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Solar Control Strategies
Click Here - For information on kits, system equipment, and dealers across the USA! |
Although solar pool heating systems generate heat whenever the sun is out and the pool pump is
running, greater comfort and some performance gains can be achieved through the use of automated
controls.
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| The real
performance enhancements in collection methods are discussed in detail in Solar Pool Heaters / Collector Design.
In this section we deal with the realities of day to
day operation, temperature control and the pros and cons of different control strategies. |
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Manual Systems
A solar system can be operated by simply using
a 3-way valve. The system is either on or off. Although this simple method is bullet
proof, in other words...no service, it has some rather severe drawbacks. the first problem
being one of performance. If there is flow through the panels in cold, rainy or otherwise
inclement weather not only is the system not producing any heat, it can actually cool the
pool. The net result may be a pool that is actually colder than the one next door due
excessive heat loss\. The next dilemma is one of comfort. During many months the system
produces more daily heat input to the pool than is actually needed and this may result in
a pool that is too warm. Although this may seem to a cold pool owner as a not so terrible
problem, diving into a 95 Deg. F. pool may not be desirable either.
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Semi-Automatic
Systems
| There is one manufacturer
(FAFCO)
that
makes a truly unique product that is automated in terms of heat production, but does not
limit the production of heat. |
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| This unit is called the AC-600 and is entirely hydraulic,
using the existing suction and pressure sides of a pump to either open or close a bladder
valve as dictated by the sensor placed on the roof. It shuts the system down at night and
in inclement weather thus preventing any cooling of the pool water and is not subject to
power surges or lightning strikes. Very neat and simple, field tested, but if precise
temperature control is desired then the next step is required. |
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Automatic Systems
The use of an automatic control
system fully automates the solar system by using a microprocessor based differential
control, sensors on the roof and in the pool water, and a motorized valve to direct the
flow of the water. |
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| When the the control detects via a 10,000 ohm thermister on the roof
that the temperature is 5-10 deg. warmer than the same type of sensor in the pool plumbing
is reading , then the control activates the motor drive,
turning the valve to the "Solar On" position. |
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Once the desired temperature is
reached or the roof temperature falls below the pool temperature then the solar is turned
off by rotating the valve to the "Solar Off" position. |
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Sunday August 01, 2010 - 12:08 AM