Geothermal heat pump systems with manifolded earth loops offer advantages
Geothermal systems use HDPE tubing for closed-loop earth heat exchangers, buried several feet below the surface.
View ArticleDo hydronics systems need internet connectivity?
If your office routine is like mine, you probably type passwords into your devices all day to access essential websites and software. Sometimes you forget complex passwords and have to go through the...
View ArticleThe anti-condensation function of piping assemblies
Biomass boilers burn various fuels and come in different designs. Water vapor is produced when burning wood-based fuels, and the resulting condensate can be acidic and corrosive to metals like carbon...
View Article3-way divert valves: Part 2
In last month’s column, we discussed the design and actuation of 3-way diverter valves. This month, we’ll look at several applications for these valves.
View Article3-way diverter valves: Part 1
There are many scenarios in which flow at some location within a hydronic system has to be directed along one of two possible flow paths. When a single valve is used to create this routing, it’s called...
View ArticleModern hydronics technology can play well with future energy markets — Part 2
Last month, we discussed how solid thermal energy storage, combined with an air-to-water heat pump and an electric boiler, provides a platform to leverage time-of-use electrical rates in ways that can...
View ArticleModern hydronics technology offers unique solutions
A problem is developing with the transition to electric heating: peak demand. Learn how air-to-water heat pumps tackle seasonal needs but struggle during extreme cold, leading to reliance on electric...
View ArticleThe challenge of reviewing proposed system schematics
Discover the major flaws in a proposed heating system and learn about a makeover approach to eliminate the issues.
View ArticleComplementary fuel sources
Like most people, I have opinions and beliefs about our current energy sources, and specifically how they play into the future of hydronic heating and cooling technology.
View ArticleConcepts for varying flow rate in geothermal earth loops — Part 2
System COP is a more relevant metric of geothermal heat pump performance since the owner is paying for the electrical energy to operate the heat pump and the circulator, and their operation is always...
View ArticleConcepts for varying flow rate in geothermal earth loops
The goal is to keep the system COP as high a possible as the operating conditions of the heat pump change. The logic behind maximum COP tracking is to continually look for an earth loop flow rate that...
View ArticleProducts that would be welcome additions to the North American hydronics market
Every year, manufacturers develop new or improved products for the North American hydronic market. Product development planning by those manufacturers depends on several factors. Here are a few of the...
View ArticleDetails for piping multiple hydronic heat pumps
Multiple boiler systems have been used for decades. They allow full heating capacity to be delivered when necessary, while also retaining high efficiency under partial load conditions compared to a...
View ArticleUsing “reverser valves” to switch buffer tanks between heating and cooling
When a fixed output heat pump supplies a highly zoned heating or cooling distribution system, a buffer tank is typically used to prevent the heat pump from short-cycling under very low load conditions.
View ArticleJohn Siegenthaler: Understanding thermal equilibrium and hydraulic equilibrium
ades of dealing with hydronic systems, I’ve confirmed two characteristics that always govern their operation. Both are rooted in the tenants of thermodynamics. Neither should be thought of as mysterious.
View ArticleJohn Siegenthaler: Performance metrics for modern hydronic heating and...
Those who evaluate the performance of HVAC source equipment such as boilers, furnaces and heat pumps have to work with a wide variety of acronyms. Some of them were spawned by government bureaucrats,...
View ArticleJohn Siegenthaler: Modern hydronics technology addresses heating challenges...
Over the years I’ve had opportunities to work with several architects. They’re interesting people who have the ability to meld art with building technology. Sometimes the result is more “art,” and...
View ArticleJohn Siegenthaler: Details for venting pellet-fueled boilers
Given the current upward trend and volatility of fossil fuel pricing, there’s renewed interest in heating using wood pellets. Federal incentives that currently cover 26% of some qualified equipment...
View ArticleJohn Siegenthaler: Opportunities to reduce head loss
When designing hydronic circuits, most engineers focus on what’s necessary for that circuit to absorb thermal energy at a heat source, carry it along like a conveyor belt and drop it off at one or more...
View ArticleJohn Siegenthaler: Soaring fuel costs drive adoption of high-efficiency/low...
In 2012 the price of #2 fuel oil in upstate New York was approaching a previously unheard of $4 per gallon. This spurred many pending heating system projects to consider the use of cordwood or wood...
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