HeatSpring hosts course on condensing boilers in hydronic systems

Ann Arbor, Mich. — HeatSpring and Roy Collver, president of OTBC Inc., are teaming up to offer the course, “Condensing Boilers in Hydronic Systems.” The rigorous, six-week online course is being held May 4 to June 12. The goal of the course is to help hydronic system designers optimize their system designs and control strategies to be able to take full advantage of the energy savings and comfort benefits boilers have to offer.

Collver, a hydronics specialist and educator and Class 1 gas-fitter and illustrator, has applied his creative force and problem solving abilities toward the improvement of hydronics in North America for over 35 years. His varied experience has allowed him to apply his unique knowledge and skill set toward becoming a premier “translator” of new technology to a traditionally conservative and slow-to-change industry. After 10 years at the top level of his trade “on the tools,” Collver worked closely with many eminent design and application engineers on new and innovative products — from initial concept to final production and marketing.

“I worked with tekmar Control Systems during their formative years in Canada, doing much of their training development and delivery. I operated an independent sales agency for 15 years, helping a number of traditional and new age boiler manufacturers come to grips with the application of their products in modern hydronic systems, and just recently worked with a start-up boiler manufacturer while they developed and rolled out a highly successful, state-of-the-art product,” Collver said. “The point is, I worked deep within the engineering and marketing groups of these companies, and contributed to their success. I really understand the needs and concerns of contractors and technicians, code officials, educators, engineers, sales people, home owners, landlords, manufacturers and supply chain people. I have done all of those things – so I talk their language.”

The industry’s thinking about system design is skewed and a widespread reset in designing modern hydronic systems is crucial. “Condensing Boilers in Hydronic Systems” is that reset.

“The latest generation of modulating-condensing (mod-con) boilers, are working well. Customers are asking for them,” Collver explained. “The last 10 years have seen a heavy shift away from the ‘traditional’ boiler, and this trend isn’t slowing down. Those who have not yet embraced the mod-con boiler are being quickly left behind.”

In the mid-1990s, residential and light-commercial gas-fired boilers started to rapidly evolve from high-temperature, chimney-vented appliances to pressure-vented, modulating, high-efficiency condensing (mod-con) boilers. Traditional boilers were required to operate above 140°F and system design since has followed that requirement. Specifying condensing boilers, for hydronic heating systems with components regularly requiring water temperatures above 140°F, does not optimize system efficiency.

“We drill down really deep into the basics of how these boilers work, where the sweet spots are as far as applications are concerned, and how to assess an individual boiler’s capabilities, strengths and weaknesses,” Collver commented. “I talk extensively about combustion, controls, how these boilers are designed and built, how they are different from traditional boilers and how they save energy.”