Rheem Solar Premier Loline Technical Document

This water heater must be installed and serviced by an authorised person.

Please leave this guide with the householder.

Owner’s Guide

and

Installation Instructions

Solar Premier Loline

Electric Boost Water Heater

WARNING: Plumber –Be Aware

Use copper pipe ONLY. Plastic pipe MUST NOT be used.

It is a requirement of a solar water heater installation that all pipe work be in

copper and not plastic, due to the effects of high water temperatures.

PATENTS

This water heater may be protected by one or more patents or registered designs in the name of

Rheem Australia Pty Ltd.

TRADE MARKS

®Registered trademark of Rheem Australia Pty Ltd.

™ Trademark of Rheem Australia Pty Ltd.

Note: Every care has been taken to ensure accuracy in preparation of this publication.

No liability can be accepted for any consequences, which may arise as a result of its application.

WARNING: Plumber –Be Aware

The solar hot and solar cold pipes between the solar storage tank and the solar collectors MUST BE

of copper. All compression fittings must use brass or copper olives.

The full length of the solar hot and solar cold pipes MUST BE insulated.

The insulation must:

be of a closed cell type or equivalent, suitable for a solar water heating application and capable of

withstanding the temperature of the closed circuit fluid generated by the solar collectors under

stagnation conditions

The specification of the chosen insulation material should be checked with the insulation

manufacturer prior to installation as different materials may vary in temperature tolerance.

be at least 13 mm thick, however thicker insulation may be required to comply with the

requirements of AS/NZS 3500.4

be weatherproof and UV resistant if exposed

extend through any penetrations in the eaves, ceiling and roof

cover valves and fittings in the solar hot and solar cold pipe work

be fitted up to and cover the connections on both the solar storage tank and the solar collectors.

The insulation will offer corrosion protection to a metal roof against water runoff over the copper pipe,

assist in avoiding accidental contact with the solar pipe work as high temperature closed circuit fluid

can flow from the solar collectors to the solar storage tank and also reduce pipe heat losses.

There MUST BE a continuous fall of a minimum 5° (1 in 10 grade) in the pipe work between the

solar collector and solar storage tank for efficient and effective drain back to occur. The highest point

of the solar cold pipe and solar hot pipe must be where they connect to the solar collector.

The system has NO WARRANTY for freeze damage if there is not a continuous fall in the solar hot

and solar cold pipes, or they are not insulated in accordance with the installation instructions, or the

closed circuit fluid has been incorrectly mixed.

Plastic pipe MUST NOT be used, as it will not withstand the temperature of the closed circuit fluid

generated by the solar collectors under stagnation conditions. The solar collectors can generate

extremely high closed circuit fluid temperatures of up to 150°C. Plastic pipe cannot withstand these

temperatures and MUST NOT be used. Failure of plastic pipe can lead to the release of high

temperature closed circuit fluid and cause severe water damage and flooding.

The pressure applied to the solar circuit and solar collectors during a pressure test of an indirect

closed circuit system MUST NOT exceed 200 kPa, otherwise damage may result to the solar

collectors. Refer to “Pressure Testing” on page 29.

CONTENTS

HOUSEHOLDER –We recommend you read pages 4 to 16.

The other pages are intended for the installer but may be of interest.

About Your Water Heater............................................................................................................ 4

Regular Care .............................................................................................................................. 10

Water Supplies........................................................................................................................... 11

Save A Service Call ................................................................................................................... 14

Installation –Solar Storage Tank............................................................................................. 17

Installation –Solar Collectors.................................................................................................. 25

Connections –Plumbing .......................................................................................................... 30

Connections –Electrical........................................................................................................... 33

Auxiliary Pump .......................................................................................................................... 38

Commissioning.......................................................................................................................... 41

Draining The Water Heater ....................................................................................................... 54

Warranty ..................................................................................................................................... 55

ABOUT YOUR WATER HEATER

MODEL TYPE

Your Rheem®Premier Loline closed circuit solar water heater is designed for the solar collectors to be roof

mounted and the solar storage tank to be installed at ground or floor level. The electric boosted solar storage

tank is suitable for installation either outdoor or indoor and with either Rheem S200 or T200 solar collectors.

The system is suitable for installation in areas subject to frost or freeze conditions. Freeze conditions occur

below 6°C.

SOLAR OPERATION

The Rheem Premier Loline closed circuit solar water heater has its vitreous enamel lined solar storage tank

installed at ground or floor level, remotely from the solar collectors. This water heater is an indirect solar hot

water system with a heat exchanger in the solar storage tank.

The heat exchanger is filled with closed circuit fluid and is connected to

the solar collectors forming a closed circuit. The closed circuit fluid is a

solution of a blue, non-toxic food grade propylene glycol concentrate

mixed with water. The closed circuit concentrate is used to lower the

freezing temperature of the closed circuit fluid and provides protection

against freezing.

As the sun heats the solar collectors, the increase in temperature

activates the pump. The pump switches on whenever the solar

collectors are hotter than the water in the tank. The pump moves the

closed circuit fluid from the solar storage tank heat exchanger through

an insulated copper pipe to the solar collectors to be heated by the

sun‟s energy and then back to the heat exchanger. Heat transfers from

the closed circuit fluid in the heat exchanger to the water stored in the

solar storage tank.

This process continues while solar energy is available and until the

water in the solar storage tank reaches a temperature of approximately

75°C. The pump is then deactivated and the closed circuit fluid in the

solar collectors and solar pipe work drains back into the heat

exchanger in the solar storage tank.

The closed circuit provides protection to the solar collectors and solar circuit in harsh water areas. The drain

back principle provides protection to the system in freezing conditions.

Automatic safety controls are fitted to the water heater to provide safe and efficient operation.

ELECTRIC BOOSTING

Water stored in the solar storage tank can be heated by an electric booster heating unit. The booster heating

unit is for heating the water at times of low solar energy gain, such as during very cloudy or rainy weather, or

during the colder months. The Premier Loline closed circuit water heater is suitable for the heating unit to be

connected to either a continuous, or a time of use, or an extended Off-Peak (overnight and day) electricity

supply.

The booster heating unit is controlled by an electric thermostat. The thermostat and its over temperature

energy cut out are mounted on the solar storage tank behind the upper front cover. The water temperature is

automatically controlled to the thermostat setting when the booster heating unit is energised.

MAINS PRESSURE

The water heater is designed to operate at mains pressure by connecting directly to the mains water supply.

If the mains supply pressure in your area exceeds that shown on page 18, a pressure limiting valve must be

fitted. The supply pressure should be greater than 350 kPa for true mains pressure operation to be achieved.

ABOUT YOUR WATER HEATER

HOW HOT SHOULD THE WATER BE?

The solar control unit will circulate the closed circuit fluid through the

solar collectors until a temperature of approximately 75°C is

reached in the solar storage tank.

During periods of low solar energy gain, the water temperature can

be boosted by the thermostatically controlled electric booster

heating unit. Refer to “Booster Control” on page 7.

Rheem recommends the thermostat is set at 60°C to maximise solar

contribution.

Note: AS 3498 requires that a water heater provides the means to

inhibit the growth of Legionella bacteria in potable water. This water

heater can satisfy this AS 3498 requirement provided the electric

booster is energised for a sufficient period each day and the electric

booster thermostat setting is 60°C or higher.

HOTTER WATER INCREASES THE RISK OF SCALD INJURY

This water heater can deliver water at temperatures which can

cause scalding. Check the water temperature before use, such as

when entering a shower or filling a bath or basin, to ensure it is

suitable for the application and will not cause scald injury.

We recommend and it may also be required by regulations that an approved temperature limiting device be

fitted into the hot water pipe work to the bathroom and ensuite when this water heater is installed. This will

keep the water temperature below 50°C at the bathroom and ensuite. The risk of scald injury will be reduced

and still allow hotter water to the kitchen and laundry.

TEMPERATURE ADJUSTMENT

The water heater features a tradesperson adjustable thermostat. This requires a licensed tradesperson to

make any temperature adjustments. The thermostat has a maximum temperature setting of 70°C and a

minimum temperature setting of 60°C.

We advise you have your electrician adjust the thermostat to the lowest setting which meets your needs,

especially if there are young children or elderly people in the home. Refer to “Hotter Water Increases the

Risk of Scald Injury” on page 5.

WARNING

This water heater is only intended to be operated by persons who have the experience or the knowledge and

the capabilities to do so. This water heater is not intended to be operated by persons with reduced physical,

sensory or mental capabilities i.e. the infirm, or by children. Children should be supervised to ensure they do

not interfere with the water heater.

This water heater uses 240 V AC electrical power for operation of the control systems and the electrically

operated components. The removal of the front covers will expose 240 V wiring. They must only be removed

by an authorised or qualified person.

Care should be taken not to touch the pipe work connecting the solar storage tank and the solar collectors.

Very high temperature closed circuit fluid can be generated by the solar collectors under certain conditions

and flow through the pipe work from the solar collectors to the solar storage tank.

Should the water from the water heater appear blue or if blue closed circuit fluid is noticed around the base

of the water heater, this indicates a leak of the closed circuit fluid from the heat exchanger. The closed circuit

fluid is non-toxic and not hazardous to health. Phone Rheem Service or their nearest Accredited Service

Agent to arrange for an inspection.

typical maximum

temperature from solar gain

maximum recommended

supply temperature to

bathrooms and ensuites

minimum booster setting

maximum booster setting

ABOUT YOUR WATER HEATER

SAFETY

This water heater is supplied with a thermostat, an over-temperature energy cut-out, temperature sensors, a

pressure relief valve and a combination temperature pressure relief valve. These devices must not be

tampered with or removed. The water heater must not be operated unless each of these devices is fitted and

is in working order.

The operation of the over-temperature cut-out on the thermostat indicates a possibly dangerous situation. If

the over-temperature cut-out operates, it must not be reset and the water heater must be serviced by an

authorised or qualified person.

If the electrical conduit to the solar storage tank is damaged, it must be replaced by an authorised person in

order to avoid a hazard. Phone Rheem Service or their nearest Accredited Service Agent to arrange for an

inspection.

Warning: For continued safety of this water heater it must be installed, operated and maintained in

accordance with the Owner‟s Guide and Installation Instructions.

The warranty can become void if relief valves or other safety devices are tampered with or if the

installation is not in accordance with these instructions.

SOLAR MONITOR

The solar storage tank incorporates a solar monitor. The solar monitor is located on the lower front cover and

houses both a green and a red LED.

The green LED, marked “Solar”, indicates the current operational mode of the solar water heater and the red

LED, marked “Attention”, indicates a fault mode.

The green LED will emit either a constant glow or a series of flashes, with a 2 second interval between each

series.

The red LED will emit a series of flashes, with a 2 second interval between each series, only if there is a

particular fault condition with the system.

The operational modes are:

Flashes

Operational Modes

solid green

(remains on)

Standby mode

2 x green

Flooding solar circuit

3 x green

Pump flow control

4 x green

Pump flow established

5 x green

Tank at maximum temperature

no green

(remains off)

Call for service

If the power supply to the water heater is on and the green LED is off or the red LED is flashing, this

indicates there is a fault with the water heater. The red LED may emit up to six flashes in each series of

flashes. Count the number of flashes and phone Rheem Service or their nearest Accredited Service Agent to

arrange for an inspection.

ABOUT YOUR WATER HEATER

BOOSTER CONTROL

An isolating switch is installed in the electrical meter box for the solar storage tank. This should be left

switched on to allow the booster heating unit to operate if required. The booster heating unit is for heating

the water at times of low solar energy gain, such as during very cloudy or rainy weather, or during the colder

months.

The booster heating unit will only activate if heating is required and power is available from the switchboard.

When the water is below the thermostat setting, the booster heating unit will turn on and heat the water. The

booster heating unit will automatically turn off when the temperature of the water reaches the thermostat

setting.

Leaving the isolating switch switched on will also provide a sufficient period of time each day for the booster

heating unit to operate, if required, to satisfy the requirements of AS 3498.

The amount of water heated by the raised booster heating unit of your Premier Loline closed circuit storage

tank will be 125 litres (270 model).

Timer Control Switch

A suitably rated timer control switch can be installed and will help maximise energy savings with an

electrically boosted solar water heater connected to a continuous, time of use or extended Off-Peak

(overnight and day) electricity supply.

Programming the Timer

Power must be available to the timer control switch before the booster heating unit can be activated.

The timer should be programmed:

to suit the hot water consumption pattern of the household,

with the end of the boost periods to coincide with the commencement of the morning and evening hot

water usage,

to enable each boosting period to be not less than the recommended continuous length of time for

boosting,

for a period when power will be available for the booster heating unit to operate.

Note: When daylight saving time applies, you may consider resetting the timer accordingly.

The recommended continuous length of time for boosting is:

Booster heating unit size

Model

Minimum winter

cold water temperature

Temperature

rise

2.4 kW

3.6 kW

4.8 kW

270

Cool / temperate climate

10°C

50°C

3 hours

1 ¾ hours

1 ¼ hours

Temperate / sub tropical climate

15°C

45°C

2 ¾ hours

2 hours

1 ½ hours

Tropical climate

20°C

40°C

2 ½ hours

2 hours

1 ½ hours

The recommended boosting periods are sufficient to allow the booster heating unit to heat up the boost

volume of the solar storage tank to 60°C where the winter cold water temperatures do not fall below those

shown. This may be necessary during periods of very low solar energy gain through the solar collectors,

such as during constant rain or extremely cloudy weather, particularly in winter when the incoming cold water

temperature is lower. The period will also provide a sufficient heat up time for the electric booster to operate,

if required, to satisfy the requirements of AS 3498.

The booster heating unit will only activate if heating is required and power is available from the timer. When

the water is below the thermostat setting, the booster heating unit will turn on and heat the water. The

booster heating unit will automatically turn off either when the temperature of the water reaches the

thermostat setting or at the end of the timer period, whichever comes first.

ABOUT YOUR WATER HEATER

PIPE WORK AND INSULATION

The solar hot and solar cold pipes between the solar storage tank and the solar collectors MUST BE of

copper.

The full length of the solar hot and solar cold pipes MUST BE insulated. The insulation must:

be of a closed cell type or equivalent, suitable for a solar water heating application and capable of

withstanding the temperatures of the fluid generated by the solar collectors under stagnation conditions

be at least 13 mm thick, however thicker insulation may be required to comply with the requirements of

AS/NZS 3500.4

be weatherproof and UV resistant if exposed

extend through any penetrations in the eaves, ceiling and roof

cover valves and fittings in the solar hot and solar cold pipe work

be fitted up to and cover the connections on both the solar storage tank and the solar collectors.

The insulation will offer corrosion protection to a metal roof against water runoff over the copper pipe, assist

in avoiding accidental contact with the solar pipe work as high temperature closed circuit fluid can flow from

the solar collectors to the solar storage tank and also reduce pipe heat losses.

There must be a continuous fall in the pipe work from the solar collector to the solar storage tank. The

continuous fall is essential to assist in the drain back function of the solar system.

Plastic pipe MUST NOT be used, as it will not withstand the temperature of the closed circuit fluid generated

by the solar collector under certain conditions (refer to Warning on page 27).

FREEZE PROTECTION

The solar circuit must be installed with a continuous fall of a minimum 5° (1 in 10 grade) in the pipe work

from the solar collector to the solar storage tank, with the full length of the solar hot and solar cold pipes

insulated and the system charged with correctly mixed closed circuit fluid to offer protection against freeze

damage. The system has NO WARRANTY for freeze damage if there is not a continuous fall in the solar hot

and solar cold pipes, or they are not insulated in accordance with the installation instructions, or the closed

circuit fluid has been incorrectly mixed (refer to “Warranty Exclusions” on page 55 and to “Pipe Work and

Insulation” on page 8).

The anti freeze control of the solar circuit is designed so there is no closed circuit fluid in the solar collector or

solar cold and solar hot pipes when the pump is off.

Notes:

Pipe work to and from the water heater must be adequately insulated to prevent freezing.

The water heater is not suitable for installation in areas where the ambient temperature falls below

-20°C.

Refer to “Warranty Exclusions” on page 55.

RAIN WATER TANK

If the solar collectors and solar pipe work are installed on a section of roof which is part of a rain water runoff

collection system, then it is recommended this section of roof and its gutter be isolated from the rain water

collection system. The gutter should be isolated to a width greater than the solar collectors and pipe work

and must have suitable drainage. This is to ensure in the event of a leak from the solar collectors or pipe

work, a rainwater tank cannot be contaminated with closed circuit fluid.

The closed circuit fluid contains food grade additives (rust inhibitor and anti-freeze agent), is non-toxic and is

harmless to the environment. However, if it enters a rain water tank, it can kill off microscopic algae which

are typically present in the water causing an unpleasant odour to develop and resulting in the rain water tank

having to be drained and cleaned.

ABOUT YOUR WATER HEATER

TO TURN OFF THE WATER HEATER

If you plan to be away from home for a few nights, we suggest you leave the water heater switched on.

If it is necessary to turn off the water heater:

Switch off the electrical supply at the isolating switch to the solar storage tank.

Close the cold water isolation valve at the inlet to the water heater.

TO TURN ON THE WATER HEATER

Open the cold water isolation valve fully at the inlet to the water heater.

Open all of the hot water taps in the house (don‟t forget the shower).

Air will be forced out of the taps.

Close each tap as water flows freely from it.

Switch on the electrical supply at the isolating switch to the solar storage tank.

The electrical supply must be switched on for the solar controls to operate and solar gain to be

achieved.

Check and if required reset the timer, if one is installed.

HOW DO I KNOW IF THE WATER HEATER IS INSTALLED CORRECTLY?

Installation requirements are shown on page 24. The water heater must be installed by an authorised person

and the installation must comply with Standards AS/NZS 3500.4, AS/NZS 3000 and all local codes and

regulatory authority requirements. In New Zealand, the installation must conform with Clause G12 of the New

Zealand Building Code.

Refer also to “Pipe Work and Insulation” on page 8, and to “Rain Water Tank” on page 8.

VICTORIAN CUSTOMERS

Notice to Victorian Customers from the Victorian Plumbing Industry Commission. This water heater must be

installed by a licensed person as required by the Victorian Building Act 1993.

Only a licensed person will give you a Compliance Certificate, showing that the work complies with all the

relevant Standards. Only a licensed person will have insurance protecting their workmanship for 6 years.

Make sure you use a licensed person to install this water heater and ask for your Compliance Certificate.

DOES THE WATER CHEMISTRY AFFECT THE WATER HEATER?

The water heater is suitable for most public water supplies, however some water chemistries may have

detrimental effects on the cylinder and fittings. If you are in a known harsh water area you must read

page 11. If you are not sure, have your water chemistry checked against the conditions described on

page 11.

HOW LONG WILL THE WATER HEATER LAST?

There are a number of factors that will affect the length of service the water heater will provide. These

include the water chemistry, the water pressure, temperature (inlet and outlet) and the water usage pattern.

However, your water heater is supported by a comprehensive warranty (refer to page 56).

GOING ON HOLIDAYS

It is not necessary to switch off the electrical supply at the isolating switch to the water heater if you are going

away. However, if it is necessary to switch off the power to the water heater, refer to “To Turn Off The Water

Heater” on page 9.

REGULAR CARE

TEMPERATURE PRESSURE RELIEF VALVE

This valve is near the top of the water heater and is essential for its

safe operation. It is possible for the valve to release a little water

through the drain line during each heating period. This occurs as the

water is heated and expands by approximately 1/50 of its volume.

Continuous leakage of water from the valve and its drain line may

indicate a problem with the water heater (refer to “Temperature

Pressure Relief Valve Running” on page 15).

Warning: Never block the outlet of this valve or its drain line for

any reason.

Operate the easing lever on the temperature pressure relief valve

once every six months. It is very important you raise and lower

the lever gently.

DANGER: Failure to do this may result in the water heater

cylinder failing, or under certain circumstances, exploding.

If water does not flow freely from the drain line when the lever is

lifted, then the water heater should be checked by Rheem Service

or their nearest Accredited Service Agent.

The temperature pressure relief valve should be checked for

performance or replaced at intervals not exceeding 5 years, or more

frequently in areas where there is a high incidence of water deposits

(refer to “Water Supplies” on page 11).

EXPANSION CONTROL VALVE

In many areas, including South Australia, Western Australia and scaling water areas, an expansion control

valve is fitted to the cold water line to the water heater. The expansion control valve may discharge a small

quantity of water from its drain line during the heating period instead of the temperature pressure relief valve

on the water heater.

Operate the easing lever on the expansion control valve once every six months. It is very important you

raise and lower the lever gently. The expansion control valve should be checked for performance or

replaced at intervals not exceeding 5 years, or more frequently in areas where there is a high incidence of

water deposits.

COLLECTOR GLASS

Ensure the glass on your solar collectors is free of dust, salt spray or any other matter, which may reduce the

effectiveness of the solar collectors. If the collector glass becomes dirty, hose down or if the solar collectors

are accessible, wash the collector glass with water and a soft brush when the solar collectors are cool.

Have any trees trimmed which may shade the solar collectors.

Rheem solar collectors have passed the AS/NZS 2712 requirements for resistance to hailstone damage, so

it is not normally necessary to fit a guard to a collector. Stone Guards are available to provide a level of

protection to the collectors against vandalism or accidental damage. Refer to your local Solar Distributor for

details.

water

heater

drain

line

lift until water

flows from the

drain line –

lower gently

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