ASTM E1160-87(2001)
(Guide)Standard Guide for On-Site Inspection and Verification of Operation of Solar Domestic Hot Water Systems
Standard Guide for On-Site Inspection and Verification of Operation of Solar Domestic Hot Water Systems
SCOPE
1.1 This guide establishes procedures and test methods for conducting an on-site inspection and acceptance test of an installed domestic hot water system (DHW) using flat plate, concentrating-type collectors or tank absorber systems.
1.2 It is intended as a simple and economical acceptance test to be performed by the system installer or an independent tester to verify that critical components of the system are functioning and to acquire baseline data reflecting overall short term system heat output.
1.3 This guide is not intended to generate accurate measurements of system performance (see ASHRAE standard 95-1981 for a laboratory test) or thermal efficiency.
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety problems, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
General Information
Relations
Standards Content (Sample)
NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
Designation: E 1160 – 87 (Reapproved 2001)
Standard Guide for
On-Site Inspection and Verification of Operation of Solar
Domestic Hot Water Systems
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E1160; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision.Anumber in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.A
superscript epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 95-1981 Method of Testing to Determine the Thermal
Performance of Domestic Water Heating System
1.1 This guide covers procedures and test methods for
2.3 NIST Standard:
conducting an on-site inspection and acceptance test of an
76-1137 Thermal Data Requirements and Performance
installed domestic hot water system (DHW) using flat plate,
Evaluation Procedures for the National Solar Heating and
concentrating-type collectors or tank absorber systems.
Cooling Demonstration Program
1.2 Itisintendedasasimpleandeconomicalacceptancetest
tobeperformedbythesysteminstalleroranindependenttester
3. Summary of Guide
toverifythatcriticalcomponentsofthesystemarefunctioning
3.1 This guide recommends inspection procedures and tests
and to acquire baseline data reflecting overall short term
for: general system inspection, collector efficiency, freeze
system heat output.
protection, and controller and pump/blower operation.
1.3 Thisguideisnotintendedtogenerateaccuratemeasure-
3.1.1 Verification of satisfactory operation of these compo-
ments of system performance (seeASHRAE standard 95-1981
nents indicates that the system is functioning. Tests are
for a laboratory test) or thermal efficiency.
designedtotakeaminimumoftimeinpreparation,testingand
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
restorationofthesystem.Theymayuserelativelyinexpensive,
standard. The values given in parentheses are for information
nonintrusive instrumentation which system installers can rea-
only.
sonably be expected to have on hand.
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
3.2 Recommended tests for each component or subsystem
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
fall into categories according to the level of complexity and
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
cost (Note 1).
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
3.2.1 Category A—The most rudimentary tests, such as
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
visual inspection.
2. Referenced Documents 3.2.2 Category B—Tests that require minimal instrumenta-
tion and skill.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
3.2.3 Category C—Tests that require most expensive or
E772 Terminology Relating to Solar Energy Conversion
sophisticated instrumentation or more time to perform.
E823 Practice for Nonoperational Exposure and Inspection
of a Solar Collector
NOTE 1—Category B tests should include Category A tests as prereq-
E904 Practice for Generating All-Day Thermal Perfor-
uisite, etc.
mance Data for Solar Collectors
3.2.4 Selection of the appropriate test is at the discretion of
E1056 Practice for Installation and Service of Solar Do-
the tester and purchaser, who should be aware of the tradeoffs
mestic Water Heating Systems for One- and Two-Family
between cost and accuracy at each level of testing. The tester
Dwellings
should make these clearly known to the purchaser of the
2.2 ASHRAE Standards:
system who may wish to assume the costs of more sophisti-
93-1986 (ANSI B198.1-1977) Method of Testing to Deter-
cated testing (Note 2). Preferably there should be a part of the
mine the Thermal Performance of Solar Collectors
installation contract between the tester and purchaser spelling
out test specifics (for example, Category A, B or C for each
subtest).
This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E44 on Solar,
Geothermal,andOtherAlternativeEnergySourcesandisthedirectresponsibilityof
Subcommittee E44.05 on Solar Heating and Cooling Subsystems and Systems.
Current edition approved June 8, 1987. Published August 1987.
2 4
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 12.02. Available from National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg,
Available from ASHRAE, 1791 Tullie Circle, N.E., Altanta, GA 30329. MD 20899.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
E 1160
NOTE 2—Consult your local National Balancing Bureau or Associated
ments that do not require special skills, intrusive instrumenta-
Air Balance Council.
tion, system modification or interruption of service to the
purchaser.
3.3 Instrumentation includes sensors to monitor some or all
4.4 The purpose of this guide is to verify that the system is
of the following conditions:
functioning. Copies of all data and reports must be submitted
3.3.1 Total incident solar radiation (in the plane of the
bythetestinggrouptotheownerorhisorherdesignatedagent.
collector array),
4.5 Dataandreportsfromtheseproceduresandtestsmaybe
3.3.2 Outdoor ambient temperature,
used to compare the system performance over time, but should
3.3.3 Internal building temperature near storage system,
not be used to compare different systems or installations.
3.3.4 Collector loop flow rate and temperatures, and
4.6 Testisforanewlyinstalledsystemandalsoforperiodic
3.3.5 Storage temperature.
checking.
3.3.6 Each system should be instrumented to the practical
level required for calculation (see NIST standard 76-1137 for
5. Procedures
another method to instrument and evaluate solar systems).
Some sites may need additional instrumentation as a result of
5.1 Preparation:
their unique requirements. Fig. 1 shows a typical closed loop
5.1.1 Install and operate components and controls in accor-
system with the instrumentation required for the various tests.
dance with manufacturer’s instructions.
3.4 Thevarioustypesofavailableinstrumentationarelisted
5.1.2 Usetemporaryportableinstrumentationoranyperma-
in Tables 1-4.Approximate cost ranges, accuracy and applica-
nent instruments installed for continuous monitoring to evalu-
tion information are given. Most of the necessary instruments
ate system performance as long as accuracy is 62% of full
arepresentlyusedinconventionalheatingandairconditioning
scale and reproducibility is $5% and instrumentation is
work except the pyranometer or solar radiation flux-measuring
installed properly in accordance with manufacturer’s instruc-
instruments.
tion.
5.1.3 Operate the system in a normal and satisfactory
4. Significance and Use
manner for several days before the on-site performance test.
4.1 This guide is intended for on-site assessment of in- Operate the entire system at a nearly steady-state condition for
at least a 2-h period before testing. Conduct tests for collector
service operation by short term measurement of appropriate
system functions under representative operating conditions. effectiveness under clear, sunny conditions.
4.2 Primary application is for residential systems and 5.2 General Inspection:
medium-size multi-family units or commercial buildings. Use 5.2.1 The ability to perform as intended for the specified
of back-up conventional DHW heating system is assumed to period of time defines system durability and reliability. System
augment solar heating. performance depends on the proper operation of each of the
4.3 This guide is intended for use by suppliers, installers, subsystems. The manual containing drawings, specifications,
consultants and homeowners in evaluating on-site operation of and engineering data shall serve as a benchmark for the
aninstalledsystem.Emphasisisplacedonsimplifiedmeasure- inspection.
FIG. 1 Closed Loop System—One Tank
E 1160
TABLE 1 Solar Radiation Probes
Approximate
Type of Sensor Accuracy Type of Output Special Comments
Cost (dollars)
Pyranometer 150 to 1000 1–3 % of instantaneous Analog electrical millivolt Mounting point must be
value output, may need amplifier unshaded; some models
increase error increase error
by tilting
Integrating pyranometer 150 to 1000 5 % of integrated value Mechanical totalizer (and Some models provide
analog electrical on some instantaneous reading
models)
Photovoltaic solar cell 25 to 150 65 % of instantaneous Analog Drift or degradation over
value long periods
TABLE 2 Thermal Sensors
Approximate
Type of Sensor Accuracy Convenience Type of Output Special Comments
Cost (dollars)
Bimetalic 25 to 50 High; 1 % or less of Good, when installed correctly Visual Not reliable for differential temperatures,
thermometer full scale time lag present; clip on type available
Bulb type 25 High Difficult to read because of Visual Very fragile
thermometer small scale
Digital thermometer 100 + Depends on type of Excellent, one indicator can Visual (digital) Probes typically cost $50
probe(s), typically serve several locations (probes)
0.5°C (1°F)
Thermocouple 25 to 30 Fair, 1°C (2°F) Excellent when coupled with Analog (electrical) Not reliable for measuring temperature
indicator differences; requires special wire for
installation
Resistance 60 High 0.25°C (0.5°F) or Excellent when coupled with Analog (electrical) Especially suited for measuring
temperature better indicator temperature differences
detectors (HTD)
Thermistors 1 to 30 Good, 0.5°C (1°F) Excellent when coupled with Analog (electrical) Not available in proper housing; can be
indicator damaged
Tapes 2 to 3 Fair, 1–3°C (2–5°F) Excellent, reusable Visual Inexpensive
steps
TABLE 3 Liquid Flow Sensors and Indicators
Approximate
Type of Sensor Accuracy Convenience Type of Output
Cost (dollars)
Pressure gages 50 Strictly a flow indicator Low Visual
Float type 30 Fair, + 5 % full scale accuracy Moderate Visual
TABLE 4 Air Flowmeters
Approximate
Type of Sensor Accuracy Type of Output Special Comments
A
Cost (dollars)
Hot wire anemometer 600 to 1000 Moderate, 2 % of full scale; Analog (electrical) Some models easily damaged by debris and improper
recalibration necessary handling; must be properly located in order to determine
mean flow
Turbine 300 Good, 1 % of flow Analog (electrical) Must be properly located in order to determine mean flow
Pitot tube 300 Fair, 1 to 5 % Visual or analog (electrical) Standard for measuring duct velocities
A
Includes readout device or transmitter.
5.2.2 The following components should be inspected for 5.2.2.11 Interrelated support systems, including other air
properinstallation(seePracticeE1056)andoperationtocheck handlers, chillers, heaters, or heat pumps, and
for any malfunctions, leaks or improper adjustments. See Ref 5.2.2.12 Fans and air handlers.
(1) for an Installation Checklist. 5.2.3 Mostofthefailuresreportedhavebeeninthecollector
5.2.2.1 Collectors and connections, subsystem and connections and controls with considerably
5.2.2.2 Controls and sensors, fewerfailuresreportedforvalvesandpumpsubsystems.There
5.2.2.3 Insulation, has been a high incidence of improper system operation due to
5.2.2.4 Interconnections—mechanical and electrical, controls improperly connected or adjusted.
5.2.2.5 Pumps and motors, 5.2.4 Avisual inspection should be made of all connections
5.2.2.6 Valves and fittings, (see Practice E1056, 6.7.6) to check for evidence of leaks or
5.2.2.7 Storage containers and media, potential future corrosion due to improper use of materials
5.2.2.8 Heat exchangers, (Practice E1056, 6.7.2), improper joining of dissimilar metals
5.2.2.9 Dampers and ducting, (Practice E1056, 6.7.14), or improper fluids (Practice E1056,
5.2.2.10 Air or liquid systems leaks, 6.5). See Ref (2) for a leak check on air systems. A pressure
E 1160
check on liquid systems should be done to see if it meets
manufacturer’s recommendations.
5.2.5 Check pumps for noise (most pumps are very quiet).
Noisy fluid flow almost always indicates a bad pump, cavita-
tion or air in the system and is symptomatic of further
problems. In an open or drainback system noisy fluid flow will
occur if there is water loss due to leakage. If a pump problem
issuspected,onewaytodetermineifthepumpisseizedorhas
other electrical problems is to touch the assembly to see if it is
hotter than the fluid circulating through it. Also any burning
odors may indicate electrical problems.
5.3 Collector Operation and Effectiveness (See Practice
E823, Practice E904 and ASHRAE Standard93-1986 for
other tests). Table 5 gives the typical operating ranges of the
test parameters for various collector system configurations.
6. Test Level A—Visual Inspection
6.1 Procedure—Turn on system, observe the pump or
blower comes on with sunshine available. Temperature on
returnlinefromcollectorshouldbeslightlywarmer(about5°C
(10°F)) than the supply line to the collector. This can be
FIG. 2 Pump And System Curves (Closed Loop)
determined by feel or by temperature gages (see Table 2) if
installed. The return temperature should also show a gradual
7.3 Interpretation and Report of Results—The system
3 2 2
increase during daylight hours (will fluctuate depending on
should be providing 7 to 27 cm /m s (0.01 to 0.04 gpm/ft)of
water usage).
collector or as specified in operating manual.
6.2 Interpretation and Report of Results—If temperature
rise is unreasonable (too little or too much—see 6.1) check 8. Test Level C—Measure Radiation and Temperature
pump or blower for proper operation and fluid level in system. Changes (See Ref (3) for similar test)
8.1 Procedure:
7. Test Level B—Estimation of Flow Rates
8.1.1 Measureradiation(q)withpyranometer.Togetsteady
7.1 Procedures: state, read every 15 min until two consecutive values are the
7.1.1 In indirect system, record total head (discharge same within 5%. Record readings, once at steady state, every
pressure-suction pressure), and establish flow rate using inter- 15 min for 2 h. Measure collector inlet (T ) and outlet
in
section of system curve with blower curve provided by temperatures(T )every15minfor2h(mayneedtocloseoff
out
manufacturer(seeFig.2correctforantifreezepercentage).See makeup water and backup heater for duration of test. Use flow
Ref (2) for more information. rates from Test Level B or use flowmeters for fluid flow rate
7.1.2 In direct or open system measure discharge pressure (Q).
with drain valve and makeup valve closed.Then open makeup
8.2 Instrumentation:
valve, turn on pump and adjust the drain valve until the 8.2.1 Use pyranometer or solar cell (see Table 1).
pressureisthesameasin7.1.1(seeFig.3foroperatingpoint). 8.2.2 Use thermometer or other device in accordance with
7.2 Instrumentation—Apressure gage (see Fig. 4 andTable Table 2. Probes or strap-on sensors should be at collector inlet
3), a stopwatch, and a container may be needed for this test. and
...
Questions, Comments and Discussion
Ask us and Technical Secretary will try to provide an answer. You can facilitate discussion about the standard in here.