Indirect water heater suggestions

bovide_4

to install an indirect water heater(s) in a 20 family building. The heat source is a 5 million btu steam boiler. Currently the DHW is from a coil.
1- use 1 or 2 indirect water heaters?
2- use a Turbomax or tank-in tank design. The job is in Brooklyn, NY - liming not really an issue.
Thank you.

jimmac

hmm.

1-you would be better off using two tanks!
check you usage-f/r to size 20 baths+20 kitchens+washers+d/w? peek time?
2-turbomax type
5 million btus steamer for 20 family is quite large is the complaint "why is it so hot in here when the heat is not on?" the heating surface on that boiler is quite large in itself will not be that much cooler (if any) with the indirects.this will affect your efficency gains as well!!

Al Letellier_21

indirects

Any manufacturer would help you with a design like that, but consider a separate boiler with your indirects if at all possible. Can't imagine running a 5 million BTU steamer all summer........$$$$$$$ up the chimney
Multiple tankless heaters can do the job too if you have the room.

Henry

A dedicated condensing boiler with a several 120 gallon storage tanks is the way to go. Efficiency of 97% is easily attainable compared to steam. Steam is not an efficient medium to make hot water. Just look at the boiler jacket heat loss! We have replaced many steam/hot water units with condensing boilers. The payback on most installations has been less than 3 years.