Anyone a self proclaimed hydronics/solar expert?

[Oldfisti]

Any thoughts on those solar pool heater mat collectors?

http://cgi.ebay.com/4x20-Swim-Pool-Solar-Heater-Panel-w-Diverter-Kit-/180357483220?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0

I don't have any empirical data on these.

However, my neighbors use one for their above ground pool.  The water coming from the outlet is noticeably hot.  He takes it in every winter and it hasn't sprung any leaks from the handling so it seems durable and effective enough for the price.

[ducpainter]

Any thoughts on those solar pool heater mat collectors?

http://cgi.ebay.com/4x20-Swim-Pool-Solar-Heater-Panel-w-Diverter-Kit-/180357483220?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0

Looks interesting.

I'd need info on how many you can plumb in series before the temps become harmful to the panel itself, and the actual volume of the collector. The plumbing arrangement might not work with a drainback system due to connection location.

Also, I can't lay my panels on the ground for obvious reasons. How would you mount them at roughly 58 degrees?

[Oldfisti]

Looks interesting.

I'd need info on how many you can plumb in series before the temps become harmful to the panel itself, and the actual volume of the collector. The plumbing arrangement might not work with a drainback system due to connection location.

Also, I can't lay my panels on the ground for obvious reasons. How would you mount them at roughly 58 degrees?

My neighbor built a frame for his and they sit at 45deg.  I think he has 2 15' mats in series.  I will ask how it is secured.  It would be fairly east to zip some screws into the flat area between/outside the capillary tubes.

[ducpainter]

Thanks.

[The Architect]

Also, I can't lay my panels on the ground for obvious reasons. How would you mount them at roughly 58 degrees?

I would consider creating a tray above your roofing to support the mats.  I'm not exactly comfortable with sandwiching the roofing between the roofing underlayment and a non breathing material.

I'll give you more efficient if you give me more expensive. 

Why easier to control?

Of course I will.  And that's based on experience............


100_1892 by anzalone22, on Flickr

As for easier to control, the tubes can easily be removed or rotated in the summer when you don't need the heat.  But you can also partially cover your own collector.   

[ducpainter]

Who said the collectors were going on the roof? I have plenty of space and as long as I can locate my array close to the tank freezing should not be an issue with proper pipe insulation.

I can also use a drainback system and overhangs which will eliminate overheating of the storage and the collectors.

I had a buddy that had an exchanger in his coal boiler.

He had to plumb his blow off valve outside. He also melted the dip tube.   

The controls for homemade collectors/exchangers are the same as factory built. I'm not married to copper either. While it is certainly more efficient than pex, simple coils of pex in the storage tank have been proven to work as exchangers, are cheap and last forever.

I think you just want me to spend more money.

[The Architect]

  for ground mounting. 

I like spending other peoples money.   

It's my job.  I'd like to think I'm good at it. 

[Ddan]

http://www.motherearthnews.com/Do-It-Yourself.aspx

Hippie   

[ducpainter]

for ground mounting. 

I like spending other peoples money.   

It's my job.  I'd like to think I'm good at it. 

I'm a tough sell ya know.

http://www.motherearthnews.com/Do-It-Yourself.aspx

Hippie   

This has nothing to do with my carbon footprint and everything to do with the current and more importantly future cost of fuel.

[Popeye the Sailor]

If we can start getting some basic numbers, like tank size etc I can harass the thermal engineers at work. If we have no numbers I can tell them to give us some. 

[Speeddog]

If we can start getting some basic numbers, like tank size etc I can harass the thermal engineers at work. If we have no numbers I can tell them to give us some. 

I endorse this message. 

[ducpainter]

If we can start getting some basic numbers, like tank size etc I can harass the thermal engineers at work. If we have no numbers I can tell them to give us some. 

If we can start getting some basic numbers, like tank size etc I can harass the thermal engineers at work. If we have no numbers I can tell them to give us some.  

You two friggin' engineers should try to keep up...how many pages did you skip in school?  

It ain't rocket science bros...

http://www.ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=45467.msg822028#msg822028

I'll add...

the house is about 1800 sq'

also as stated before radiant in the slab with undecided radiant or fin tube on the second floor.

My plan is based on the premise that there's no substitute for cubic inches.

[Popeye the Sailor]

You two friggin' engineers should try to keep up...how many pages did you skip in school?  

To put it in perspective, your requirements are equivalent to me pulling up and telling you I want my bike painted.

We'll get you sorted though-but I'mma make you post an "I love engineers thread" when your feet are toasty warm. 

[ducpainter]

To put it in perspective, your requirements are equivalent to me pulling up and telling you I want my bike painted.

We'll get you sorted though-but I'mma make you post an "I love engineers thread" when your feet are toasty warm. 

Then...

instead of being obtuse...

tell me what want to know?

[Popeye the Sailor]

Then...

instead of being obtuse...

tell me what want to know?

Idk-I'm not a thermal guy.