HYDRONIC HEATING

SOLAR POWER HYDRONIC RADIANT HEATING SYSTEM

In the diagram below, it shows a simplified topology of a solar powered hydronic radiant heating system. Notice that the existing system remains in place with some control and plumbing modifications. The existing boiler is still available to operate when needed - for example during a period of extreme low outside temperatures or after extended periods of cloudiness. Solar heating is not typically designed as a replacement for the existing system although it can be but we suggest either gas boosted or wood fired combustion booster, more typically the purpose of a solar heating system is to provide a large solar contribution that dramatically reduces the need for the conventional system to run.

It is important to remember that conventional heating systems are designed to provide sufficient heat on the absolute coldest days of the year, so a typical heating system will have much more capacity than is actually needed, 95% of the time. It is normally recommended installing enough solar capacity to operate the system at 75% of the existing systems rated capacity in order to achieve the highest cost benefit and ROI (Return on Investment). For purposes of adding solar heat to a system, it really doesn’t matter if the system is a baseboard system or heated floor system.

Please call an Australian Sun Energy respresentative today to discuss your hydronic heating requirements.