Comfort and energy efficiency during the winter months depend on keeping your house warm and comfortable. The heating system you select and the medium it uses to distribute heat throughout your house are important factors to consider when trying to achieve ideal warmth. A novel approach that is gaining popularity is a heat transfer medium based on glycerin.
Because of its efficiency and versatility, glycerin—a colorless, odorless liquid that is frequently derived from plant sources—has been used in a variety of industries. It is a desirable choice for applications requiring thermal conductivity due to its capacity to hold heat. Glycerin presents a promising substitute for conventional heat transfer mediums in the field of home heating.
Glycerin-based heat transfer mediums have a number of unique benefits over water-based systems. Their capacity to function at lower temperatures without freezing, offering more reliable heating even in extremely cold weather, is one obvious advantage. Reliable performance is ensured by this resistance to low temperatures, particularly in areas that are vulnerable to severe winters.
In addition to its ability to prevent freezing, glycerin has outstanding thermal stability, which reduces the possibility of deterioration or corrosion in heating systems. In the long run, this stability is a cost-effective solution because it not only increases the lifespan of the equipment but also lowers associated costs and maintenance requirements.
- Technical characteristics of heat transfer fluids on glycerine
- Advantages of using glycerin for heating
- Disadvantages of glycerine-based heat transfer fluids
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Technical characteristics of heat transfer fluids on glycerine
Fluid for heat transfer based on glycerin
In order to avoid future unneeded problems with coolant operation and maintenance, it is important to consider the following factors when choosing to purchase a coolant made with glycerin:
- Temperature interval, in which the operation of the specified coolant will take place in normal mode, without significant loss of its consumer parameters.
- Heat capacity of glycerine, t.е. the required amount of coolant that needs to be pumped per unit of time in order to transfer the required amount of heat.
- Viscosity coefficient, which affects the circulation rate of the coolant, the value of the heat transfer coefficient and t.п. and its variation depending on the coolant temperature.
- Corrosivity, which imposes a number of restrictions on the use of coolant with glycerine additives without adding the required corrosion inhibitors, as well as on the choice of coolant circuit material.
- Safety issues of using such heat-carriers for environment and human beings.
- Lubricity, which determines the limitations imposed by the use of the specified coolant on the construction of CRM elements.
- Inertness to foaming, which directly affects the efficiency of the transfer pump.
The best option is a glycerin-based coolant, whose chemical makeup accounts for potential interactions with all materials currently used to build heating boilers and heating mains for private homes (steel, cast iron, copper, aluminum). Because otherwise there could be reactions that result in electrochemical corrosion.
It is imperative that the heating system’s glycerin contain additives to stop oxidation and foaming.
It is imperative to strictly avoid inhibitors that cause polymers (pipes, seals) to become more brittle.
Advantages of using glycerin for heating
- Heat transfer fluid, which has glycerin in its composition, has a significantly lower crystallization temperature (the freezing point of glycerin is minus 30 degrees).
- Glycerin is explosion and fire safe, t.к. It"s not flammable at all.
- Such heat transfer fluids are harmless to health.
- The level of heat transfer is significantly higher than that of other heat transfer fluids.
- CO with the specified coolant is able to operate at temperatures from -30 degrees to +105 degrees Celsius.
International standards classify glycerin for heating as a food additive with code E 422; it has no assigned hazard class.
Disadvantages of glycerine-based heat transfer fluids
- High viscosity of the coolant requires pumps of higher power and capacity, or dilution with various alcohols, including methyl alcohol.
- Strong foaming, leading to the appearance of air in the heating mains, which worsens the heat output of the network.
- The presence of glycerin sharply increases the quality requirements for seals and gaskets used in COs, which are made of plastic and non-polarized rubber.
- Significantly increases the likelihood of corrosion in the metal parts of the CO.
- High-temperature heating of glycerin leads to the formation of acrolein, which is a highly poisonous substance with an extremely unpleasant odor and tear-producing effect.
Giving preference to a non-freezing liquid, it is important to realize that the system needs a unique antifreeze based on glycerin, which is made especially for use in heating systems, rather than transformer oil, car tosol, or ethyl alcohol.
The requirements for fire safety and the chemical makeup of antifreeze in terms of the components’ safety for human health should not be disregarded.
In our article about using glycerin as a heat transfer medium for heating and insulating homes, we"ll explore how this eco-friendly and efficient solution can make your home warmer while also being kinder to the environment. Glycerin, a non-toxic and biodegradable substance, is gaining popularity as a heat transfer fluid in heating systems due to its excellent thermal properties and low environmental impact. By circulating glycerin through a closed-loop system, heat from a central source can be evenly distributed throughout your home, ensuring consistent warmth even in the coldest months. Additionally, glycerin-based systems are known for their durability and reliability, requiring minimal maintenance compared to traditional heating methods. With glycerin, you can enjoy a cozy home while reducing your carbon footprint and contributing to a more sustainable future.
Advantages | Disadvantages |
Efficient heat transfer | Can be expensive |
Non-toxic and environmentally friendly | May require special equipment for installation |
Glycerin-based heat transfer media present a viable way to increase home insulation and heating system efficiency. Through the utilization of glycerin’s distinct characteristics, like its elevated boiling point and superior thermal conductivity, homeowners can optimize the efficiency of their heating systems and curtail their energy expenditures.
The efficient transfer of heat throughout a heating system is a major benefit of glycerin-based heat transfer mediums. Glycerin can tolerate higher temperatures without evaporating because it has a higher boiling point than water. This characteristic makes it possible for glycerin to effectively transfer heat from the heat source to the targeted areas of the house, guaranteeing reliable and efficient heating.
In addition, glycerin-based heat transfer media are a greener option for heat transfer than conventional fluids. Glycerin is an environmentally friendly option for homeowners who want to lessen their impact on the environment because it is non-toxic, biodegradable, and made from renewable sources like vegetable oils.
Glycerin-based heat transfer media also lessen the chance of corrosion and mineral accumulation, which extends the life of heating systems. Glycerin is less likely to freeze than water-based fluids and is more effective at shielding pipes and other components from harm, which over time leads to fewer maintenance problems and cheaper repair costs.
In conclusion, homeowners wishing to maximize their heating systems and enhance their homes’ insulation can reap a number of advantages from glycerin-based heat transfer mediums. Glycerin-based mediums are an attractive choice for improving the comfort and effectiveness of residential heating systems because of their effective heat transfer qualities, environmental sustainability, and capacity to extend the lifespan of heating systems.