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Solar surface pump technical data

SunCentric Pump Technical Data

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The Dankoff SunCentric uses solar-electric power to pump as much as 50,000 gallons (200 m³) per day from shallow water sources. Applications include irrigation, livestock watering, domestic water supply, pond management, water treatment, solar water heating, hydronic space heating, and fire protection. In worldwide use since 1989, it can be used without batteries.

Designed for reliability and maintainability, wear parts typically last 5-10 years, with an overall life expectancy of 15-20 years before rebuild.

PV array-direct application

  • A PV-direct system uses water storage instead of batteries — the simplest and most durable system for most applications
  • A pump controller (linear current booster) is not required
  • A solar tracker (optional) helps maintain optimum flow through the entire solar day
  • Storage of 3-7 days' water demand is recommended
  • Optimum for circulation of solar-heated water

Battery application

  • Best where there is need for constant pressure or pressure on demand, where a tank is not feasible, or where a battery system is required for other power applications
  • Batteries can be charged by any power source

Suction capacity

  • Suction limit is 10 vertical feet (3 m) at sea level — subtract 1 foot for every 1,000 ft elevation (1 m per km)
  • For best reliability, minimize or eliminate suction lift by placing the pump low and close to the water source to avoid cavitation

Materials & temperature

  • Pump body: cast iron, ASTM A48-76
  • Impeller: glass filled polycarbonate; seal: carbon/ceramic, industry standard
  • Temperature limit: 140 °F (60 °C)
  • High temperature option: brass impeller, limit 240 °F (115 °C); reduces flow about 15% at same watts

Maintenance

  • No routine maintenance required; pump can be repaired in the field using ordinary tools without removing the pipes
  • Motor brushes: typical brush life peak hours = working voltage × 800 ÷ third digit of model number (about 5-8 years of service)
  • Shaft seal has a very long life under normal conditions; purchase spare seals if water carries abrasive silt or the pump can run dry

Installation & protection

  • Pump must be sheltered from rain and direct sunlight
  • Horizontal position: outlet at the top (can face horizontally or vertically upward); vertical position: motor on top
  • Overcurrent protection required: fuse or breaker rated amps at pump + 15-25%, minimum DC voltage rating = volts at pump × 2
  • Wire for less than 3% voltage drop; undersized pipe or wire greatly decreases performance
  • Warranty: 1 year against defects in materials and workmanship

Power requirements — PV array-direct models

Curve numbers refer to the flow vs. TDH curves in the PDF chart. For PV-direct systems do not undersize the array; oversizing improves performance in low sunlight.

Power requirements — PV array-direct models
Curve #ModelVolts nominalVolts at pumpAmpsWattsMin. PV array W
1732412156.090117
2732512157.4111144
2744524303.7111144
3744236453.5158205
47212121519.3290377
5732224309.7290377
6744636456.9311404
77424243016.0480624
7744448608.0480624
87521364516.4739959
97526243024.4732952
107622364519.08551112

Power requirements — battery models

Power requirements — battery models
Curve #ModelVoltsAmpsWatts
172121214.0168
17321247.0168
27322248.3199
27442483.8182
372141217.0204
474151223.6283
574242411.9286
674252414.4346
67446487.8374
774262416.3391
875112427.1650
875214813.5648
976224820.3974

Dimensions by model

x = third digit of the model number.

Dimensions by model
ModelLength (in)Height (in)Ship weight (lb)Inlet NPTOutlet NPT
72x415.59.1491 ¼"1"
72x51710.5541 ½"1 ¼"
72x61710.5542"1 ½"
73x4179.1501 ¼"1"
73x51810.5551 ½"1 ¼"
73x61810.5552"1 ½"
74x4179.1581 ¼"1"
74x518.510.5631 ½"1 ¼"
74x618.510.5632"1 ½"
75x4189.1601 ¼"1"
75x519.510.5651 ½"1 ¼"
75x619.510.5652"1 ½"
76x4199.1651 ¼"1"
76x520.510.5701 ½"1 ¼"
76x620.510.5702"1 ½"

Transcribed from the official Dankoff Solar technical data sheet. Subject to technical changes — the PDF is the authoritative version. Not sure this is your pump? The calculator will match one to your system.

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