Water Storage Tanks For Solar Systems
Custom Bolt Together Solar Storage Tanks
Tanks are the weak link in a solar system
After the solar collectors, the storage tank is the second most
costly component in a solar system. Unfortunately, traditional pressurized
solar tanks are the weak link in a solar system. Typically, such
tanks are made of steel with a glass or clay lining. Over the years,
the lining will fail. Exposed steel soon corrodes, a leak develops
and you are faced with an expensive replacement for a system that
can have decades more potential life.
For larger solar systems employed for spacing heating and DHW, tank
volumes of several hundred gallons are required. The maximum volume
of conventional tanks is about 120 gallons. Purchasing multiple
conventional tanks is expensive and they take up a large amount
of space.
IST tanks will last the 25+ year life of your solar collectors
Solar tanks manufactured by IST overcome the limitations of lined
tanks. IST tanks come with a 10-year warranty and will last indefinitely.
We manufacture standard tanks in 80 and 120 gallon sizes for exact
replacement of conventional tanks. We also build standard tanks
in volumes of 180 gallons (for use with 3-5 solar collectors) and
280 gallons (for use with 4-6 solar collectors). These tanks fit
through standard 30-inch doorways.
Custom Tanks
If our standard tanks do not meet your needs, we can build a custom
tank to your volume and size specifications. Above 300 gallons,
complete tanks become too heavy to handle so we offer tanks built
in sections that are assembled on site. These sections are fabricated
to fit through standard doorways. Sectional tanks can be supplied
in volumes up to 5,000 gallons.
Internal Heat Exchangers for any application
IST tanks are equipped with internal heat exchangers that are designed
for the thermal heat transfer and pressure drop requirements of
the application. They are efficient and minimize the number of pumps
needed, while meeting double-wall safety requirements. Heat exchangers
can be provided for closed loop solar designs and for heating applications
such as DHW, radiant floors and pool heating.
Tank Specifications
· Construction: Welded steel structure.
· Containment: High temperature membrane liner. Rating 212
F continuous. All penetrations in and out of the tank from the top,
except for the overflow.
· Insulation: 2" of isocyanurate foam with aluminum
metal external jacket. No thermal short circuits. Insulation value
R16 min.
· Bolted tanks employ high-strength fasteners. Metal exposed
to evaporation from the tank is stainless steel.
· Corrosion inhibitor is added to the inside of the tank
to protect the exterior of copper heat exchangers.
· Designs for drainback or closed loop systems.
· Fixtures:
½" overflow
½" well for solar tank sensor and other control measurements
Type L copper heat exchanger for DHW heating.
Options
· Copper heat exchangers for other heating loads, engineered
for efficient heat transfer and minimal pressure drop.
· Penetrations in lid for supply and return drainback connections.
· External unistrut rails on side of tank for mounting of
pumps, etc. by customer.
· Fully installed and tank mounted "pump packages"
with pump, controller, valves and fixtures pre-assembled and pressure
tested ready for attachment of solar and load piping in a open or
closed loop configuration.
Testing
Each tank is filled with water and tested prior to shipment.
Maintenance
IST tanks are not pressurized. Though tightly sealed, they slowly
loose water by evaporation. They should periodically be refilled
to compensate for water loss.
Please contact us for pricing and sizing!
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