Second training course on installation of thermosyphon solar water heating systems

The National University of Science and Technology (NUST) and SOLTRAIN hosted another round of solar water heating system installer training in Bulawayo in early July. Aimed at improving the quality of installations in Zimbabwe, this was the second round of training, with the first having been conducted in Harare at roughly the same time the previous year.The training was conducted by Rudi Moschik from AEE INTEC alongside Eng. Samson Mhlanga from NUST.

A total of 15 installers drawn from various fields including technicians and engineers were included in this round. The training included important theoretical concepts such as collector type, collector efficiency, orientation, inclination and some of the fundamental installation errors that one needs to look out for.

Once again the Solar Mobile Training Unit proved to be an important training resource, and some of the lessons were delivered on the trailer itself, with the participants being able to appreciate the best practices evident from the system that is installed on the trailer.

A demonstration of the installation of a vacuum system was also completed, and all the participants participated in the practical step-bystep installation procedure leading up to the commissioning stage. Key maintenance checkpoints were also discussed. To conclude the training, participants were assessed by means of a test, with certificates being awarded to successful participants.