What is the function of a heat exchanger in a hydronic system?

A heat exchanger plays a crucial role in a hydronic system by transferring heat between two fluids without allowing them to mix. This function is essential for maintaining the efficiency and effectiveness of the heating or cooling process in a hydronic system, where fluid often circulates to transfer thermal energy.

When one fluid, typically heated or chilled water, flows through the heat exchanger, it can transfer its thermal energy to another fluid that is moving in a separate pathway. This design ensures that two different fluids can exchange heat, allowing for temperature control without the risk of contamination or mixing, which is important for both maintaining system purity and optimizing thermal performance.

For instance, in a building heating system, the heat exchanger can take heated water from a boiler and transfer that heat to the water circulating through the radiators, providing warmth to the space. This process occurs efficiently without altering the chemical composition of either fluid involved, highlighting the importance of the heat exchanger's design and function within the hydronic system.