Thmax: Solamax vs Mazdon [RE-wrenches]

[Doug Pratt]

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Kelly, 
  back in the mid '90s when Sun Family was offering an evacuated tube
collector, they ran into the same problem with the SRCC test, which uses a
standardized computer simulation, rather than testing actual panels in
operation. The FSEC test is a real physical test, so is probably more
accurate, but also probably a lot more expensive. Here's what I wrote in the
9th Sourcebook ('96):
"There is reasonable doubt about the SRCC computer models not accurately
reflecting true performance of this unique collector design. Colorado State
University conducted a series of highly monitored, rigorously scientific
tests on a variety of solar hot water collectors. They noted 33% to 41%
higher collection and delivery BTUs for the Sun Family than the SRCC
simulation ratings. That is an enormous variation from the "official"
yardstick. This controversy hasn't been resolved yet, but every indication
is that the SRCC data is flawed, and Sun Family heaters actually produce
substantially more hot water than their official ratings would suggest." 

  Because Sun Family withdrew from the market a few months later, I don't
think the SRCC question ever was resolved. I'd tend to agree with your
distributor...but really, I'd rather see Solamax AND Mazdon (and everybody
else who wants to peddle solar hot water collectors) go get the definitive
FSEC test. Come on guys, you want us to sell your collectors, give us
standardized, repeatable, comparable performance data! Or, is there some
reason you don't want us to see that?

Cheers,
Doug Pratt
DC Power Systems
(no longer with Real Goods!)
 

-----Original Message-----
From: Kelly Keilwitz [mailto:kelly at whidbeysunwind.com] 
Sent: Thursday, January 27, 2005 5:53 PM
To: RE Wrenches listserve
Subject: Thmax: Solamax vs Mazdon [RE-wrenches]

Thermal Wrenches,

Do any of you have a handle on the performance of the relatively new
"Solamax" (direct flow) model of Thermomax evacuated tube collectors
compared to the "Mazdon" (closed heat pipe) tubes? We recently completed our
first Solamax installation based on the distributors' claim that the
performance is the same (the Solamax collectors are less-costly). We don't
have enough time on the new system to evaluate it.

I just looked at the (new, first-time) SRCC ratings of the Solamax tubes
which show that they are MUCH worse than the Mazdon tubes. Our distributor
still maintains that the Solamax tubes are as effecient as the Mazdon tubes
in the "real world" and claims that the SRCC testing protocol is flawed for
evaluating tube collectors. We are starting two new SHW installations soon
and I'd like to feel more comfortable about using these collectors than I do
now.

Any feedback on "real-world" experience, the SRCC testing procedure, etc
would be appreciated.

Thanks,
-Kelly

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