Solar Water and Eco-Washing Machines: Part Two

Last month Pip raised a washing machine dilemma with us. Nick from the Hockerton Housing Project (HHP) has kindly given us some advice…

Pip’s Original Query:
“Hi everyone,
Having bought an eco-friendly washing machine about six years ago, then solar water panels a year later, I was very frustrated that the machine was only ‘cold fill’ and was heating water when we had a tank full for free.
“We decided to switch the ‘input’ pipe to fill from the ‘hot’ pipe as previously our machine used both and the pipes were already plumbed in.
This works brilliantly and the machine seems to cope with it very well.
However, I now use eco-balls, and am concerned that I am not using them efficiently as the temperature may not be as exact as it should be, even though we use it on the 30or 60 degree eco setting.
“Also I have been told that changing the ‘input’ pipe could damage the thermostat on the machine. We switch it back to ‘cold fill’ in the winter and then only use it during ‘night-time’ cheap rates.
Has anyone else had any experiences of trying this change-over”?

Nick’s Advice:
“A tricky one as washing machines generally (if not all) use cold infill. It’s considered to be more efficient as you are using the energy when you need it. This however does not accommodate the use by washing machines of excess hot water from solar thermal systems. Indeed it highlights one of the downsides of solar thermal – too much in the summer, and not enough for most of the remainder of the year. Using photovoltaic panels (PVs) can provide greater flexibility by providing options for use for a wider range of appliances when there is plenty of sunshine.
“At HHP we have 1kW immersions for our hot water tanks and so can use PVs to provide hot water, or any other electrical appliance running in the homes. I am not sure of the implications of changing the infill arrangement, but I would suggest that consideration is given to the guarantee. Alternatively Pip may just have to time baths when there is lots of sunshine and if they get on with the neighbours, invite them in too!
“All the best,
Nick White.”

More News from HHP
If you attending any of HHP events over coming months, copies the Wind & Sun Design Guide and Catalogue (23rd Edition) will be available for just £5.
Alternatively, this long awaited new edition of this catalogue is now available from Wind & Sundirect by email, or call 01568 760484.
HHP says: “The publication contains lots of information on small wind and solar system design from experience gained over many years. We regard this as the definitive guide to wind and solar products available by one of the UK’s leading experts on installing renewable energy systems”.

Links
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Thanks to Nick White, HHP. - 15/07/07