Last month, we looked at a piping approach for adding a pellet boiler and panel radiators to an existing two-zone baseboard system. The system’s original oil-fired boiler was being retained as an auxiliary heat source. 

Over the last several years, I’ve been reviewing submittals for proposed heating systems using pellet-fired boilers. The submittals come from heating professionals ranging from contractors to professional engineers. They’re required for a state incentive program that offers significant rebates to encourage growth of the biomass heating market.

Nearly all systems using cordwood gasification or pellet-fueled boilers perform best when the system includes a thermal storage tank. 

It’s been a while since this column addressed solar thermal applications. 

One of the most fundamental principles used in all areas of science and engineering is the first law of thermodynamics. 

Last month, we discussed using a non-pressurized thermal storage tank, in combination with brazed plate heat exchangers in a system supplied by a cordwood gasification boiler. 

In the closing days of 2020, the federal government approved one of the largest renewable energy spending bills in over a decade. 

When designing hydronic circuits, most of us focus on what’s necessary for that circuit to absorb thermal energy at a heat source, carry it along like a conveyor belt and release that energy at one or more heat emitters. 

I don’t know about you, but after more than 40 years of working in the HVAC industry I find myself a bit overwhelmed trying to keep up with standards, codes and other well-intentioned regulations, issued by “authorities having jurisdiction,” or sometimes by “authorities” not having jurisdiction, but looking to cash in by grabbing the steering wheel on some of the latest trends in HVAC technology.