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RV Comparisons |
Diesel Fired Hydronic Heat How does it Compare?
Rixens Enterprises, Inc. offers a complete hydronic heating and hot water system. This system can
heat your coach and your hot water too! But what is a hydronic system? And
how does it compare to other types of systems? The basics of each system
are outlined below. |
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THE HYDRONIC SYSTEM
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The
circulation of hot water to provide heat is known as a Hydronic
System. It is a closed system, meaning that it continually
circulates the same coolant. It begins with the furnace, usually
fueled by diesel, or electric elements that heat the coolant to
180 degrees. A system pump circulates the hot coolant through a
domestic water heater and then to the various fan units located
throughout the coach for interior heating. An engine coolant loop
can be added to preheat the engine. The following features are
based on Rixens Enterprise's Quantum Heating System.
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Hydronic System
Features |
Constant
output of heat no matter what the weather or
temperature |
The
water to air transfer does not remove the moisture from the
air |
Heats
domestic water on demand |
Transfer
of heat from water to air is more
efficient |
Domestic
water output - 106 degree F continuous @ 2.7
GPM |
Ύ water
lines are easier to route and maintain heat better
|
Several
fan units allow multiple heating
zones |
Closed
coolant loop requires less
maintenance |
Self-diagnostic main control board owner
serviceable |
High/low
120V AC settings enable you to control power
consumption |
Engine
waste heat loop - included |
Utilizes
12Vdc or 24Vdc power |
Engine
pre-heat loop - optional |
Low amp
draw fans offer quiet
operation |
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Air Conditioning and Reverse Cycle Heat |
An air
conditioning system is made up of several components and uses a
refrigerant to transfer the heat. The evaporator converts the
liquid into a vapor as it absorbs heat. The high pressure and
heated vapor then travels to the condenser where it releases the
heat and is cooled. It now returns to a liquid state and travels
to the compressor to repeat the cycle until enough heat has been
removed from the space. An air conditioner typically lowers the
air temperature 15 to 20 degrees F. The reversal of the process
can create a limited amount of heat as it is subject to the
outside air temperature. |
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AC / Reverse Cycle Heat compared to
Hydronic |
| The
cooler it gets the less heat it can produce |
| Can not
heat the domestic water supply |
| Can not
use engine waste heat |
| Can not
pre-heat the engine |
| Can not
pre-heat the engine |
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Requires a 120V AC power source, you must use shore power or a
generator |
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Propane Forced Air |
This system
burns propane (LP gas) to create heat. Air is drawn into the
furnace where it is heated to nearly 200 degrees F. This heat is
forced through the ducting or outlets and into the space by means
of a high output air fan. The air ducting is usually a minimum of
4 in diameter. The ducting can be flexible duct hose or a hard
ducting similar to a house. The furnace s are available in 12V DC
or 120V AC models. |
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Propane Forced Air Heat compared to
Hydronic |
| Air temperature
is lost through the ducting |
| Large fan is used
to move heat through the whole system |
| High temperature
causes large temperature swings and bakes the moisture out of
the air. |
| The loss of
moisture can dry out the skin and nasal passages. |
| BTU capacity of
LP gas decreases with the outside temperature. This means if
you are low on fuel your furnace may not work. |
| Qualified service
technicians are recommended |
| LP gas leaks can
create dangerous situations |
| LP gas does not
burn as clean as diesel fuel |
| Can not use
engine waste heat |
| Can not pre-heat
the engine |
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Propane/Electric Water
Heater |
This system
heats the domestic water supply in your coach. They typically hold
6 or 10 gallons of water. The water is heated with a propane
fueled burner and may be supplemented with a 120V AC electric
element. Some units offer an engine exchange loop to transfer
engine waste heat while traveling. |
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Propane/Electric Water Heater compared to
Hydronic |
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Excessive weight A 10-gallon unit weighs over one hundred
pounds |
| Poor
recovery rates First hour @ 28.8 gallons with a 60 degree
temperature rise |
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Qualified service technicians are recommended |
| BTU
capacity of LP gas decreases with the outside
temperature |
| LP gas
does not burn as clean as diesel fuel |
| LP gas
leaks create dangerous situations |
| Can not
pre-heat the engine |
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