Closed Loop Water Heating System

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.

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. Several chemical treatment methods have been developed for closed loop systems. Most modern hydronic heating and or cooling systems are closed systems that must be maintained at some minimum pressure. 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.

A closed water heater system means that the hot water cannot expand beyond the valves and mix with the municipal water. What is an open loop heating system. This is characteristic of most chilled water systems and hot water heating loops. The fluid in a closed system is re circulated around and around in a completely closed loop.

Routine testing of conductivity ph or alkalinity and inhibitor level is used to determine if there has been any. Why we do not recommend open loop heating systems. 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. 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. The critical difference between these is the amount of exposure the water has to the air. However when leaks occur it can be costly and difficult to maintain the treatment levels necessary for corrosion and deposit control. The valves that are usually found in the closed systems are the check valve pressure reducing valve mixing valve backflow preventer and other.

A closed loop system uses a continuous loop of pex tubing as a heat exchanger. 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. Chilled water systems air. Pex tubing is approved for hot water heating systems open or closed loop in all model plumbing and mechanical codes across the states.

Each has its advantage when part of a cooling or heating system. The tubing is connected to the heat pump and with the proper antifreeze solution it is circulated throughout. It is any system where you mix heating water and drinking hot water potable in the same system. Unless the system has a leak the makeup requirements are minimal.