Heat exchanger retrofit kit

heinbloed

Turning a non-condensing boiler into a condensing boiler:

There are nowadays several equipments available which can turn a low-efficient non-condensing boiler into a condensing boiler. Usually these are retro-fitted between the existing boiler and the chimney flue.
The principal is to cool-down the outgoing flue gas, using this energy to pre-warm the incoming fresh air or to pre-heat circulating water.
What isn't blown out is saved.

However the chimney-flue has to be corrosive resistant due to the condensate.

These things can be installed where
a.) a high return temperature (above condensation point, for example with radiators) must be achieved and
b.) still condensation is looked for.
So the heating system's high temperature can be maintained AND condensation can be achieved. Without ruining the boiler or risking emptying the condensate trap.
We had threads here on the forum where so-called plumbers run standard condensing boilers in a non-condensing modus. An illegal practice as we know.

Reading the posts here on the forum I got the feeling that these things/retrofits are unheard off in most plumber circels, so I post this one. I have no connections to the manufacturer or traders.

If this posting/link is against forum rules please remove it.

http://www.hansa-brenner.de/en/produkte.php?kat_id=18

(look at the bottom of the page for the "heat exchanger retrofit kit")

There are many more of these kits available from different manufacturers for different situations. Check the market yourself.

Joey the lips

Ravenheat had one of these it was called the energy catcher. I use to import them. However all sites wanted was cheap. I cannot see much of joe public buying it even though when you think of it the 20 % saving equates to free hot water...Solar cant claim that...It uses electricity to pump.

There was an oil version featured on the dragons den last night. I loved the line "i get the feeling we have reinvented the steam engine when the luas has just pulled in" It reminds me of the man that said the beatles will never sell...

I agree with the judges. It might be good but it wont be the golden elixer.

What are you talking about it...? Are you planning to sell it

heinbloed

No, I'm not selling or advertising things.

The heat exchanger shown in the link needs no electricity. All it does is running the flue gas along a heat exchanger, taking the heat out of the flue gas. A similar principle like a heat recovery ventilation unit.

The only disadvantage I see when retrofitting is the need for a corrosion proof flue/chimney. But some might have that already, it shouldn't be a big issue to run a stainless steel flue straight through the wall similar to a standard condensing boiler.

Carlow52

FYI: the HE unit referred to is at bottom of the link