multifuel stove heating system

[bjames1955]

Although I am a qualified HETAS solid fuel engineer I do not have any experience in fitting radiators running off a backboiler. I live aboard a 53ft Harbour service launch and have a 6kW morso squirrel multifuel stove with a backboiler which I think is rated at about 3kW. I would like to run 2 small radiators off it, one up f'ard about 3m away and one aft in the main cabin again about 3m away. What is the best way to do this? Do I need a pump? an expansion tank or header tank? Can I just fit the radiators, each one higher than the boiler? Help please!

 

[Talbot]

I would seek guidance from the manufacturer.

You should also consider installing small computer fans at each heating element to distriute the heat better. (seen this done from car heating elements)

 

[bjames1955]

not much help from morso but have thought abouth the 12v fans thanks.

 

[StanFolds]

Somewhere I have a book on fitting out narrowboats that has a chapter on solid fuel heating systems, I will look it out and PM for your address if you would like to borrow it.
Stan

 

[Birdseye]

I'm old enough to remember central heating run from back boilers but I'm not a heating engineer. yes you need some sort of header tank to keep the system topped up and to allow for expansion. yes you can in principle run the system on a thermosyphon rather than having a pump. but do you have enough headroom to make this work?

but no doubt there will be rules / good practises etc about the design so maybe you had better get your hand in your pocket and pay a professional to come and do it for you. IKBA