Green Heart Heating

The most effective way to use alternative/ renewable energies is to integrate as part of a total system in conjunction with a thermal store and a complete management system. By incorporating accurate digital sensors and advanced control programmes, you are optimising the energy usage of renewables and minimising the use of the conventional boiler.

The wall-mounted controller incorporates state-of-the-art microprocessor technology and a dedicated software programme that enable the thermal store to become the heart and brains of a solar installation, ensuring maximum use of the renewable energy source.

The controller is complete with a multitude of sensors and has the ability to monitor and control the input from both the renewable and conventional energy source, taking into account the domestic demand, and to initiate boiler back-up if this is required. The programme will assess the rate of change of energy within the store and then supplement the energy flowing from the solar panel by firing the boiler only if needed.

The Solar Controller gives priority to hot water requirements, such that if the temperature in the top of the store is not sufficient to provide hot water the central heating pump will not operate. Sensor 2 determines this function and if the measured temperature is less than 50º C priority will be given to heat the store to provide domestic hot water. Once sensor 2 goes over 60ºC the central heating pump will start providing store water to the radiators.

On the front panel of the Solar Controller there are two rocker switches. The left switch should be on to allow the boiler to fire. If the switch is in the off position the central heating pump will operate when sensor 2 reaches 50º C. Thus if Solar Energy is sufficient to raise the Store to 50 then this energy can be used to give background heating. This will be the case on sunny days during the winter and during Spring and Autumn.

The right hand rocker switch provides for automatic control of the Solar Control Panel provided by the installer. A volt free supply is provided to ensure the temperature in the Torrent RE does not go over 85º C and two terminals are provided to operate valves to divert the Solar fluid away from the Store. If this facility is not used the switch should be left in the off position.

The lower electro-mechanical clock timer controls hot water and the upper clock controls the central heating. The clock is set by rotating the outer(24 hour) dial clockwise until the stationary marker arrow is almost opposite the current time. Then rotate the minute hand in a clockwise direction to the accurate time. To select the 'ON' periods required push the appropriate tappets surrounding the 24 hour dial to their outer position. For manual over-ride move the lever to the appropriate position: upper position permanently 'ON'; central position timed 'ON /OFF' and lower position permanently 'OFF'

As with conventional programmers hot water and heating should be programmed according to householder requirements. However it is always good to remember that to gain maximum advantage from the Solar Panels, the store should be as cool as possible. To achieve this in spring , summer and autumn, the boiler should be programmed to come on 30 minutes before hot water is required, but then programmed off before volumes off water are drawn off the system. In this way the Store is depleted of heat allowing maximum transfer from the solar system during the day.