Fireplace hydronic heating

Abstract

A hydronic heating system that includes a liquid-filled conduit and a combustion chamber enclosure having a plurality of panels that define a combustion chamber for the combustion of fuel to generate heat. At least one of the panels and a portion of the liquid-filled conduits are integrally formed together. The at least one panel absorbs heat generated in the combustion chamber and transfers the absorbed heat to the liquid in the conduit. The heated liquid may be transferred to a remote location where the heat is removed from the liquid using a heat exchanger. The at least one panel and the portion of the liquid-filled conduit may be integrally formed using a moldable material such as a ceramic fiber and a binder, and molded using such processes as compression molding or vacuum molding. The use of moldable may reduce condensation in or around the combustion chamber enclosure.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention generally relates to hydronic heating systems, and more particularly relates to hydronic heating systems that include a fireplace as a source of heat. [0003] 2. Related Art [0004] The use of closed loop liquid systems for the purpose of transferring heat generated within a heating appliance to a remote location for radiant convection of a surrounding area is well-known in the art. Liquid-based heating systems can be more efficient than air-based heating systems in many cases and may be particularly useful for scavenging otherwise lost heat from an existing air-based heating system. Liquid-based heating systems are often referred to as hydronic heating systems and typically include a liquid-filled conduit positioned next to a source of heat whereby the heat is absorbed into the liquid, the heated liquid is transferred to a remote location, and the heat is removed from the liquid at the remote lo...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008] The present invention generally relates to hydronic heating systems, and more particularly relates to fireplace hydronic heating systems that are designed to eliminate condensation and improve manufacturability of the hydronic heating system.

[0009] One aspect of the invention relates to a hydronic heating system that includes a conduit configured to carry a heat conductive liquid, and a panel integrally formed together with a portion of the conduit. The panel is configured to absorb heat from a heat source and transfer the absorbed heat to the liquid in the conduit. The heated liquid may be transferred to a remote location where the heat is removed from the liquid using, for example, a heat exchanger. The panel and the portion of the liquid-filled conduit may be integrally formed using a moldable material such as a ceramic fiber and a binder, and using such processes as compression and vacuum molding. The use of some moldable materials may substantially eliminate condensation in or around the combustion chamber enclosure.

Problems solved by technology

A common problem associated with fireplace hydronic heating systems is undesired condensation buildup on the structure holding the liquid due to the temperature differential between the cool liquid and the heated air generated by the fireplace.

This condensation is aesthetically undesirable and may adversely effect functions of the fireplace.

Further, if the condensation occurs on the outside of the combustion chamber enclosure, for example within an interior wall of the building in which the fireplace is mounted, the condensation may result in damage to the building structure.

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