OG-500 CERTIFICATION PROGRAM

Thermal Energy Storage Devices

The ICC-SRCC OG-500 Thermal Energy Storage Device Certification Program evaluates a range of different technologies used to store thermal energy for a variety of applications. It was launched to first address indirect storage tanks used to store heated fluids in various solar thermal systems (commonly known as solar tanks). But it is also available to certify other thermal storage device types.

For solar tanks, OG-500 first confirms compliance with the requirements in the ICC 903/SRCC 500 standard. It sets minimum safety and durability design requirements and tests for these tanks that are used as components in indirect water heating systems (not stand-alone water heating tanks). It references and works closely with established standards like UL 174 and ANSI Z21.10.1/CSA 4.1, but expands on them to address unique characteristics in solar tanks. These include:

• Direct and indirect tanks (with or without integral heat exchangers),
• Pressurized and unpressurized tanks,
• Tanks designed for indoor and outdoor use in unprotected areas,
• Tanks with integrated supplemental heaters (gas, electric, other fuels)

OG-500 certification of solar tanks includes both qualifying tests in the main body of the standard and performance tests in Appendix A of the document. OG-500 certifications for solar tanks include performance metrics like standby loss coefficients, thermal energy storage capacity and heat transfer efficiency of integral heat exchangers.

OG-500 certification provides one means of complying with the requirements in the ICC 900/SRCC 300 standard and OG-300 program for solar water heating systems that solar tanks be listed. And their standardized performance ratings provide the key performance values designers need to implement them successfully in many different types of indirect water heating systems. While OG-500 certified tanks can be used as part of solar thermal systems, they can also be used in indirect heating systems using sources like gas boilers, air-water or water-water heat pumps, biomass boilers and more.

As new standards and test methods are completed for other thermal energy storage devices, the scope of the OG-500 program will be expanded to include them. Areas of anticipated future expansion include thermal brick energy storage appliances and phase-change energy storage systems.

Are you a manufacturer of thermal energy storage devices and ready to apply for certification? Click here to access our portal and apply online.