Can You Monitor Temperature in a Drainback System Remotely?

Monitoring Options

To remotely monitor temperature in a drainback system, you can use a combination of sensors, modems, and software. One common option is to install a remote monitoring system that includes a temperature sensor, a data logger, and a cellular modem. This setup allows you to access real-time temperature data from any location using a smartphone or computer. For example, the Modbus protocol can be used to communicate between the sensor and the data logger, while the cellular modem sends the data to a cloud-based platform for remote access.

System Requirements

When selecting a remote monitoring system for a drainback solar hot water system, consider the following requirements: a temperature sensor with a range of -20°C to 120°C, a data logger with a memory capacity of at least 1 GB, and a cellular modem with a data transfer rate of at least 2G. Additionally, ensure that the system is compatible with the existing drainback system architecture and can withstand the outdoor environment. A typical installation may require a sensor to be installed in the tank, a data logger to be mounted near the tank, and a cellular modem to be installed in a sheltered location.

Example Setup

A possible setup for remote monitoring of a drainback system includes a temperature sensor (e.g., DS18B20) installed in the tank, a data logger (e.g., Datalogger 1000) mounted near the tank, and a cellular modem (e.g., Sierra Wireless MC7750) installed in a sheltered location. The Modbus protocol can be used to communicate between the sensor and the data logger, while the cellular modem sends the data to a cloud-based platform (e.g., Thingspeak) for remote access. This setup allows for real-time monitoring of the drainback system temperature, enabling users to identify potential issues and optimize system performance.