Boiler Selection

[Ezzie]

I'm just researching to decide what boiler to get to drive my in-floor radiant heating for my new shop. Here are the specs.

Natural gas
Output gequirement - approx. 100,000 btu/hr.
Glycol/water mix circulating through 3250' of 1/2" PEX embedded in the concrete slab (2000 sq. ft. divided into three seperate zones)
Prefer a high efficiency direct venting type, possibly a wall mountable unit with a high AFUe (over 90%)
Optional integrated on-demand hot water (potable)

One such boiler I have found is made by Triangle Tube - the Prestige Excellence 110

http://www.triangletube.com/PDF/Prestige Cond_Boiler/Excellence_Lit_0208.pdf

Anybody here have any experience with something like this??

 

[ehjorten]

So is that a boiler that has a closed-loop radiant system and an open-loop potable system contained in 1 unit? If so...I think I just found my boiler!

 

[Ezzie]

I think so - the hydronics guy I talked to about it said it should be perfect for my shop application since I don't have a high demand need for potable hot water but would like some (sink & small shower). One other feature I think is nice is it has a built-in circulator pump (a Grundfos unit). I might need no additional external circulators, only diverter valves. With an AFUE of 93% it's very efficient as well as a "modulating" type burner as well so it isn't always running full bore. Big price though - about $4-4.5K.

Anyone have any experience with these for a radiant heating system??

 

[5wndwcpe]

I'm just researching to decide what boiler to get to drive my in-floor radiant heating for my new shop. Here are the specs.

Natural gas
Output gequirement - approx. 100,000 btu/hr.
Glycol/water mix circulating through 3250' of 1/2" PEX embedded in the concrete slab (2000 sq. ft. divided into three seperate zones)
Prefer a high efficiency direct venting type, possibly a wall mountable unit with a high AFUe (over 90%)
Optional integrated on-demand hot water (potable)

One such boiler I have found is made by Triangle Tube - the Prestige Excellence 110

http://www.triangletube.com/PDF/Prestige Cond_Boiler/Excellence_Lit_0208.pdf

Anybody here have any experience with something like this??

By three seperate zones do you mean 3 loops ? If so, they are waaaay too long at 1083 feet each.

 

[Ezzie]

Nope - 3 zones with a seperate manifold for each zone - as follows:

Zone 1: Workshop - 6 loops @ 250' ea.
Zone 2: Wash Bay - 3 loops @ 250' ea.
Zone 3: Office Area - 4 loops @ 250' ea.

Total - 3250'

 

[Ezzie]

Here's a pic.

 

[5wndwcpe]

Nope - 3 zones with a seperate manifold for each zone - as follows:

Zone 1: Workshop - 6 loops @ 250' ea.
Zone 2: Wash Bay - 3 loops @ 250' ea.
Zone 3: Office Area - 4 loops @ 250' ea.

Total - 3250'

Whew! That's better.

 

[Burl]

Looks like a great setup...where did the steel doors come from?

 

[Ezzie]

Looks like a great setup...where did the steel doors come from?

Scrap from a local door manufacturer. They are the cutouts that are waste after the door manufacturer cuts openings in them to install a window. Effectively a combination vapour barrier, insulation and tubing anchor. Studies have revealed these to have a better "R" rating than SM board of the same thickness.

 

[RadiantSteve]

Hi Ezzie,

Since I started offering TriangleTube boilers as a radiant heat source, I've been continually impressed with how well they work. One word of caution - they do need to be set-up properly: combustion analysis, proper venting, etc. This new model - the one with integrated domestic hot water looks like a winner in any combined radiant heating application, but they're just coming onto the market - so I don't have any feedback from users.

An alternative would be a Polaris with an Indirect Kit - I can customize an indirect kit that would integrate into your existing manifold/zone set-up.

Let me know if I can be of any assistance to you on your radiant heat project.

Take care,

 

[Ezzie]

Thanks Steve - I checked out your website and it looks great. I have been working with a local supplier to come up with a system design and he is the one who put me onto the Triangle Tube Prestige line. I plan on doing most of the install myself but then having an HVAC professional do the initial turnup. I need to have a certified gas fitter anyway since this is a new NG installation and the gas utility (Enbridge) will be doing an inspection before they install the meter. Once I have the design, I would appreciate you taking a peak at it just to let me know if think it is a good solution.

 

[RadiantSteve]

Hi Ezzie,

I just wanted to let you know I did receive your e-mail and radiant floor heating project information. I'll respond directly to your e-mail - but I thought a quick follow up on the forum wouldn't hurt.

 

[HoosierBuddy]

Here's a pic.

Schweeeeet!!!