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Mod-Con Boiler Pump Speeds

28W
28W Member Posts: 141
Greetings.  I am the new owner of a Viessmann Vitodens-100 mod-con system for my heat (single zone baseboard) and DHW.  The system has a primary-secondary loop configuration, with a low-loss header connecting the loops.  Three Grundfos 3-speed pumps: on the primary loop, the radiation loop, and the DHW. 

Currently, all three pumps are set to 10 GPM. 





I'm wondering how to know if this is optimal.  For example, would a slower pump speed to the radiators result in a larger delta-T? If so, should the primary-loop pump be slowed down also?  The Vitodens HX has a max flow rate of 6.6 GPM.





I'm afraid I know just enough about these systems to be dangerous, so any advice would be appreciated.
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Comments

  • SWEI
    SWEI Member Posts: 7,356
    Boiler circ sizing

    Is determined by the maximum boiler output and delta-T.  With proper hydraulic separation from the secondary circuit(s) the two pumps will not interact.  P.15 of the Vitodens 100W install manual has the numbers you need for this.



    You can adjust the secondary circ flow to increase of decrease delta-T on your emitters or the indirect.  A bit of experimentation here is probably in order.
  • 28W
    28W Member Posts: 141
    thanks

    Thanks for the information.  I will check out the manual in more detail. 

    Incidentally, I read an interesting article from 2009 on low-loss headers.  The article indicated that if there are non-equal flow rates in primary and secondary loops, mixing will occur in the header.  For example, if the secondary loop flow rate is higher than the primary lopp flow rate, some of the return water will be mixed into the outgoing supply water from the boiler.  Am I understanding this correctly?
  • SWEI
    SWEI Member Posts: 7,356
    yes, and that's the point

    Mixing is good.



    Boiler will modulate up and down, adding heat to maintain the setpoint, while your distribution loop will lose heat at a rate depending on the delta-T between the supply temp and the space being heated.  The LLH allows the two circuits to function without weird interactions.
  • Zman
    Zman Member Posts: 7,561
    Pump Curves

    I think you may be misunderstanding the speeds on the circulators. I am assuming you have grundfos 15-58s? The gpm produced by the circulators is determined by the point at which the pump curve intersects the system curve (page 27 of the manual) The 15-58 on the boiler set on high will produce about 5.5 gpm (assuming the near boiler piping is short). To figure out the system curve and gpm for the rest of the circulators you would need the pipe lengths and resistance of those components. It would be easier to measure the delta t (supply temp-return temp) of the pipes and adjust the circulators accordingly.

    The only way to increase boiler efficiency is to reduce the return water temp. Slowing the boiler circ. will do this (at some point performance will suffer). Slowing the secondary circs may not have an effect on the boiler return temps. Doubling the secondary delta t will have no effect on the primary return temp if you cut the flow rate in half to do it.

    Get a gauge and check it out,

    Carl
    "If you can't explain it simply, you don't understand it well enough"
    Albert Einstein
  • 28W
    28W Member Posts: 141
    Thanks for the clarification

    Yes, I have the 15-58s.  I’m not sure I understand how a slower primary loop circulation rate will decrease return water temperature.  Is it because at slower flow rates the primary loop is not delivering Btus to the secondary loop as quickly?  At a certain point, will slowing the boiler flow rate interfere with condensing, or trigger short cycling of the boiler?



    So I guess the bottom line question is, how do I determine the optimal speed setting for the primary pump?  The installer set it to “Medium.”  The near boiler piping is short.



    Thanks for your patience!
  • SWEI
    SWEI Member Posts: 7,356
    edited August 2012
    Hydronic Formula

    Watch http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cDTuG3j04VM first.



    If the boiler is firing to meet a setpoint, and lower GPM = greater ∆T, the only thing that can change is is the return temp (since the supply temp is being held constant by the boiler.)  Lower return temps = more time condensing = greater boiler efficiency.  Throw in some reduced pumping costs and (potentially) smaller diameter piping and you get less cost.



    The optimum speed for the boiler circ is the lowest speed during full fire where delta-T stays within the manufacturer's specs (40F for Viessmann IIRC.)
  • Paul48
    Paul48 Member Posts: 4,469
    If

    the primary side is circulating 5.5 gpm, and the secondary side is drawing 4 gpm, 1.5 gpm of heated water is just being recycled to the boiler from the low-loss header, and never going to the system.
  • Zman
    Zman Member Posts: 7,561
    Take some time

    I would suggest taking some time to get your head around the "hydronic formula".

    Check out this gauge http://www.firedragonent.com/DM6802B.htm .

    With the clamps you can quickly see how circulator speeds are effecting your system performance.

    It looks like Medium is a decent starting point for the primary (I did not see a minimum flow in the manual).

    If you get the secondary speeds to low you may get poor performance on the return side radiators.

    I would start with a 20 degree delta t on the heat and see how it goes.

    Carl
    "If you can't explain it simply, you don't understand it well enough"
    Albert Einstein
  • 28W
    28W Member Posts: 141
    Great suggestions everybody

    Thanks for all the patient advice. I'll check out the you-tube link and the gauge.
  • Paul48
    Paul48 Member Posts: 4,469
    Flow

    I understand the complexity of it, but wouldn't it be great if someone invented a simple, affordable clamp-on flow meter.Just thinking out loud.
  • 28W
    28W Member Posts: 141
    Yes, I think you do recall correctly

    My manual shows three "Typical System Flow Rates", which I assume relate to the three Grundfos pump speed settings, and their corresponding temp increases:



    5.5 GPM = 30-degree temp increase

    4.7 GPM = 35-degree temp increase

    4.2 GPM = 40-degree temp increase
  • 28W
    28W Member Posts: 141
    OK, so here's a related question

    This one is equally as naive as my previous ones! Assuming the primary and secondary pumps are both set at the same speed, will the flow rate on the secondary loop typically be higher or lower than the flow of the primary loop? The secondary loop has larger diameter pipes, but also far more pipe length.
  • CMadatMe
    CMadatMe Member Posts: 3,086
    edited August 2012
    Vitodens 100

    Viessmann recommened pump sizing for the entire Vitodens family is base on a boiler side 40 degree delta. Max flow rate for a Vitodens 100 is 6.2gpm. The wide delta keeps the pressure drop across the HX down allowing for smaller pumps as well as getting the btu's out of the boiler. Minimum delta is 35 for a WB1B10-35



    Let's look at the WB1B10-35, 108,000 btu/hr output.



    108,000/(40x500) = 5.4gpm@ 12' head



    108,000/(35x500) = 6.2gpm @ 16'head



    108'000/(20x500) = 10.8gpm



    You can't get 10.8gpm cross the hx . Now find the pump curve for a Grundy 15-58 and you will see Speed 2 for a 40 delta and Speed 3 for the 35 delta.



    A btu is a btu. When using the LLH just think of the boiler side and the system side as systems. Your just movig btu's to the LLH and how you want to take them for a ride around the system has no bearing on the boiler side. You can have a 40 delta on the boiler side and a 20 delta on the system side.



    What I find interesting is how engineers can't grasp this concept. I see more specs that call for a 20 degree boiler delta that it makes me wonder if they even open a manual or understand it. I just recently had one enginer state the system would be unbalanced and not deliver the proper btu's if both side didn't run on a 20.. Can't make this stuff up...
    "The bitter taste of a poor installation remains much longer than the sweet taste of the lowest price."
  • CMadatMe
    CMadatMe Member Posts: 3,086
    They Do

    Digital multi temp meter and a calculator. I have a nice little Cooper that I can get three temps at the same time. System Supply, System Return, Boiler side return. The boiler gives you supply temp out. Put the boiler into high fire and run the numbers, then in low fire. You have the given min and max btu/hr output of the boiler..
    "The bitter taste of a poor installation remains much longer than the sweet taste of the lowest price."
  • 28W
    28W Member Posts: 141
    Very helpful

    Thanks, Chris. So if I'm reading my WB1B-26 manual correctly, pump speed setting 1 will give a 40-degree delta-T on the boiler side, and pump speed 2 (which is the current setting) will give a 35-degree delta-T Is that right? If so, does that mean the pump should be on setting 1 instead?
  • CMadatMe
    CMadatMe Member Posts: 3,086
    Pump Speed

    A WB1B10-26 has a btu/hr output of 83,000 btu/hr.



    83,000/(30x500)= 5.5gpm @ 12' Head = Pump Speed 3



    83,000/(35x500)= 4.7gpm @ 10' Head = Pump Speed 2



    83,000/(40x500)= 4.2gpm @ 7' Head = Pump Speed 2



    Your going to see closer to a 35 delta. You can run on Speed 1 your just not going to get the full btu/hr output that the boiler can deliver. May not matter depending on the heat loss. You'd only get about 3.3 gpm across the hx on this speed. Please note that these numbers are only good for a system running on 100 percent water and no system antifreeze.
    "The bitter taste of a poor installation remains much longer than the sweet taste of the lowest price."
  • 28W
    28W Member Posts: 141
    Thanks, and I bet you can guess my next question

    Thanks. Yes, the system is running on 100% water. So my next question is, with the boiler pump set on 1 (or "low"), I assume the way to determine the proper pump speed for the radiator loop is to measure return water temp and aim for a 20-degree delta?
  • 28W
    28W Member Posts: 141
    Clarification

    Chris, it sounds like you are saying that with the WB1B-26, pump speed 1 may in fact be too slow (3.3 GPM), and that pump speed 2 may be better. Do I understand you correctly?
  • CMadatMe
    CMadatMe Member Posts: 3,086
    Cast Iron

    If these are cast iron rads I'd be trying to get out to a 30.. Also wouldn't be using a fixed speed pump which is what this is. I'd put money pennies away for the Taco Bumble Bee coming out this month.







    http://www.taco-hvac.com/en/products/products.html?current_category=405
    "The bitter taste of a poor installation remains much longer than the sweet taste of the lowest price."
  • Zman
    Zman Member Posts: 7,561
    You could...

    You could add up the pipe sizes and fittings on the secondary then draw out the system curve for the loop. You would then calculate the heat emitted by the radiators on this loop being sure to derate each for the loss in temperature from the previous. This will give you your target GPM. You would then compare this info to the pump curve at the various settings.

    My head hurts just thinking about it!

    I would use a gauge

    Carl
    "If you can't explain it simply, you don't understand it well enough"
    Albert Einstein
  • CMadatMe
    CMadatMe Member Posts: 3,086
    edited August 2012
    Only too Slow

    Depending on the heat loss.



    3.3 x (40x500) = 66,000 btu/hr



    Is 66 enough? Delta may get out to 43 which will increase the btu output.
    "The bitter taste of a poor installation remains much longer than the sweet taste of the lowest price."
  • gennady
    gennady Member Posts: 839
    delta t on radiators

    you have to compare load at design temperature to radiators capability to emit heat at lower water temperature, because bigger delta t across radiator lowers median radiator temperature and lowers heat emitting capacity of radiator.
  • 28W
    28W Member Posts: 141
    These are baseboards

    Well, one room has baseboards, and the rest of the house has "Convectors" which as you probably know are basically baseboard units.
  • CMadatMe
    CMadatMe Member Posts: 3,086
    Constant Circulation

    That's why we like constant circulation my friend. Did you get your Vitodens today?
    "The bitter taste of a poor installation remains much longer than the sweet taste of the lowest price."
  • gennady
    gennady Member Posts: 839
    vitodens

    probably. i did not get report yet
  • 28W
    28W Member Posts: 141
    I've had it about 2 weeks

    Obviously, just doing DHW for now.



    Total heat loss (radiation plus 15% piping loss) estimated at 60,030
  • CMadatMe
    CMadatMe Member Posts: 3,086
    Yuk!!

    Better stay with that 20 then...What number setting is the right hand dial on the boiler control at?
    "The bitter taste of a poor installation remains much longer than the sweet taste of the lowest price."
  • gennady
    gennady Member Posts: 839
    pump

    without TRV we started installing delta T VFD circulators
  • 28W
    28W Member Posts: 141
    Boiler temp setting is at 140 degrees

    The "dot" on the dial
  • 28W
    28W Member Posts: 141
    As posted below

    by mistake, the total heat loss (radiation plus 15% piping loss) is calculated at 60,030. It is a small, 4-bedroom house.
  • CMadatMe
    CMadatMe Member Posts: 3,086
    The Dot

    Is not 140. You'll hit 176 degree water temp at 14 degree outdoor temp..Setting 4 will get you there at zero degrees. What's the coldest temp you see in the winter?
    "The bitter taste of a poor installation remains much longer than the sweet taste of the lowest price."
  • 28W
    28W Member Posts: 141
    edited August 2012
    OK, but . . .

    that's what Viessmann told me. I'm not saying the online tech. was correct, just that he said "the dot is 140." My understanding is that the dot is just the factory default setting.



    My system has an outdoor temp sensor. According to the curves in the manual, the boiler water temp to the rads will be 140 degrees at about 40 degrees outside temp, and as you said, 176 at about 14 degrees.
  • gennady
    gennady Member Posts: 839
    baseboards

    you can measure finned tubes and check output at the lower temperature to see if you have enough output to cover heat loss
  • CMadatMe
    CMadatMe Member Posts: 3,086
    I wouldn't

    Be concerned with it until winter hits. Wouldn't worry about pump speeds either. Think of this winter as the experiment in finding the sweat spot that works best for your home. Play all winter at different outdoor temps and find what works best for you. You can 't fine tune until you get the weather to do it in.
    "The bitter taste of a poor installation remains much longer than the sweet taste of the lowest price."
  • 28W
    28W Member Posts: 141
    That's true

    As you can tell, I'm brand new to all this, and am climbing the learning curve. I have a lot of respect for you guys who do this for a living. It is an art and a science. My installer did a great job, but I want to learn to optimize the system myself. Thanks again!
  • CMadatMe
    CMadatMe Member Posts: 3,086
    Post Some

    Pics of the install. We love pictures...
    "The bitter taste of a poor installation remains much longer than the sweet taste of the lowest price."
  • 28W
    28W Member Posts: 141
    I will

    but then you guys will point out all the ways it could be improved!



    By the way, how did you come up with 3.3 gpm across the hx at pump speed 1?
  • CMadatMe
    CMadatMe Member Posts: 3,086
    I Made My Own Charts

    I took the pump curve chart for the Grundfos UPS15-58FRC and the Taco 00R and plotted the HX curves over them for both Vitodens 100 and 200. Did the same for the Grundfos UPS26-99 that we use on Vitodens 200 for the WB2B-45 through 105. Don't refer back to them though, there stuck in the memory banks...



    I play in the Vitodens world on a daily basis. In my opinion best condensing boiler on the market..The 100 is meant for applications such as yours but the 200 is a different animal.
    "The bitter taste of a poor installation remains much longer than the sweet taste of the lowest price."
  • 28W
    28W Member Posts: 141
    I agree it is a great boiler

    I did a lot of reading before I selected Viessmann over Buderus. The Buderus is slightly more efficient (96% vs 95.2%) but I was nervous about the aluminum hx.



    What do you recall as the flow rate across hx at pump speeds 2 and 3?
  • CMadatMe
    CMadatMe Member Posts: 3,086
    Not A Heat Loss

    Capable radiation output doesn't constitute a heat loss. Only means that at a given gpm flow rate and water temp it has the capability to emmitt x amount of btu/hr.. If the flow rate is unknown a 1gpm flow rate is used...Flow rate is calculated by the total heat loss of the entire zone...
    "The bitter taste of a poor installation remains much longer than the sweet taste of the lowest price."
This discussion has been closed.