Drainback w/ 80 Gal. Tank & 64 SqFt. Collectors

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Drainback w/ 80 Gal. Tank & 64 SqFt. Collectors
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Our Code: ALNDB-80-64

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Q. What is the difference between AET's DB and DX systems?
A. The DB Systems use a single, high head pump and double wall heat exchanger. The heat exchanger is wrapped around the 80 or 120 gallon storage tank. This system is often used for applications in which local codes require double wall heat exchangers. The DX Systems use a double pump, single wall heat exchanger. The heat exchanger is submersed in the drainback tank for single wall heat transfer. One pump is for the solar loop (high head pump) and the other pump is for the potable water to be circulated through the heat exchange loop (low head.) Single wall heat exchange is more efficient, but some codes do not allow this system - and it uses two pumps.

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Annapolis, MD by Mike Kinnahan
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I finished installing my system this past week in early January. Outside temps around 30-35 deg. mid Continue...

Works great in Texas! by Ian Gravagne
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The AET drainback systems would seem to be ideal for freezing climates. Mine has more collector surf Continue...

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These items are commonly used with the Drainback w/ 80 Gal. Tank & 64 SqFt. Collectors

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SRCC ratings can be found in the Product Documentation section above.

Alternate Energy Technologies LLC
Closed Loop Solar Hot water Systems
Drainback Freeze Protection & AC Backup
DB-80-64

Alternate Energy Technologies LLC
solar hot water, solar water heating
80 Gallon Tank with
Internal Heat Exchanger

WATER HEATING SYSTEM

AET’s #1 water heating system
The Natural Solution for Hot Water

The EagleSun 80 gallon drainback system is designed for families with 3-5 members. The EagleSun has fewer system components than any other active solar system, making the system more dependable and virtually maintenance free. The EagleSun will pay for itself several times through energy savings. Taking full advantage of the exclusive AET Black Majic selective coating and unique energy distribution technology, the EagleSun achieves new levels of performance and efficiency.

The EagleSun 80 is a packaged, fully integrated residential hot water system designed for the energy-minded homeowner who wants both savings and leading-edge technology that contributes to a cleaner environment. The EagleSun 80 is delivered complete with AET collectors, a 80 gallon solar tank with heat exchanger, freeze-protected drainback design, and back-up heating element, making the system suitable for all climates.

The DB-80-64 Indirect (Closed Loop) System Includes:
Part# Description Quantity Weight/ea
AE-32 4 X 8 Collector 2 113 lbs
AE-MH Standard Mounting Hardware 2 2 lbs
TM-80HE-1 80 Gallon Storage Tank w/ Heat Exchanger 1 212 lbs
DTC Differential Control w/ Sensors 1 3 lbs
CP-009F TACO C.I. Solar Pump 1 10 lbs
110-251 TACO 3/4" C.I. Flange Set 1 3 lbs
BD-75 3/4" Boiler Drain 1 0.5 lbs
DB-10SSC 10 Gal S.S. Drainback Reservoir 1 24

System Features

  • Fewer components for easy system installation.
  • Maintenance free drainback design for all climate conditions.
  • Works on sunny or cloudy days with electrical backup (included).
  • Attractive collector design.
  • Conforms to national plumbing, electrical, and solar standards.
  • The only household appliance that will pay for itself several times during its useful life.
  • Long life non-corroding reservoir.
  • The collectors come with a limited 10 year Warranty and tanks come with a limited 6 year Warranty.
  • Exceeds Energy Star criteria, delivers maximum credit toward Energy Efficient Compliance.

solar hot water, solar water heatingAt the heart of these systems are the AE Collectors with their solid copper absorber plates. Efficient solar energy absorbers begin with high thermal conductivity between the fin and tube.

solar hot water, solar water heating
Forge weld crossection x-ray

The AET welding process actually makes the tube one with the fin and creates a joint at least two times wider than the thickness of the copper fin, resulting in a clean. uninterrupted heat path unlike any other.

AET absorbers have no soldered or crimped seam joints to weaken or fail. The forge welding actually strengthens the joint area, unlike other welding processes, such as ultrasonics, which causes a weakening of the fin around the joint area.

AET uses the world's finest solar selective coating on their absorbers. The revolutionary Black Majic coating was developed by AET as a collaborative effort working with Coating Industry Professionals from broad based backgrounds. Black Majic is environmentally benign and boasts an emissivity of approximately 0.10 and absorptivity of approximately 0.95 !!!

This premium absorber is encased in a solid extruded aluminum frame and covered by a sheet of durable, low iron, tempered glass. The collector plate is insulated from the aluminum frame by a layer of foil faced poly-isocyanurate foam on the sides and back. The foam, in turn, is protected in the rear by a layer of embossed aluminum. Finally the entire unit is gasketed all the way around by a high temperature silicone sealant.

solar hot water, solar water heating

solar hot water, solar water heatingThese Indirect, or Closed Loop systems operate on conventional ac current using special Taco solar pumps. The solar pump is selected for its high head pumping characteristics. It is also very quiet, efficient, and reliable. It is protected from over-temperature (as a failsafe device) with a thermal high temperature shut-off switch. If this pump needs to be replaced after a few years of service, all moving parts are contained inside a replaceable cartridge. The outer pump body may be removed by unbolting the pump flanges, and the inner cartridge may be replaced without having to disturb any of the plumbing.

A Differential Temperature Controller (DTC) controls the pump. It is factory preset to turn the pump on when the collector temperature sensor is 16°F hotter than the storage tank sensor and is programmed to work automatically. The potable water in the insulated storage tank never touches nor mixes with the fluid in the collectors. The heated collector fluid is directed through the heat exchanger, which transfers heat from the collector loop fluid to the potable water in the solar tank.

Once the complete system is in place and plumbed, the final act is to simply plug in the controller line cord to a standard 115VAC wall outlet.

Drainback Systems

solar hot water, solar water heatingAs the sun comes up in the morning, and starts to shine on the solar array, the collectors will begin to heat up. The thermal sensor on the collector signals the differential temperature controller which turns the pump on. The pump runs very quietly, so you may not notice when it is on and when it is off from the sound of the pump.

When the pump turns on, the return water from the solar collectors that accumulates in the drainback tank is pumped through the heat exchanger. Here the solar heat energy is transferred to the potable water within the solar storage tank. The heat exchanger transfers heat from the collector loop fluid to the potable water in the solar tank.

All solar systems require some form of freeze protection. The Drainback system uses the drainback method, in which the collectors and plumbing are drained of fluid when the outside temperature approaches freezing. When the temperature difference between the hot collector sensor and the storage tank sensor is less than 4°F, the controller turns off the pump and all the collector and plumbing fluid drains back into the drainback reservoir. Here it is stored safe from freezing until the temperature difference rises above 16°F again.

Sizing Your System

solar hot water, solar water heatingSizing a solar water heater involves determining the total collector area and the storage volume required to provide 100% of your household's hot water during the summer.

Solar storage tanks are usually 50-, 60-, 80-, or 120-gallon capacity. A small (50 to 60 gallon) system is sufficient for 1 to 3 people, a medium (80-gallon) system is adequate for a 3- or 4-person household, and a large (120-gallon) system is appropriate for 4 to 6 people.

A rule of thumb for sizing collectors: allow about 20 square feet of collector area for each of the first two family members and 8 square feet for each additional family member if you live in the Sun Belt. Allow 12 to 14 additional square feet per person if you live in the northern United States.

A ratio of at least 1.5 gallons of storage capacity to 1 square foot of collector area prevents the system from overheating when the demand for hot water is low. In very warm, sunny climates, experts suggest that the ratio should be at least 2 gallons of storage to 1 square foot of collector area. For example, a family of four in a northern climate would need 20 square feet of collector area for the first person, 20 for the second person, 12 to 14 for the third person, and 12 to 14 for the fourth person. This equals 64 to 68 square feet, multiplied by 1.5 gallons of storage capacity, which equals 96 to 102 gallons of storage. Because you might not be able to find a 96-gallon tank, you may want to get a 120-gallon tank to be sure to meet your hot water needs.

Note: These systems are complete except for the piping and electrical cabling that connect the various components to eachother. You may also need a more elaborate mounting system than the simple flush mounting components that come with each system.

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Recommended Add-ons

The following items are not included in the package, but will be useful for your installation:

Recommended Add-Ons :
Part#
Description
Non-Toxic Propylene Glycol, 5 Gallons For Freezing Climates - 5G Propylene Glycol
UT Solaflex 6', 3/4" Thick for 3/4" Pipe
Appropriately Sized Pipe Insulation
2-Conductor Shielded Wire for DHW Sensors
Shielded Sensor Wire
AET 1/2" Coolie Cap & Flashing set (1 pr.)
Coolie Caps OR Neoprene Seals
Honeywell Mixing Valve 3/4" Sweat Union
Mixing Valve
5 GPM Flow Meter Flow Meter
AET Screw-In Type Immersion 10K SENSOR Screw-in Immersion Sensor
IMC Eagle II Data Port Adapter Eagle 2 Data Port Adapter
Heliodyne Risse Sleeve for GOBI unions Risse Sleeves (2)
Solar Water Heating, Comprehensive Guide Solar Water Heating, Comprehensive Guide

 

Plumbing Diagram

solar hot water, solar water heating

Mounting Hardware

solar hot water, solar water heating\

 

Alternate Energy Technologies LLC


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