March 2010

[KLD]

Langstroth2,
So, you're also using the re-circulation function for frost protection? Is that panel sensor mounted in the panel pocket or on one of the pipes?
Also, I'm intrigued by that peak just after 5pm in the panel temperature 

Looks like you've got an automagic data recorder, so you could get out more :-) Well, as long as you are back before 24h to see the graph before it expires / is over written with new data.

Klaus

[langstroth2]

So, you're also using the re-circulation function for frost protection?

Yep (it's a direct set up).

Is that panel sensor mounted in the panel pocket or on one of the pipes?

Two 20 tube panels. It's in a panel pocket (with the controller sensor in the other panel pocket)

Also, I'm intrigued by that peak just after 5pm in the panel temperature

Yes I've noticed that a few times. Both panels face south and are are next to each other. The further west panel has the 1-wire sensor in it - and I assume that for a short time it receives some energy input as the sun sets to the west. The further east panel with the controller sensor is starting to cool - and so the controller doesn't start the pump. Hence the west panel sensor records a spike as heat is collected but not taken away. Hope that makes sense?

Looks like you've got an automagic data recorder, so you could get out more :-)

Actually I can access the graph form my blackberry, much to wife's ammusement!

is over written with new data

Graph file name is date specific so they are all kept  

[Ivan]

Bottom of cylinder reached 64C again today (same as yesterday). Our bottom-of-tank temperature has been 56C or higher every day so far in March.

Paul, We've had several days of mostly unbroken sunshine, which certainly helps! I can't remember if I'd fitted the extra panels this time last year. I've got two x 47 20s on top of the Porch roof - this was a nice easy installation with short piperuns straight through wall into airing cupboard. They certainly boost output (need to get the hot-only fill washing machine running in the summer to use up all the heat).


PV exported 12kWh today (we've had several similar days in March). I didn't check the total generation, but I know we only imported 3.5kWh in the last 24hours, so I assume we must have produced around 15kWh today.

[desperate]

Help

today 16/03/10  at 15.50  S1, 89  S2, 77  S3, 78.  phew

Desp

[Greenbeast]

wowsers, no wonder you're worried about the HD.

I'm pleased i'm getting my boiler installed early in the year because while i dismantle the CH, i've got no HD, but luckily i'm not near your temps yet.

[Ivan]

The bottom of our cylinder has been at or near 60C most days in March - we've had quite a bit of sunshine. Today was no exception - 64C by the end of the day.

PV also doing well - exported 11kWh today on top of whatever we used ourselves (I guess around 3-4kWh during daylight)

[Hugo]

Yesterday was another good for me also.  64c top to bottom.
Last night looking up at the bathroom ceiling surrounded by bubbles, I was feeling a we bit smug.
Looks like it will be another good day here at Hugo Towers.

[Paulh_Boats]

Ditto - nice hot shower this morning and no fairies were killed.  Solar Thermal is a lot of fun!

-Paul

[dhaslam]

A very good month.   12.2kwh per day average compared to the best month of the past year, June 09 with 12.9 kwh average. 

Total for the year came to  3000 kwh exactly.   1813 kwh in the "summer" months April to September  and  1187  from October to March.   That is just about 40% in the  off season.