Lochinvar Knight boiler programming for buffer tank
This question grew out of a previous more general thread on how to pipe my sister's new Lochinvar Knight with a buffer tank. After reading the Knight manual and a lot of Google searching, I still can't find an answer to the more specific question of how to program the Knight to run only based on buffer tank temperature, without needing specific "call for heat" inputs from thermostats or zone controllers, so I'm breaking this question out as a separate topic for future reference when other people have the same question.
Background: Sister is getting a new Lochinvar Knight boiler with a buffer tank. I want to make sure it's set up right. We're planning to run it on ODR using the Lochinvar-provided outdoor air temp sensor and tank sensor.
We want it set up so the boiler runs only when buffer tank temp drops below the threshold, which will change based on the reset curve. The boiler and boiler circ should run until the buffer reaches the target temp, then shut off. A zone controller will run the zone valves and the system pump(s) pulling from the buffer, but the zone controller won't be telling the boiler when to run, because that decision should be made by the boiler based solely on buffer tank temp, regardless of whether or not there is a call for heat.
The tank sensor will be wired to the SYSTEM SENSOR (terminals 23 & 24) on the control board. But I've read the manual several times and still can't figure out how to program (or wire) it so that the boiler will run only based on buffer tank temperature. Many setups with this boiler would benefit from using a buffer tank, so it seems strange that Lochinvar wouldn't write at least a simple paragraph in their 84-page manual explaining how to set up the boiler controls so it runs only to maintain buffer tank temp.
Anyone?
Answers
-
You can download the manual for the specific boiler you intend to use. The Service Manual explains settings, as an example
You can also call Lochinvar tech support, but it is good to be at the unit when they help explain how to sdjust parameters.
You can get up to speed on the control before you buy the boiler with the online simulator, here.
To maximize that boiler you really want to get familiar with the control and adjusting. I think i mentioned the Conexus, which allows you to remotely check and make adjustments.
Bob "hot rod" Rohr
trainer for Caleffi NA
Living the hydronic dream1 -
The only question I can't answer is if you jumper a heat call, put the system sensor in the tank… When the tank reaches temperature you would want the boiler pump to stop. I'm not sure if that will be the case on the model and version you end up with.
I don't have the latest touch screen version, so my Knight may not be the exact same control that you will get.
The tech support folks at Lochinvar will know. Generally they will ask for the model and serial number to be sure they give you the correct information. I suspect this has come up before, since they sell buffer tanks, so you might start with a call to Lochinvar.
Bob "hot rod" Rohr
trainer for Caleffi NA
Living the hydronic dream0 -
@hot_rod OK thanks. I have read both the I&O manual and the service manual and neither of them adequately explain how to set the system so the boiler fires only when the buffer tank temp drops below the setpoint and there's no heat call. I will call Lochinvar tomorrow and see if I can get an answer.
Thanks for the link to that online simulator. That is handy. Will play with that tonight.
0
Categories
- All Categories
- 87.8K THE MAIN WALL
- 3.3K A-C, Heat Pumps & Refrigeration
- 59 Biomass
- 430 Carbon Monoxide Awareness
- 129 Chimneys & Flues
- 2.2K Domestic Hot Water
- 6K Gas Heating
- 122 Geothermal
- 170 Indoor-Air Quality
- 3.8K Oil Heating
- 80 Pipe Deterioration
- 1.1K Plumbing
- 6.6K Radiant Heating
- 396 Solar
- 16.1K Strictly Steam
- 3.5K Thermostats and Controls
- 56 Water Quality
- 51 Industry Classes
- 51 Job Opportunities
- 18 Recall Announcements



