Rheem Water Heater - Manual (Page 9)

HOW YOUR WATER HEATER WORKS
SOLAR OPERATION
The Rheem Premier Loline solar water heater has its vitreous enamel lined
solar storage tank installed at ground or floor level, remotely from the solar
collectors. This water heater is an indirect solar hot water system with a heat
exchanger in the solar storage tank. The heat exchanger is filled with closed
circuit fluid and is connected to the solar collectors forming a closed circuit.
As the sun heats the solar collectors, the increase in temperature activates the
pump. The pump switches on whenever the solar collectors are hotter than the
water in the tank. The pump moves the closed circuit fluid from the solar
storage tank heat exchanger through an insulated copper pipe to the solar
collectors to be heated by the sun’s energy and then back to the heat
exchanger. Heat transfers from the closed circuit fluid in the heat exchanger to
the water stored in the solar storage tank.
This process continues while solar energy
is available and until the water in the solar
storage tank reaches a temperature of
approximately 75
°C. The pump is then
deactivated and the closed circuit fluid in
the solar collectors and solar pipe work
drains back into the heat exchanger in the
solar storage tank.
The closed circuit provides protection to the
solar collectors and solar circuit in harsh
water areas. The drain back principle
provides protection to the system in
freezing conditions.
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 23, a pressure limiting valve must be fitted. The
supply pressure should be greater than 350 kPa for true mains pressure
operation to be achieved.
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