MAKING THE
MOST OF SOLAR
TECHNOLOGY
Built on the expertise gained with our popular range of Torrent
thermal stores, with models suitable for gas, electricity or
oil, Torrent ‘RE’ Solar incorporates a highly effective heat
exchanger to maximise the energy collected by the solar panels.
These can be either flat plate or evaporated tube. The solar
dedicated section of the Torrent ‘RE’ Solar then extracts this
energy to provide hot water for domestic use but also,
importantly, for heating.
Solar heated water flows
through the boiler thus reducing the amount of fuel used for
HEATING and hot water. This is particularly useful in Autumn and
Spring when sufficient energy is still being produced through
the collectors to provide background heating.
The ideal way to do this is
illustrated in the hydraulic schematic. A typical two zone valve
circuit is shown, but a mid position valve will work equally
well. At the same time, because of the design philosophy
inherent in the Torrent ‘RE’ Solar, energy is also being
provided to the domestic hot water coil and flow rates of up to
25 litres per minute can be achieved.
These flow rates are capable
of providing a ‘power shower’ or filling a bath in 3-4 minutes.
System
design
Torrent ‘RE’ Solar is an open vented system and is therefore
inherently safe. It is not subject to Building Control
Regulation G3 – thus simplifying system maintenance enormously
for landlords or homeowners. There is no requirement for
expensive controls such as pressure and temperature (P&T) relief
valves or expansion vessels – nor for annual servicing, saving
approx £100 per annum. Without the need for a runaway to ground,
Torrent ‘RE’ Solar is a particularly popular choice in
apartments. Being a primary store, it is also possible to
incorporate energy inputs from sources such as a range boiler,
wood burning or pellet stove – again reducing the reliance on
fossil fuels. The energy produced can then be used in the
heating system in addition to providing domestic hot water.
The standard open vented store
relies on an F&E (feed & expansion) tank suitably sited above
the highest radiator point to provide sufficient head for the
system. As the domestic hot water is at mains pressure, the
Torrent ‘RE’ Solar itself can be sited anywhere in the property.
Provision is also made within the design for a sealed
heating/boiler circuit with the heat exchanger provided which
would then operate as a conventional cylinder. Although this
would reduce the potential for utilising the solar energy in the
HEATING CIRCUIT, it would mean that both the Torrent and the F&E
tank can then be sited anywhere in the property, as the F&E is
only being used to fill the store with water.
The
Torrent ‘RE’ Solar comes complete with compression fittings,
temperature gauge, blending valve, immersion cylinder
thermostat, immersion heater and 3 sensor pockets, and will work
in conjunction with most proprietary solar controllers.
Cold and
hot water distribution design
Torrent ‘RE’ Solar models are designed to
be fed directly from the mains. They fulfil the requirements of
the Water Regulations and therefore do not require a check valve
to be fitted to the supply pipe. The performance of the Torrent
‘RE’ Solar is directly related to the adequacy of the cold
supply to the dwelling. This must be capable of providing for
those services which could be required simultaneously and the
maximum demand should be calculated. Torrent ‘RE’ Solar will
operate at dynamic pressures as low as 1.5 bar (at the
appliance) which must be available when local demand is at its
maximum, but the preferred range is between 2 and 3.5 bar. As a
general guideline, although a 15mm external service may be
sufficient for the smaller dwelling with one bathroom, a 22mm
service is preferred (25mm MDPE) and should be the minimum for
larger dwellings.
Thermally
advanced
It is not widely appreciated that uncased
foam insulated cylinders can lose up to 40% of their insulation
value within weeks of manufacture and can emit dangerous smoke
if involved in a fire. Torrent ‘RE’ Solar uses safe, non-toxic
non-combustible Rockwool for continuous high performance during
the life of the unit. Heat loss is inline with the requirements
of Part L for Thermal Stores as outlined in the WMA
Specification for Thermal Stores.
Environmental
We are committed to minimising the
environmental impact of our operations and work hard to comply
with all relevant environmental legislation. We are pro-active
in the recycling of old copper cylinders and can offer
incentives to customers in order to help reduce the impact of
waste on the environment. All our products have an Ozone
Depletion Potential (ODP) of zero and a Global Warming Potential
(GWP) of either one or zero.
IT IS IMPORTANT TO MATCH THE CHOSEN
TORRENT 'RE' MODEL (DEDICATED VOLUME) WITH THE PROPERTY TYPE TO
ACHIEVE COMPLIANCE WITH BUILDING REGULATIONS.
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