Hydronic Distribution Systems for Heat Pumps
About this course
This is course is part of our "Heat Pump System Design & Installation" series. You can take an individual course or enroll in the full program, which was created to provide a complete understanding of the design and installation of heat pumps systems.
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Course outline
7 modules • 14 assignments • 2:48 hours of video lectures
Welcome • 2 assignments
Orientation Materials
This course is self-paced, so you don’t need to be logged in at any specific time. You can get started immediately after you enroll and the course materials will remain in your account with minimum guaranteed access for 12 months (1 year) after enrollment.
- Set up email notifications and your student profile
- Introduce yourself on the discussion board
Module 1 • 1 assignments
Why hydronics?
This module described the fundamental "physics" that allows hydronic-based systems to offer several unique benefits relative to forced air systems.
- Why hydronics? (21:43 minutes)
Module 2 • 1 assignments
The importance of low temperature distribution systems
This module explains why low temperature distribution systems are critical in optimizing the efficiency of contemporary heat sources. It also compares the thermal mass of different heat emitters, and explains the concept of thermal equilibrium.
- The importance of low temperature distribution systems (19:57 minutes)
Module 3 • 1 assignments
Low temperature / low thermal mass heat emitters
This module described several types of hydronic heat emitters that can be used with systems supplied by heat pumps. It covers construction details and thermal performance factors.
- Low temperature / low thermal mass heat emitters (36:12 minutes)
Module 4 • 1 assignments
Radiant floor heating
This module describes several methods of installing radiant floor heating. Each installation method is shown along with related thermal performance characteristics.
- Radiant floor heating (31:21 minutes)
Module 5 • 1 assignments
Air handlers and fancoils
This module covers the physical configuration and thermal performance of air handlers and fancoils that can be used with hydronic-based heat pumps.
- Air handlers and fancoils (10:07 minutes)
Module 6 • 1 assignments
Simple / repeatable homerun distribution systems
This module shows one of the simplest and best performing hydronic distribution systems for use with hydronic heat pumps.
- Simple / repeatable homerun distribution systems (20:12 minutes)
Module 7 • 1 assignments
Lowering water temperature in existing hydronic systems
This module explains different approaches that can significantly lower the required design load water temperature in existing hydronic systems that allow improved performance with hydronic-based heat pumps.
- Lowering water temperature in existing hydronic systems (29:07 minutes)
Conclusion • 5 assignments
Feedback and Additional Resources
This is our last module but you still have access to the all of course materials for 12 months (1 year), so keep working and you'll be able to complete the course at your own pace. After your year of access expires you can optionally extend access with a HeatSpring Membership. Enjoy the course and keep in touch!
- 1 Year of Access to Course Materials
- Feedback: 2-minute Exit Survey
- Consider Joining as a HeatSpring Member
- End of Course Knowledge Check
- Certificate of Completion: Request a Certificate
Continuing Education Units
Approved for the following CEUs
- 1 BPI CEUs
Instructor
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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 40 years of experience in designing modern hydronic systems. He is a hall-of-fame member of the Radiant Panel Association, and a... Learn more
