EcoRenovator - View Single Post - IBC tote tanks in series as low cost HP source

Mikesolar · 10-03-14, 06:35 AM

I have made this mistake years ago and you are better to go with tanks in parallel. There is no way an ElSid will pump the way you want to. You will need a positive displacement pump to do that.

Thermo Dynamics Ltd. - Solar Pumps

It is the only way to ensure the air comes out without using a high head pump like a Taco 009 and do you really want almost 300w of power consumed?

Do it in parallel with a reverse return piping OR with diverting valves to charge up each tank to temp then off to the next tank. Supply for the heating can also be done this way. That way, there is little time lag between heating start and demand from the tanks to the house.

Also, just because you have the tank surface area, does not mean you will get the best heat transfer. There is proximity issues between the warm wall of the tank and water volume inside. There could be a big time lag. And while PE has a good temp rating, it is best to use it where you can limit it's exposure to very high temps. It doesn't like repeated exposure to temps above 85C (unlike PP which is OK with repeated exposure up to 110C). You do not want to be changing your tanks after 8-9 years or less.

10-03-14, 06:35 AM	#12
Mikesolar Master EcoRenovator Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Toronto Posts: 958 Thanks: 40 Thanked 158 Times in 150 Posts	I have made this mistake years ago and you are better to go with tanks in parallel. There is no way an ElSid will pump the way you want to. You will need a positive displacement pump to do that. Thermo Dynamics Ltd. - Solar Pumps It is the only way to ensure the air comes out without using a high head pump like a Taco 009 and do you really want almost 300w of power consumed? Do it in parallel with a reverse return piping OR with diverting valves to charge up each tank to temp then off to the next tank. Supply for the heating can also be done this way. That way, there is little time lag between heating start and demand from the tanks to the house. Also, just because you have the tank surface area, does not mean you will get the best heat transfer. There is proximity issues between the warm wall of the tank and water volume inside. There could be a big time lag. And while PE has a good temp rating, it is best to use it where you can limit it's exposure to very high temps. It doesn't like repeated exposure to temps above 85C (unlike PP which is OK with repeated exposure up to 110C). You do not want to be changing your tanks after 8-9 years or less.