17. Machine design - Hydronic Heating System

This week I worked on defining my final project idea/Mechanical Design/Machine Design.

Research

I began with internet research on how to build your own hydronic (radiant floor) heating system (see useful links below). I also found a few books to learn the finer details of designing and fabricating hydronic systems since this project is the first iteration of designing eco-friendly, energy-efficient homes at our Fab Lab (see book list below). Neil provided guidance as to what would be most interesting (and, for me, most challenging) to focus on for this project. That is the control electronics for this system. Up to this point, due to lack of experience as a programmer, writing the necessary code for the controls looks to be a significant challenge. Nevertheless, my part in this group project is to develop the code for the controls. The research process and time constraints have led me to move toward creating a small-scale DIY version of the system as the first iteration, with the primary focus being testing the effectiveness of the controls for the system. Later iterations will add system complexity, ultimately leading to a full scall system for a one-bedroom house.

Book List

  • Modern Hydronic Heating: For Residential and Light Commercial by John Seigenthaler
  • Radiant Floor Heating by R. Dodge Woodson

System Components

Heat Source: Mini tankless water heater (110V, 3kW, 25-32A, 60Hz electric; rated at 0.4-0.6Mpa), or DIY unit Fluid Pump: DIY system Distribution System: pex tubing, sand Controls: temperature gauge (to measure water temp), resistance temperature detector (RTD) for ambient temperature

Example Code

DC Motor for Fluid Pump (water) - DC Motor - to be updated for continuous motion

RTD ambient temperature detection - RTD ambient temperature detection