Steam Coil: An Essential Component for HVAC Systems
![]() |
Steam Coil |
Introduction
Steam coil is an important component used in heating, ventilation, and air
conditioning (HVAC) systems. It helps in transferring heat from steam into air
for heating applications or removes heat from air for cooling applications. In
this article, we will discuss the working, types, uses, and advantages of steam
coils used in HVAC systems.
What is a Steam Coil?
A Steam
Coil also known as a steam heating coil, is a coil or compartment made
of copper tubing through which steam passes to heat or cool air in the HVAC
system. The coil has many loops of copper tubing through which steam passes. As
the steam passes through the tubing, it transfers heat to the fins attached
outside the tubing. The heated or cooled fins then transfer the heat to the air
blowing over them. This helps in either heating or cooling the air as required
by the HVAC system.
Working of a Steam Coil
The working of a steam coil is as follows:
- Steam at high pressure and temperature enters one end of the coil from the
boiler.
- As the steam passes through the coil tubing, it loses heat to the fins
attached outside. This causes the steam to condense into water.
- The condensed water then drains out from the other end of the coil by
gravity.
- The fins attached to the coil tubing absorb the heat released by condensing
steam.
- Air blown over these heated fins gains heat and becomes warm air. This warm
air is then distributed through ductwork for space heating purposes.
Types of Steam Coils
There are mainly two types of steam coils based on their application in HVAC
systems:
1. Heating Coil: As the name suggests, heating coils are used for heating
applications where steam passes through the coil tubing to heat up the air
circulated over it.
2. Reheat Coil: Reheat coils are used in air conditioning systems where the
cooled air from the A/C unit is passed over the steam coil to add a bit of heat
or humidity before distributing it to the conditioned space. This prevents the
air from becoming too dry.
Uses of Steam Coils
Some key uses of steam coils in HVAC systems include:
- Space Heating: Steam coils placed inside air handling units or fan coils are
used to heat up circulated air for space heating in buildings.
- Reheat: Reheat coils in variable air volume (VAV) systems add precise amounts
of reheat to cooled supply air based on thermostat demand.
- Prevent Over-cooling: Placing reheat coils just before the air distribution
system helps maintain a minimum temperature and prevents over-cooling problem.
- Humidity Control: The condensing steam adds moisture to dry cooled air in the
coil, helping maintain optimum indoor humidity levels.
Advantages of Steam Coils
Some key advantages of using steam coils over other heating elements in HVAC
systems include:
- Energy Efficient: Steam provides efficient heat transfer due to its high
thermal conductivity and latent heat of condensation. This makes steam coils an
energy-efficient choice.
- Flexibility: Steam coils offer excellent part-load performance and precise
temperature control. Their output can be adjusted simply by regulating the steam
pressure and flow.
- Low Maintenance: Copper steam coils have long service life and require very
low maintenance if proper water treatment is carried out.
- Environmental-friendly: Unlike electric coils, steam coils do not produce
harmful emissions inside buildings. This makes them an eco-friendly option.
- Durability: Properly installed and maintained steam coils made of
corrosion-resistant copper can last over 20 years without issues.
- Economics: Though more expensive initially, steam coils are economically
viable in the long run due to their high efficiency, longevity, and low
maintenance needs.
Challenges with Steam Coils
Some potential issues faced with steam coils include:
- Condensate Drainage: Improper pitch or piping design can cause condensate
clogging issues in the coil.
- Water Hammer: Rapidly closing steam valves can produce pressure surges (water
hammer) damaging fragile components.
- Water Treatment: Failure to regularly treat boiler water leads to scale
build-up, reducing heat transfer.
- Controls Calibration: Sensitive steam pressure/flow controls require periodic
calibration to maintain temperature set-points.
- Installation Complexity: Steam piping layout requires more skill than
hydronic systems due to higher pressures and temperatures involved.
Conclusion
In conclusion, steam coils offer excellent heating performance, precise
temperature control, and proven reliability compared to other heating elements.
Though a bit more complex to install and maintain boiler water quality, steam
coils are widely used for space heating, reheat, and humidity control in
commercial HVAC applications where they play a critical role. With proper
design, installation, operation and maintenance, steam coils can deliver highly
efficient heat transfer for many years.
Get more
insights, On Steam
Coil
Comments
Post a Comment