SC04 Solar Controller: Automatic Control for Pool Solar Heating
Anyone heating their pool via a solar absorber faces a control task: the water should only run across the absorber field when there is actually heat to be gained there. That is exactly what the SC04 solar controller does – a complete set consisting of a control unit, temperature sensors and an electrically actuated Praher PVC ball valve that handles the switchover to the absorber automatically. This guide explains how it works, the set variants and installation. Basics on sizing the absorber field can be found in the guide Solar Absorber: Sizing and Z-Pattern Pipework.
How does the SC04 solar controller work?
The set works with two temperature probes: a cold water temperature sensor with a 3 m cable for the pool water side and a warm water temperature sensor with a 10 m connecting cable for the absorber side. The controller compares both readings. If the absorber delivers usable heat, the electric actuator EO510 (100–240 V AC) opens the ball valve and routes the water across the absorber field; otherwise the solar branch stays closed and the water flows straight back into the pool. A visual position indicator shows the valve position at all times, and the manual override allows adjustment by hand – for example during a power failure. The set carries the CE marking; the controller is designed to the IP54 protection rating.
2-way or 3-way – which variant fits?
The SC04 is available with a 2- or 3-way Praher ball valve in DN40/d50 or DN50/d63 (PVC-U, solvent socket):
- 2-way variant: The ball valve sits in the solar branch and either opens or shuts it off. The distribution of the water flow is handled by the rest of the pipework – typically a manually adjusted bypass, as described in the guide Building and Piping a Bypass Correctly.
- 3-way variant: The T-ball distributes the flow directly between the absorber branch and the direct line – one valve instead of several. The integrated pressure-equalisation bore in the ball is designed specifically for this switchover duty.
Set contents and technical data
- 2- or 3-way Praher PVC ball valve DN40/d50 or DN50/d63 with electric actuator EO510, 100–240 V AC
- Cold water temperature sensor (3 m) and warm water temperature sensor (10 m connecting cable)
- Manual override, visual position indicator
- IP54 protection rating, CE marking
- Sealing materials per variant: EPDM/PTFE (2-way, S6 DN40) or EPDM/tpe (3-way T-ball), PN3
Both set variants with all article numbers can be found on the product page SC04 Solar Controller with 2- and 3-way Ball Valve.
Installation and combination with the backwash valve
The SC04 can also be installed on the Ocean V6 6-way backwash valve – installation drawings for this are available on request. In fully automated plant rooms, the solar function is alternatively integrated directly into the backwash controller: the Aquastar Control offers optional temperature or solar control in addition to automatic backwashing. Which pool heating is worthwhile in the first place is compared in the guide Pool Heating Compared: Heat Pump, Solar, Heat Exchanger.
