Solar Water Heater - Circulation Systems

roognation

A client is asking for a unified solar water heater system/controller that I can interface to and control/retrieve data from. I am capable of installing
1...a recirculation pump/contactor
2...few in-line water thermocouples
3...a couple of pressure sensors
But I was hoping there would be something more integrated out there that I could just buy off-the-shelf and talk to via serial /Ethernet.

Anyone tried Calefi? http://www.caleffi.us/caleffi/en_US/Site/Products/Catalogue/args/sezione/Family270_Differential_regulator_thermostats_SOLAR/path/2~257~257_260-details/include/~applications~catalog~serie.jsp/posizione/prodotto/index.sdo

Or Heliodyne? www.heliodyne.com

Any recommendations?

Thanks!

roognation

solar hot water controller

Slight bump... Perhaps Modbus options? Anyone?

vining

Well I suppose you could use an HAI panel with as many water temp sensors as you need to monitor the water piping temp at various points. They also have air temp and humidity sensors, relays outputs to control pumps, etc. Let the HAI interface with the sensor and report values to AMX and then use AMX to control the HAI's relays. Then script whatever logic you need in AMX.

You'll need to shop around for a pressure sensor that's 232/485 and connect this directly to AMX but using HAI would be an inexpensive way to get multiple water sensor that you could strap on the pipes or use submersion wells like they typically use on boilers for return manifold temp, hi limit.

xrmichael

We have done a module for several of the resol solar controllers they seem popular in the uk and europe i cart remember the exact model number but they have one will all you want and a 232 interface.

roognation

Resol Solar Water Controllers

xrmichael wrote: »

We have done a module for several of the resol solar controllers they seem popular in the uk and europe i cart remember the exact model number but they have one will all you want and a 232 interface.

Oh, yeah, thanks! That Resol unit looks like a great unit:
http://www.resol.de/index/produktdetail/kategorie/1/id/9/sprache/en
The 24VDC-powered version can be found here:
http://www.resol.de/Produktdokumente/48002570_DeltaSol_M_24V.monen.pdf

From what I found out, the retail price is around $ 700.00. Your mileage may vary. The units are sold in the USA by http://alphathermalsystems.com/

Still looking for a protocol guide.

Thanks!