Whittling watts: What are the issues with this hydronic system?

The Glitch:

Figure 1 shows a hydronic system that’s intended to supply four panel radiators, each with their own thermostatic radiator valve and an indirect water heater from a gas-fired sectional cast-iron boiler. The system is designed using primary/secondary piping. The primary circulator operates whenever the space heating load or the indirect water heater call for heat.

a. Can you spot at least 5 details that are incorrect?

b. Beyond the incorrect details, can you describe ways to provide the same radiators and water heater using fewer components?

Are you an ace troubleshooter?

Within the pages of this magazine, PM’s Hydronics Editor John Siegenthaler, P.E., will pose a question to you, our readers, to review a system’s schematic layout and discover its faults, flaws and defects. Discover archived “The Glitch & The Fix” exercises at its radiant-focused website, www.radiantandhydronics.com. Good luck!