ASTM E1160-87(1995)

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

• Status: Historical
• Publication Date: 07-Jun-1987
• Technical Committee: E44 - Solar, Geothermal and Other Alternative Energy Sources

Relations

• Replaced By: ASTM E1160-87(2001) - Standard Guide for On-Site Inspection and Verification of Operation of Solar Domestic Hot Water Systems
• Effective Date: 08-Jun-1987

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NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or
withdrawn.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 1995) An American National Standard
AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR TESTING AND MATERIALS
100 Barr Harbor Dr., West Conshohocken, PA 19428
Reprinted from the Annual Book of ASTM Standards. Copyright ASTM
Standard Guide for
On-Site Inspection and Verification of Operation of Solar
Domestic Hot Water Systems
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E 1160; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 76-1137 Thermal Data Requirements and Performance
Evaluation Procedures for the National Solar Heating and
1.1 This guide covers procedures and test methods for
Cooling Demonstration Program
conducting an on-site inspection and acceptance test of an
installed domestic hot water system (DHW) using flat plate,
3. Summary of Guide
concentrating-type collectors or tank absorber systems.
3.1 This guide recommends inspection procedures and tests
1.2 It is intended as a simple and economical acceptance test
for: general system inspection, collector efficiency, freeze
to be performed by the system installer or an independent tester
protection, and controller and pump/blower operation.
to verify that critical components of the system are functioning
3.1.1 Verification of satisfactory operation of these compo-
and to acquire baseline data reflecting overall short term
nents indicates that the system is functioning. Tests are
system heat output.
designed to take a minimum of time in preparation, testing and
1.3 This guide is not intended to generate accurate measure-
restoration of the system. They may use relatively inexpensive,
ments of system performance (see ASHRAE standard 95-1981
nonintrusive instrumentation which system installers can rea-
for a laboratory test) or thermal efficiency.
sonably be expected to have on hand.
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
3.2 Recommended tests for each component or subsystem
standard. The values given in parentheses are for information
fall into categories according to the level of complexity and
only.
cost (Note 1).
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
3.2.1 Category A—The most rudimentary tests, such as
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
visual inspection.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
3.2.2 Category B—Tests that require minimal instrumenta-
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
tion and skill.
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
3.2.3 Category C—Tests that require most expensive or
2. Referenced Documents sophisticated instrumentation or more time to perform.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
NOTE 1—Category B tests should include Category A tests as prereq-
E 772 Terminology Relating to Solar Energy Conversion
uisite, etc.
E 823 Practice for Nonoperational Exposure and Inspection
3.2.4 Selection of the appropriate test is at the discretion of
of a Solar Collector
the tester and purchaser, who should be aware of the tradeoffs
E 904 Practice for Generating All-Day Thermal Perfor-
between cost and accuracy at each level of testing. The tester
mance Data for Solar Collectors
should make these clearly known to the purchaser of the
E 1056 Practice for Installation and Service of Solar Do-
system who may wish to assume the costs of more sophisti-
mestic Water Heating Systems for One- and Two-Family
cated testing (Note 2). Preferably there should be a part of the
Dwellings
installation contract between the tester and purchaser spelling
2.2 ASHRAE Standards:
out test specifics (for example, Category A, B or C for each
93-1986 (ANSI B198.1-1977) Method of Testing to Deter-
subtest).
mine the Thermal Performance of Solar Collectors
NOTE 2—Consult your local National Balancing Bureau or Associated
95-1981 Method of Testing to Determine the Thermal
3 Air Balance Council.
Performance of Domestic Water Heating System
2.3 NIST Standard: 3.3 Instrumentation includes sensors to monitor some or all
of the following conditions:
3.3.1 Total incident solar radiation (in the plane of the
This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E-44 on Solar,
collector array),
Geothermal, and Other Alternative Energy Sources and is the direct responsibility of
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.
E 1160
3.3.2 Outdoor ambient temperature, not be used to compare different systems or installations.
3.3.3 Internal building temperature near storage system, 4.6 Test is for a newly installed system and also for periodic
3.3.4 Collector loop flow rate and temperatures, and checking.
3.3.5 Storage temperature.
5. Procedures
3.3.6 Each system should be instrumented to the practical
5.1 Preparation:
level required for calculation (see NIST standard 76-1137 for
5.1.1 Install and operate components and controls in accor-
another method to instrument and evaluate solar systems).
dance with manufacturer’s instructions.
Some sites may need additional instrumentation as a result of
5.1.2 Use temporary portable instrumentation or any perma-
their unique requirements. Fig. 1 shows a typical closed loop
nent instruments installed for continuous monitoring to evalu-
system with the instrumentation required for the various tests.
ate system performance as long as accuracy is 62 % of full
3.4 The various types of available instrumentation are listed
scale and reproducibility is $5 % and instrumentation is
in Tables 1-4. Approximate cost ranges, accuracy and applica-
installed properly in accordance with manufacturer’s instruc-
tion information are given. Most of the necessary instruments
tion.
are presently used in conventional heating and air conditioning
5.1.3 Operate the system in a normal and satisfactory
work except the pyranometer or solar radiation flux-measuring
manner for several days before the on-site performance test.
instruments.
Operate the entire system at a nearly steady-state condition for
4. Significance and Use
at least a 2-h period before testing. Conduct tests for collector
4.1 This guide is intended for on-site assessment of in- effectiveness under clear, sunny conditions.
service operation by short term measurement of appropriate 5.2 General Inspection:
system functions under representative operating conditions. 5.2.1 The ability to perform as intended for the specified
4.2 Primary application is for residential systems and period of time defines system durability and reliability. System
medium-size multi-family units or commercial buildings. Use performance depends on the proper operation of each of the
of back-up conventional DHW heating system is assumed to subsystems. The manual containing drawings, specifications,
augment solar heating. and engineering data shall serve as a benchmark for the
4.3 This guide is intended for use by suppliers, installers, inspection.
consultants and homeowners in evaluating on-site operation of 5.2.2 The following components should be inspected for
an installed system. Emphasis is placed on simplified measure- proper installation (see Practice E 1056) and operation to check
ments that do not require special skills, intrusive instrumenta- for any malfunctions, leaks or improper adjustments. See Ref
tion, system modification or interruption of service to the (1) for an Installation Checklist.
purchaser. 5.2.2.1 Collectors and connections,
4.4 The purpose of this guide is to verify that the system is 5.2.2.2 Controls and sensors,
functioning. Copies of all data and reports must be submitted 5.2.2.3 Insulation,
by the testing group to the owner or his or her designated agent. 5.2.2.4 Interconnections—mechanical and electrical,
4.5 Data and reports from these procedures and tests may be 5.2.2.5 Pumps and motors,
used to compare the system performance over time, but should 5.2.2.6 Valves and fittings,
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.
5.2.2.7 Storage containers and media, (Practice E 1056, 6.7.2), improper joining of dissimilar metals
5.2.2.8 Heat exchangers, (Practice E 1056, 6.7.14), or improper fluids (Practice E 1056,
5.2.2.9 Dampers and ducting, 6.5). See Ref (2) for a leak check on air systems. A pressure
5.2.2.10 Air or liquid systems leaks, check on liquid systems should be done to see if it meets
5.2.2.11 Interrelated support systems, including other air manufacturer’s recommendations.
handlers, chillers, heaters, or heat pumps, and 5.2.5 Check pumps for noise (most pumps are very quiet).
5.2.2.12 Fans and air handlers. Noisy fluid flow almost always indicates a bad pump, cavita-
5.2.3 Most of the failures reported have been in the collector tion or air in the system and is symptomatic of further
subsystem and connections and controls with considerably problems. In an open or drainback system noisy fluid flow will
fewer failures reported for valves and pump subsystems. There occur if there is water loss due to leakage. If a pump problem
has been a high incidence of improper system operation due to is suspected, one way to determine if the pump is seized or has
controls improperly connected or adjusted. other electrical problems is to touch the assembly to see if it is
5.2.4 A visual inspection should be made of all connections hotter than the fluid circulating through it. Also any burning
(see Practice E 1056, 6.7.6) to check for evidence of leaks or odors may indicate electrical problems.
potential future corrosion due to improper use of materials 5.3 Collector Operation and Effectiveness (See Practice
E 1160
E 823, Practice E 904 and ASHRAE Standard 93-1986 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
return line from collector should be slightly warmer (about 5°C
(10°F)) than the supply line to the collector. This can be
determined by feel or by temperature gages (see Table 2) if
installed. The return temperature should also show a gradual
increase during daylight hours (will fluctuate depending on
water usage).
6.2 Interpretation and Report of Results—If temperature
rise is unreasonable (too little or too much—see 6.1) check
pump or blower for proper operation and fluid level in system.
7. Test Level B—Estimation of Flow Rates
7.1 Procedures:
7.1.1 In indirect system, record total head (discharge
pressure-suction pressure), and establish flow rate using inter-
FIG. 2 Pump And System Curves (Closed Loop)
section of system curve with blower curve provided by
8. Test Level C—Measure Radiation and Temperature
manufacturer (see Fig. 2 correct for antifreeze percentage). See
Changes (See Ref (3) for similar test)
Ref (2) for more information.
7.1.2 In direct or open system measure discharge pressure 8.1 Procedure:
with drain valve and makeup valve closed. Then open makeup 8.1.1 Measure radiation (q) with pyranometer. To get steady
valve, turn on pump and adjust the drain valve until the state, read every 15 min until two consecutive values are the
pressure is the same as in 7.1.1 (see Fig. 3 for operating point). same within 5 %. Record readings, once at steady state, every
7.2 Instrumentation—A pressure gage (see Fig. 4 and Table 15 min for 2 h. Measure collector inlet (T ) and outlet
in
3), a stopwatch, and a container may be needed for this test. temperatures (T ) every 15 min for 2 h (may need to close off
out
7.3 Interpretation and Report of Results—The system makeup water and backup heater for duration of test. Use flow
3 2 2
should be providing 7 to 27 cm /m s (0.01 to 0.04 gpm/ft )of r
...