Hi to All,
This post is also on the solar forum. we need all the expertise we can get. I have
never seen this topic discussed but I am sure it has been solved many
times over. Attempting to find the best (cost effective) way of adding
solar to an existing hydronics system. The system is a straight
forward boiler (Slant/Finn) to slab hydronics arrangement. It has one
main pump driving 6 slab zones which are activated by separate zone
control valves whenever there is a call for heat. The system will turn
on the boiler if necessary.
What I want to do is augment the
heating system so that when solar energy is available during the day
heat will be added to the slab so that it will minimize the amount of
heat required from the boiler. The system uses glycol throughout and
is currently separate from the hot water system. Might be replacing
old water heater as well.
One can place a heat exchanger in line
with heating loop (before or after boiler ??) and have solar heat flow
whenever there is a call for heat. If you do that then how do you
avoid stagnation ? Planning to use evacuated tube collectors (glycol,
we are in cold area) One can divert heat to a heat dump or just load up
the slab during the day. This may require an over ride to existing
thermostates? Not sure what the best options are. Any ideas ??
Please help. Thank you in advace.
Dennis |