In December, CEO Wesley Sherrod, Marketing Manager Chloe Pool, and Business Development Manager Randy Holt spearheaded a series of four lunch-and-learn sessions. These events educated professionals in the Hydronics industry on the role of biobased propylene glycol, an eco-friendly antifreeze, in sustainable heating and cooling solutions.
What is a Hydronic System and How Does It Work?
When we say “hydronic,” we refer to heating and cooling systems that use water or water-based fluid as a medium to transfer energy. Most hydronic systems use boilers or heat pumps to heat water and circulate heated or chilled water through a network of pipes to radiators, baseboard heaters, or underfloor heating systems to distribute warmth or coolness.
While the above hydronic HVAC technology is the most common, geothermal technology is a growing form of hydronic HVAC. Geothermal HVAC systems utilize the consistent temperature of the earth to provide heating and cooling by utilizing a water-based fluid to transfer energy.
Hydronic HVAC: Heating vs. Cooling
In heating applications, hydronic systems heat by utilizing a boiler or heat pump. A heat transfer fluid is heated, and this heated fluid is then circulated through a network of pipes to various heat emitters, such as radiators, baseboard heaters, or underfloor heating systems. These emitters release heat into the space, warming the room efficiently and evenly.
Hydronic systems accomplish cooling through chillers or heat pumps. Heat transfer fluid is cooled and then circulated through the same network of pipes to cooling emitters, such as fan coil units or radiant cooling panels. These emitters absorb heat from the room, cooling the space effectively.
Why Hydronic Systems are More Sustainable Than Conventional HVAC Technologies
Conventional HVAC technologies have several significant sustainability issues. They create a considerable drain on the power grid, require regular replacement of parts and maintenance, and rely on non-renewable energy sources.
Why Do Hydronic Systems Need Antifreeze?
Before we can address sustainable antifreeze/heat transfer fluids, we need to ask: why can’t water be the fluid used for heat transfer? While water does have the ability to act as a heat transfer fluid, it does not provide adequate protection against corrosion or freezing temperatures. Hydronic Systems require an antifreeze such as glycol to protect from freezing temperatures. “Fully formulated” heat transfer fluids have inhibitor packages as well as glycol value; when combined, these elements protect against freezing temperatures and corrosion.
Why Eco-Friendly Antifreeze is the Next Step in Sustainable Heating & Cooling
Hydronic systems resolve many of the sustainability problems of conventional HVACR systems, but many hydronic systems still rely on non-renewable heat transfer fluids for the heat transfer process. That is because most heat transfer fluids are crude oil derivatives.
While other glycols are derived from crude oil, CORECHEM’s GlycoChill+ P-HD Series is a propylene glycol-based product derived from plant-based feedstock. The product is produced by extracting oil from soybeans, converting it into biodiesel and glycerol, purifying the glycerol, and then converting it into propylene glycol. GlycoChill+ P-HD Series Propylene Glycol Heat Transfer Fluid is a 100% USDA Certified Biobased Product.
Ultimately, hydronic HVAC systems are appealing for their sustainability: they are resource-efficient and the hydronic system itself lasts longer than other HVAC technologies (if properly maintained). CORECHEM provides a line of eco-friendly antifreeze products that complement the benefits of hydronic HVAC technology, matching the sustainable mission both on an environmental level and in the way they increase the life of a hydronic HVAC system through providing freeze protection and corrosion control.
Interested in being part of a more sustainable future?
CORECHEM provides sustainable heat transfer fluids at a sustainable price, with service you can count on. Contact us to learn more about our GlycoChill+ products today!
