Wilo GmbH, Dortmund (Germany), has developed Wilo-Star STE, a pump specially designed for use in solar circuits. Together with the controller Wilo-StarControl ST, it forms an intelligent double team to guarantee maximum solar yield.

In these days of increasing energy prices, it is not only the ecologically minded house owner who decides in favour of solar energy. An increasing number of people are opting above all for solar thermal systems where service water is heated up by the sun. Up to 60 percent of the hot water required in a single family dwelling can be provided by the sun. But if you want to "harvest" optimum solar yield, you have to make sure you've got the right components. Economic operation of the solar system depends to a great extent on the solar pump and its controller. Wilo GmbH, Dortmund, has developed Wilo-Star STE, a pump specially designed for use in solar circuits. Together with the controller Wilo-StarControl ST, it forms an intelligent double team to guarantee maximum solar yield.

StarControl is responsible or fully automatic control of system operations. Bright sunshine causes the water temperature in the collector to increase. As soon as it is a few degrees warmer than the temperature in the hot water tank, the controller starts the pump. Cold water is then transported into the collectors and heated up. If only a little hot water is required, or thick clouds let the water in the collectors cool down, then the pump operates more slowly or is switched off altogether. The system adjusts automatically to the prevailing conditions.

A display shows the people living in the house the thermal volume at any time, stating the temperatures in the collector and tank, together with the amount of saved carbon dioxide emissions. Another advantage: the heat meter which is a prescribed component for anyone applying for state subsidies, is already integrated in the Wilo-StarControl.

About Wilo
Already today the Wilo group is more than just a fully assorted manufacturer and supplier of heating pumps and systems as well as in the fields of water supply and drainage. Wilo is part of the Wilo-Salmson group which, with a staff of over 2700 and an annual turnover in excess of DM 761 million, is one of the largest pump manufacturer worldwide. With a staff of 1540 and an annual turnover of DM 475 million Wilo is the largest group member within the Wilo-Salmson AG.

Picture: Intelligent double for maximum solar yield