Glycol solar hot water systems

What happens if you use the wrong glycol in a solar water heating system?

If the wrong glycol is used in a solar water heating system, the fluid can break down rapidly. This can result in plugged collectors, blocked pumps, and in extreme situations systems that must be abandoned entirely.. Proper application and maintenance of the HTF can protect your water heating system to minus 60° Fahrenheit.

What are indirect solar glycol systems?

Indirect (closed loop) solar glycol systems use propylene glycol as the heat transfer fluid in the solar array to overcome issues of freezing (glycol can tolerate – 60F in high concentrations) and eliminate scaling.

Which heat transfer fluid should I use for solar water heating?

Primarily referred to as glycol, the product comes in different formats, however SunEarth recommends usage of the Dow Chemical Dowfrost HD propylene glycol heat transfer fluid (HTF). Solar water heating systems have the unique characteristic of producing very high fluid temperatures during summer stagnation conditions.

Do solar water heating systems need antifreeze?

Solar water heating systems that use an antifreeze solution (always propylene glycol, never or ethylene glycol because of toxicity) as a heat-transfer fluid have effective freeze protection as long as the proper antifreeze concentration is maintained. Antifreeze fluids degrade over time and normally should be changed every 3–5 years.

Does a solar thermal system need a propylene glycol test?

Proper application and maintenance of the HTF can protect your water heating system to minus 60° Fahrenheit. Operating a solar thermal system without proper propylene glycol levels can cause permanent damage to the system itself, testing propylene glycol is an important component of proper system maintenance.

How does a solar water heating system work?

Solar water heating systems have the unique characteristic of producing very high fluid temperatures during summer stagnation conditions. In a forced circulation system, a mechanical pump is utilized to efficiently circulate the Dow Chemical Dowfrost HD propylene glycol heat transfer fluid (HTF) throughout the system.