Texman 182g Mods

 

Thanks

another pic of the test fit.

Looking forward to hearing how it all comes together. The part I'm thinking will need some testing might be the freeze temp sensor location. I'm thinking right where the pump suction line leaves the fresh water tank might be the best spot. Should be the first place to freeze and the last place to get warm. Where are you planning to put yours? 

I found a link to the little thermostat's instructions. Not all functions were enabled on mine. 

If the calibration offset function doesn't work on yours (it didn't on mine) you can just offset the "on" setpoint instead.  A glass of icewater would make a good known temperature source for calibration, its guaranteed to be at 32F/0 C.   

The IR temp gun is a good idea for probing for the lowest temp location. It might not be that accurate in absolute terms but you're only looking for relative temp differences anyway. 

It takes out 1 BTU per pound of water to cool it 1 degree F. It takes 144 btu out to freeze 32 degree water into 32 degree ice. So as long as we keep the water moving through the system and the tank reasonably full its going to take a really long time to freeze all that water, even if we put in only a small amount of heat. That was why I was thinking it might be good to keep the water heater temp relatively low and run the pump to circulate the water a little longer. Let's see how it works out for you. 

offgrid

i plan to add the second Tstat to the water heater as you did to get a lower heat set point. I still need to get under the pod and trace all the water lines and add pipe insulation as necessary to the exposed lines.  I think you mentioned insulating the tank as well with closed cell insulation.  I am still in planning as far as the tank insulation.  i will test with uninsulated first and see how it goes. 

lostagain

thanks and the tests are about to begin.  supposed to be freezing temps this weekend for me at night so should be good to test.