How Your Water Heater Works; Mains Pressure; Gas Boosting - Rheem Water Heater User Manual

HOW YOUR WATER HEATER WORKS

The Rheem solar Loline system has its vitreous enamel lined solar storage tank
installed at ground level, remotely from the solar collectors. As the sun heats
the water in the solar collectors the increase in temperature activates the
circulator. The circulator then moves the water from the solar collectors through
an insulated copper pipe to the solar storage tank. The circulator switches on
whenever the water leaving the solar collectors is hotter than the water in the
tank. Cooler water from the solar storage tank is circulated to the solar
collectors to be heated by the sun's energy. This process continues while solar
energy is available and until the water in the solar storage tank reaches a
temperature of approximately 75°C. Automatic safety controls are fitted to the
water heater to provide safe and efficient operation.

MAINS PRESSURE

The water heater is designed to operate at mains pressure by connecting
directly to the mains water supply. If the mains supply pressure in your area
exceeds that shown on page 28, a pressure limiting valve must be fitted. The
supply pressure should be greater than 350 kPa for true mains pressure
operation to be achieved. A minimum water supply pressure of 200 kPa is
required to enable the solar circulator and solar circuit system to operate
effectively.

GAS BOOSTING

Water stored in the solar storage tank can be
heated by a gas burner located under the
cylinder. The gas burner is for heating the
water at times of low solar energy gain, such
as during very cloudy or rainy weather, or
during the winter months. The boost water
temperature is determined by the gas control
thermostat setting.
The gas burner is also controlled via a timer
unit installed inside the house. It is
recommended the timer be set to enable
boosting between 4:00 PM and 6:30 PM. This
will allow boosting of the water temperature
before the main evening hot water usage
period, but after the main solar heating period
of the day. The timer unit has a manual
"OVERRIDE" to allow boosting outside of the
set hours (refer to "Timer Operation" on
page 16).
Note: The gas burner will only light if the temperature of the water in the solar
storage tank is below the gas control thermostat setting.
11