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Green Building Bible, Fourth Edition
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Heating and cooling: Radiator retroconversion

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  1.  
    • CommentAuthorgyrogear
    • CommentTimeAug 23rd 2015
     
    I have an ACOVA oil-filled radiator - 2 kW, 2 m tall x 73 cms wide.

    I want to convert this to an hydronic unit, by fitting a hot-water manifold behind.

    Would there be any problem having direct contact between my copper tubes, and the steel - the paint (white) is in very good condition.

    gg
    • CommentAuthorowlman
    • CommentTimeAug 24th 2015
     
    Connecting a couple of rad valves, manual or TRV and lockshield and then on to your CH system shouldn't be a problem IMO, provided the inlet/outlet threads are OK.
    Can you explain how the manifold bit fits in?
  3.  
    Owlman, as I understand it, it's an electric oil-filled rad, which the OP wants to use to heat water, via a heat exchanger mounted to the back. I think....

    Is that right, gg?
    • CommentAuthorgyrogear
    • CommentTimeAug 24th 2015 edited
     
    Posted By: Nick ParsonsOwlman, as I understand it, it's an electric oil-filled rad, which the OP wants to use to heat water, via a heat exchanger mounted to the back. I think....


    Well, nearly - it is an electric oil-filled radiator, that I want to HEAT, using(solar or fireback...) water.

    I want to take advantage of the oil's heat-holding characteristics - the RAD stays hot for ages after I turn it off !

    Same old reasoning - trying to cut my electric bill , no mystery !

    I will have to invest in a circulator, but it should eventually pay for itself...

    gg
    • CommentAuthorEd Davies
    • CommentTimeAug 24th 2015 edited
     
    Water has better heat-holding characteristics (higher density and higher specific heat capacity (more than double)) than oil. Oil's only advantages are it's less corrosive and can stay liquid over 100 °C without excess pressure, which doesn't actually help if you're heating it with not-very-pressurised water.
  6.  
    <blockquote><cite>Posted By: gyrogear</cite><blockquote><cite>
    Same old reasoning - trying to cut my electric bill , no mystery !

    I will have to invest in a circulator, but it should eventually pay for itself...gg</blockquote>

    Eventually pay for itself is probably about right. By the time the circulation pump is obtained and the cost of the copper tube (which will need to be properly mechanically attached to the rad to ensure any heat transfer) is accounted for, either new or scrap value, then IMO it will be a very long time before there is any ROI. Then throw in a bit of maintenance and hassel and the system may never break even!!
    • CommentAuthorgyrogear
    • CommentTimeAug 24th 2015
     
    OK,thank you gents, I get the picture, this is looking like a pretty bad idea !

    Guess I should just continue affording the RAD its wall space, and save it for a COLD rainy day !

    gg

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