Electric Micro Boiler for Radiant Heat

[pjp01]

I recently posted a thread about condensing boiler for shop heat.
Was planning propane but it would appear that with a shop as small as mine(768ft) it would be hard to size a boiler small enough. And with the cost of propane, tank rental, price of boiler, gas fittings etc, it may be better to simply go with a small electric boiler. Not to mention not having to deal with a flammable gas in my shop.

So, looking at the Hydro shark 3 as a possible unit.
The 10,12 or 14 KW units deliver 33K 41K and 49K btus.

I have 100 amps in the shop which comes from my house panel where I have 200 amps service.
Does anyone have any experience with these in a similar sized shop.
The space is well insulated, in fact most of the space above is warmed with a small mini split and also well insulated.

Shop size 32x24 12ft high , three small windows, one over head door leading to unheated section of barn. one man door. R22 in walls and ceiling.
2 in foam under slab and up sides.

The 10 watt unit would be nice for ease of wiring and least amp draw.

3 loops of 280 ft each.

I have also already bought most of the other components, 2 circulators, isolation fill valves, water separator etc to make my own panel.
Was thinking a primary/secondary hydronic system.

Any thoughts greatly appreciated.

 

[Mancino]

Have you seen this thread? https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=49557

Lots of useful tips and pictures to rummage through. I went with a gas mod/con boiler so I couldn't help you on the electric boiler, but plenty of guys on that thread have gone that route and used the P/S loop systems.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Following. Where are you located ?

In general, you want at least twice the insulation in your ceiling compared to what you have in your walls. 4 times would be better.

Is your overhead door insulated ? The weather stripping on that door is critical.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Try this Google search

"Hydro shark" site:https://www.garagejournal.com/forum

 

[pjp01]

Good link, thanks. I have been through a good portion of the one with pics of different systems.
I am in southern Ontario so chilly winters.
Overhead door is insulated and separates shop from unheated section of barn.
Could probably use more insulation in ceiling though about 18 ft in the middle is a loft which is itself heated already.
Really trying to figure out if the 10w Hydroshark is enough at 33K btu.
There is even a 7W with 26K btu but thinking that might be light.

Will try and post some pics as it comes together.

 

[papp101]

Howdy. I did mine in Minnesota, 24*26 with loft, have natural gas so went that route.

Use this calculator to estimate your heat loss.

https://www.loadcalc.net/


What is your target temp during the winter? 50 degrees f? 60 degrees f?

I couldn't find a small enough boiler in the budget, so went with an 80k that I got a great deal on that had a 7:1 reduction ratio, so it could adjust down to 14k.

My buildings heat load was around 25k btu deigned for 50 degrees f. This one will modulate that low then have plenty of extra if I need it. My friend had a 30*50, and just removed their electric boiler for propane as it was too pricey.

Sent from my Pixel 2 using Tapatalk

 

[pjp01]

Thanks for the reply.
Looks like im around 26k as well.
Hydro is not cheap in Ontario so more than a bit spooked by potential electricity costs.
50 degrees is fine for the shop. Was going to heat the loft with radiant as well until i realized a minisplit would heat and cool that space.
Cooling is essential up there in the summer.
So just the 768 sq ft to heat.
Electric is much simpler instal so still considering that over propane.
No natural gas where i am.