The Opticube Field integrates the necessary components for solar heat production.
Container insulation
It is essential to avoid condensation inside the Opticube and to keep it frost-free in winter. This is why we insulate the inner walls of the container.
Piping insulation
To limit heat loss, the pipes are insulated with rock wool and protected by a PVC shell (with aluminium finish). Valves and other components are insulated with custom-made blankets.
Temperature management
Due to the insulation in place and the heat sources, there is a risk of overheating the electrical equipment inside the container. It is also necessary to protect the pipes from freezing. That's why ventilation grids, fans and an electric convector are installed to regulate the temperature.
Connexion
The connection of the underground pipes to the Opticube can be made through a hatch inside the container, or via connecting flanges located on one of the walls
Maintenance support
The Opticube is designed to facilitate the implementation of a project but also to facilitate the maintenance of the installation. Each component is adjusted so that it can be removed separately without having to dismantle other equipment. A good marking is set up for a quick and simple understanding of the hydraulic and electrical systems. In this way, it is easy to locate the components.
Electricity
All equipments are connected. Power supplies and measuring signals are fed into a housing via cable trays or PVC ducts. It is possible to connect a PLC by plugging it into the terminal blocks. The various equipment and metal parts must be connected to earth. A ground conductor is supplied in the container and must be pushed into the ground and connected to the general ground terminal of the container.
Heat exchanger
In general, the solar circuit is filled with glycol water and pressurised. To avoid excessive volumes of glycol and to isolate the solar circuit, the use of a heat exchanger is necessary. Standard heat exchangers are welded stainless steel plate heat exchangers. For large installations, a heat exchanger bank is installed to ensure a maximum pinch of 5°C.
Pump units
On both sides of the heat exchanger, liquids must circulate in order to transfer heat efficiently. Each pump unit is equipped with a filter, shut-off valves to allow isolation of the filters and variable speed pumps to optimise energy production.
Filling kit
During commissioning, the entire solar array must be filled with coolant, which must also be frost-resistant. The Opticube Field is therefore equipped with a pumping unit that can fill the loop from the supply tank. This pumping kit is also used to pump the fluid back into the loop in case it has been previously evacuated to the Overtank through the safety valves due to overheating.
Measuring instruments
To regulate the system and ensure its real-time operation, various measuring intruments are installed in the network. For temperature, PT1000 sensors are placed in thermowells, pressure is transmitted with electronic pressure sensors and flow is measured by pulse flow meters. Pressure gauges and thermometers are also installed at key locations.
Discover our Opticube Field range, from DN80 up to DN300.