thermomax vs flat plates [RE-wrenches]

[matthew tritt]

Jay and Brad,

Yup, I've sold a couple of systems using the Heliodyne chrome panels. They
are indeed top quality, as is the entire system. My pref. is the PV-direct
powered closed loop system with external heat exchanger at the tank. No
freezing problems, no controllers to go South, no internal exchangers to
crap out. Very nice systems.

Matt
----- Original Message -----
From: "Brad Bassett" <bsbassett at earthlink.net>
To: <RE-wrenches at topica.com>
Sent: Wednesday, October 16, 2002 9:03 PM
Subject: RE: thermomax vs flat plates [RE-wrenches]


> Hi Jay,
>
> Most installers and testing agencies of SDHW collectors in the NW had
> concluded years ago that in our climate (W.Wash, which is still a little
> cooler than yours), that black chrome or some selective surface was well
> worth the money in added performance. This is especially true if you are
> using an open loop system, as it goes a long way toward reducing
> freezing damage in otherwise unprotected or poorly protected collectors.
> I have never frozen my collector in 20 years of use with an open loop,
> and am pretty sure I would have a few times with a painted absorber. (It
> might freeze tonight, do I leave the party early to get home to drain
> the collector?)
>
> Solar Engineering Services (early Applied Power) installed some
> progressive tube collectors at Tern Island in the middle of the Pacific
> in 1987 and they are still going strong. I think they would not be as
> good in a cooler climate unless you can use the water in the evening.
>
> Another tip, if using two tanks in a system, is to keep the distance
> between them at a minumum so that when a small amount of hot water is
> drawn in the house, some solar heated water actually gets to the backup
> tank. This is hard to do with a integral tank system. Again, from the
> point of view where we need the backup tank often and never bypass it.
>
> It looks like the Heliodyne GOBI collectors are top quality, anyone with
> experience?
>
> Brad Bassett
>
>
> Jay Peltz, Peltz Power wrote:
> > Hi Tom,
> >
> > Thanks for the info.
> >
> > I take it that you are not  big in favor of the tubes.  So let me ask
> > you this.
> >
> > I'm in Northern california, near the coast ( 15 miles)  Winter-- lots of
> > overcast and rain, temps in the 40's-50's as low.  Summer mostly clear,
> > with
> > temps from 85-105.
> >
> > 1.Which flat plat collectors do your recommend.?
> > 2. Do you recommend chrome or black paint
> > 3. What about the progressive tube?
> > 4. What have I forgot to include here?
> >
> > Thanks for all your input,
> >
> > jay
> > peltz power
> >
> >
> >
>
>
>
> Brad Bassett
> Schott Applied Power
> Tumwater, WA office
> bsbassett at earthlink.net
>
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