Heating/Cooling Hydronics General overview and Interpretations

1) Boilers:

For heating system one or more hot water boilers configured to provide a relatively constant flow of hot water through each boiler. Systems with multiple boilers incorporate a primary/secondary (production/distribution) piping configuration.

2) Chillers: For cooling systems with one or more chillers configured to provide a

relatively constant flow of chilled water through each chiller. Systems incorporating multiple chillers always incorporate a primary/secondary (production/distribution) piping configuration.
3) Pumps:

Centrifugal pumps with motors 3 HP or less are of the in-line type. Pumps motors 5 HP or larger are base mounted type.

4) Constant Vs. Variable Flow Systems: Heating/cooling having pump motor(s) 5

HP or larger are variable flow type systems that utilize two-way control valves exclusively at all central station and terminal units. A primary system (i.e. either a primary only system or the primary portion of a primary/secondary system) that serves/incorporates either a boiler or a chiller is an exception to this requirement and shall be configured for constant flow. Systems that incorporate smaller pump motors may be either constant flow or variable flow type systems. Each pump motor that is 5 HP or larger in each variable flow system shall be served by a variable frequency drive (VFD). A three-way control valve shall not be installed within a variable flow system for any reason, not even to prevent a potential no-flow condition or to maintain continual circulation throughout the entire system.
5) Reverse Vs. Direct Return: A reverse return piping configuration is preferred

for hydronic systems that serve multiple terminal units because systems that utilize this configuration tend to be self-balancing. This configuration also promotes a continuous circulation throughout the bulk of the system.
6) Terminal Unit Zoning: Air distribution systems shall be configured such that

each occupied space can be controlled as a separate zone with regard to temperature and/or airflow. In other words, one terminal control unit (e.g. constant volume reheat coil or VAV unit with reheat coil) and associated thermostat shall be provided for each occupied space.
7) Heating System Zoning: An allowable exception to the above requirement for

zoning of terminal units is the zoning of perimeter heating systems on the basis of exterior exposure in conjunction with a temperature reset control strategy. In fact, in applications where the configuration of room furnishings

makes access to baseboard perimeter heating units particularly difficult, this is the desired approach.
8) Backup Equipment: All critical portion to have 100% backup or duplex unit.

Consider to include chillers, chilled water pumps boilers, heat exchangers, hot water pumps, etc., along with the associated equipment/systems.
9) Two-Pipe Systems:

Two-pipe hydronic heating/cooling systems is not allowed. Either chilled water cooling service exclusively or to hot water heating service exclusively.

10) Fan Coil Units: If it is not possible to serve an area by means of one or more

central air distribution systems, use fan coil units. In this case use four pipe units.
11) Air Separator:

A centrifugal air separator shall be installed at the warmest (first priority), lowest pressure (second priority) point in each hot water heating and each chilled water cooling system. In a hot water heating system, this approach will result in the air separator being installed in the hot water supply piping downstream of the boiler or heat exchanger and upstream of the distribution pump(s). A replaceable bladder type expansion tank shall be connected to each hot water heating and each chilled water cooling system upstream of the distribution pump(s). The system fluid in each heating and cooling system, whether water or antifreeze solution, shall contain corrosion inhibitors that are appropriate to protect the materials of construction of that specific system. Include dielectric unions, bolt-on saddle tap type pipe connectors, and red rubber gaskets. Dielectric unions not to be installed in any closed loop system. Many leaks have developed within systems as the elastomers within these devices hardened and cracked with age. Their applications limited to domestic water systems only. For any alternate check for consistency and compliance/guarantee.

12) Expansion Tank:

13) Corrosion Inhibitors:

14) Elastomers: