1. Introduction
2. Design Considerations
3. Operation and Maintenance
4. Record/Documentation
5. Appendix A:Sample Checklist for Inspection and Testing of Solar Water Heating Systems
Record/ Documentation
4.1 Asset Information
(1)
The O&M documents should be kept properly and updated after each modification. The recommended O&M documents are as listed below:
| Action | General Practice | Best Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Handover reports including but not limited to: - Handover list - Site location and location map with access routes - System capacity - Technical information of solar collector (e.g., manufacturer/ brand, model number, type, size, design flow rate, specific output, maximum operating pressure, heat loss coefficient, efficiency, tube size and material, etc.) - Technical information of heat exchanger, pumps (e.g., design flow rate, etc) - Warranties provided - Project completion date and the end date of defect liability period (DLP) - Spare parts list with makes and model numbers | • | • |
| Design calculation including the sizing of collector area/storage volume, structural calculation | • | |
| As-fitted drawings including: - Schematic diagramme of solar water heating system and water supply installation showing all components, pipe size, earthing connection and the associated utility metering points/supply points - Layout plans showing major components such as solar heat exchangers, circulating pumps, etc.) - Structural drawings with Registered Structural Engineer reports | • | • |
| WSD submission and approval record | • | • |
| Certification of Environment Management System (e.g., ISO 14001) and Safety Management System (e.g., OHSAS 18001 or ISO 45001) | • | |
| Testing and commissioning reports | • | • |
| Operation and maintenance manuals including operation procedures in case of system failure or emergency shutdown and isolation procedures | • | • |
| Schedule of planned examination and testing | • | |
| Emergency contact list including owner/representative, LPs | • | • |
4.2 Maintenance Record Management
4.2.1 General Practice
(1)
The owner should keep the preventive maintenance plans, inspection/maintenance records of the installations for a period of not less than 3 years from the date of the inspection/maintenance.
(2)
The owner should keep the specification, testing and commissioning reports, operation and maintenance manuals of the installation for future reference by maintenance staff.
(3)
Records for major equipment replacements (e.g., location and number of solar collectors replaced) and preventive maintenance records should be kept properly.
(4)
The preventive maintenance and overhauls records with clear maintenance schedules and procedures should be kept properly.
(5)
A sample checklist for inspection and testing of solar water heating system is attached in Appendix A below, which should be read in conjunction with the previous testing and commissioning reports before inspection and testing are carried out.
4.2.2 Best Practice
(1)
The maintenance logbook, preventive maintenance and overhauls records with clear maintenance schedules and procedures shall be digitised and reviewed regularly such that the maintenance contractor is able to predict the trend of material deterioration and formulate a project specific preventive maintenance schedule.
4.3 Information Management
4.3.1 General Practice
(1)
The certificates and documentation as per statutory requirements shall be kept properly.
4.3.2 Best Practice
(1)
The stored records should be reviewed and audited regularly.
4.4 Stakeholders Management
4.4.1 General Practice
(1)
The solar water heating system owner or his representative(s) should be notified about:
a)
The schedule of preventive maintenance
b)
When the equipment will be shut down for maintenance and the duration
c)
Updating of emergency contact list as mentioned in Section 3.3.1
4.4.2 Best Practice
(1)
The solar water heating system owner or his representative(s) should be kept informed of the progress of the O&M activities and the obsolescence of spare parts without suitable substitutes.
