The pump units for glycol are set up so that purging the system of air is simplified, they also include check valves, pressure relief valves, and the "proper expansion" tank for the system. You can build your own and maybe save some money.
The components that I use are available in the US so that may not help you, Caleffi products should be available in Europe and they are high quality. Resol makes several controllers pick the simplest one or try to source a Tekmar 155 or 156.
I f your storage tank is undersized be aware that you may need a dump zone if the panels near stagnation temps.
I suggest looking into converting to a drain back system. This would require remounting the panels so that they can drain properly, 1/4" per ft slope. No glycol, expansion tank, pump package, or dump zone required just a 5 gallon SS drain back tank and pump.
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Convert my flat panel thermo siphon system to a pumped one
to update from my last post, I cleaned the panels internally which helped restore their efficiency and the system was performing much better.
the backup electric immersion element didn’t seem to be doing much so I opened up the tank and removed it to find it had 50mm of solid lime scale attached and the tank walls and bottom were covered with the same . After a good jet wash and manual removal of as much scale as I could get out it’s back online and working better.
My next plan is to install a thermal water store in the garage which is directly below the panels and convert the system to a pumped one
I can get a 500 Lt tank with integrated serpent coil for around £800 but shocked to see that pump units for the glycol mix are around £300 which seems very expensive for what they are ?
can anyone point me to best buys / manufacturers for the thermal store / heat exchanger ?
can I use a standard heating system pump for the glycol as I have a spare one ?
which differential temp controllers are good buys .....I don’t need anything fancy like remote access/ control systems .
thanks again for any advice offered which is all appreciated .
roy
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