I have a pool solar water temp sensor question

chuckiechan
chuckiechan Registered Users Posts: 3
I have a Pentair LX220 solar controller. It's a comparator type - a "cold" sensor by the filter, and a "hot" one up top, and a dial to adjust water temperature.

I had the solar water system removed and replaced for a re roof. The controller isn't working right. When the water is running, the solar turn on OK, and the dial in the box works OK. But after it stops on it's own, it won't restart the system by only turning the dial. The installer guy is just not getting it and I'm not sure he knows what he's talking about. So I'm going to just fix it myself.

I suspect the reason is the installer put the roof temp sensor in the pipe down at the bottom of the roof system. Shouldn't this be outside the pipe in the sunlight? Diagrams I've seen show and "outside" sensor fastened to the outside of the pipe up high in the system in full sun.

My sensor is a type installed into a pipe, but I think it can be outside and work just fine.

Any advice for me?

Thanks in advance...

I'll drive you crazy with my electric roof solar estimate later... LOL

I'm glad to find such a site with all the solar areas grouped together!

Comments

  • solar_dave
    solar_dave Solar Expert Posts: 2,397 ✭✭✭✭
    Re: I have a pool solar water temp sensor question

    My Goldline thermal solar has a sensor at the collector and at the storage tank. The delta between the 2 is adjustable as is the peak tank temp for controlling the pump.

    I do think that was probably the intent. From here: http://www.pentairpool.com/pdfs/LX-220SolarControlIG.pdf
    Solar Sensor
    Install the other Temperature Sensor at the solar panel array, or any sunny location.
    WARNING: DO NOT DRILL HOLE AND CLAMP SENSOR INTO SOLAR PIPE
    . For
    glazed panels, install Sensor between collector and glazing. Run 2-conductor cable between the
    Sensor and the Solar Control. Use waterproof connectors (provided) to connect Sensor to cable.
    At the Solar Control, strip insulation 1/4” and connect cable to the circuit board at SOLAR
    SENSOR screw terminals.
  • chuckiechan
    chuckiechan Registered Users Posts: 3
    Re: I have a pool solar water temp sensor question

    That's what I'm thinking. I think my is set up a little differently. The sensor I have appears to be the type to drill in to a pipe, then I'm going to put it at the top since when the solar is off, the pipe is empty and since heat rises, the sensor should get plenty of heat.

    I don't see any reason the sensor has to be put into the pipe. It doesn't know it's not in water. I'll have to think about that.

    I'll have to experiment.

    BTW, your instructions attached were much better than the copy I found. Thanks for that!
  • Dave Angelini
    Dave Angelini Solar Expert Posts: 6,728 ✭✭✭✭✭✭
    Re: I have a pool solar water temp sensor question

    You are correct the collector sensor is typically at the top of the collector under the insulation or in the pipe. The sensor is probably a thermistor and they do fail from time to time.
    That's what I'm thinking. I think my is set up a little differently. The sensor I have appears to be the type to drill in to a pipe, then I'm going to put it at the top since when the solar is off, the pipe is empty and since heat rises, the sensor should get plenty of heat.

    I don't see any reason the sensor has to be put into the pipe. It doesn't know it's not in water. I'll have to think about that.

    I'll have to experiment.

    BTW, your instructions attached were much better than the copy I found. Thanks for that!
    "we go where power lines don't" Sierra Nevada mountain area
       htps://offgridsolar1.com/
    E-mail offgridsolar@sti.net

  • chuckiechan
    chuckiechan Registered Users Posts: 3
    Re: I have a pool solar water temp sensor question
    You are correct the collector sensor is typically at the top of the collector under the insulation or in the pipe. The sensor is probably a thermistor and they do fail from time to time.

    I'll be moving it. Probably to the top, but not inside the pipe. No point in drilling holes if I don't have to.

    I plan to seal the old hole with a 1/2 a piece of pipe joint and glue. I'm just going to snap it over that part of the pipe and glue it. Will that work OK?
  • jcheil
    jcheil Solar Expert Posts: 722 ✭✭✭
    Re: I have a pool solar water temp sensor question
    I'll be moving it. Probably to the top, but not inside the pipe. No point in drilling holes if I don't have to.

    I plan to seal the old hole with a 1/2 a piece of pipe joint and glue. I'm just going to snap it over that part of the pipe and glue it. Will that work OK?

    I have done that before as a temp fix. Use a couple of hose clamps on it also. Apply the glue and crank the hose clamps down quickly. I just left mine on after it dried but I guess you "could" remove them if there is not much pressure in the pipe. Leaving them on gave me a (perhaps false) sense that it was a better repair :)
    Off-Grid in Central Florida since 2005, Full-Time since June 2014 | 12 X Sovello 205w panels, 9 X ToPoint 220w panels, 36x ToPoint 225w panels (12,525 watts total) | Custom built single-axis ground mounts | Complete FP2 Outback System: 3 x FM80, 2 x VFX3648, X240 Transformer, FLEXnet-DC, Mate-3, Hub-10, FW500 AC/DC | 24 x Trojan L16RE-B Batteries 1110ah @ 48v | Honda EU7000is Generator and a pile of "other" Generators | Home-Made PVC solar hot water collector | Custom data logging software http://www.somewhatcrookedcamp.com/monitormate.html
  • BB.
    BB. Super Moderators, Administrators Posts: 33,431 admin
    Re: I have a pool solar water temp sensor question

    Put a little insulation around the pipe/sensor so that a cold breeze does not give you a false reading.

    -Bill
    Near San Francisco California: 3.5kWatt Grid Tied Solar power system+small backup genset