State-of-the-Art Hydronic Design Concepts for Solar Thermal Professionals

Hydronics technology is the “glue” that holds many renewable energy systems together.  Without good hydronics, these systems can never gather and distribute renewable energy in ways that provide both efficiency and comfort.  This session will discuss several state-of-the-art topics such as thermal/hydraulic equilibrium, low power pumping, BTU metering, hydraulic separation, homerun distribution systems, and various “topologies” for solar thermal combi-systems.  These concepts will enable you to create thermal distribution systems that deliver comfort using a fraction of the energy (both thermal and electrical) of conventional approaches.

John Siegenthaler

John Siegenthaler, P.E., is a mechanical engineering graduate of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, a licensed professional engineer, and Professor Emeritus of engineering technology at Mohawk Valley Community College.  “Siggy” has over 30 of experience in designing modern hydronic heating systems including several using renewable energy subsystems.  He is a hall-of-fame member of the Radiant Panel Association, and a presenter at national and international conferences on hydronic and radiant heating.  John is also principal of Appropriate Designs – a consulting engineering firm in Holland Patent, NY.

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