CONSOL 

SOLAR CONTROL UNIT

A chain is only as good as it’s weakest link and far too often high efficiency collectors fail to produce there full potential due to plumbing mistakes.

Designed by specialist solar engineers and having evolved as a result of installing systems to the largest social housing THERMIE contract in the UK. The CONSOL solar control unit has addressed several key issues faced by the architect, the main and sub contractors or plumbers/DIY. 

Having de-mystified, de-skilled and reduced the solar system to just three pre-assembled key components: CONSOL, XPANSOL, CYLSOL and of course the (any) solar panel. The need for specialist installer, intensive training or steep learning curves has been eliminated. Pre assembly has also allowed the ‘first and final fix’ approach for new build. 

Designed by solar engineers and factory tested, Common potential mistakes can be avoided and trouble free installations commissioned in the fastest possible time ‘first time’ every time for the least possible cost. 

 The CONSOL is the command centre of the solar system, sensing when there is a temperature difference between the water in the solar panel and the water in the cylinder. When the solar collector is 4-5oC hotter than the bottom of the cylinder the pump will be energised and will continue to run for as long as there is energy to be gained. 

A flow regulator is incorporated to optimise the flow rate through the solar panel and an anti -gravity check valve will stop reverse circulation at night. Conforming to BS1598, the whole system will operate automatically for years to come with far less maintenance than any boiler. The consol may be mounted anywhere such as the cylinder cupboard or loft as often the case with social housing.

 A digital temperature display is available either on the unit or as a remote unit for positioning in the kitchen or hallway for example. The display indicates when the pump is running and shows the temperatures of the hot water in the solar panel, the top of the cylinder and the bottom of the cylinder. This information is not only an educational ‘window’ into the system but energy saving decisions can be made such as when to do extra washing given a full cylinder of hot water. 

Supplied with socket to allow later addition of remote display.

CONSOL comes as a complete factory assembled and tested unit 

All the technical solar components have been assembled, plumbed and pre-wired into one unit. Designed for both fast installation by the specialist contractor and trouble free installation by the untrained

In the British Isles, a low volume/ low thermal mass solar collector in conjunction with fast reacting  pump control system and efficient cylinder heat exchanger will make for  a system best suited for the inclement UK weather patterns renowned for sporadic and intermitant sunshine especially during Spring and Autumn

The solar control board contains an electronic Temperature Differential pump Controller (see No ‘10’ on the schematic/ photograph). A series of temperature sensors strategically positioned,  enable the controller to sense and compare the temperature in the solar collector with the bottom of the cylinder.  The controller will instantly activate the low wattage high torque pump (8) and begin collecting the energy from the sun as soon as and for as long as there is positive  energy to be gained.   The whole system is totally self regulating and intended to be left switched ‘on’ all the time.

There is also a recommended  remote temperature display option. This is a small unit providing all the information the user may need. Little larger than a credit card, the unit can be placed in any convenient position such as the kitchen or office. It gives a ‘window’ into the state of the system at any point in time by with a digital readout of the solar collector temperature,  the cylinder water waiting to be heated, and most usefully, the usable hot water in the top half of the cylinder.

The pump control board is pre-wired for connection to mains electricity  via the fused on/off switch (11)  A 1.5mm tail and junction box (or plug ) is provided. The board may  be placed anywhere in the building, usually in the airing cupboard or loft.  Both the board and all components may be isolated without system drain down for parts replacement if ever required. 15 mm compression fittings provide for connection to and from the solar collector and also to, from the cylinder. All fixing screws, raw plugs and suspension feet provided in addition to the drain point and anti freeze required

Technical Specifications