Water heaters vs. the wintertime
1. In the time of winter, we allow the use of the system only together with protection in the form of a control system and electric heater.
Our research shows that even when the temperature is -20 degrees, the water in the tank should not freeze if the snow is regularly removed from the collector. On sunny winter days, the temperature of the water can even exceed 60 degrees C. Great insulation of the tank causes that the water temperature drops quite slowly. Unfortunately, in winter, there are days when the amount of sunlight may be insufficient. A short day, the possibility of covering the solar system with snow or heavy frosting of vacuum pipes will also reduce the amount of heat obtained. If we do not control the temperature of the water, it may freeze and cause a failure of the system. To prevent this, simply install an electronic temperature sensor in the tank. In the event of a dangerous temperature drop, we turn on the electric heater. The whole process of controlling and protecting the system can be automated by connecting the appropriate controller.
2. For the time of winter, we recommend draining the water from the system.
a) For the heaters of the PROECO Solaris-P, Hydra-P and HP series (pressure heaters):
- Fully drain the water from the system– however, to do so, you must disassemble (or cover with a dark, sun-proof material) vacuum tubes with heat pipes. Leaving the vacuum pipes heating the empty container may damage the thermal insulation (melting polyurethane foam) and, in the worst case, even damage the container (implosion).
- Reduce the pressure in the tank and drain the water from the tank so that the level of water is below half (to about 1/3 of capacity). In the building, we must close the ball valves located on cold and warm water, and then we open the pressure-thermal valve located on the tank. However, you must regularly remove the snow from the solar collector. Remember that leaving vacuum tubes can cause their mechanical damage by ice (snow accumulated between the vacuum tubes). Connection pipes (supplying and draining water) can also be damaged.
b) For the heaters of the PROECO Solaris-L, Hydra-L and YL series (non-pressure heaters) and MK collectors (if filled with water):
- Fully drain the water from the system. Then, you must also dissemble vacuum tubes. Leaving water in the vacuum tubes can damage them (and will cause scale build-up). Leaving the vacuum tubes can also cause their mechanical damage by ice (snow accumulated between the vacuum tubes).
c) For the heaters of the PROECO Solaris-X and HX series (flow-through heater with coil):
We recommend complete disassembly (of the tank and vacuum tubes). However, if the tank must remain outside in the winter, what needs to be done is:
- Unscrew the connector pipes at the coil and then tilt the container downwards so that the connectors are facing down. Wait for all water to drain from the coil.
- Blow out the entire coil with compressed air (for example with the use of the compressor).
Leaving water in the copper coil can damage it.
Pozostawienie rur próżniowych może również spowodować ich mechaniczne uszkodzenie przez lód (śnieg zgromadzony pomiędzy rurami próżniowymi).
3. Do not drain the water from the tank when the anti-freeze protection in the form of a control system and electric heater is installed and activated. This can cause the heater to burn out or even fire. If the tank was even only partially drained of water, the electric heater in the tank was exposed. It is absolutely necessary to disconnect the power supply to the electric heater permanently.
4. In the time of winter, the pipes supplying water to the device must be protected against freezing. This is especially important when using pipes made of a hard and brittle material (such as copper, cast iron or steel). We recommend using electric heating cables for this purpose. Pipes made of artificial materials (for example, PEX pipes) tolerate freezing of water much better.
5. All valves, especially safety valves, should be located inside heated buildings. The only exception is the pressure-thermal valve installed at the top of the tank of the PROECO Solaris-P and HP series.
Any failures caused by the user's failure to comply with our recommendations (also included in the installation and operating instructions of the devices) may result in rejection of the warranty claim.