Modular heat distribution unit for hydronic heating systems

Abstract

A compact modular heat distribution unit for a hydronic heating system connects to a hot water source, to supply and return pipes that lead to heating zones of the building, and, optionally, to an indirect water heater. The module is preferably assembled off-site in a factory setting to contain all components of a typical hydronic heating system except for a hot water source and the building heating pipes. The module includes heating zone distribution sub-modules for the different heating zones of the building. A three-dimensional frame supports the heating zone distribution sub-modules. The module may be used in any multi-zone system including hot water baseboards, hydronic radiant heat floor pipes, swimming pool heaters, ice melt systems or in any combination of these zones.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The invention pertains to the field of residential and commercial heating. More particularly, the invention pertains to a modular heat distribution unit for a hydronic heating system. [0003] 2. Description of Related Art [0004] A typical modern hydronic heating system includes three basic components: a boiler, baseboard panels or radiant in-floor heating pipes (referred to herein as heating assemblies), and an arrangement of plumbing and electronics connecting the other two components and controlling heat flow. Many types of boilers are readily available on the market. The baseboard panels or the in-floor heating pipes must be installed on the job site for obvious reasons. This work is relatively simple and straightforward, and it is usually efficiently accomplished in the early stages of building construction. For hot water baseboard heating, hot water baseboard panels are connected by tubing to create several heat...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

The heat distribution center is the most complicated, expensive, and time-consuming component to construct.

However, it is rarely organized as well-defined in a spatial sense, and it is usually fairly complicated, especially in hydronic radiant heat floor cases.

This results in high costs, uneven quality, and significant delays on the job site.

Often the on-site-constructed distribution center design decreases the energy efficiency of the heating system.

The box is typically wall-mounted and requires a large amount of wall space which often may not be available in a building.

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