ASTM E1160-87(2007)
(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
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
This guide is intended for on-site assessment of in-service operation by short term measurement of appropriate system functions under representative operating conditions.
Primary application is for residential systems and medium-size multi-family units or commercial buildings. Use of back-up conventional DHW heating system is assumed to augment solar heating.
This guide is intended for use by suppliers, installers, consultants and homeowners in evaluating on-site operation of an installed system. Emphasis is placed on simplified measurements that do not require special skills, intrusive instrumentation, system modification or interruption of service to the purchaser.
The purpose of this guide is to verify that the system is functioning. Copies of all data and reports must be submitted by the testing group to the owner or his or her designated agent.
Data and reports from these procedures and tests may be used to compare the system performance over time, but should not be used to compare different systems or installations.
Test is for a newly installed system and also for periodic checking.
SCOPE
1.1 This guide covers 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 concerns, 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
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Standards Content (Sample)
NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
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Designation:E1160 −87(Reapproved 2007)
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 (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope tic Water Heating Systems for One- and Two-Family
Dwellings
1.1 This guide covers procedures and test methods for
2.2 ASHRAE Standards:
conducting an on-site inspection and acceptance test of an
93-1986(ANSI B198.1-1977) Method of Testing to Deter-
installed domestic hot water system (DHW) using flat plate,
mine the Thermal Performance of Solar Collectors
concentrating-type collectors or tank absorber systems.
95-1981Method of Testing to Determine the Thermal Per-
1.2 Itisintendedasasimpleandeconomicalacceptancetest
formance of Domestic Water Heating System
tobeperformedbythesysteminstalleroranindependenttester
2.3 NIST Standard:
toverifythatcriticalcomponentsofthesystemarefunctioning
76-1137 Thermal Data Requirements and Performance
and to acquire baseline data reflecting overall short term
Evaluation Procedures for the National Solar Heating and
system heat output.
Cooling Demonstration Program
1.3 Thisguideisnotintendedtogenerateaccuratemeasure-
ments of system performance (seeASHRAE standard 95-1981
3. Summary of Guide
for a laboratory test) or thermal efficiency.
3.1 This guide recommends inspection procedures and tests
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
for: general system inspection, collector efficiency, freeze
standard. The values given in parentheses are for information
protection, and controller and pump/blower operation.
only.
3.1.1 Verification of satisfactory operation of these compo-
nents indicates that the system is functioning. Tests are
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
designedtotakeaminimumoftimeinpreparation,testingand
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
restorationofthesystem.Theymayuserelativelyinexpensive,
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
nonintrusive instrumentation which system installers can rea-
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. sonably be expected to have on hand.
3.2 Recommended tests for each component or subsystem
2. Referenced Documents
fall into categories according to the level of complexity and
cost (Note 1).
2.1 ASTM Standards:
3.2.1 Category A—The most rudimentary tests, such as
E823Practice for Nonoperational Exposure and Inspection
visual inspection.
of a Solar Collector (Withdrawn 2010)
E904Practice for GeneratingAll-DayThermal Performance 3.2.2 Category B—Tests that require minimal instrumenta-
tion and skill.
Data for Solar Collectors
E1056Practice for Installation and Service of Solar Domes- 3.2.3 Category C—Tests that require most expensive or
sophisticated instrumentation or more time to perform.
NOTE 1—Category B tests should include Category A tests as
prerequisite, etc.
This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E44 on Solar,
GeothermalandOtherAlternativeEnergySourcesandisthedirectresponsibilityof
3.2.4 Selection of the appropriate test is at the discretion of
Subcommittee E44.05 on Solar Heating and Cooling Systems and Materials.
the tester and purchaser, who should be aware of the tradeoffs
Current edition approved March 1, 2007. Published April 2007. Originally
approvedin1987.Lastpreviouseditionapprovedin2001asE1160-87(2001).DOI: between cost and accuracy at each level of testing. The tester
10.1520/E1160-87R07.
should make these clearly known to the purchaser of the
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. Available from ASHRAE, 1791 Tullie Circle, N.E., Altanta, GA 30329.
3 5
The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on Available from National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg,
www.astm.org. MD 20899.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E1160−87 (2007)
system who may wish to assume the costs of more sophisti- of back-up conventional DHW heating system is assumed to
cated testing (Note 2). Preferably there should be a part of the augment solar heating.
installation contract between the tester and purchaser spelling
4.3 This guide is intended for use by suppliers, installers,
out test specifics (for example, Category A, B or C for each
consultants and homeowners in evaluating on-site operation of
subtest).
aninstalledsystem.Emphasisisplacedonsimplifiedmeasure-
ments that do not require special skills, intrusive
NOTE 2—Consult your local National Balancing Bureau or Associated
Air Balance Council.
instrumentation, system modification or interruption of service
to the purchaser.
3.3 Instrumentation includes sensors to monitor some or all
of the following conditions:
4.4 The purpose of this guide is to verify that the system is
3.3.1 Total incident solar radiation (in the plane of the
functioning. Copies of all data and reports must be submitted
collector array),
bythetestinggrouptotheownerorhisorherdesignatedagent.
3.3.2 Outdoor ambient temperature,
4.5 Dataandreportsfromtheseproceduresandtestsmaybe
3.3.3 Internal building temperature near storage system,
usedtocomparethesystemperformanceovertime,butshould
3.3.4 Collector loop flow rate and temperatures, and
not be used to compare different systems or installations.
3.3.5 Storage temperature.
3.3.6 Each system should be instrumented to the practical 4.6 Testisforanewlyinstalledsystemandalsoforperiodic
checking.
level required for calculation (see NIST standard 76-1137 for
another method to instrument and evaluate solar systems).
Some sites may need additional instrumentation as a result of 5. Procedures
their unique requirements. Fig. 1 shows a typical closed loop
5.1 Preparation:
system with the instrumentation required for the various tests.
5.1.1 Install and operate components and controls in accor-
3.4 Thevarioustypesofavailableinstrumentationarelisted dance with manufacturer’s instructions.
in Tables 1-4.Approximate cost ranges, accuracy and applica- 5.1.2 Usetemporaryportableinstrumentationoranyperma-
tion information are given. Most of the necessary instruments
nent instruments installed for continuous monitoring to evalu-
arepresentlyusedinconventionalheatingandairconditioning ate system performance as long as accuracy is 62% of full
work except the pyranometer or solar radiation flux-measuring
scale and reproducibility is ≥5% and instrumentation is
instruments. installed properly in accordance with manufacturer’s instruc-
tion.
4. Significance and Use
5.1.3 Operate the system in a normal and satisfactory
4.1 This guide is intended for on-site assessment of in- manner for several days before the on-site performance test.
Operate the entire system at a nearly steady-state condition for
service operation by short term measurement of appropriate
system functions under representative operating conditions. at least a 2-h period before testing. Conduct tests for collector
effectiveness under clear, sunny conditions.
4.2 Primary application is for residential systems and
medium-size multi-family units or commercial buildings. Use 5.2 General Inspection:
FIG. 1 Closed Loop System—One Tank
E1160−87 (2007)
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 ±5 % 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.
5.2.1 The ability to perform as intended for the specified 5.2.2.4 Interconnections—mechanical and electrical,
periodoftimedefinessystemdurabilityandreliability.System 5.2.2.5 Pumps and motors,
performance depends on the proper operation of each of the 5.2.2.6 Valves and fittings,
subsystems. The manual containing drawings, specifications, 5.2.2.7 Storage containers and media,
and engineering data shall serve as a benchmark for the 5.2.2.8 Heat exchangers,
inspection. 5.2.2.9 Dampers and ducting,
5.2.2 The following components should be inspected for 5.2.2.10 Air or liquid systems leaks,
properinstallation(seePracticeE1056)andoperationtocheck 5.2.2.11 Interrelated support systems, including other air
for any malfunctions, leaks or improper adjustments. See Ref handlers, chillers, heaters, or heat pumps, and
(1) for an Installation Checklist. 5.2.2.12 Fans and air handlers.
5.2.2.1 Collectors and connections, 5.2.3 Mostofthefailuresreportedhavebeeninthecollector
5.2.2.2 Controls and sensors, subsystem and connections and controls with considerably
5.2.2.3 Insulation, fewerfailuresreportedforvalvesandpumpsubsystems.There
E1160−87 (2007)
has been a high incidence of improper system operation due to 7.1.1 In indirect system, record total head (discharge
controls improperly connected or adjusted. pressure-suction pressure), and establish flow rate using inter-
5.2.4 Avisual inspection should be made of all connections section of system curve with blower curve provided by
(see Practice E1056, 6.7.6) to check for evidence of leaks or manufacturer(seeFig.2correctforantifreezepercentage).See
potential future corrosion due to improper use of materials Ref (2) for more information.
(Practice E1056, 6.7.2), improper joining of dissimilar metals 7.1.2 In direct or open system measure discharge pressure
(Practice E1056, 6.7.14), or improper fluids (Practice E1056, with drain valve and makeup valve closed.Then open makeup
6.5). See Ref (2) for a leak check on air systems. A pressure valve, turn on pump and adjust the drain valve until the
check on liquid systems should be done to see if it meets pressureisthesameasin7.1.1(seeFig.3foroperatingpoint).
manufacturer’s recommendations.
7.2 Instrumentation—Apressure gage (see Fig. 4 and Table
5.2.5 Check pumps for noise (most pumps are very quiet).
3), a stopwatch, and a container may be needed for this test.
Noisy fluid flow almost always indicates a bad pump, cavita-
7.3 Interpretation and Report of Results—The system
tion or air in the system and is symptomatic of further
3 2 2
should be providing 7 to 27 cm /m s (0.01 to 0.04 gpm/ft)of
problems. In an open or drainback system noisy fluid flow will
collector or as specified in operating manual.
occur if there is water loss due to leakage. If a pump problem
issuspected,onewaytodetermineifthepumpisseizedorhas
8. Test Level C—Measure Radiation and Temperature
other electrical problems is to touch the assembly to see if it is
Changes (See Ref (3) for similar test)
hotter than the fluid circulating through it. Also any burning
8.1 Procedure:
odors may indicate electrical problems.
8.1.1 Measureradiation(q)withpyranometer.Togetsteady
5.3 Collector Operation and Effectiveness (See Practice
state, read every 15 min until two consecutive values are the
E823,PracticeE904andASHRAEStandard93-1986forother
same within 5%. Record readings, once at steady state, every
tests). Table 5 gives the typical operating ranges of the test
15 min for 2 h. Measure collector inlet (T ) and outlet
in
parameters for various collector system configurations.
temperatures(T )every15minfor2h(mayneedtocloseoff
out
makeup water and backup heater for duration of test. Use flow
6. Test Level A—Visual Inspection
rates from Test Level B or use flowmeters for fluid flow rate
6.1 Procedure—Turn on system, observe the pump or
(Q).
blower comes on with sunshine available. Temperature on
8.2 Instrumentation:
returnlinefromcollectorshouldbeslightlywarmer(about5°C
8.2.1 Use pyranometer or solar cell (see Table 1).
(10°F)) than the supply line to the collector. This can be
8.2.2 Use thermometer or other device in accordance with
determined by feel or by temperature gages (see Table 2)if
Table 2. Probes or strap-on sensors should be at collector inlet
installed. The return temperature should also show a gradual
and outlet as close
...
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