Dankoff Solar SunCentric Series Installation & Service Manual

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Pump Installation & Service Manual
Please record your MODEL #_____ SERIAL #_____
and for your application: Volts _____ Amps _____
Thank you for purchasing the Dankoff SunCentric water pump. This pump has been
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successful in a wide variety of applications since 1989. It will work properly if these
instructions are followed carefully. If you have any questions or problems, please call your
Dankoff dealer, or call the factory. We try very hard to make our products work in all cases.
Please read the label on your pump, and enter the model and serial numbers in the spaces
above. This will help you to obtain parts or service in the future. Some SunCentric models
are used at more than one voltage. Volts and amps for your application will be found by
consulting the performance charts attached to this manual.
Solar Array Sizing for Non-Battery PV-Direct Systems Only
Please follow the specification sheet for power requirements, or ask your dealer or factory
for advice. Do NOT undersize your solar array. A slight under-sizing will cause the pump to
stall, and it may not function at all. (This is not a problem with battery systems.)
Tracking the sun: Your pump can be powered by a fixed array or a tracking array. With a
tracking array the solar array tilts to follow the sun as it travels accross the sky. Centrifugal
pumps loose capacity quickly, as solar intensity and motor speed decrease. Therefore, it is
most economical to use a tracking array with your pump. This will supply maximum power
throughout the day, rather than only at mid-day. Solar trackers are available from your
Dankoff dealer. The most common type is passive. It uses only the motion of fluid and vapor,
and the force of gravity, to tilt the rack. Like your pump, it is simple and reliable.
Weather Protection
Shelter is required. Your motor may overheat if exposed to very hot sun. Rain exposure
will greatly reduce bearing and brush life and will make the motor difficult to repair. If the
pump is to be used outdoors, it must be covered. The pump shelter must have some
opening to allow circulation of air from the outside to prevent overheating of the motor.
Here are some suggestions for outdoor shelters: 1. a curved piece of sheet metal with open
ends (the cover should be twice as long as the pump); 2. a metal barrel cut in half the long
way and placed over the pump; 3. any weatherproof box inverted over the pump; 4. a dog
house set it over the pump with the pipes passing through the doorway.
Damage from sun, rain or water exposure is not covered by warranty.
Freeze protection: The pump must be protected from freezing. Freezing water will crack
the cast iron parts. If the pump can be drained for cold weather storage by removing the