Description

The vapor vacuum-heating (VVH) technology employs the heat pipe concept for heat distribution in buildings. Heat pipes’ superior efficiency and reliability can be utilized with regular and condensing boilers as well. Today’s technology employs only hot-water condensing boilers. In order to keep energy efficiency above 90% in a hotwater system with a condensing boiler, hot water should be circulated through the condensing section at a temperature not higher then 100°F (37.8°C). Alternatively, a VVH and condensing boiler combo can work efficiently in a broad temperature interval without such limitations. Compared to a hot-water heating system,VVHis healthier and more comfortable (radiant heating versus convection), more reliable (no moving parts), dependsless on electricity, is safer (vacuum versus 30-100 psig [0.207-0.69MPa] pressure in high-rise buildings), produce no damage from leaks, can be stopped in winter without frozen pipe problems, operates in a broad interval of temperatures, and allows more granular control of the heat distribution. Installation cost comparison is also in favor of VVH: for new installations 40% in savings is estimated and for the retrofit of steam-heating systems, up to 70% in savings can be achieved due to easier plumbing and salvaging of an existing boiler.

Citation: ASHRAE Transactions – Volume 120, Part 2, Seattle, WA

Product Details

Published:

2014

Number of Pages:

10

File Size:

1 file , 4.7 MB

Product Code(s):

D-SE-14-021