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desuperheater and solar hot water DHW
Last Post 05 May 2009 07:50 PM by sarayale. 4 Replies.
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JBACC1103User is Offline
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10 Apr 2009 08:55 PM

I am trying to put together a system for my DHW. The house in new construction ICF, with open-cell foam in the roof (hopefully). Total load 42kbtu done by manual J. I am located in RI (southern New England).

Geo unit is a 4-ton Waterfurnace with desuperheater and 80 gal hot water tank.

The solar hot water unit consists of two banks of evacuated tubes and a 119gal tank.

From looking at the other posts I don't think the geo alone will provide me with the hot water I need. It may be important to mention that we will be in a rural area, so if the weather allows the windows will be open and the A/C off.

First off is the solar hot water really worth it? Should I just use electric backup (no gas)?

If it is a good idea, and I feel that it mot likely is, then how is the best way to get it all to work together. One tank, two tanks, series or paralell.

I have the stuff spec'd out but haven't bought anything yet, so I'm flexable.
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joe.amiUser is Offline
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10 Apr 2009 09:10 PM
Did you ask the folks in the solar forum?
j
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jongigUser is Offline
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15 Apr 2009 07:00 PM
I have thought this out and plan on doing exactly what you talk about. I have a GSHP 4 ton and I love it. In the winter it provides alot of the water you need and in the summer also but it falls short when the unit is off. I thought that the solar would be a nice addition. The package I'm looking at is the evac. tubes alos and a 120 gallon water with exchanger. In a GSHP install they usually install a second water heater for storage anyway and you would substitute the solar water heater for the dummy electric one they usually use. Very nice setup and all the connections from the GSHP are the same. I would be just a bit careful about over doing the solar. Try a smaller system with 30 tubes and add on if you think you need it.

John
geo fanUser is Offline
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15 Apr 2009 07:11 PM
Ive put allot of thought into this, and in my mind you would need 3 heat sources with at least 2 tanks, either desuperheater parrelell with solar and in series with a electric , or a desuperheater in series with the solar which has an electric hot water ( wired ) as its storrage . I dont know about you but my wife would not care if it was cloudy for a couple days and we have had mild weather , she would want her shower . As far as being worth it I say yes but only have gut to go on . I can tell you by itself solar hot water is a great investment and would assume coupling it with a desuperheater would not have any negative effect
sarayaleUser is Offline
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05 May 2009 07:50 PM
I am in the same situation as  you. ICF new construction, geothermal system. I am trying to figure out how a solar water heater (with a backup integrated or somewhere in the system) would work in conjunction with a desuperheater. If you have figured this out for your home, perhaps you could advise what you are doing. There will be 9 bathrooms  and 4 washing machines, 2 dishwashers etc. in the house so we will need a lot of hot water and a dependable supply.  I am confused as to how this will all tie in. We have not started building yet, so we are open to all advice.
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