Drainback vs. Closed Loop WAS: mixing valves on SHW systems with gas backup [RE-

[Bill Loesch]

Hi Ken,

I'm changing the subject as this has almost nothing to do with the initial
subject and the potential to deteriorate into a "my Dad can whip your Dad
scenario".

I am very pleased that you have had no(?) problems with drainback systems or
electronics or plumbing as well as gravity.
I wish you continued success.

There have been a plethora of SDHW system manufacturers entering the North
American market, primarily European, and I have not seen one of their
systems utilize anything but closed loop principles. Food for thought?

Bill Loesch
Solar 1 - Saint Louis Solar


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Ken Schaal" <ken at commonwealthsolar.com>
To: <RE-wrenches at topica.com>
Sent: Saturday, May 10, 2008 5:35 AM
Subject: Re: mixing valves on SHW systems with gas backup [RE-wrenches]


>
> As we approach the summer season, and overheating of anti-freeze systems,
> it's a good time to remember that drainback designs require nothing but
> gravity to prevent dangerous temperatures that lead to increased callbacks
> and maintenance problems. Not to mention the liability issues of scalding
> water, and the increased corrosion activity in the tank.
>
> Ken Schaal
> CommonWealth Solar
>
>
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "Travis Creswell" <tcreswell at ozarkenergyservices.com>
> To: <RE-wrenches at topica.com>
> Sent: Saturday, May 10, 2008 6:09 AM
> Subject: RE: mixing valves on SHW systems with gas backup [RE-wrenches]
>
>
> >
> > The same thing can happen on electric water heaters with "Energy Smart"
> > controls.
> >
> > Yes, thermal questions are allowed and I would like to see more.
> >
> > Travis Creswell
> > Ozark Energy Services
> >
> >
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: Karl Schwingel [mailto:karl at northwindrenewable.com]
> > Sent: Friday, May 09, 2008 10:00 PM
> > To: RE-wrenches at topica.com
> > Subject: RE: mixing valves on SHW systems with gas backup [RE-wrenches]
> >
> >
> > Davis,
> >
> > What I've heard is that you run the risk of tripping the overthermal
> > protection in the gas water heater if you should on a hot summer day run
> > 190
> > deg water into the bottom of the tank.  Of course you don't realize it
> > till
> > months or weeks later when there's no solar preheated water and you get
> > the
> > call that "my water heater doesn't work"
> >
> > I've never put a mixing valve on the preheat tank, and have only seen it
> > done when you want to keep the tank at a high temp (such as when you're
> > pulling water off for a space heat loop.  However, I'm working mostly
> > around
> > electric water heaters.
> >
> > Is this forum open to thermal questions too? All I've seen so far has
been
> > PV related.
> >
> > Karl Schwingel
> > Nabcep Certified Thermal Installer
> >
> > NorthWind Renewable Energy
> > Karl at northwindrenewable.com
> > PO box 723,
> > Stevens Point Wi.
> > 54481
> > cell: 715 209 0446
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: Davis Terrell [mailto:davis at brightearthsolar.com]
> > Sent: Saturday, May 10, 2008 12:28 AM
> > To: RE-wrenches
> > Subject: mixing valves on SHW systems with gas backup [RE-wrenches]
> >
> >
> > Wrenches,
> >
> > I have seen some literature call for a mixing valve in between the solar
> > storage tank and the gas hot water tank.  Can anyone give some ideas as
> > to why this second mixing valve may be necessary?  Does anyone else use
> > one?  Thanks.
> >
> > -- 
> > Davis Terrell
> > Bright Earth Solar
> > (802) 492-2273 / brightearthsolar.com
> >


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