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Grundfos Magna3

SpottsBros
SpottsBros Member Posts: 13
Im installing a 3 zone radiant floor system on a greenhouse in CO with a NTI TFT340 boiler. My wholesaler has specified a Grundfos Magna3 circulator at around 3x the cost I would expect. Is there a huge advantage to this circ over say just a 0014?

Comments

  • ScottSecor
    ScottSecor Member Posts: 851
    edited April 2018
    Depending on application, the Grundfos will reduce energy consumption substantially. Also runs much quieter. I've read energy use is typically one half to one third of traditional circulator. We use them often and are very pleased.
  • ScottSecor
    ScottSecor Member Posts: 851
    Just re-read your post and noticed there are three zones. With the Magna 3 the pump will automatically slow down and speed up based on how many zones are calling for heat.
  • SuperJ
    SuperJ Member Posts: 609
    Large variable speed pumps aren't cheap but are very capable. Sometimes you can save some money by designing around the capabilities of the pump. Eliminate bypasses and simplify controls.

    Grundfos offers some pretty advanced control modes. They also offer the option of BACnet control which is awesome for me.
  • SpottsBros
    SpottsBros Member Posts: 13
    SuperJ said:

    Large variable speed pumps aren't cheap but are very capable. Sometimes you can save some money by designing around the capabilities of the pump. Eliminate bypasses and simplify controls.



    Grundfos offers some pretty advanced control modes. They also offer the option of BACnet control which is awesome for me.

    OK this makes sense. If this circulator simplifies my piping then it has value. Smallest loop is 5-346 foot 5/8" loops heating a 50x40 insulated slab. But if I cant switch to a simple circulator and have the same results then Ill buy the Magna3
  • Zman
    Zman Member Posts: 7,561
    edited May 2018
    If you post the entire design, someone would be happy to check the sizing. The magna 3 may be oversized. It depends on the system size and which model magna 3.
    "If you can't explain it simply, you don't understand it well enough"
    Albert Einstein
    Rich_49
  • gennady
    gennady Member Posts: 839
    edited May 2018
    You can check Magna1, if sizing allow. Simplified interface and less functions, but 1/2-1/3 of the price of Magna3.
    Tinman
  • hot_rod
    hot_rod Member Posts: 22,024
    I have a few of these solar Magnas on the shelf, new in the box, 240 volt and they will take a PWM input from solar, or other controllers. $150.00 plus shipping if you are interested in a bargain circ. Includes iso valves, gauge and insulation shell.
    Bob "hot rod" Rohr
    trainer for Caleffi NA
    Living the hydronic dream
  • Steve Thompson (Taco)
    Steve Thompson (Taco) Member Posts: 204
    If the Magna 3 specified is the 32-100 or the 32-60 model it hasn't been available for quite some time (Magna 1 is available). The smallest Magna 3 available that I'm aware of is the 40-80 that would slow down enough to do the job but as others said is overkill.

    Us (Taco), Armstrong and Xylem all have 115 volt, 180 watt ECM's locally available that would do the job (Wilo Stratos is only available in 230/1/60).

    Savings - I've seen as high as 80% believe it or not, however payback isn't as good as you might expect as our cost of electricity is typically low (depending on where you are located of course).

    Note to Hot Rod: Careful about posting the price of your solar pumps - wouldn't want to see you get in trouble.
    Zman
  • hot_rod
    hot_rod Member Posts: 22,024
    Thanks Steve, the pumps are from a personal stash, not related to Caleffi or my day job :) I should note that from now on.
    Bob "hot rod" Rohr
    trainer for Caleffi NA
    Living the hydronic dream
  • Zman
    Zman Member Posts: 7,561
    @SpottsBros
    I would take @Steve Thompson up on his offer.
    I love to see the manufactures step up.
    "If you can't explain it simply, you don't understand it well enough"
    Albert Einstein
  • Steamhead
    Steamhead Member Posts: 16,796
    Zman said:

    @SpottsBros
    I would take @Steve Thompson up on his offer.
    I love to see the manufactures step up.

    This.
    All Steamed Up, Inc.
    Towson, MD, USA
    Steam, Vapor & Hot-Water Heating Specialists
    Oil & Gas Burner Service
    Consulting
  • Rich_49
    Rich_49 Member Posts: 2,766

    SuperJ said:

    Large variable speed pumps aren't cheap but are very capable. Sometimes you can save some money by designing around the capabilities of the pump. Eliminate bypasses and simplify controls.



    Grundfos offers some pretty advanced control modes. They also offer the option of BACnet control which is awesome for me.

    OK this makes sense. If this circulator simplifies my piping then it has value. Smallest loop is 5-346 foot 5/8" loops heating a 50x40 insulated slab. But if I cant switch to a simple circulator and have the same results then Ill buy the Magna3
    Is this what's installed for the whole job in a 2000 sf building ? Is there Glycol in the system , if so , what is the % ?
    You didn't get what you didn't pay for and it will never be what you thought it would .
    Langans Plumbing & Heating LLC
    732-751-1560
    Serving most of New Jersey, Eastern Pa .
    Consultation, Design & Installation anywhere
    Rich McGrath 732-581-3833