Closed System Water Heater

Closed loop solar heating system here s how a solar powered water heater works.

Closed system water heater.

In a closed system the extra water volume that results from heating puts stress on other parts of the plumbing system and can result in broken pipes leaky taps relief line leaks or a damaged or leaking water heater. A closed water heater system means that the hot water cannot expand beyond the valves and mix with the municipal water. Closed feedwater heaters in case of closed feedwater heaters extracted steam or bled steam will not be mixed with feedwater. 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.

When radiant heat is called for by the thermostat a pump comes on and circulates the warm water throughout the radiant floor until the thermostat is satisfied. When water heats it expands. A water heater heats water that is constantly being replenished since it is connected to taps. Radiantec s closed system uses a high efficiency water heater or boiler to heat water or another heating fluid such as anti freeze.

If freeze protection is an issue than a closed system with anti freeze is a good idea. All water heaters waste heat energy even when the burner is off and the unit is sitting idle between heating cycles. When the controller senses that the sun is shining and your tank needs a warm up it signals the pump to send water through the black collector panels. The heating fluid is self contained within the system and stays there unless removed for maintenance completely separate from the domestic hot water.

A boiler is a device used to heat a home using steam and radiant heat techniques and is a closed system which rarely replenishes its supply of water from an external source. The down side is two heat sources. A closed system is created when there is a check valve between the water heater and the city water main. The heated water then flows into the storage tank before it s channeled into the heat exchanger.

This is usually in the form of a bell shaped pressure regulator which is normal located very close to the water pipe s entry to the house.