For households relying on non-pressurized solar water heaters, the controller is the central component that governs water supply, temperature regulation, and freeze protection. The New KCP-4 Solar Water Heater Controller from Haiyan Kaichang Energy Saving Electronics Co., Ltd. is designed to deliver comprehensive control through a combination of automatic and manual functions, making it a practical choice for residential solar thermal systems.
At the core of the KCP-4 is its versatile water supply management. The controller supports both automatic and manual refill modes, ensuring the tank maintains an optimal water level without requiring constant user attention. For added convenience, timed refills can be programmed to match daily usage patterns, while temperature‑triggered filling automatically activates when the water temperature reaches a preset threshold. A forced water supply function is also available for emergency refills when needed. The system displays current water temperature and level simultaneously on its interface, with five level indicators—where a flashing 20% reading signals low water.
Freeze protection is a critical feature for solar water heaters in colder climates. The KCP-4 incorporates both automatic and manual drain‑back functions, which allow the system to empty water from the collector loop when temperatures drop, preventing pipe damage from freezing. The automatic drain‑back activation temperature is user‑adjustable, with a default setting of 2°C. The controller manages this function through three dedicated valves: a white DC12V inlet valve for mains water supply, an orange DC12V lower drain valve for water release during drain‑back, and an orange DC12V upper three‑way valve that switches between the collector inlet and outlet.
The KCP-4 provides constant‑temperature control via a liquid expansion thermostat, covering a 0‑99°C range. Safety is addressed through multiple protective features: overflow protection prevents tank overfilling, high‑temperature protection guards against scalding, and a water‑full alarm alerts users when the tank reaches capacity. The unit is rated at 250V, 10A, and comes with factory‑default parameters that include an automatic drain‑back temperature of 2°C and a configurable top‑up time of 10 seconds, allowing for straightforward installation and setup.
For enhanced system integration, the KCP-4 can be paired with an anti‑freeze solar pipe valve for additional cold‑weather protection. It also supports integration with a whole‑house hot water recirculation system, and in hybrid solar‑gas installations, a solar‑gas automatic switching sensor enables smooth transitions between energy sources. Manufactured by Kaichang—a company with years of experience in solar thermal controls—the KCP-4 offers a reliable and flexible solution for managing non‑pressurized solar water heaters. To explore the full specifications and configuration options, visit the product page from Kaichang today.
www.kaichangsolar.com
Haiyan Kaichang Energy Saving Electronics Co., Ltd.
