GREEN SYSTEMS


industry, pay attention. If I had one concern with geo — and I


do — it is electric heat! Remember 50% or more of our electricity is coal fired. Natural gas fired, and in some areas diesel powered generators provide the juice. Geo systems must be calculated and installed properly. If the loop fields are not sized correctly, or the ground becomes saturated the efficiency may/ will drop. I have witnessed a few under performing “scorched earth” systems in my area. At some point a high efficiency gas-


fired mod con could outperform the heat pump, in heating mode, and cost less to operate. Only properly designed and installed geo systems will reward the owner with the advertised COP numbers. Remember you have a 33- 35%


efficiency from a lump of coal to the electricity at your meter. Don’t forget to include the cost of operating the pumps in the system also. Many opportunities exist tying geo


with solar thermal. This should present an attractive option for consumers and still leave a viable opportunity for the wethead contractors. Without a doubt, the ability to heat, cool and provide domestic hot water (DHW) favors the geothermal technologies.


I see a similar issue in the solar market.


Big name, deep-pocketed PV manufacturers are better positioned to drive solar electric to the consumer. At least a small percentage of the public realizes the difference between solar electric and solar thermal. Just as hydronics has been a tough message to get mainstream, solar thermal sees the same challenge. Solar incentives at the federal level seem


to be safe for now. On one hand, this will help keep the solar message viable. But is it creating a false economy? When the incentives end will the solar industry fall flat? Quality products and professional installations are a must to prove that solar thermal is a technology that works and keeps giving beyond the payoff. That is our job as the manufacturers, specifiers, dealers and installers. Learn the technology, research the product offerings, and install the systems so future generations can point to them with pride. Solar thermal started out with a bang in 2007 and 2008. Residential projects seem to have dropped off but the commercial market continues to see moderate growth. I see the economy turning around and rebounding, but at a slower pace then we


might like. Maybe this is a blessing in disguise. In slow times, use the opportunity to advance your knowledge. Absorb all the new technology you can. The www.s allow you to take classes from the comfort of your home or office. Look to manufacturers for webinars and other training opportunities. Increase your participation in appropriate trade associations. Pass on the knowledge you have


learned. Offer to present a seminar for local trade techs, realtors, associations, ASHRAE meetings; the list is endless when you consider ways to spread the knowledge. I always am encouraged to see the


manufacturers offering new products, regardless of the slow market. I see new boilers, circulators, controls, tools and accessories being presented in the magazines and at the trade shows. Take it from a man who has orbited


the sun more than a few times. When it comes to the economy, the sun will come out again.;


Bob ‘hot rod’ Rohr has been a plumbing, radiant heat and solar contractor for more than 30 years. A long-time RPA member, Bob is manager of training and education for Caleffi North America. He can be reached at hotrodradiant@mac.com.


43


Indirect Water Heaters


Quality Design and Construction • All stainless tank and coil • Smooth tube coils; no finned tubing to clog up


• Low heat loss and a thermoplastic jacket


Easy installation • All connections on top for a neat, clean installation


• Brass drain and T+P valves are factory installed


High output and dual coil units for commercial, solar, radiant, and high demand applications.


e Circle28 on reader reply card


Hot Water Storage Tank


Quality insulated hot water storage tanks can provide the abundant hot water that today’s homes require.


• Adding storage to your high efficiency heat source can satisfy dump loads. • Same quality design and construction as our indirect water heaters. • Easy installation: 4 connections on top keep it simple.


Hydronic Buffer Tanks


Hydronic buffer tanks will reduce heat pump, chiller, or boiler short cycling. Two connections can be piped to the source, and two connections can be piped to the distribution system. Use it as a hydraulic separator with volume.


• 40, 60, 80, and 115 gallon capacities • Choice of 1 ¼”, 1 ½”, or 2” connections. • Units available with 1 or 2 internal heating coils for solar input, domestic preheat, etc.


phc january 2011 www.phcnews.com


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