Front-end modular boilers: Lessons from the real world

Journal Article · · Home Energy; (United States)

OSTI ID:5521763

Lobenstein, M S; Bohac, D; Nelson, G D; Nevitt, R M

The concept of modular boilers (i.e., using several, smaller-sized boilers or modules instead of one large boiler) has been applied for years in new hot-water-heated multifamily buildings and has several advantages including availability of more than one boiler for backup, and physical ease of installation and maintenance. In addition, the individual boilers in such a design can be sequentially activated to meet the building load, resulting in lower standby/off-cycle losses. This system is potentially more efficient than a single large boiler. Early research on modular boilers estimated an increase in seasonal efficiency of approximately 15% when compared with a conventional single boiler. This research also demonstrated the need to isolate the hot distribution loop from inactive boilers. Front-end boiler theory borrows from the modular boiler concept. A front-end boiler is a high-efficiency boiler (or boilers) installed in tandem with a larger, existing space-heating boiler. The front-end boiler is sized to meet the heating load of the building during mild weather. During the heating season, the front-end boiler operates to displace space heating that would otherwise be provided by the less-efficient existing boiler. The existing boiler only operates when the front-end boiler cannot meet the required load. A front-end boiler system is typically designed to also heat domestic hot water (DHW) year-round. As with the modular boiler arrangement, front-end boilers reduce standby/off-cycle losses and increase system efficiency. Added benefit is gained if such an installation forestalls the replacement of an aging boiler by reducing its operation time.

• OSTI ID: 5521763
• Journal Information: Home Energy; (United States), Journal Name: Home Energy; (United States) Vol. 8:2; ISSN 0896-9442; ISSN HOENE
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION
320106* -- Energy Conservation
Consumption
& Utilization-- Building Equipment-- (1987-)
APARTMENT BUILDINGS
APPLIANCES
BOILERS
BUILDINGS
CAPITALIZED COST
CENTRAL HEATING PLANTS
CONTROL
CONTROL SYSTEMS
COST
DESIGN
EFFICIENCY
ENERGY EFFICIENCY
GRAPHS
HEATERS
MAINTENANCE
PAYBACK PERIOD
PERFORMANCE
PROCESS CONTROL
RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS
RETROFITTING
SIZING
WATER HEATERS