuous electricity supply.
COMMISSIONING TO FILL AND TURN ON THE WATER HEATER The power supply to the solar storage tank and solar control unit must not be switched on until the water heater is filled with water and a satisfactory megger reading is obtained. · Open all of the hot water taps in the house (don’t forget the shower). Open the cold water isolation valve fully to the water heater. Air will be forced out of the taps. As water flows freely from each tap, close it. Check the piping for leaks.
COMMISSIONING TO TURN OFF THE WATER HEATER If it is necessary to turn off the water heater on completion of the installation, such as on a building site or where the premises is vacant, then: · Close the cold water isolation valve at the inlet to the water heater. · Switch off the electrical supply at the isolating switch to the solar storage tank and at the power outlet for the solar control unit. Note: The freeze protection system will be rendered inoperable if electrical power is not available.
DRAINING THE SOLAR COLLECTORS To drain the solar collectors and the solar hot and cold pipe: · Turn off the water heater (refer to “To Turn Off the Water Heater” on page 35). · Using a flat bladed screw driver, open the bleed valve fitted adjacent to the 5 way tee at the cold water inlet of the water heater (refer to diagram on page 34). · Undo the compression fitting at the top of the circulator (located at the side of the solar control unit) and disconnect the solar cold pipe.
WATER SUPPLIES Your Rheem water heater is manufactured to suit the water conditions of most Australian metropolitan supplies. However, there are some known water supplies which can have detrimental effects on the water heater and its operation and/or life expectancy. If you are unsure of your water quality, you can obtain information from your local water supply authority.
RHEEM SOLAR WATER HEATER WARRANTY - AUSTRALIA ONLY WARRANTY CONDITIONS of transport, insurance and travelling costs between the nearest Rheem Accredited Service Agent’s manufactured from 1st August 2002. premises and the installed site shall be the owner’s 2. The water heater must be installed in accordance with responsibility. the Rheem water heater installation instructions, supplied with the water heater, and in accordance with 5.
RHEEM SOLAR WATER HEATER WARRANTY - AUSTRALIA ONLY Rheem will: a) Repair or, if necessary replace any Rheem water heater; or b) Replace any component (or, if necessary, arrange the installation of a new water heater), which falls within the Warranty Periods specified below, in accordance with and subject to the following table, conditions and exclusions.