12V DC and engine hydronic heat system

[chollyjohn]

I had an idea for winter boating and keeping my open salon area comfy while the engine is running and also when not running.

There are hydronic heating systems that run off of 12V DC battery power. Ok if engine is running but can be a tough drain on battery itself and amp hours, I assume would be limited.

Here's my quesiton. :smt100Anyone aware of a system that can be connected to a hydronic heating element (similar to that of automobile) that works off the cooling system of the engine and similar to how the heat exchangers work on a hot water heater. You would have a flow valve to control hot water flow and the amount of heat generated from the coil and a fan to push air over the coil.

Then when the engine is not running you could incorporate the 12V DC unit to heat the water. My only concern is having heat while I am running. (of course many have the option of their reverse heat pumps run off a genrator) but no a/c unit on my boat nor generator.

Anyone got some ideas or knowledge of such a system.???

Otherwise it may be a good project to make such a heater using a auto coil, fan and modulating valve. Any general craftsmen/craftswomen out there?:huh:

 

[Sundancer]

Most hydronic systems use engine heat just like a car heater. The only 12 volt power required is to run the fan, just like a car. I think what you are wondering is if you can run heat from your hot water tank when you engines are cold, right? That could work if your shore power was plugged in, but most folks just bring a small ceramic heater for those instances.

Here is one that happens to be in my backyard and no, I don't work for them!

http://www.heatercraft.com/category.aspx?categoryID=1

 

[chollyjohn]

You got it right the first time. The way I thought it was is that the heater was 12V DC....I understand now that its the water from engine goes thru the coil and the Voltage is for fan only....yeah that makes sense to me now. Thankx for that clarity. Now I need only research a model that I dont have to mount permenantly. I'd liketo mount it under the dinette in the salon which would also make water connects to the engine closely available.

 

[Sundancer]

You can put the box that contains the heat exchanger just about anywhere as long as it's not in the engine compartment. The fan is not approved for use there and you don't want to suck air from the engine compartment to distribute throughout the boat anyway! Then you don't have to remove it and it's usually out of the way. You just run the ducts to each compartment where you need heat.

 

[chollyjohn]

Thankx SUNDANCER. yeah I found a website HEATCRAFT. Has several models that may just do what I want and still affordable and easily installed. Winter boating wont seem so cold anymore.