Hi ho! Hi ho! To HEH (high efficiency hydronics) we go!

 

By Bob "Hot Rod" Rohr

Radiant Expert

High-efficiency hydronics -- What, exactly, does that mean? It sounds a lot like the word Green with which we are being bombarded as of late. High-efficiency hydronics; sure, it sounds like something we should all be involved with, but how does one determine exactly what constitutes HEH?

Well, here is my take on HEH. It could be a single component, a group of components or a complete system that serves to increase efficiency. Often high-efficiency and mod con get used in the same sentence. Certainly, a properly applied modulating condensing boiler would pass my definition of high efficiency. I have installed several dozen mod con boilers of various brands. It has become quite clear that they have the potential to save your customers up to 30% on their fuel usage. The use of condensing technology is only part of the efficiency gain; just as important is the modulating function. Much of the performance gain comes as the mod con continually changes its output to match the load.

So, put mod cons in the HEH column.

Weather-responsive controls have also proven to be energy savers, as well as comfort increasers. They must be properly designed, applied and adjusted to provide the benefit you pay for. Outdoor reset with an indoor feedback sensor is about as good as it gets, currently, for temperature and heat generator control. The big names we all grew up with offer these controls: Tekmar, Honeywell and Taco are a few. Also, check out HBX and some of the European solar/hydronic-based controls like RESOL. They also offer state-of-the-art control logic.

Something as simple as pipe insulation would pass as a high efficiency hydronic component in my book. It's amazing how often I see uninsulated hydronic and DHW recirculation lines running through unconditioned spaces, even in brand new homes, in my area. Insulation is the gift that keeps on giving. Add it to all your systems. Be sure your bid reflects the costs of materials and the labor to get them installed properly.

I'd also consider the building envelope insulation package part of HEH, but, typically, it is out of the scope of the hydronic contractor. Don't ignore it, however. Improper under slab and edge insulation, installed by others, can really affect performance and operating costs. Any subcontractor who overlaps your work should be watched. Use the experience as an opportunity to teach someone else the benefits of HEH installations.

Perhaps the loudest buzz in the air these days has to do with high efficiency circulators (HEC). More efficient ECM motor technology is showing up on even the smallest of hydronic circulators. Crunching the numbers, it becomes clear that these high efficiency circs can move the same heating load with up to 40% less electrical consumption. I have a few HEC test versions working in my shop right now. The claims are valid. EuroPump is a manufacturers' association in Europe that has developed a color bar rating system for HEC. In the not-too-distant future contractors will shop for, and insist on, only the highest efficiency models.

Recently I purchased one of those Kill a Watt tester/data loggers. I found one for $19.99 online. What a great investment for playing the energy savings game. I plug in various circs to see the power consumption differences.

I have a few test models of the European version Grundfos Alpha circulators. The Kill a Watt clearly shows the performance differences between the ECM circ and the off-the-shelf "wet rotors." The Alphas have a digital watt meter display that allows you to see the changes in power consumption as you change the circulator speed or allow the circ to run on a delta pressure setting. As these circulators start showing up in the U.S. marketplace, contractors will see the advantage and come up with all sorts of interesting ways to utilize and leverage their features.

One solar pump station manufacturer, PAW, is available at www.solarnetix.com. They will start offering ECM circulator versions. What a great way to adjust the circulator to the ever-changing thermal output of the solar panel. You can harvest the thermal energy with the least amount of electrical consumption. Talk about embracing the technology!

It's the mix of all these products and technology that excites me. How about you?

One of the things that keeps hydronic contracting interesting and fun after all these years is the number of new higher efficiency products being offered. Never before in this industry have such an influx of high efficiency components become available. Dozens of mod con brands are offered. Great controls from all the big names, pumps of all sorts utilizing ECM, from well pumps to booster pumps to heating circulators. These are truly very exciting times: Open your eyes to the potential. Your customers have!

 

Bob "Hot Rod" Rohr is particularly interested in hybrid radiant systems -- systems that utilize solar and wood energy in addition to, or in place of, fossil fuel. Also, systems that incorporate different methods of heat delivery. He owns and operates Show Me Radiant Heat and Solar, Inc. in southwest Missouri. Reach hot rod at hotrodradiant@aol.com or by phone at (417) 753-3998.