HTF heater Vs Electric Heater - Selection Guidelines

[vjr0512]

Dear all,

We are executing a LNG Plant in North Arctic Region where HTF heaters are used for central/space heating in all spaces. Now, we received comment from client indicating if the capacity is less than 30kW then electric heaters shall be used. Can someone advise how this decision could have been taken by them? This will help me to understand the concept in detail and so that I will apply these views in my future projects. Thanks to share your expertise.

Regards
J

 

[willard3]

To start, what is an HTF heater? High temperature fluid?

 

[vjr0512]

Heat Transfer Fluid normally a mixture of glycol and water

 

[quark]

'Why 30 kW' is a question only your client can answer. Typically, electrical heaters are cheaper and easy to operate. If reheat requirement is higher (this is very subjectivity comes in to picture), then choosing hot oil reduces your operational cost.

Further, you can get more precise control with hot oil.

 

[LittleInch]

I can't think its anything more than a ball park number where the cost of a central facility and the piping distribution system outweighs the cost of electric wiring and single point heaters ( convection or fan driven). Whether this includes the efficiency and cost of the electricity or whatever heats your HTF is unknown. This can often make the decision a different one or a different power.

For most domestic environments, condensing natural gas boilers and radiators using water are long term much cheaper than electric heaters in each room. I guess my house would have a requirement for >30kW if located in the artic... However if I had to include the capital cost of the gas supply it might be electric.

Remember - More details = better answers
Also: If you get a response it's polite to respond to it.

 

[EnergyProfessional]

What did the client say when you asked them for clarification?

 

[willard3]

I think the cost of energy influences this cost. If they are making their own power, elec could be pretty reasonable compared to the piping/operating cost of HTF.

 

[itsmoked]

I'm betting the extra cost and service requirements of HTF in the arctic are far enough higher than simple put-them-anywhere-mass-produced electric heaters that they trump HTF. This is even in a natural-gas-for-nearly-nothing environment.

Keith Cress
kcress -

http://www.flaminsystems.com