Zoning

Solo is Patented, and one of the unique features of Solo is that it requires no water valves to prevent heat emission when not required. Even with 85C water flow, there will be zero convection, but there will be a very minor degree of radiation from the coil surface. Because all Solo´s can therefore be on a single flow and return pipe system, zoning can be simply done by grouping areas electrically and feeding them from time clocks or switches. This eliminates the need for zone valves and piping complexity.

Boiler Sizing

Solo allows the designer to base the capacity on design heat loss, and not the capacity to bring the temperature up in a reasonable time. This is possible because Solo essentially may be considered as a variable size radiator, which becomes large or small as dictated by how cold the environment is relative to desired temperature. The zero thermal mass of Solo dramatically assists in both response as well as boiler or heat pump sizing. This allows the designer to downsize the boiler or heat pump by 40-50% relative to conventional sizing practice.

Condensing Boilers

Because Solo operates effectively at much lower water temperatures than radiators, condensing boilers can be made condense under all load circumstances, and this results in major energy saving.

Heat Pumps

Due to the fact that Solo can operate at low water temperatures, Solo is ideal for use with Heat Pumps, and in fact this was the primary design goal of Solo. Constant flow through the system greatly assists correct operation of heat pumps.

Balancing

There is no balancing requirement with Solo´s as the hydraulic resistance relative to that encountered in flow and return piping is such that virtually the exact same flow will be provided to each terminal. This is also aided by the lack of valves in the system.

A further advantage ensues in selecting pumps based on a constant flow rate. The installer must however ensure that circulation pumps are adequately sized and circuit pumps with 6-7m head are recommended. It is suggested that reverse-return piping be used where possible to guarantee equal flow sharing on long runs.

Surface temperature

As standard, Solo surface temperature never reach danger levels regardless of water temperature, and in fact, always averages at room temperature.

Pressure

Solo is tested to 9 bar, and unlike radiators, this allows higher pressure systems to be used where required.

Heat up time

A Solo terminal will generate significant heat immediately hot water is available to it.

For instance, a radiator delivering 6KW typically might weigh 90kg, and contains 15l of water. The energy required to bring both the iron and the water from 10 C to 80 C is 960W.hr. This is before the radiator emits any heat. By contrast, Solo only needs 37Whr. The Radiator needs 25.5 times more energy before it begins to heat than does Solo.

Remember also that when temperature is satisfied by radiators or underfloor, all this energy will be emitted until the stored energy is dissipated and this is totally wasted by overheating the space.

Control

Solo allows total control with minimal energy waste.

• Fast Acting
• Low Water Content
• Capacity Control
• Temperature Control
• Temperature Suspension
• Remote Shutdown of Pumps
• Setback Feature
• No Unreliable Valves

One man installation

Due to the compact design of Solo, one man can easily do an entire installation, and there are no mounting brackets required on walls.

Simple selection

Essentially there are only two capacity sizes, and they will automatically adjust capacity as required. Therefore this really simplifies life for the installer and eliminates sizing exercises.