Summary of Contents for Alternative Energy Company Energie EcoTop Stainless 250i
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Owner’s Manual Thermodynamic Solar System EcoTop Stainless 250i/300i/300is “Solar enhanced thermodynamic The smartest way to heat water” www.taec.co.nz...
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As tested by Applied Research Services P.O. Box 867, Nelson, New Zealand. Report number 13-3627 Manual updated May 2024, version 2.1 The Alternative Energy Company Limited 03 540 3003 18 Warren Place, Mapua, Nelson, New Zealand 7005 info@taec.co.nz TAEC EcoTop Owner’s Manual v2.1...
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Very important! Please read the following instruction manual thoroughly before any installation works or operation of the solar system proceeds! Failure to install the equipment as detailed in this manual invalidates the warranty and could endanger people and damage property. The following safety warnings must be heeded: - This appliance must be installed to our installation instructions, AS/NZS 3500, and to the New Zealand Building Code G12 Water supplies.
Table of contents Table of contents ............................ 7 Introduction ............................8 Principle of Operation ......................8 Technical Features ......................... 9 The Solar Panel ........................10 Refrigeration Gas ......................... 10 Hot Water Cylinder ........................11 Dimensions of the Hot Water Cylinder................11 Thermodynamic Block ......................
Introduction 1.1 Principle of Operation The Ecotop solar thermodynamic system operates on the basis of the Carnot cycle, or heat pump cycle. A cold liquid is pumped through the Solar panel, or heat collector, which absorbs heat from the atmosphere. This liquid evaporates and becomes a vapour. This vapour returns to the compressor, located on top of the hot water cylinder.
1.2 Technical Features Model 250i 300i 3001s Dry weight 64kg 74kg 76kg Water capacity 250L 300L Cylinder material Stainless steel AISI 444 Cathodic protection Magnesium anode (1¼” thread) Inlet and outlet water ¾” BSP male Recirculation water ¾” BSP male TPR valve connection ½”...
1.3 The Solar Panel The Solar Panel is a roll-bond type plate manufactured in double channel pressed aluminium, with a post-press anodization-oxidation that creates a dark tone aspect. 1.4 Refrigeration Gas The refrigeration gas used in the Eco system is R134a. This is CFC free, is non-inflammable and does not harm the ozone layer.
2 Hot Water Cylinder The EcoTop cylinder is made of AISI 444 stainless steel. This is a high-quality, chlorine resistant stainless steel. The thermal insulation is of expanded polyurethane with a thickness of 50 mm. 2.1 Dimensions of the Hot Water Cylinder Important note: The plumbing connections on the 250lt EcoTop cylinder are at an angle of 45°...
The hot water cylinder has a cold water inlet, hot water outlet, recirculation port and an outlet for the TPR valve. It also comes equipped with a magnesium anode mounted at the back side. There is, in the central part of the hot water cylinder, a support electrical heater (immersion heater) as well as safety thermostat and temperature probe.
2.3 Cylinder Labelling A. Model B. Production number C. Serial number D. Production date E. Volume F. Weight G. Downstream pressure of PRV H. Upstream maximum pressure of PRV I. Maximum pressure in hot water cylinder J. Maximum temperature in hot water cylinder K.
3 System Operation 3.1 Important notes: If the system status is OFF, it will not heat the water. If the system is ON but the red light on the ON/OFF button is flashing, it will not heat the water. When the red light is flashing the system is in Standby, and both the compressor and the electrical element are not activated.
3.3 Control panel symbols Every time it becomes necessary to alter the settings, the user must access the Menu. The OK key must first be pressed for 3 seconds to unlock the system. 1. To access the menu, press the MENU key for 3 seconds. 2.
3.4 Parameters Description Values Code Type Description Default Language Menu language English Clock Date and Time ON / OFF Chrono Chrono Chrono OFF Mode ECO mode, AUTO mode, BOOST mode Holidays Number of days 0 – Disinfect function inactive Disinfect 1 –...
3.5 Operating Modes The Ecotop system is programmed to work in 3 running modes, ECO, AUTO and BOOST, which are summarized in this table: Note that the electrical heater is sometimes referred to as “Immersion heater”, or “Resistance” in the EcoTop system. ECO Operating Mode In ECO operating mode, the equipment runs only as a thermodynamic system to heat the water in the hot water cylinder maximising savings for the user.
BOOST Operating Mode In BOOST operating mode, the equipment runs as a thermodynamic system and an electrical heater, (emersion heater) simultaneously. This mode enables the fastest recovery of hot water. The Ecotop system comes set to work in the “ECO” operating mode. If the user wishes to alter the operating mode, he/she must follow these procedures: Once the panel is unlocked (press the OK button), the user can change the operating mode when he/she wishes;...
3.7 Disinfect Function The Ecotop electronic control features a Disinfect function, which consists of a water heating cycle increasing the temperature to a higher temperature for a period long enough to prevent the formation of germs inside the tank. The Disinfect function can be set automatically or manually. The NZ Building Code G12 regulation regarding protection of hot water storage from Legionella is daily to greater than 60°C, or weekly to greater than 60°C for 1 hour).
3.8 Crono (Sleep) Function The Crono, or Sleep function allows you to program the system to only operate only at the desired time. To set the hours of operation, perform the following procedure: 1. First, unlock the display, so the padlock has a tick 2.
3.9 TCC Function The TCC function enables the possibility of reaching higher water temperatures when an alternative electric energy source is available (solar PV, wind, hydro) increasing the efficiency of the thermodynamic solar system and maximising the alternative electric energy source. Firstly, turn the power off to the system.
The wifi app operates on the “Smart Life” app, available on Play store for Android, or the App Store for Apple. For more information on the wifi module, including a operation and configuration, contact The Alternative Energy Company. TAEC EcoTop Installation and User Manual v2.1...
3.11 Table of Errors The installation, assembly and repair of Eco must only be carried out by qualified technicians. Symbols Description Problem / Checking Anomaly detected in probe 1 Damaged probe – Measure internal resistance of probe which is Er01 – S1 approximately 10 KΩ...
4 Problem Solving PROBLEM POSSIBLE CAUSES HOW TO PROCEED • Power supply failure Check the power supply No power to • Check the main circuit breaker control board • Check the control boards fuses. Cable damaged or disconnected Check the integrity of the electronic board’s electric circuit Equipment is switched off Press the key ON/OFF.
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PROBLEM POSSIBLE CAUSES HOW TO PROCEED Water is too hot / Problem with the probe Check error display on electronic board steam present at Problem with the Check correct running of thermostat thermostat Faulty control board Replace board. See section 5.5 Slow running of Outside air temperature is The running of the equipment depends on weather...
5 System Maintenance Before undertaking any maintenance operation on the equipment, make sure it is not plugged to the power supply! 5.1 General Inspection During the equipment’s useful life, the owner should carry out a general inspection of the equipment: •...
5.3 Safety Thermostat There is a safety thermostat located next to the control panel. This is a safety system, designed to open at 80°C, or 16 amps current. If it activates you need to establish the reason that it deactivated so that you can address the problem. Note that there may be no indication on the control panel that this has been activated, so if you suspect that the electrical element is not working, may need to manually check this safety switch.
7. Make sure the wire connections are good and not loose. Note: There are a few different models of element depending on the model and year of your system. Please contact The Alternative Energy Company for more details and a replacement element.
7. To change the control board, the main power supply wiring needs to be unscrewed with an electrical screwdriver, but all the other connections should be able to be unplugged. 8. There are 4 plastic clips to hold the controller in place. Gently compress these to release the board and fit the new board.
5.7 Additional load of R134a refrigerant Your unit has been pre-loaded for pipe runs of up to 12 m between the panel and the hot water cylinder. Longer distances will decrease the performance of your equipment. The loading of additional refrigerant should only be carried out by qualified refrigeration technician with the correct equipment.
7 Energie Guarantee This guarantee covers all defects to the goods supplied by Energie. It excludes the payment of any damage caused directly or indirectly by the supplied goods. The guarantee starts from the Installation of the goods. Solar Panel 10 Years Water Cylinder 5 years...
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Thank you for choosing the Energie Solar Thermodynamic Hot Water System We are always trying to improve our service and welcome feedback from our valued clients. Please contact us at The Alternative Energy Company with your comments. The Alternative Energy Company Limited 03 540 3003 18 Warren Place, Mapua, Nelson, New Zealand 7005 info@taec.co.nz...
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