John Seigenthaler: Renewable Heating Design

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Nearly all systems using cordwood gasification or pellet-fueled boilers perform best when the system includes a thermal storage tank. 

One of the most fundamental principles used in all areas of science and engineering is the first law of thermodynamics. 

I’m sure everyone reading this column has heard the adage “a picture is worth a thousand words.”  

In last month’s column, I presented a “template” for a system that provides space heating, cooling and domestic water heating using a cold climate air-to-water heat pump as the primary heat source, and the sole source of chilled water for cooling. 

Whenever a hydronic system is divided into several zones, it’s worth considering a buffer tank between the heat source and distribution system.

There are sorted opinions about using expansion tanks within closed geothermal earth loops. 

I’m fortunate to be living next door to a very unique hydronic heating/cooling system.

A commonality among all renewable energy heat sources is that they perform best when coupled to low-temperature hydronic distribution systems. 

Through and around.

Some things don’t vary proportionally.