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New options in hydronic heating for Canadian farmersDate posted: February 12, 2002A newly revised hot water heating bulletin by the Canada Plan Service (CPS) provides the latest in new technology for this time-tested farm building heating system. New technology has eliminated most of the problems previously associated with hot water heating, and the advantages these advanced systems have make hydronic heating worth considering, says Dennis Darby, a farm structure engineer at Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Development (AAFRD) and co-author of the bulletin. Computerized controls and high-tech pipe materials are just some of the advancements that have marked major improvements in hydronic heating technology, says Darby. The new CPS Plan 9735 updates a 1984 edition and provides an extensive guide on the advantages, disadvantages and design of new hydronic systems. “Hot water is the obvious choice for floor heating. In addition, hot water space heating offers several advantages for confinement livestock buildings,” he says. Hydronic heating is now widely recommended for space heating of livestock buildings, localized floor heat in hog barns, heated floors for farm shops, greenhouse heating and other specialized floor heating, such as honey houses or processing rooms. The ability to heat several areas from one central boiler is one of the main advantages of hydronic heating systems. They are easy to clean and maintain, eliminate the clogged air filter issue, and avoid the fire hazards of dust in ducts and furnaces. Hydronic heating is also usually more energy efficient and has a lower operating cost than forced air. Hot water heat is also compatible with ventilation systems – desirable air flow patterns can be reinforced by correct location of the heating units. Furnace backdrafting due to ventilation fan suction is avoided by putting the boiler in a separate room. Hot water can also be the principal heat source for ducted air systems for heating, ventilation and air conditioning, such as in offices in large farm building complexes. Among the recent advancements in material is the cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) pipe used for modern hydronic floor heating systems. PEX pipes, available with or without oxygen barriers, have great strength and ductility and do not fail under normal floor cracking. “Oxygen-limiting piping is highly recommended for systems of iron or steel,” Darby says. Compact solid-state “smart” computer chip controls also offer improved temperature control. Thermostatic mixing valves and injection control loops are the latest technology for systems that require two or more temperature zones, such as livestock barns. The former blends hot water into the floor circuit to maintain the desired temperature. The latter injects pulses of hot water into the low temperature circuit and is the most recent control technology for multi-circuit systems. Both use a separate circulating pump for the floor heating circuit, and Darby says both systems have the most flexibility, the best control strategies and the fewest problems with flow balancing. The initial cost of a hot water system is often higher than other types, particularly when used for smaller one-room buildings, but it is more economical for larger buildings with several heating zones, says Darby. CPS is a Canada-wide network of agricultural engineers and livestock specialists working with the planning, design and construction of modern farm buildings. CPS Plan 9735 and other bulletins can be accessed through the CPS website: www.cps.gov.on.ca The AgTech Centre is part of the Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Development Agricultural Engineering Branch. The Centre’s mandate includes all aspects of agricultural sustainability.
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© 2002 Meristem Land and Science | |
Rural Emergency Plan announced for Alberta landowners 