Hydronic
Heating System
Overview |
| System Basics
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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 or yacht for interior heating.
An engine coolant loop can be added to preheat the engine. |
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| The diagram at the right shows
the basic Hydronic system, consisting of two loops, a heating loop
and an engine loop. |
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| Hydronic heating has become the system
of choice in RV’s. The system has many advantages over the
propane system of the past and is incomparable to a reverse-cycle
AC system. The Table below summarizes the benefits of a Hydronic
system.
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Application Diagrams (click
on image)
Choose your Application, then click on the image
to see a System Diagram and a Sample Quote.
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| RV Basic |
RV All-in-One |
Marine Basic |
Marine Manifold |
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Diesel Fired Hydronic Heat –
How does it Compare?
Rixen’s Enterprises, Inc. offers a complete hydronic 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 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 Rixen’s Enterprises
45XL Furnace System. |
| 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 @ 1.5 gpm |
¾” water lines are eaiser 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 12V DC power |
| Engine pre-heat loop - optional |
Low amp draw fans offer quiet operation |
| 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. |
| 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 |
| • Service requires special tools and a special
license |
| • Requires a 120V AC power source, you must use
shore power or a generator |
| 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. |
| 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
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| • LP gas does not burn as clean as diesel
fuel |
| • Can not use engine waste heat |
| • Can not pre-heat the engine |
| 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. |
| Propane/Electric
Water Heater compared to Hydronic |
| • 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 |
| • 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. |
| Installation
Tips |
| The first step is
to determine the heating goals for the system. |
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How many zones
or areas do I need to heat? |
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Should I heat the cargo bay? |
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Do I want to heat my domestic
water supply? |
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Do I want to pre-heat my engine? |
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| Our products can be installed as a
modular system. This means that you can add to it when you want.
Our technicians are available to assist you in designing the
right system for your coach or yacht. |
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RV Install
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| Furnace |
Normally installed into the cargo bay near an
access door. The ComfortHot electric furnace can be installed
into a bay area with access to the Hydronic coolant lines. If
you utilize an All-in-one system, it is part of the furnace. |
| Water Heater |
The standard water heater is installed at the factory. The
ConstaHot can be installed into the bay area with access to
the hydronic coolant lines and the domestic water lines. If
you utilize an All-in-one system, it is part of the furnace. |
| System Pump |
The system pump is installed into the cargo bay with the furnace
and in-line after the expansion tank or ComfortHot. If you utilize
an All-in-one system, it is part of the furnace. |
| Fan Units |
The fan units are placed according to your heating zones.
There are different units available and they can be located
under cabinets or in remote areas when using ducting. |
| Switches |
The system switches are generally located in the livingroom
area with other system switches. Switches for “waste heat”
while traveling are located in the dash near the driver. |
| Thermostats |
Thermostats are located in each zone to control the temperature
for that area. They should not be mounted on outside walls because
this could cause false temperature readings. |
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| Furnace |
The furnace is normally mounted into the engine room
where access to fuel lines is safer and easier for installation. Outside
combustion air and exhaust fittings are also easier to route from
the engine room. |
| Water Heater |
The water heater is installed at the factory and may be located
in the engine room. The ConstaHot can be installed into an area with
access to the hydronic coolant lines and the domestic water lines.
If you utilize an All-in-one system, it is part of the furnace. |
| System Pump |
The system pump is installed into the engine room with the furnace
and in-line after the expansion tank or ComfortHot. If you utilize
an All-in-one system, it is part of the furnace |
| Fan Units |
The fan units are placed according to your heating zones. There
are different units available and they can be located under cabinets
or in remote areas when using ducting. |
| Switches |
The system switches are generally located in the salon area with
other system switches. Switches for “waste heat” while
underway are located in the dash near the helm. |
| Thermostats |
Thermostats are located in each zone to control the temperature
for that area. They should not be mounted on outside walls because
this could cause false temperature readings. |
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