Dave's Solar Conversion Project

I have added a vacuum tube collector array to my Viessmann boiler system that provides radiant floor heat and domestic hot water. I have utilized all Viessmann equipment, but could have used other equipment to implement this solar design. The goal is to have the solar collector provide all of the domestic hot water and as much of the radiant heat as possible. I'd be glad to help anybody who is interested. Contact information is available in the "About Me" section.

Design Considerations

The attached schematic is very close to what the final design will be. The main difference will be that I will not be using a heat rejection loop. Instead, I will use the P3 output to drive a relay that will open up the zone valves in a group of heating zones with high thermal capacity. Since heat rejection will only normally happen in Summer months this would normally be a problem, but I have areas on slab floors that are not in the main living areas that can heat up and not make the house uncomfortable.

Why Go Solar

Despite the general lack of direct sunshine most of the year in Western Washington, I am convinced that vacuum tube solar collectors can provide adequate solar gain to justify the cost of installing this system. With the cost of propane hitting $2.50 a gallon, and most likely going higher, payback on this project should take around 5 years.

The cost of the system components will be approximately $11,000. Despite burning a lot of wood to reduce the heat demand on the system, and having an inherently efficient system, I have have propane bills of nearly $1000 in the coldest months for my 3400 sq. ft. home.

Dave's Solar Conversion Project

Friday, October 24, 2008

System Schematic

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