[RE-wrenches] PV-direct air heating?

Fri Mar 11 06:16:38 PST 2016

Bill, I'll try googling HotSpot reviews and as you suggest, try a thread on
HeatingHelp.com. The promise of a SEER of 65 is nearly double the best of
the Fujitsu (33) and really shouldn't be that unexpected. When building
really tight small houses, it's hard to find more conventional HVAC systems
small enough. After a little checking, I may well try one and offer the list
a first hand account. Thanks.

Bill Dorsett

Manhattan, KS

From: RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org] On
Behalf Of Bill Loesch
Sent: Friday, March 11, 2016 6:22 AM
To: RE-wrenches
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] PV-direct air heating?

Bill,

I wish I had first hand experience with these folks. What I can comment on
is that they were IMHO the premier technically competent exhibitor pitching
solar HVAC at the AHR show. Several exhibitors shared that they had a $10K
commitment to exhibit (for just the base 10 x 10 foot booth) and yet some
folks didn't know heat transfer basics.

I can imagine that the inadequate installation of the mini-splits resulting
in unsatisfactory operation doesn't surprise you. The well designed, well
manufactured equipment is still dependent upon proper installation to
deliver the advertised capability. Even here in Missouri, an EPA
certification is theoretically required to purchase refrigerant.
Unfortunately, just like the solar industry, certification is no guarantee
of quality workmanship.

There are similar groups to the RE-wrenches in many other technical areas.
The first that comes to mind in the HVAC arena is 

HeatingHelp.com 

Undoubtedly there has already been discussion of the mini-split products as
they have been actively promoted for well over three years and have
justifiably been very well received by consumers. The mini-split promotes
the concept of modular HVAC something our non-oil subsidized neighbor
nations have been onboard for some time already.

I cannot agree with you more about the tech support offered by the HVAC
manufacturers. What helps is to understand how their supply chain, etc. is
structured. In the example of International Comfort Products (ICP) they
manufacturer quite similar products for no less than nine "quality brand
name private label products" (oftentimes distinguished only by the label and
perhaps a paint stripe). The distributor is the front line tech support.
When the distributor cannot solve the problem, a three way conference call
is requested with the manufacturer, which is hopefully returned the same
day. Not exactly timely support for the field tech. Makes the solar tech
support model look like perfection. I don't know that other HVAC
manufacturers (Nortec, Johnson Controls, Trane,  Goodman, et.al.) work the
tech support any differently.

Best, please keep us informed of your results,

Bill Loesch
Solar 1 - Saint Louis Solar
314 631 1094

On 3/10/2016 10:34 PM, William Dorsett wrote:

Thanks, Bill. Do you have any fairly close connection to anyone who has used
HotSpot's equipment, tech support etc? I've put in perhaps a dozen Fujitsu
minisplit's as an alternative to trying to find small efficient furnaces.and
mostly in the early installs mistakes were made by HVAC techs who didn't
want to take the time to make sure there were no refrigerant leaks under
very high pressure. They've otherwise been very good. Tech support.mixed
bag.

The heat recovery focus of HotSpot looks very promising.

Again thanks

Bill Dorsett

Manhattan, KS 

From: RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org] On
Behalf Of Bill Loesch
Sent: Thursday, March 10, 2016 4:12 AM
To: RE-wrenches
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] PV-direct air heating?

Dan & Bill,
If mini-split equipment is what you are using/considering you might want to
look further at 

www.hotspotenergy.com

John Williams who runs the place was at the AHR show in Orlando earlier this
year and has DC and solar HVAC equipment.
Hope it helps,

Bill Loesch
Solar 1 - Saint Louis Solar
314 631 1094

On 3/9/2016 9:40 PM, William Dorsett wrote:

Dan, I think it is Gree that has a PV direct mini-split heat pump for both
heating and air conditioning. It may have run on two 250 watt modules. When
in non-PV mode, I believe the AC is rectified to DC and run through an
inverter. And there are now a few others as well..possibly Fujitsu.

Bill Dorsett

Manhattan, KS

From: RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org] On
Behalf Of Dan Fink
Sent: Wednesday, March 09, 2016 8:07 PM
To: RE-wrenches
Subject: [RE-wrenches] PV-direct air heating?

I have an interesting question I haven't run into before, using existing
equipment, some in place, some just waiting for an install.

Has anyone here ever done an MPPT PV-direct install to DC air heaters? 

Advanced Energy used to have a PV-direct MPPT water heating controller, but
the residential division of their company no longer exists. We are looking
at 1200-1500 watts of PV.

How would one program a Midnite Classic (for example) to most efficiently
connect PV to DC heating elements without a battery bank/diversion load
setup, whether for water or air?

This one's new to me; I've never tried PV direct heating before.

Thanks in advance for any input.

Dan Fink

Adjunct Professor of Solar Energy Technology, Ecotech Institute

IREC Certified InstructorT for: 

~ PV Installation Professional

~ Small Wind Installer

Executive Director, Buckville Energy

NABCEP Registered Continuing Education ProvidersT
 <tel:970.672.4342> 970.672.4342

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