You are on page 1of 17

Requirements for Construction

DB3120S

Guidelines for design & specifications


of DHW installations using
thermal solar panels

International Edition 1.0


April 2009

WARNING
- The Accor Requirements for Construction define the minimum rules or performance to be applied to all construction or
refurbishment projects, in all countries. They shall not replace the need for an individual design for each project, which
must also incorporate the standards and regulations applicable locally.
- The more demanding between statutory or local Authorities requirements and Accor requirements shall always apply.

This document is published by Accor exclusively for use on Accor projects.


Distribution or reproduction (in full or part) for other uses is forbidden

ACC_WE_DB3120S_Solar_Domestic_Hot_Water_guidelines_V1-0_April_09.doc 1/17
CONTENTS

1. INTRODUCTION 3

2. OPERATION OF A SOLAR SYSTEM 4

3. THE COMPONENTS OF THE SOLAR INSTALLATION 5


3.1 The Solar Panels..................................................................................................................5
3.2 Solar Tanks ..........................................................................................................................6
3.3 Pipework ..............................................................................................................................7
3.4 Valves ..................................................................................................................................7
4. OPTIMISED SIZING OF THE INSTALLATION 8
4.1 DHW Requirements .............................................................................................................8
4.2 Sizing of the Installation .......................................................................................................8
5. CONTROLS FOR A PRESSURISED CLOSED CIRCUIT SOLAR SYSTEM 10

6. CONTROLS FOR A CLOSED "DRAIN-BACK" SOLAR SYSTEM 12

7. ENGINEERING & LOGISTICS FOR ACCOR’S STANDARD SOLAR SYSTEM 13


7.1 Solar Panels.......................................................................................................................13
7.2 Frame Structure .................................................................................................................13
7.3 Logistics .............................................................................................................................15

ACC_WE_DB3120S_Solar_Domestic_Hot_Water_guidelines_V1-0_April_09.doc 2/17
1. INTRODUCTION

• The objective of this document is to set out the design & performance criteria to be taken into account when
designing thermal solar installations for production of domestic hot water in new buildings or refurbishments.
• This document is intended for use as guidelines for design and specification to be established by mechanical
consultants and/or contractors.
• The present document has been prepared based on the experience of several DHW solar systems installed in
hotels in France.
• The following ACCOR documents shall also be referred to : D3120 Domestic Hot Water Production.

1.1 General criteria


Solar installations in Accor hotels shall comply with the present guidelines and criteria..
Key points are:
- To produce domestic hot water using solar energy as the main energy source, with a conventional energy source
(gas, electricity or oil) as a top-up and stand-by. DHW shall reach a temperature of 60°C at productio n and for
storage (solar energy alone, or assisted by the top-up energy source).
- Gross pay-back time not to exceed 10 years. This is a pre-requisite for the feasibility of the project.
The sizing of the solar installation shall be carried out aiming for the economic optimum.
 Over-sizing must be avoided.
- To be a reliable and simple system, with reduced maintenance.
- To incorporate the domestic hot water return loop into the solar production.

1.2 Table of fundamental parameters for a DHW solar system


This table summarises the essential criteria that must be checked when designing and sizing the installation. The
details of these parameters are described in the chapter "Sizing".
Parameters Usual errors Consequences Recommendations
Daily water Over-estimation Over-heating and drop - Reliable physical measurements mandatory for
consumption in efficiency refurbishment
- Benchmark of measurements from similar hotels if
new-build
e.g.: Etap 50 l/day/R
Ibis 60 l/day/R
Novotel 70l/day/R
Cold water Under or Loss of efficiency or Obtain information from the water company
temperature over-estimated over-heating
Set temperature 60°C (not less due to legionella risks)
Orientation - East or West - Efficiency Loss of 10 - South in the northern hemisphere.
to 15%. - Check trees and adjacent constructions.
- Efficiency Loss of up Ex: 450 kWh/m²/year in north of France (Paris)
- Shadows cast
to 50% 600 kWh/m²/year in south of France
Pitch Angle too steep Panel shadows over 20°
each other
Storage Insufficient Over-heating - Sizing in phase with the DHW daily requirement
storage
- Make sure sufficient space made available in the
plant room
Controls Systems from Poor efficiency, - Plant (panels and control) of the same brand
several suppliers Over-heating, etc - Design carried out by the manufacturer of the panels
or too complex (or recommended by the manufacturer)

ACC_WE_DB3120S_Solar_Domestic_Hot_Water_guidelines_V1-0_April_09.doc 3/17
2. OPERATION OF A SOLAR SYSTEM

The type of system most often used at the present time in regular solar installations is as follows:

The rise in DHW temperature proceeds in 2 stages, using solar energy first, then, the top-up energy source
(gas or electricity usually).

The solar panels are positioned and inclined in the best way to optimise their annual productivity
(depending on site constraints) and receive solar energy (by radiation), which is transformed directly into
heat energy. This energy is then carried by a heat-transfer fluid (generally: a water-glycol solution) in the
primary hydraulic circuit of the installation to the heat exchanger which transfers the heat to the domestic
water contained in the solar tank.

The (pre)-heated water then passes through the top-up system (or the existing installation: electric
calorifier or gas boiler), which will raise the temperature to the set point as necessary.

A correctly-sized expansion vessel should enable the expansion of the heat-transfer fluid in the primary
circuit (increase of the volume of the fluid with the rise in temperature). (Not applicable for drain-back
systems)

The top-up system shall be sized as if the solar installation did not exist (it shall be capable of
providing all of the hotel's DHW requirement in the event of a problem in the solar installation or in the
event of the absence of sunshine for several consecutive days).

Guest comfort should never be compromised or put at risk.

ACC_WE_DB3120S_Solar_Domestic_Hot_Water_guidelines_V1-0_April_09.doc 4/17
3. THE COMPONENTS OF THE SOLAR INSTALLATION

3.1 The Solar Panels

There are three types of solar panels for pre-heating hot water, with different outputs and recommended usages:

3.1.1 FLAT GLASS TYPE

Flat glass collectors are the most suitable and most-used for the
production of domestic hot water. The efficiency/price ratio is clearly
the most attractive for this type of use. They are made of metal
absorbers (blackened copper plates) and copper tubes, through
which the heat-transfer fluid flows.

The efficiency of a flat panel is to be calculated on the basis of three


parameters:
• The "ή0" criterion: Optical efficiency of the collector (Rating as per
Solar Keymark quality label); ή0 should be between 0.65 and 0.85
• The "a1" coefficient: Conductivity heat losses from the panel. a1 should be inferior to 5 W/m2.K
• The "a2" coefficient: Convection heat losses from the panel. a2 should be inferior to 0.0047 W/m2.K2

ACC_WE_DB3120S_Solar_Domestic_Hot_Water_guidelines_V1-0_April_09.doc 5/17
3.1.2 VACUUM TUBE TYPE.
Vacuum tubes are able to run at much higher temperatures than flat type tubes. To avoid heat losses, the tubes are
built with vacuum shell. They are used mostly for specific applications, such as industrial processes, that require
water temperatures of more than 100°C or plant for solar absorption cooling (solar air-conditioning). Although they
have a better output, their cost is too high to justify use for DHW production, unless there is a lack of space available
on the roof or, when panels positioned vertically on external elevations. Their use may however be considered in
regions with little sunshine and/or with low external temperatures (Typically: Northern Europe).
There are several technologies of vacuum tube panels, the two main ones being direct circulation type and heat pipe
type (which use a natural mechanism of evaporation/condensation of a fluid to transfer the heat). Their a1 coefficient
2
should be between 1.5 to 3 W/m .K

3.1.3 SOLAR MATTING


Solar matting is used essentially for heating swimming pools. It is made of a network of flexible tubes, through which
part of the swimming pool water circulates.
Solar matting cannot be used directly for DHW production.

3.2 Solar Tanks


Solar tanks shall comply with the following:
• Access panel (400 mm diameter minimum) for maintenance.
• Very good thermal insulation to reduce heat losses (minimum thickness 100 mm, U-value 0.04 W/°Cm), wi th
galvanised steel or PVC sheet protection (stainless steel if exposed to weather). The access panel shall also be
insulated and shall have a flange that is easily removable for periodic maintenance.
• Material: Stainless steel or resin coated steel with specific 12 year guarantee. (Enamelled metal not acceptable)
• Resistant to corrosion for all types of water and treatments and shall be guaranteed for 12 years
• Operating pressure 6bars, tested to at least 10 bars (preferably 15 bars)
• Able to operate continuously at 95°C
• The height of the support shall be sufficient to allow work to be carried out under the tank.
• Design to minimise legionella risks.
• Safety valve on the inlet to the tank, connected to a drain.
• Earthing of the tank.
• Thermo wells for fixing sensors and alcohol thermometers.
• Tanks should not be installed outside in regions susceptible to freeze or exposed to see climate.

ACC_WE_DB3120S_Solar_Domestic_Hot_Water_guidelines_V1-0_April_09.doc 6/17
Particular attention shall be paid to the positions of the connections to the solar cylinders, which shall comply with
the following diagram:

Standard solar tanks from 1 000 to 10 000 litres with internal coating and access panel.

NOTE : THE STRUCTURAL CONSULTANT SHALL CHECK FOR EACH HOTEL THAT THE FLOOR SLAB OF
THE ROOM USED FOR THE LOCATION OF THE SOLAR TANKS IS STRONG ENOUGH TO SUPPORT THE
WEIGHT OF THE TANKS FULL OF WATER.

3.3 Pipework

The primary circuit pipe work shall be made of copper or of stainless steel and its lagging shall be protected
mechanically (against UV weather and physical damage).

The secondary circuit pipework shall be made of copper, unless the existing installation is in galvanised steel (even
partially). In such case, the secondary circuit pipework shall be made of C-PVC or in stainless steel. No connection
between copper / galvanised steel (risk of corrosion). It shall be lagged and protected in a PVC or equivalent
casing.

3.4 Valves

On the primary circuit, all the isolating and balancing valves, together with the bleed valves, shall be designed for
use with the selected heat-transfer fluid (in general a water-glycol solution). On the secondary circuit, all the
elements shall resist at least to the maximum temperature of the installation (90°C). Quarter turn sta inless steel ball
valves shall be preferred.

ACC_WE_DB3120S_Solar_Domestic_Hot_Water_guidelines_V1-0_April_09.doc 7/17
4. OPTIMISED SIZING OF THE INSTALLATION
For each hotel, a specialist mechanical consultant shall prepare a feasibility study so that the solar installation
can be sized and optimised to suit the DHW requirements and the characteristics of the site (location of the hotel,
space on roof, in boiler room, etc.).

The proper sizing of the installation will enable its solar productivity and its economic balance to be optimised.

The specialist consultant shall be involved from the initial design phase to the monitoring of the results (including
commissioning). This is required to ensure the quality of projects.

4.1 DHW Requirements

DHW requirements are to be calculated based on the volume of hot water consumed and the associated hot water
temperature.

DHW requirements should not, under any circumstances, be over-estimated.


Over-estimating the DHW requirements would result in
• a significant drop in productivity of the installation;
• The risk of over-heating of the solar panels and tank.

A solar installation must not therefore be over-sized.

4.1.1 DHW CONSUMPTION

The estimation of the domestic hot water (DHW) requirements is the key factor in the sizing of a solar
installation.

The DHW requirements shall be estimated according to:


• records of DHW consumption over several years, if they exist;
• if there are no records, a measurement campaign, with the fixing of flow-meters shall be carried out; the results
shall then be compared to the Occupancy Ratio and the number of guest per room;
• if modifications to the DHW system have been made recently, or are proposed (installation of devices to
reduce DHW consumption: flow regulators; pot-wash, dishwasher, washing machine replacement; etc.), allowance
must be made in order to forecast future requirements.

4.1.2 SET-POINT TEMPERATURE

The DHW set-point temperature shall be determined by the DHW production system used to top up the solar
installation. Generally 60°C.
This temperature plays a part in the sizing of the solar installation and is therefore to be adapted for each particular
case.

4.2 Sizing of the Installation

The sizing of a solar installation for domestic hot water production shall take into account several criteria that are
strongly linked to each other.

In all cases, the solar ratio (energy from solar/total energy used) in order to avoid any risk of over-heating and to
keep the installation at a good level of productivity shall never exceed 90% (during the sunniest month)

Sizing shall be carried out on the basis of site meteorological data (or from a meteorological station located nearby)
using specialist software.

ACC_WE_DB3120S_Solar_Domestic_Hot_Water_guidelines_V1-0_April_09.doc 8/17
4.2.1 SOLAR PANELS

Each solar panel has its own thermal and dimensional characteristics. The sizing of the installation shall thus be
carried out on the basis of clearly-specified panels (overall sizes including collector frames, net area and thermal
coefficients).

The net area of the solar panels shall therefore be sized according to the assumptions (4.1) and of the selected
panel characteristics, while complying with the limit of 90% of solar ratio.

The determination of this area shall also take into account:

• the position of the panels : in general, panels shall face the same way as the building, for aesthetic reasons, and
be located close to the plant room;
• the actual angle, which will depend on the base angle of the sets of panels and which need to be optimised to
suit the orientation of the panels (generally 20-30° at a latitude of 45°);
• The area available on the roof in relation to the standard dimensions of the sets of panels.

The layout and the dimensions of the sets of solar panels shall also take into account possible obstacles on the roof
(roof extensions, ventilation outlets, flues, advertising signs, aerials, etc.).
Shadows cast on the sets of panels by elements nearby (flues, signs, another set of collectors, etc.) or further
away (buildings, high ground, etc.) shall also be considered. The impact of these shadows shall be simulated and
any solution that minimises them shall be sought.

Such particulars may lead to having to adjust the angle or an area of the panels differently from the
optimum solution.

4.2.2 DHW STORAGE

The sizing of the volume of storage will depend essentially on the net area of panels, as it must be large enough to
store the solar energy received by the panels, but not over-sized, in order to limit heat losses.

The ratio (litres of storage / net area of collectors) will depend on the site location and shall be determined for each
individual project by the specialist consultant.

The calculation of the volume of solar tanks shall also take into account:

• The average consumption of DHW per day. Generally the storage volume should equal the average day use.
• The number of tanks to be used, which shall be as few as possible (minimum = 2) in order to limit heat
losses. This will depend on the means of access to the storage room (for the passage of the cylinders) and the
ceiling height of the room (for lifting the cylinders if necessary) in relation to the sizes of the cylinders selected,
• The lagging of the cylinders, which shall be the best possible in order to limit heat losses (100 mm thick, see
paragraph 3.2).
• The area available in the plant room selected for the location of the storage tank(s) (boiler room, plant room).

4.2.3 OTHER CRITERIA

The sizing of the solar installation shall also take into account:

• the lengths of pipework that will be installed and their heat losses (lagging);
• the characteristics of the plate heat exchanger for the transfer of the solar energy from the primary circuit to
the secondary circuit.

The sizing of the solar installation shall take all these criteria into account. If necessary,
the size of the installation may need to be reduced in order to meet all these criteria.

ACC_WE_DB3120S_Solar_Domestic_Hot_Water_guidelines_V1-0_April_09.doc 9/17
5. CONTROLS FOR A PRESSURISED CLOSED CIRCUIT SOLAR SYSTEM

The ACCOR standard specification is based on, the following requirements:

• Flat panels.
• Simple and high-performance controls. Maximum temperature of 80°c in the solar tank and all relevant means to
avoid over-heating in summer.
• No mixed tank. Solar tanks not fitted with any stand-by heaters.
• DHW return loop: the solar circuit must be capable of re-heating the DHW loop during the high levels of
production in summer.

Supplementary DHW production by boiler(s) (gas or fuel-oil)

As in any complex system, the controls are very important and condition its proper operation and its productivity.

For the "100 solar hotels" project in France, the controls were integrated into a prefabricated module including all
necessary elements (heat exchanger, pumps, controls panel, etc.). This element was produced in several sizes so
as to be adapted to the sizing of the installation. (for ex “Blocsol” from Clipsol; Buderus……)

Operation of the controls:

If the temperature of the fluid leaving the collectors (T Coll) is 5°C higher than the temperature of the water i n the
solar tank (T Sol Cyl): the Primary pump causes the fluid in the primary circuit to circulate. This pump stops when
the difference between these two temperatures drops below 2°C.
When the temperature at the primary inlet into the heat exchanger (T Hot Coll) is 5°C higher than the temperature of
the water in the solar tank (T Sol Cyl), the Secondary pump starts. This pump stops when the difference between
these two temperatures drops below 2°C.

ACC_WE_DB3120S_Solar_Domestic_Hot_Water_guidelines_V1-0_April_09.doc 10/17
Solar heating of DHW return loop:

Innovative: the controls enable the return on the domestic hot water loop to be reheated by solar system when the
temperature in the solar tank is high enough. The efficiency of the solar installation is thus improved, while reducing
the energy consumption in connection with the sanitary loop and limiting possible over-heating in the solar tanks.
The DHW return loop pipe must be connected at high level on the solar tank (approx. 2/3 from bottom)
At rest, the 3-way valve (VM10) directs the DHW return to the top-up cylinder (BA1).
If the water temperature at the outlet from the solar cylinders (T Sol Water) is 5°C higher than the temperature of the
DHW return (T DHW loop return), the 3-way valve (VM10) directs the DHW return to the solar cylinders (BS1
and/or BS2). The solar loop operates whatever the operation status of the primary and secondary pumps.
The controls also include two operating modes dealing with the risks of over-heating in summer: fallback mode
initially and, if necessary, night-time cooling.

Fallback mode:
When the temperature in the solar tank (T Sol Cyl) exceeds 70°C, the temperature difference required to operate
the primary and secondary pumps increases by 10°C i n order to limit energy recovery.
When this temperature drops down below 70°C as wate r is drawn off, the 10°C temperature difference is cancelled.
This increase in temperature difference enables the solar panels to work at higher temperatures with downgraded
efficiency. This limits over-heating in the solar tanks at times of strong sunshine.

Night-time cooling:
If the temperature in the solar tank (T Sol Cyl) exceeds 55°C between midnight and 5.00 a.m., the primary and
secondary pumps switch on in order to cool the solar tanks.
Night-time cooling continues until the temperature in the solar tank (T Sol Cyl) drops back below 55°C.
Solar reheating of the DHW return loop continues during night-time cooling, provided that its conditions of operation
listed above are met.
Another operating system (known as Drain Back), with its own controls, is also possible. It has the advantage of
setting the installation to passive safety in case of power failure.

Alternative solution with supplementary DHW production by electric storage heating

ACC_WE_DB3120S_Solar_Domestic_Hot_Water_guidelines_V1-0_April_09.doc 11/17
6. CONTROLS FOR A CLOSED "DRAIN-BACK" SOLAR SYSTEM

The solution using "drain-back" enables the installation to be set to passive safety as soon as the pumps stop.

Contrary to the first solution, the alternative with "drain-back" does not require an expansion vessel on the primary
circuit. The solar panel is only filled by the primary circulation pump when there is sufficient sunshine and the tanks
can still absorb heat. In the absence of sunshine, the solar panels are drained (by gravity) into the fluid recovery
tank; the panels must therefore be self-draining (back falls to be avoided during installation).

This type of operation also avoids any risk of frost in the solar panels.

Example with supplementary DHW production through boilers

Operation of the controls:

Start of the system (primary and secondary pumps) when:


• 25°C < Tc < 95°C
• T Coll >= T Sol Cyl +5°C

Once the pumps have started, they run for at least 3 or 4 minutes (depending on adjustment).

Once this time is over, the pumps will stop when: T Ht Exch < = T Sol Cyl + 1°C

Solar heating of DHW return loop:


In the same way as with pressurised systems, the 3-way valve directs the DHW return to the solar tanks when the solar
water temperature is higher than the DHW return temperature (see paragraph 5 above).

The controls include safety devices to protect against over-heating:

The solar system will not start if the temperature at the outlet from the panels (T Coll) exceeds > 95°C.

The solar system will stop when: T Sol Cyl = 70 to 90°C (depending on adjustment)

An electromechanical safety thermostat shall be provided on the hot pipe from the solar panels and set at
90°C, with automatic reset.

ACC_WE_DB3120S_Solar_Domestic_Hot_Water_guidelines_V1-0_April_09.doc 12/17
7. ENGINEERING & LOGISTICS FOR ACCOR’S STANDARD SOLAR SYSTEM

7.1 Solar Panels

Essential elements of the system, the solar panels must offer the best possible compromise between cost and
thermal performance. The potential problems linked with manufacture, assembly or installations are also very
important.

CLIPSOL TGD panels technical data:


• Optical efficiency ή0 = 0.73;
• Heat loss coefficient a1 = 4.26

Photographs of thermal solar panels (source: Clipsol)

The Clipsol system used in France for the "100 solar hotels" project, had design and assembly of the panels
standardised: panels were assembled in 12 m² sections, sized so as to be capable of being transported on a flat
lorry of road-clearance size and with easy assembly on site due to simplified connections.

This standardisation of the panels and of their assembly led to a significant cost reduction and time savings
for site installation.

7.2 Frame Structure

The supporting structure of the solar panels have to carry the weight of the panels, the strength of the wind and
transfer these to the building. These structures and their adaptation to the relevant hotel shall be designed by
a Structural Engineer.

For the French project, the load-bearing structure was also optimised. In thin fabricated metal, it comprises standard
units that can be adapted to the roofs of the various types of hotels. This technique saved weight and saved
installation time. All systems (usually 72 m²) were installed in a single day, instead of 4 days previously. The
assembly was erected with spanners, with no cutting or welding, in order to avoid possible future corrosion.

ACC_WE_DB3120S_Solar_Domestic_Hot_Water_guidelines_V1-0_April_09.doc 13/17
Layout diagram of the solar panels on a concrete flat roof:

Layout diagram of the solar panels on F1 hotel (building with load bearing façade walls)):

As the light weight roof structure was unsuitable for fixing the collectors, the loads were transferred to the external
walls of the building.

(Source: Clipsol site at the F1 hotel at Solaize)

(Source: Clipsol)
On those hotels with a tile-covered pitched roof, the collectors were erected on the spot and built into the roof as a
replacement for the tiles.

ACC_WE_DB3120S_Solar_Domestic_Hot_Water_guidelines_V1-0_April_09.doc 14/17
7.3 Logistics

For the Clipsol system selected for the "100 solar hotels" project in France, the whole of the solar system for each
hotel was transported on a single lorry. Programming and unloading were studied so that the crane was needed for
the minimum time (½ day). These logistics required a works programme to be prepared in advance, taking into
account the transport distances.
The technical and financial success of the project depends on compliance with the delivery programme.

The logistical aspects are essential and have a major financial impact on the implementation of solar installations (in
particular for existing hotels.)

In a general way, solutions that enable prefabrication and ease of transport and assembly of the various
elements should be favoured.

ACC_WE_DB3120S_Solar_Domestic_Hot_Water_guidelines_V1-0_April_09.doc 15/17
Appendix 1: Case study – DHW return loop connected on solar tank
Situation No. 1: DHW return loop runs via the top-up tank:

Summer day mode (July)

Hot solar tank & DHW return loop heated by


conventional energy source(T6 < T8)

The temperature of the hottest solar tank T6 is less than the DHW return loop temperature T8.
The 3-way valve is at rest, open towards the top-up cylinder.

Situation No. 2: the DHW return runs though the solar tank.

Solar tank hot and solar loop started (T6 > T8 + 5°C)

ACC_WE_DB3120S_Solar_Domestic_Hot_Water_guidelines_V1-0_April_09.doc 16/17
During the day, DHW draw-off is low. The collectors heat the solar cylinders.

The temperature of the hottest solar tank T6 is greater than the DHW return temperature
T8+5°C. (T6 ~ 55°C). The 3-way valve is activated, open towards the solar cylinder.

Solar energy is recovered: Energy = DHW Loop flow rate * (T6-T8) * operating time.
3
e.g.: 1 m /hr* 1.16 * (60°C-50°C) * 5 hrs = 58 kWh

Situation No. 3: By day end, the solar tanks are at 70°C.

Solar tank hot and DHW loop off (T6 > T8 + 5°C)

Circulation in the solar panels is stopped. The condition T6 > T8+5 is still validated.
The DHW loop continues to be reheated by the solar tanks. The energy recovered by reheating
the DHW loop is: volume of the hottest solar tank x (T° solar cylinder - T° at rest)
e.g.: 1.5 m3 * (70°C-55°C) *1.16 = 26 kWh.

AS SOON AS THE CONDITION T6 < T8+5°C, THE REHEATING OF THE DHW LOOP IS STOPPED.
THE 3-WAY VALVE RETURNS TO REST, OPENING TOWARDS THE TOP-UP CYLINDER.

END OF DOCUMENT

ACC_WE_DB3120S_Solar_Domestic_Hot_Water_guidelines_V1-0_April_09.doc 17/17

You might also like