How Your Water Heater Works - Solahart Streamline Gas Owner's Manual

HOW YOUR WATER HEATER WORKS

The Solahart Streamline 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 22, 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 13).
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.
PIEZO IGNITION
The "Piezo" push button igniter makes lighting the pilot flame of
your water heater very easy. Simply follow the instructions on the
label attached to the back of the access door. There is no need for
matches to light the water heater.
PILOT IGNITER
A permanent pilot flame burns to ignite the main burner
automatically for boosting. Heat from the pilot is absorbed by the
water.
GOING ON HOLIDAYS
If you are going on holiday for more than a few days the thermostat can be set to its lowest setting ('1')
to conserve energy. Alternatively, the timer can be set so the burner will not activate during the period
you are away (refer to "Timer Operation" on page 13). If it is necessary to turn off the water heater, refer
to "To Turn Off The Water Heater" on page 7. Also if the system is not used for a period in excess of
two (2) weeks it is recommended the solar collectors be covered.
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