The use of vacuum pumps and air blowers for low-cost conversions of steam systems to hot water district heating
This paper reports the results of research on the performance of standard steam radiators using hot, wet air as a heating medium under atmospheric and vacuum conditions. The system operates with an air circulating blower and vacuum pump. Vacuum steam and vapor systems were standard heating systems during the first half of this century, but fell out of favor due to the high maintenance costs associated with maintaining vacuum. This experimental design simulates an intervention technique that maintains performance when the system becomes contaminated by air from leaks. The technique applies to Hot Water District Heating Systems that connect to buildings equipped with steam heating systems. Water heated by the District Heating System is sprayed into an air chamber; air becomes saturated and is blown through the distribution piping by a circulating blower. The test results indicate that this method can maintain system performance at near pure vacuum capacity at temperatures above 150/sup 0/F (65.6/sup 0/C), even when there are leaks in the radiators and piping. This method can substantially reduce conversion costs to a Hot Water District Heating System in many older buildings equipped with steam radiators.
- Research Organization:
- Pequod Associates, Inc., Boston, MA (USA)
- DOE Contract Number:
- FG01-86CE26566
- OSTI ID:
- 6191854
- Report Number(s):
- DOE/CE/26566-T1; ON: DE87012669
- Resource Relation:
- Other Information: Portions of this document are illegible in microfiche products
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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DISTRICT HEATING
STEAM SYSTEMS
RADIATORS
BLOWERS
PERFORMANCE
PUMPS
RESEARCH PROGRAMS
ENERGY SYSTEMS
HEAT EXCHANGERS
HEATING
320603* - Energy Conservation
Consumption
& Utilization- Municipalities & Community Systems- Public Utilities- (1980-)