Hot Water Boiler Economizer PreHeater | Energy Efficiency
This is a hot water economizer and is a big preheater for domestic hot water use. This boiler plant serves a large community for heating and domestic hot water use. Domestic hot water is used for showers, washing dishes, laundry, ect, ect, ect…. The cold water supply from the city is routed through the economizer to be pre-heated before it goes through a heat exchanger and then the hot water storage tank. This system saves money because it uses the exhaust gases from the boiler to pre-heat the city water supply which is normally 50 degrees Fahrenheit. The exhaust gases from the boiler would otherwise be vented to the atmosphere and would be considered wasted heat.
Hot Water Boiler Economizer PreHeater | Energy Efficiency | Specially Engineered
Hot water boiler systems with economizers are specially engineered for this purpose and are made of special materials to handle the caustic effects of the condensation from exhaust gases when they are cooled. You should not try this at home as this will likely cause severe problems with your boiler or furnace system.
Hot Water Boiler Economizer PreHeater | Energy Efficiency | Conclusion
It is not recommended that this type of system be used in residential systems as the economizers require intense maintenance and monitoring to prevent problems that commonly occur with flue gas economizers. Flue gas or the product of combustion is considered highly corrosive so special materials along with special attention from the maintenance staff is required to keep the system operating safely and properly. Sensors are located throughout the flue system to ensure proper temperatures are in the flue gases to safely carry it up through the top vent on the roof and away from harming any humans. Again, it is not recommended to use this economizer preheater on residential systems.
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