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Please use our NEW e-mail address for all inquiries, orders and other correspondences.
Our new e-mail address is: ihq@butlersunsolutions.com

CLOSED LOOP ANTIFREEZE SYSTEM

The following illustration and list of components are for the Butler Sun Solutions
Closed Loop Antifreeze System for Conventional Water Heaters

Closed Loop Antifreeze Solar Assist for home hot water heaters

To view and print schematic (733 kb PDF format), click here.

"Wand" Screw in Double Wall Heat Exchanger
Temperature Gauge
Umbilical out to Solar Collector
Into Solar Collector
Out of Solar Collector
Over temperature/Overpressure Protection System

Radiator
Radiator Cap
Overflow Reservoir

Solar Collector Temperature Sensor
Umbilical back from Solar Collector
Fill/Flush Valve with Pressure Gauge
Isolation Valve
Fill/Drain Valve
Pump for closed fluid loop
Temperature Gauge
Return to "Wand" Screw in Double Wall Heat Exchanger

115VAC Controller and Pump
- Solar Collector Temperature Sensor
- Water Tank Bottom Temperature Sensor
- Differential Temperature Pump Controller
12 VDC Photovoltaic Powered Pump
- Photovoltaic Panel
- Power cable to PV cut off Switch
- PV cut off "High limit Switch" on top of hot water tank
- Linear Current Amplifier (replaces differential temperature controller)

Solar Wand Hot Water outlet from the hot water tank
Anti-Scald Valve to limit hot water temperature to the house to 120´F
Adapter-T to bring cold water to the Anti-Scald Valve
Main House Supply valve at hot water tank must be added if not present already

Bucket full of Propylene Glycol/Water mixture (Peak Sierra non-toxic antifreeze from the Auto Store)
Charging Pump (Flow Tec from Home Depot works well)
Charging line to Fill/Flush Valve (1/4 inch Plastic Tubing)
Charging line from Fill/Drain Valve (1/4 inch Plastic Tubing)

Conventional water heater tank cutaway illustration featuring the Butler Sun Solutions Wand Heat Exchanger

Conventional Water Heater Tank Cutaway

To view and print tank cutaway (90 KB), click here.

SYSTEM ENERGY SAVINGS The solar system is designed to provide about half of the hot water needs for a family of four living in the southwestern United States. For electric water heaters, this is about 1,700 kWh annually. For gas water heaters, this is about 300 therms. In San Diego, CA for example, current, 2004, gas price is $1.10 per therm and electricity is $0.18 per kWh. Your actual energy savings will depend on your local energy prices and solar input According to the Solar Energy Industries Association a typical solar hot water system will over its lifetime, displace 105 tons of CO for gas water heaters and 71.5 tons of CO for electric water heaters.

SYSTEM COST -- A complete system includes the following:

Solar Collectors-40 square feet
Solar Wand Heat Exchanger for existing water tank
Umbilical from collectors to the solar wand-50 feet
Pump & Controller- AC or PV
Over temperature/Overpressure Protection System
Anti-Scald Valve and Cold Water "T"
Valves & Gauges
Filling Pump & Tubing.

System Kits start at US$2,500*
* Prices subject to change without notice.

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