HYDRONICS
B y B o b “ Ho t R o d ” R o h r
Be a cool
Wethead
W
ethead is a term that has been applied to folks who are involved in hydronics, that is mechanical systems which transfer energy with a fluid− water, for the most part. Since the beginning of time, hydronics has usually been linked to systems providing mainly heat. But in reality, hydronics has many other applications, including cooling via the use of chilled fluids.
As time goes on, we evolve and learn more about the environment in which we live. In many places, keeping a space comfortable to work or live in includes the need or desire to both heat and cool the living and working spaces. Taking it a step further, we should be talking about and learning about comfort systems. This would involve maintaining a comfortable temperature throughout the year, through efficient heating and cooling while making sure the indoor environment is healthy.
Technology such as air to water heat pumps (shown here) and good HVAC practice remove perceived challenges to cooling in a hydronic application.
To this end we would look at controlling humidity, dust and particles, and odours in the space. This would fall under the banner of indoor air quality (IAQ). All components need to be selected and sized for the appropriate applications. Often, the budget will dictate how far the consumer will go to provide the best IAQ system in a residence. However, when the owners understand the benefits of your product offering in terms of comfort, safety and IAQ, the budget tends to expand.
Aermec
We should talk about and offer our customers “comfort” systems. Under this banner we look at heating, cooling and IAQ, and apply the best arrangement of system components from the hydronic and HVAC worlds.
10 56
M e c h a n i c a l
B u s i n e s s
0 6 . 2 1
Just as we do with a heating system, an appropriate design should be performed both for new or replacement work. The first step would be a heat load/heat gain calculation. On an existing home, a blower door test would help identify areas where infiltration could be adding load. Doing the load calc and infiltration test may point the owner to a few “shell” upgrade opportunities before jumping into equipment sizing and selection. For instance, updating and insulating leaky windows, doors and roofs. The best money spent is addressing and lowering the load. This will not only reduce the upfront cost of the components, but ongoing energy consumption and related costs will be reduced as well.
Aermec
Being in the training side of the industry for the most part now, I encourage all readers to focus in on some of the latest technology and product offerings. If one good thing has come out of the COVID-19 lockdown it is online training offerings. Every brand I know has stepped up their game to make it easy to continue your education. It could be a quick podcast, a webinar or Zoom meeting, or hybrid training which involves multiple screens. The instructor is in front of a live piece of equipment and the student talks them through the repair. With a good GoPro and some lighting it can be an excellent way to get hands-on training − without even getting your hands dirty.
Where do Wetheads fit in?
Generally, we deal with cooling loads by blowing chilled air around the space. Ducted forced air systems are the most common application. Small areas may be handled with window shakers, or mini split systems, or in some cases portable AC units. With a forced air method of cooling you
