Eberspacher Hydronic - radiators/fan matrix

[DGuthrie]

I've obtained an Eberspacher Hydronic D4 system to install in my Kingfisher 30. I want it to heat water for the washbasin and also run either a set of mini-radiators or a fan matrix blower.
Does anyone have any experience of fitting this type of system and if so can you help me with a source for really small panel radiators and/or for a fan matrix. Advice on fitting would be much appreciated. I've tried searches on Google and all sorts, but without success.

 

[boatbuilder]

Car heater matrix from the breakers should fit the bill. Its ben in PBO countless times, try a search.

 

[PBooth]

Hi, try Clayton Heaters of coventry, they make a range of heater matrix/fan assemblies, also stedall sell these type of units. Make sure that your matrix's have a high enough output to suit the Hydronic (it sounds like a DW5, 5kw) so have matrix's with a total output of more than 5Kw (the output will be marked on them), otherwise, the Hydronic will be switched on and off constantly by it's internal thermostat (Hydronics only have 1 heat setting).

Peter

 

[DGuthrie]

Thanks, gents. I'll run a search. But keep 'em coming!
Oh yes, another thing ... I'd be happier to run it from its own fuel tank: I'm not keen on tapping into the engine supply. Anyone done this? Any wrinkles?

 

[pvb]

Fan matrix...

Both Eberspacher and Webasto sell 12v fan matrix units, typically around £200-250 for a 2kW output. Google for 12v "fan matrix" to get results.

You could use a car heater unit, but you'll find the blower fan is very power hungry. To get sufficient heat output with panel radiators will require a large surface area, and it wouldn't be practical in a small boat.

I'd question whether the Hydronic is really the best solution for your boat. With the D4 itself taking 4A, the fan matrix heaters taking about 1A each, and the possible need for a separate circulation pump, the system could easily draw nearly 7A - much more than a comparable air heater. (Note that the Eberspacher/Webasto fan matrix units have special low-current fan motors; the commercial fan matrix units from people like Stedall draw much more current, eg 4.5A for a 4kW mini matrix).

 

[pvb]

Hydronic heat settings...

[ QUOTE ]
...Hydronics only have 1 heat setting...

[/ QUOTE ]
The Eberspacher Hydronic D4 water heater has 2 heat settings, about 4.3kW and 2.4kW. It will cycle between these settings according to the water temperature. If the max water temperature is exceeded, the heat switches off altogether, although the unit still draws current as the water pump keeps running.

 

[npf1]

Re: Hydronic heat settings...

Speak to these guys: http://www.kuranda.co.uk/

 

[rivalranger]

Matrix fans

www.ketogroup.com they are a webasto dealer but source and supply their own matrix fans, talk to Toby.

http://www.kuranda.co.uk/kalori-heater-matrix/index.php kalori seem to be the matrix fans that eberspacher sell if you buy from them.

 

[pcatterall]

I bought a D5W to heat my boat. I obtained two mini car heaters and set it all up in my garage.
It all worked well but the heaters were noisy and used quite a bit of electricity. Some more sophisticated ex car heaters which you could turn the fan down on would help.
If you want to go the whole hog and fit it into your engine so you can prewarm your engine then It is a good idea. It got too complicated for me so I sold the kit and fitted a simple blown air eber.
Ive just another d5w though, this is for my tranny camper and will also warm the engine!!
Good luck.

 

[Dave100456]

I have just fitted central heating to my boat and pm'd you - happy to discus same. I have some radiators and a marine towel rail surplus to requirements.

 

[DGuthrie]

Wow! Thanks, everyone. This forum is just amazing!