Alternative Technology Assn Forums

1. 

   OptexSolar
   EcoOnline

   Hi Guys,

   We're launching a beta test for our new no-mains-power solar pool heating system. I'm looking for people experienced in pool maintenance work to help us iron out issues with our system before we launch it to the public proper. The pool heating systems uses a solar PV panel mounted at the same angle as a set of polymer collector powering a small pump. The idea is to use the solar PV panel as a sensor for solar insolation, i.e. as soon as there is sufficient solar insolation on the solar PV then you are guaranteed there is enough on the polymer panels - the pump starts and water flows from the pool through the polymer panels then back into the pool. There is no extra mains pump, no mains connection, no roof installations, so it's much safer, it's also fully self-regulating (no controller, pump has internal solar controller) and DIY - it's a much greener pool heating system I'm sure you'll agree.

   As a sweetener I'm offering 3 complete systems to 3 ATA forum folks for free, for helping us test it. You will need to be in Melbourne, have an above-ground pool, and preferably you'll need to be experienced with such installations.

   Systems comprise of a few (typically 5) polymer panels, a pump and a solar PV panel. However, you'll still need to purchase a mounting system for the poly panels and PVC piping lines to and from the pool.

   for more info on the system and a picture see

   http://www.optexsolar.com.au/products/no-mains-solar-pool-heating

   any comments on the system are welcome

   Cheers,
   Greg

   Posted Friday 19 Nov 2010 @ 6:12:50 am from IP #
2. 

   whatcouldyoubesaving
   Member

   Hi Greg,

   Firstly its a real shame I don't live in Melbourne..Im in NW "Tasmania".

   Secondly. I think what you have done is just what the market needs.

   Last year I made a tiny system here for our in-ground.. Well its way way way too small but i was working on principal.

   Basically its is the same as the polymer collectors and I have used a 1500 LPH non pressure pond pump and 300w inverter with a truck battery and I use a 5w battery charger to top it up at night.

   I turn it on and off manually when it has Potential for Solar gain.

   The flow is very restricted as the copper pipe used was way too small but I already had it in the garage and I didn't need to buy any..

   What I will say is that I can get CUPPA HOT water from it..It steams away.

   It produces about 500ml every 2.5 mins and I can increase the 60,000 ltr pool by .3 degree per day and the most I got last year was 28.

   I also use the bubble blankets.

   I had been thinking of a similar system as you have created.. But we live in a rental and so the motivation was not as prevalent.

   I am, a energy assessor that is always busy and I will certainly recommend your product and point potential buyers in your direction.

   If i ever have my own home I WILL DEFINITELY BUY ONE OF THESE SYSTEMS..

   whatcouldyoubesaving@gmail.com

   Cheers..

   Posted Saturday 20 Nov 2010 @ 9:18:03 am from IP #
3. 

   Diver
   Member

   OptexSolar;

   Are there any regulations that limit the temperature of water recirculated back to the pool at the pool entry point?

   Posted Sunday 21 Nov 2010 @ 2:10:41 am from IP #
4. 

   OptexSolar
   EcoOnline

   Hi Whatcouldyoubesaving,

   Thanks you so much for your comments, (and any future endorsements) it's been quite a long emotional process for us to get to this stage and to get some positive feedback upon first launch to the public space is really reassuring.

   Hmmmmm shame you are in Tas, by the sound of it you're exactly what I'm looking for as a first tester, as you seem to have done some tinkering with such systems already...

   Hi Diver,

   That's a good safety point actually, I'll have to look into it Monday as I'm not sure about this. There shouldn't be any issues with our systems as we are using unglazed polymer panels so the maximum temperature on the outlet side - I'm guessing even if the panels are stagnating in full sun at 60deg - would only be 40-50deg max. Typically, the Solar PV panels and poly panels are installed on the same angle and orientation so that as soon the sun hits the PV panel the pump starts up, which means the poly panels don't have time to get hot. Although I guess there could be a shading situation where the polymer panels are in the sun with the PV panels in the shade then as the pump turns on, (because the PV panel is finally unshaded) the initial water that comes out is hot... perhaps the PV panels should be installed above the poly panels in the centre of the poly collector array...

   Posted Sunday 21 Nov 2010 @ 3:29:29 am from IP #
5. 

   Diver
   Member

   OptexSolar;

   Solar PV is not in my field so I cannot help there.

   One thing I will query is the sketch showing the infeed and outfeed pipes spaced apart. Have you considered running both in tandem? It would look neater and there may be a possible safety benefit. Having the pickup a bit deeper in the water than the return to prevent partial redraw would have no effect on the head.

   Can I ask as to what 'hose' you intend using. I may be able to give you information privately re a new UV stabilised product that is yet to be released but 'is available'.

   Posted Sunday 21 Nov 2010 @ 11:42:19 am from IP #
6. 

   OptexSolar
   EcoOnline

   Hi Driver,

   Yeap the inlet will be deeper than the outlet and they will probably be run together, with the outlet having a right angle on the end to direct warm water across the top of the pool, that picture is just a schematic.

   Not sure about the lines, on the one hand kink resistant flex lines are good as the installation will be easier, while PVC plumbing is standard for pools, it's more permanent and has a smoother bore to reduce friction, but I'd like to know your suggestion, just email me at info(at)optexsolar.com.au

   Posted Monday 22 Nov 2010 @ 2:01:08 am from IP #
7. 

   aburnett
   Member

   Exactly what I'm looking for. Does the system have to be at ground level, or can it be roof mounted? Perhaps a bigger pump and an extra PV panel will be enough to get the height required? We have an indoor pool, and want to use the roof directly above pool, as in the photo http://picasaweb.google.com/findnearest/PoolHeating

   Another topic in this forum shows where we got to: http://www.ata.org.au/forums/topic/evacuated-tubes-for-pool-heating-how-many

   Posted Tuesday 21 Dec 2010 @ 10:56:53 am from IP #

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