Solar Thermal Hot Water

The award winning, forward thinking e-learning programme is aimed at colleges, training centres, apprentices and engineers who wish to advance their career and learn how to install solar domestic hot water systems.

It is based on fully interactive multimedia with audio, video, text using 2D and 3D animation and virtual reality. The programme consists of eight '‘tutorial-based' e-Learning modules with end assessments and five scenarios. Learners will be able to freely select the required module, learn about it using highly interactive sections and explore superb 2D/3D graphics and animations.

At the end of each module, they will undertake very carefully designed self-assessments to test their knowledge. Constructive feedback will be shown at the end including scores and recommendations.

• Extensive content aligned to NVQ level II and technical certificate
• Easy to follow, totally engaging enjoyable format
• Interactive - using latest technology
• Provides a clear understanding of current regulations and legislation
• Co-ordinated audio provides detailed explanations of all subject matter throughout.

This programme is ideal for either individual or classroom delivery, it can also be accessed on CD via a network or over the Internet and installed on a VLE (Virtual Learning Environment) such as Moodle.

An essential source of learning and practice in preparation for certification

Scripted dialogue synchronised with audio and visual animation combine to produce a stunning medium for learning, feature rich this programme contains volumes of technical training as well as legislation and Health and Safety.

Tests will assess how well you’ve understood the programme content

On completion of the programme subjects, you then enter the scenario environment where real life situations will test your ability in a safe practice area to analyse, test and resolve problems terminating in a score report that can be printed out for review.

Programme Benefits:

• Enhances the way teachers and learners gain and retain subject knowledge and understanding
• Become more proficient with technically accurate subject content
• Be fully confident to carry out practical work enables learners to study when they choose and at their own pace
• Complicated topics are made clear and understandable via advanced visuals, animations and stunning virtual reality techniques
• Builds confidence in learner’s capabilities through studied subject matter
• Motivates learners to achieve personal targets with focus on outcomes
• Expands tutors / learners ability to present the content in a new way
• Consolidates users’ theoretical knowledge prior to undertaking practical workshop exercises, with
• Positive results via a reduction of consumable and workshop costs

The programme content is divided into eight modules as follows:

• Module 1: Solar Thermal Overview and Considerations

  What is Solar Energy?, Solar Domestic Hot Water System Basics, End Test.

• Module 2: Health and Safety

  Introduction, Health and Safety at Work Act, PPE, Safety Signs, COSHH, Substances Hazardous to Health, Working at Heights, Basic First-Aid, Manual Handling, Risk Assessments, Fire Protection, CSCS Site Safety Cards, Electrical Safety, End Test.

• Module 3: Solar Collector Types and British Standards

  British Standards for Solar Collectors, Types of Solar Collector, How Solar Collectors Absorb Energy, Collector Efficiency, Mounting Collectors on Roofs, End Test.

• Module 4: Solar Thermal Store Options

  Solar Storage Vessels, Vented and Unvented Storage Options, Thermal Stores, Solar Hot Water and Combi Boilers, Calculating Sizes, Solar Storage Vessel Hazards, End Test.

• Module 5: Solar Thermal Primary Circuit Designs

  Primary Circuit Designs, Fully Filled Pressurised Solar Primary Circuits, Drainback Solar Primary Circuits, Split Collector Primary Circuits, Flow Rates and Measurement, End Test.

• Module 6: Solar Thermal Primary Circuit Controls

  Purpose of a Solar System Controller, Differential Temperature Controller, Temperature Sensors, DTC Operation, End Test.

• Module 7: Installation Materials and Fittings

  Selection of Components, Pipes and Fittings, Insulation, Vessels, Air Vents and Separators, Pump Stations, Positioning of Components, End Test.

• Module 8: Filling, Commissioning and Maintenance

  Filling and Commissioning, Installation Checks, Initial Filling, Main Filling, Commissioning, Handover to Customer, Maintenance, Fault Finding and Rectification, End Test.

• Scenarios: Five interactive virtual reality based scenarios.

  Specifying a System, No Solar Heat in Summer, Very Hot Water, Frozen Drainback Pipe, Luke Warm Water.

Minimum Specifications:

• PC only - Windows XP or Vista
• 1GHz processor
• 256 MB RAM
• 1024 x 768 pixel screen resolution
• 24 Bit screen colour depth
• CD Drive
• Sound card and speakers