Introduction to Solar

Solar energy is energy captured directly from the sun. The concept of heating using the power of the sun can be traced to the early Greeks who used to build their houses facing the sun.

Although solar systems can have a higher initial cost, lifetime costs are demonstrably lower than a traditional system as a significant proportion of the heating is provided by the sun – even in our higher latitudes. Solar energy is of course also sustainable energy - with the clear environmental benefits that provides.

While in theory, a system which captures energy from the sun and stores heat for domestic use is simple, one must recognise that all of the components used within the system are engineered to perform at much higher temperatures than those found in a traditional heating system.

Solar Products

solar controller

Solar Controller

An industry standard controller for many years. Available separately or prewired into Flocal B Pump Station. Configure as a simple solar arrangement, or for using with a twincoil cylinder with backup from an additional heat source. Also regarded by service engineers as replacement unit.

The BS3 solar controller is available separately or included with the Intaeco Flocal B Pump Station for standard solar thermal systems provide a clear operating concept and is complete with illuminated digital display and system switching and monitoring functions. The controller offers options for 2 types of system, solar heat only (arrangement 1), or solar heat and alternative heat source (arrangement 2), by simply programming the requirement.

  • Single Store applications, Single or bank of parallel collectors
  • Two relay connection points allow for the connection of the solar pump in arrangement 1 (solar heat only), and the addition of the additional circulating pump/ boiler in arrangement 2.
  • Connections for up to 4 temperature sensors.

The BS3 also has an optional SMART Display screen (part code SR180SD3) which can be connected to the screen but information read remotely to the controller. The BS3 solar controller is included with the Intaeco Flo Cal B Pump Station for standard solar thermal systems provide a clear operating concept and is complete with illuminated digital display and system switching and monitoring functions.

Digital display and operating features are listed here, besides the symbol which appears on the controller’s illuminated screen:

Symbol Operating Description
COL Collector temperature display (in arrangement 1 only)
TST Cylinder/store temperature
S3 Third temperature probe (optional)
S4 Fourth temperature probe (optional)

Other features, protected from tampering as hidden parameters. The symbols are shown here as feature on the digital display, and help us to understand this controller's capability.

Symbol Operating Description
hp Number of hours the pump has run since installation
DTO Optional feature to allow the installer to reset the switch on temperature differential
DTF Switch off temperature differential adjustment
SMX Adjustment for maximum cylinder/store temperature
EM Emergency shutdown function for system protection
OCX System cooling function
CMX Collector maximum temperature
OCN Minimum collector function
OREC Re-cooling function (factory setting off)
OTC Tube collector function (factory setting off)
AHO For back-up heating or heat dumping functions
SWITCH OFF Information given by a third temperature sensor