One of the issues I have been wondering about while changing over my system is the effectiveness of using the sidearm for DHW with the Simplest System.
Last year, with no storage, I flowed hot water in the loop to the house, through the sidearm, and back to the boiler at all times the boiler was hot. With the Simplest System I only want to flow water in the loop when a zone calls for heat. The rest of the time, heat will be flowing in the near-boiler piping to storage.
I'm thinking that with the sidearm's low rate of transfer the DHW zone will often be calling for heat, and thus not much heat will be going to storage.
Anyone know what the approximate transfer rates for sidearms are?
If I switch to a flat plate hx with a circ. on the DHW side will it work more efficiently?
Your input is appreciated. I have all the piping apart now, as I was fixing leaks and changing things over anyway. Should I look at switching to a flat plate hx? I'm a little concerned over cost.
Last year, with no storage, I flowed hot water in the loop to the house, through the sidearm, and back to the boiler at all times the boiler was hot. With the Simplest System I only want to flow water in the loop when a zone calls for heat. The rest of the time, heat will be flowing in the near-boiler piping to storage.
I'm thinking that with the sidearm's low rate of transfer the DHW zone will often be calling for heat, and thus not much heat will be going to storage.
Anyone know what the approximate transfer rates for sidearms are?
If I switch to a flat plate hx with a circ. on the DHW side will it work more efficiently?
Your input is appreciated. I have all the piping apart now, as I was fixing leaks and changing things over anyway. Should I look at switching to a flat plate hx? I'm a little concerned over cost.