Going hybrid for heating efficiencies

Two types of boilers can be better than one— especially when trying to minimize operating costs over the course of a heating season. By combining a large mass, non-condensing boiler with a high-efficiency-condensing boiler, or “hybrid system” you can ensure that your heating system is running at optimum efficiency.

Non-condensing boilers are designed to run at higher return water temperatures above 130F to maximize longevity. The average efficiencies of non-condensing boilers range from 80 to 85 per cent thermal efficiency. High temperature applications typically occur over the core heating season months of December through February.

Condensing boilers reach their maximum efficiency (upwards of 95 per cent) when the return water temperature is below dew point and are more aligned with the milder heating season shoulder months of October, November, March and April. Running condensing boilers in high return temperature applications reduces their operating efficiency to marginally higher than non-condensing boiler designs.

By combining non-condensing and condensing boilers in a hybrid system boiler plant, users can reset building set points, reduce fuel consumption to lower operating costs and create comfortable, consistent building temperatures.

So why not just use an all high efficiency boiler plant? Consider the following benefits of a hybrid boiler system:

• Boiler replacement applications: Installing a hybrid system makes sense in existing, non-condensing replacement boiler applications. Most often, there are at least two high mass, non-condensing boilers in older boiler plants. Installing a high efficiency, condensing boiler in place of one of the failing high mass boilers now enables the efficiency benefits of the hybrid system. Further, this approach enables an incremental step in financing the overall boiler replacement capital outlay over time.
• New building applications: In short, condensing boilers cost more— upwards of 30 to 40 per cent more than non-condensing boiler systems because of the non-corrosive heat exchanger materials required. Installing a hybrid system is more cost effective to purchase upfront and often achieves the greater portion of the energy savings of replacing an entire boiler plant with high-efficiency condensing boilers
• Product life/longevity: Inherent to their design, non-condensing boilers have a longer product life, up to two times that of condensing boiler designs because of their thick cast iron design and wider water pathways. Installing a hybrid system ensures a longer life of the boiler plant dedicated to the coldest heating season months.

Consider this example: A hybrid system could be utilized in an elementary school with two large cast iron boilers— one of which needs to be replaced. The cast iron boiler is replaced with a high-efficiency condensing boiler to match the heating requirement. An installed controller unit will allow the assignment of an alternating, lead/lag boiler plant using the new condensing boiler as the primary boiler over the colder months and the existing non-condensing boiler for colder days.

Ultimately, combining a cast iron boiler with a high efficiency condensing boiler can reduce wasted energy, lower utility costs and provide a smaller carbon footprint, while extending the life of the existing heating system.

The use of hybrid systems is becoming more common with engineers and building owners evaluating the heat efficiencies and other benefits of “going hybrid” in current and new build heating systems. More frequently, commercial buildings such as medical facilities, apartment complexes, churches, schools, colleges, nursing homes and corporate campuses are standardizing on hybrid system boiler designs.

John Miller is a commercial boiler senior product manager with Weil-McLain.