Overview of closed loop water system cooling or heating systems that use water can have one of two main types of systems for dissipating heat acquired by the liquid closed loop or open loop.
Closed loop water heating system.
The fluid in a closed system is re circulated around and around in a completely closed loop.
It is any system where you mix heating water and drinking hot water potable in the same system.
A closed loop cooling system can exchange heat with the main cooling water system in conventional tube and shell heat exchangers or plate and frame heat exchangers.
Why we do not recommend open loop heating systems.
Each has its advantage when part of a cooling or heating system.
This would seem to be a simple concept but it is surprising how often a lack of attention to the basics can cause all kinds of problems.
Closed loop solar water heater systems sometimes referred to as anti freeze or glycol systems include the heat collectors insulated piping a circulating pump an expansion tank a hot water storage tank a heat exchanger solar fluid usually a solution of water and nontoxic propylene glycol antifreeze a controller valves and gauges.
Most modern hydronic heating and or cooling systems are closed systems that must be maintained at some minimum pressure.
Closed systems must be pressurized to satisfy three requirements.
Closed heating and cooling water systems typically require little makeup water and minimal chemical additions following the initial system charge.
This is characteristic of most chilled water systems and hot water heating loops.
What is an open loop heating system.
A closed loop system uses a continuous loop of pex tubing as a heat exchanger.
A closed water heater system means that the hot water cannot expand beyond the valves and mix with the municipal water.
Several chemical treatment methods have been developed for closed loop systems.
Pex tubing is approved for hot water heating systems open or closed loop in all model plumbing and mechanical codes across the states.
The main advantage to this system lies in the fact that being closed anti freeze instead of water can be used as the heat transfer medium.
There is no connection whatsoever to the domestic water supply.
The water in a closed cooling system is continuously recirculated.
However when leaks occur it can be costly and difficult to maintain the treatment levels necessary for corrosion and deposit control.
Chilled water systems air.
The valves that are usually found in the closed systems are the check valve pressure reducing valve mixing valve backflow preventer and other.
Unless the system has a leak the makeup requirements are minimal.
The tubing is connected to the heat pump and with the proper antifreeze solution it is circulated throughout.