Component reliability and control system testing
The Solar Energy Research Institute has been involved in testing active components reliability and control systems. Six test loops were constructed to thermally cycle drain valves, check valves, air vents, vacuum breakers, tempering valves, and polybutylene piping. Results showing poor reliability of some of the components and limited performance of others lead to a better understanding of certain failures in the field and present designers with realistic expectations for these components. The seven SDHW control systems tested included thermistors switches, RTDs, IC sensors, and controllers. Serious reliability problems included sensor degradation or failure from high temperatures, and controllers that did not meet specifications. As much as 50% of collected energy can be lost because of sensor degradation, and auxiliary energy requirements can increase by 250%.
- Research Organization:
- Solar Energy Research Inst., Golden, CO (USA)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC02-83CH10093
- OSTI ID:
- 5871846
- Report Number(s):
- SERI/TP-253-2681; CONF-850388-7; ON: DE85008792
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
140901* -- Solar Thermal Utilization-- Space Heating & Cooling
140907 -- Solar Thermal Utilization-- Water Heating
APPLIANCES
CONTROL EQUIPMENT
CONTROL SYSTEMS
ENERGY SYSTEMS
EQUIPMENT
FLOW REGULATORS
HEATERS
HEATING SYSTEMS
PIPES
RELIABILITY
SOLAR EQUIPMENT
SOLAR HEATING SYSTEMS
SOLAR WATER HEATERS
TESTING
THERMAL CYCLING
VALVES
VENTS
WATER HEATERS