Retro fit a heat dump? Idea on costs?

Wally Runs

I have a 30 tube solar set up (a well known indigenous manufacture), that was part of a complete plumbing overhaul back in 2009. At the time, I asked if there was a need for a heat dump and I was assured there was not.

Twice since its installation it has been serviced due to error messages on the control unit. On the last service, with the manufacture’s service team it was recommended that a heat dump be fitted to prolong the life of the system. The logger showed a number of ‘hot’ days and there was some air getting into the system as a result? While the service engineer said it would be simple to do, he would not put a price on it.

1. Has anybody got any ideas how much it could cost and how long it might take to fit a heat dump? The tanks and pumps are all in the basement and there is room to work and space to fit it.

2. Is there such a thing as combined annual plumbing service, boiler and Solar system? I suppose one has to ask the right person. Why pay/charge two call out fees?

All helpful suggestions welcome.

MOD: This I guess could go in plumbing too, but I thought I would get the best answer here.

freddyuk

Simply install a diverter valve in the loop from the pump station and plumb in a radiator returning back onto the return to the cylinder.
Match the radiator size to the collector size but oversizing is not going to hurt as you are trying to dump heat quickly to get back to working temperature. I reckon the finned high output low water rads must be good as little water content but efficient heat loss. Less water means less glycol.
Radiator + valve+ pipework/fittings should be under €200.
You should have a setting in your controller for a dump circuit. If not PM me.

PeteHeat

freddyuk wrote: »

Radiator + valve+ pipework/fittings should be under €200.

I like your optimistic pricing considering the diverter valve must be high temperature suited to Solar.

Not all controllers have a second relay to power the diverter valve, plus they must be wired correctly.

Also due to the fact that many people have or are upgrading attic insulation you may need to go as extreme as fitting the rad on an outside wall north facing preferred mounted just under the sofitt, pipe distances will decide the cost of the pipework and the rad must be sized to the panel.

Wally Runs wrote: »

2. Is there such a thing as combined annual plumbing service, boiler and Solar system? I suppose one has to ask the right person. Why pay/charge two call out fees?

Yes it is possible to have both services carried out by one provider, a possible problem can be if you are using gas as most independent service providers charge more for higher quality service than the major utility companies who can provide the full services however you may need to search to find the menu pricing.

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Anthonyk2010

I put one in when fitting my panel, valve cost E120, Rad E140 and you have pipe work and insulationand labour on top of that.