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Forum Index : Solar : I need a new pump for my Solar Hot Water
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larny Guru Joined: 31/10/2011 Location: AustraliaPosts: 346 |
I bought a Chromagen Solar Hot Water system about 10 years ago. About 4 years ago, I discovered that the pump was not working. I opened it up & found it had rusted inside. So I went to Chromagen & bought a new one. It was a different brand to the old one so I hoped it would be of better quality & more reliable. But recently, I discovered it is faulty. It looks as though rain water has leaked into the top of the pump as there is burnt wiring under the top cover. Does anyone know where I can buy a better pump? Any advice will be appreciated. |
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Gizmo Admin Group Joined: 05/06/2004 Location: AustraliaPosts: 5078 |
I would suggest you do more to protect the pump. If the first pump lasted 6 years, and the 2nd lasted 4 years, then thats not a bad life, especially if they are exposed to rain water. Can you make a cover for the pumps. Glenn The best time to plant a tree was twenty years ago, the second best time is right now. JAQ |
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larny Guru Joined: 31/10/2011 Location: AustraliaPosts: 346 |
Thanks Glenn, That is what I had in mind. I can & will make a cover. But first I thought I would ask the question re better pumps & alternative sources of supply. Actually, I don't know how long they lasted. I don't know how long they were faulty before I investigated. Len |
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VK4AYQ Guru Joined: 02/12/2009 Location: AustraliaPosts: 2539 |
Hi Larney There are a few good 12 volt circulation pumps available on fleabay all plastic and ceramic shafts so no corrosion 15 to 20 watts so will run off a small 12 volt panel and a few caps. All the best Bob Foolin Around |
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larny Guru Joined: 31/10/2011 Location: AustraliaPosts: 346 |
Thanks Bob, I forgot to mention that my pump is 240 VAC. But I assume that fleabay will have those also. So I'll have a look. Alternatively, as a last resort, I could power a 12 VDC one with a transformer & rectifier bridge. Len |
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VK4AYQ Guru Joined: 02/12/2009 Location: AustraliaPosts: 2539 |
Hi Len There are 240 volt ones on Fleabay about $90 though the idea I had was to use a 12 volt one and a small solar panel and that switches on when the sun shines and does away with all the unreliable switching gear for the 240 volt one and the power they use mine uses about a KW a day and is unreliable anyway. All the best Bob Foolin Around |
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Georgen Guru Joined: 13/09/2011 Location: AustraliaPosts: 462 |
Sorry to bump in 240V pump thread. Bob, Where could I find detailed info on 12V pump, caps and solar panel arrangement? (especially caps as I think of reticulating water in garden watering system) Probably new thread? George |
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VK4AYQ Guru Joined: 02/12/2009 Location: AustraliaPosts: 2539 |
Hi George The circulation pumps are not suitable for garden type activity as they are too low capacity and head "pressure" I used a flow pump for garden work about 17 LTR minute 12 volt with pressure switch built in, they draw around 6 amps and will run off a 80 watt solar panel, all you need to do is to put some caps across the panel to hold a bit of electricity to help them start the last ones I used where 10000UF 35 volt four of them they where in my junk box, any large capacity on will work but voltage needs to be high as the panel can do over 20 volts on a sunny day. You can add a small battery motorbike type but then you need a regulator to stop cooking the battery, but it will give a bit of use when the sun is hiding. All the best Bob Foolin Around |
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