Education Center Solar Water Heating System
An Apricus solar hot water system was installed at Hoosier Energy’s Education Center in 2008 to determine if a solar hot water system is a viable option for Indiana consumers. This water heater system provides the center with all of its hot water needs. It is also part of a larger effort to make the education center 100 percent self-sustaining with solar panels (3kW) on site and a wind turbine (15kW) both supplying the center with most of its electricity needs.
The solar hot water system supplies the facility with hot water through a series of evacuated tubes converting the sun’s energy into heat. This heat is then absorbed by water or a freeze-resistant liquid and travels through copper tubing that connects into the hot water tank. The potable water found in the hot water tank is then heated by the hot liquid traveling through the copper wire through a series of heat exchanges.
Equipment
| Component | Qty | Price |
|---|---|---|
| AP30 and frame | 1 |
$1,260 |
| ASWHSS-60SE (water heater) | 1 |
$2,430 |
| Anti-scald for water heater | 1 |
$150 |
| Sentinal Pro -Delta T differential temp control | 1 |
$270 |
| HD-25 Heat dissipator | 1 |
$275 |
| Grunfos 3-speed pump | 1 |
$270 |
| Glycol | 2 gallons |
$50 |
| Expansion tank | 1 |
$70 |
| Copper loop 100' | 100' |
$350 |
| Insulation | 100' |
$120 |
| Fitting, temp and pressure gauges | TBD |
$100 |
| 3-way valve for heat dissipator | 1 |
$100 |
| APCP Demo | 2 |
$760 |
| Box Demo | 2 |
$125 |
| Total components | $6,330 |
Solar Water Heating System at Education Center in Sullivan County
Apricus (evacuated tube) solar hot water installation at Hoosier Energy’s Education Center at Turtle Creek Reservoir.
Sullivan County, Indiana