Water Filled Radiator for Domestic Heating - Assignment Example

Water Filled Radiator for Domestic Heating Name: Course: Lecturer: Date: Water Filled Radiator for Domestic Heating Introduction Radiators are of heat exchangers that transfer heat energy between various media at different temperatures. The radiators serve both purposes of heating and cooling the setting within which they are installed. Most of radiators are built in vehicles, houses, and electronic devices, among other mechanisms (Jardine, & Stewart, 1989). Usually, a radiator emits heat to the environment that surrounds it. This may take place in order to cool the fluid entering the radiator, such as in engines, or to heat the environment. The construction of water filled radiators must take into consideration various factors to produce the most efficient radiator. In this paper, I will discuss water filled radiators and the qualities that make them effective for use. A water filled radiator constitutes of a hollow metal container, which is filled with water. The container is sealed and the water is driven into the container by the force of gravity, convection, or pressure pump. The radiator has a system of coiled pipes that emit heat as water moves within them thereby cooling the water while heating the environment. The cold water then moves to the bottom side of the radiator and it gets out through another pipe at the other end. There are various radiators in the market that offer similar services as water filled radiators. However, these devices do not conform to the required standards of efficiency. Nevertheless, in the construction of water filled radiators, there are several considerations to be observed. The engineering department ensures that the radiator will guarantee efficiency in terms of energy expenditure and cost. They take into account that the effectiveness of the radiator depends on the engineering design. This determines the extent to which operational effectiveness is maintained. Other factors that affect the operational efficiency of water filled radiators are components used in the construction of the radiator and the installation itself (Yannas, Erell, & Molina, 2006). Servicing of the radiator ensures that it continues to operate efficiently hence avoiding unnecessary costs. Engineering firms that offer these services receive most of the customers of the radiators. Water filled electric radiators need no plumbing or pipe-work. They are highly effective when filled with water and they achieve the state of equal heat yield like that of plumbed wet systems. Moreover, they are easy to install and can be removed from the lower wing panel if they should ever need maintenance (Nunney, 2007). The electric water filled radiators contain their own miniature pump which circulates water inside the radiator and over a heat exchanger that heats the water. The radiator also emits a combination of radiant and convected heat to ensure that the whole room becomes warm (American Society of Heating and Ventilating Engineers, 2008). Most electric water filled radiators that have 24-hour timers. In these radiators, water is heated around the radiator pipe, and it circulates throughout the radiator. These mechanisms have built in thermostats that intelligently detect senses the room temperature and the radiator responds accordingly to maintain the temperature. As soon as the room has reached the preferred room temperature the radiator stops drawing electricity. These types of radiators are highly efficient as they consume less electricity to operate. Moreover, when drawing electric energy, they operate in cycles of five minutes on and three minutes off. As the exact times and temperatures can be preset, any electricity and heat waste is avoided. Water filled electric radiators, unlike panel heaters, do not burn moisture in the air. This ensures that maximum comfort is maintained all the time. Moreover, the radiator functions to maintain a serene environment. The radiator does not require any storage facilities. Moreover, it is efficient because it heats up in ten minutes thereby saving a lot of energy hence they have a large market. Some of the areas where the water filled radiators can be used include apartments, business buildings, caring homes, and for other house heating requirements (Ahnert, & Steffen, 1999). This in turn means that the radiator has several consumers in the market. The product design specifications of a water filled radiator constitutes of its construction that takes ensures that it has extensively coiled pipes that act as heat exchangers. On the outer part of the wall of the tube there is a corrugation that creates a coiled ring within the inside wall of the tube. This in turn brings about additional swirling of water molecules inside the radiator. Numerical calculations are significant in showing the effects of various geometrical shapes of tubes on the rate of water flow in the radiator. Moreover, they indicate the heating conditions required for the production of effective heat transfer both in layers and middle flows. Radiators which have heat exchangers with coiled corrugated walls exhibit an increase of 80 to 100 percent rate of heat transfer within the inner side of the tube. On the other hand, the whirling motion of water inside the radiator results in a reduced pressure of 10% to 600%, which is larger than most other radiators (Keene, 2008). There are various materials used in the construction of water filled radiators to make them more efficient in their work. Aluminum is one of the effective metals used in the making of heat exchangers. This metal is efficient because it disperses heat more quickly. This enhances the control of radiators to ensure they work only when necessary; for instance, when the house is occupied. Moreover, aluminum is light thereby it promotes a simpler and quicker installation of the radiator where it is needed. Moreover, because of the faster heating and cooling of radiators made from aluminum, these types of water filled radiators are the most cost-effective. However, in these types of water radiators caution is necessary when an inhibitor is integrated into the system to ensure that it is appropriate for use (Keene, 2009. Other designs of water filled radiators make use of cast iron. Radiators made from cast iron material maintain some conventional qualities that add aesthetic values to the radiator. However, cast iron radiators take longer time to heat up the water. This brings about inconveniences when they are required for use. Consequently, users of cast iron radiators have to ensure that their timers are set earlier enough before the house or room is occupied to allow enough time for the radiator to heat up. Nevertheless, after attaining the desired temperature, the cast iron radiator can be switched off but it maintains its heat supply for longer than in other kinds of radiators. Steel is also used in the construction of water filled radiators. This material possesses heat properties that range between those of cast iron and aluminum. Moreover, steel is chosen for most designs of radiators because engineers find the metal easier to bend, cut, solder, and mold it into various shapes that are found to be more favored in the market. Most of middle heating areas are made of steel. Moreover, most of chrome radiators and chrome pipes are made from steel plated with chrome (Hubbard, 2006). There are two categories of central heating systems. The first is closed system, also known as indirect system. This system is filled with water that remains and circulates in the radiator. In case a boiler is used, water is heated and stored in a cylinder, which has a coiled system through which heated water circulates for domestic water heating. In this way, the domestic hot water and central heating water are separated. In other cases that involve combi boiler, domestic water is heated in the combi through a smaller heat exchanger that separates heated water from domestic water. The other system is the open or direct system whereby water is used and changed continuously in the system. This is an important safety device, as it limits the water supplied to the hot water taps to no more than 50oC (Nunney, 2007). The heating system uses materials that are resistant to air because of the continuous change of water supply. Stainless steel and brass radiators are the most appropriate for use in the open systems. However, the engineers must clarify this situation prior to their installation into the system (Nunney, 2007). There are various factors to consider when deciding the kinds of radiators to use. The amount of electrical energy required is very important. There are various particular electrical requirements that must be considered when installing radiators and other related devices in homes and other places. It is important to engage a qualified electrical engineer to help in performing electrical tasks that involve radiators. To ensure that efficiency is not compromised, the installation of the radiator should be performed by an expert who must also be informed about necessary legal requirements. Once the installations have been completed well the radiator must be flushed with water. The radiator should also be filled with water and balanced accurately. However, if an inhibitor has to be applied, it should be integrated into the system following the recommendations and directions from the manufacturer, and this must consider the kinds of metals to be used in the heating system. Conclusion In the construction of water filled radiators for domestic heating, various factors must be taken into consideration. The radiator must be made from materials that are cost-effective and efficient in energy saving. Aluminum is one of the materials that make radiators more efficient because it is light. It also heats faster and this makes radiators made from it to be energy effective. On the other hand, steel heats slowly but when power is turned off the radiator still continues to supply heat. Engineers must ensure that the manufacturing, installation, and operation of water filled radiators are carried out appropriately to guarantee maximum benefits, cost-effectiveness, and minimum energy consumption. References: Ahnert, W. & Steffen, F., 1999, Sound reinforcement engineering: fundamentals and practice, Taylor & Francis. American Society of Heating and Ventilating Engineers, 2008, Transactions of the American Society of Heating and Ventilating Engineers, Volume 24, The Society, Wisconsin. Hubbard, C. L., 2006, Heating and ventilation: a working manual of approved practice in the heating and ventilation of dwelling houses and other buildings, with complete practical instruction in the mechanical details, operation, and care of modern heating and ventilating plants, American School of Correspondence, New York. Jardine, J., Stewart K. 1989, Physics through applications, Oxford University Press. Keene E. S., 2009, Mechanics of the household: A supplementary course of physics dealing with household appliances, Indiana University. Keene, E. S., 2008, Mechanics of the household: a course of study devoted to domestic machinery and household mechanical appliances, McGraw-Hill book company, Inc. Nunney, M. J., 2007, Light and heavy vehicle technology, Butterworth-Heinemann. Yannas, S., & Erell, E. Molina J. L., 2006, Roof cooling techniques: a design handbook, Earthscan. Read More