Difference between revisions of "Altherma Direct to Radiant Floor"

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(Methodology)
Line 33: Line 33:
 
* Thermal image floor for leaks or inactive sections during heating test.
 
* Thermal image floor for leaks or inactive sections during heating test.
 
* Open up manifold and see temperature of zone in and out, temperature of floor, determine how much heat is going to floor.
 
* Open up manifold and see temperature of zone in and out, temperature of floor, determine how much heat is going to floor.
 +
* Run heating with Altherma only direct to loop.
 +
* Take temperatures throughout process until "steady state" is reached.
 
* Periodically repeat test at various points in season vs. OA temperature to understand heat loss of building better in relation to outside air temperatures.
 
* Periodically repeat test at various points in season vs. OA temperature to understand heat loss of building better in relation to outside air temperatures.
 
* Extrapolate results to 0-degree F outside day.
 
* Extrapolate results to 0-degree F outside day.
Line 39: Line 41:
 
==== Process Measurements ====
 
==== Process Measurements ====
 
* Check calibration of T-6, T-7, selected manifold gauges using handheld meters.
 
* Check calibration of T-6, T-7, selected manifold gauges using handheld meters.
* Install thermocouples with data loggers in selected locations.
+
* Install thermocouples with data loggers in selected locations; loops in and out, manifolds in and out, around 3-way valve, on selected floor(s).
 +
* Read and record system temps, outside air temp, thermal image floor temps.
 +
* Record flows in each loop available to read.
  
 
==== Resources Required ====
 
==== Resources Required ====
* Flow Test Kit (tackle box)
+
* Flow Test Kit (tackle box) - currently not working
 
* Fluke w/thermocouple sensor, heat tape, insulation
 
* Fluke w/thermocouple sensor, heat tape, insulation
 
* Thermal imaging camera
 
* Thermal imaging camera
 
* Data Loggers with thermocouple sensors
 
* Data Loggers with thermocouple sensors
 +
* Data Logger with current sensors on Altherma
  
 
=== Planning ===
 
=== Planning ===

Revision as of 17:01, 19 October 2012

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return to Current Labs Summary
return to Labs Sessions - Q3 2012

Altherma Direct to Radiant Floor


Goals of Experiment

  • Determine to what extent the Altherma is able to heat the Historical building directly.
  • Analyze data to extrapolate what results would be on a 0 degree day.
  • Check for leaks in radiant floor loops.
  • Collect more data on energy impact of 3-way mixing valve being limited to 70%.

Decisions to be made from Experiment

  • What should our minimum storage tank temperature be before the Altherma comes on when solar is lacking?
  • Reconcile temperatures between our DDC loop supply and return sensors and the manifold gauges.
  • Do we have any leaks?
  • Do our DDC loop temp sensors need to be re-calibrated?
  • Is 3-way valve limit okay as permanent solution to limit flow through heat exchanger, or is there some benefit from reconfiguring this part of the distribution system?

Expected Outcomes

  • Strategy for operation of the Altherma in heating season.
  • Knowledge on Altherma's capabilities as emergency heating backup.
  • Confidence in our DDC temperature sensors.
  • Recommendation on keeping 3-way mixing valve limited or revising piping.

Methodology


General

  • Update flow system diagram with measured flows for each zone/pump; impact of taking Annex off loop.
  • Re-calibrate T-6, T-7, and manifold temperature gauges.
  • Thermal image floor for leaks or inactive sections during heating test.
  • Open up manifold and see temperature of zone in and out, temperature of floor, determine how much heat is going to floor.
  • Run heating with Altherma only direct to loop.
  • Take temperatures throughout process until "steady state" is reached.
  • Periodically repeat test at various points in season vs. OA temperature to understand heat loss of building better in relation to outside air temperatures.
  • Extrapolate results to 0-degree F outside day.
  • Determine/confirm impact of 3-way mixing valve being limited on temperatures and operation.

Process Measurements

  • Check calibration of T-6, T-7, selected manifold gauges using handheld meters.
  • Install thermocouples with data loggers in selected locations; loops in and out, manifolds in and out, around 3-way valve, on selected floor(s).
  • Read and record system temps, outside air temp, thermal image floor temps.
  • Record flows in each loop available to read.

Resources Required

  • Flow Test Kit (tackle box) - currently not working
  • Fluke w/thermocouple sensor, heat tape, insulation
  • Thermal imaging camera
  • Data Loggers with thermocouple sensors
  • Data Logger with current sensors on Altherma

Planning


Participants

Collaboration

Help Wanted

Scheduling & Sequencing

References


Questions

TO DO

  • Plan / Do / Study / Act / Repeat