TDIVan
New member
Hey Folks,
I'm starting a thread on a hydronic-based build I'm working on for my Vanagon Syncro camper. The schematic shows the general function of the system. There are a few new concepts here but, in general, this is a normal build found in most yachts, river long boats, and commercial boats. It is also more common in RV Vehicles across the pond. The primary companies that outfit this type of system are Webasto and Eberspacher (Espar), more commonly used in the US/Canada for Air-based heaters. The primary reason you don't find hydronic as much in this hemisphere is that it has been targeted towards diesel-powered vehicles common in the rest of the world but rarer here. The most common use of this diesel furnace is for pre-heating commercial diesel trucks.
I thought I'd show the parts as I start building it out as a working model before laying it out in the van. The heart of the system is an Eberspacher D5WS diesel furnace. There are smaller and larger furnaces but for the small Vanagon camper, I think this is just right. You do not need to have a diesel engine to use a diesel-based furnace for cabin heating and hot water. In fact there are models for regular petrol too. You can also install a small diesel tank for the furnace in your gas-powered vehicle. My goal for the van is international overland and so I'm focusing the rest of my vehicle on readily available parts throughout the world and only one source of fuel, the most common throughout the world, and the one that does not let off flammable gasses; diesel. My Vanagon Syncro has been fitted with a 2003 VW 1.9L TDI. Everything in the van uses either Diesel, 120/240 VAC, Solar, Wind, or Hydro-kinetic power. The van is set up to last a long-time off-grid in any weather. The first picture shows the schematic with the components of the system and integration points (without electrical connections for now).
The next photos show the individual components to build the system, some pieces are still in shipping and I'm still deciding on the exact plumbing. Wiring will be all attached to my cabin batteries system which is isolated from the starting system,
The digital "Panel" on left is a touch screen backed by a Raspberry Pi micro-computer (all the computer parts under $150). The idea is to use a simple program on the micro computer for controlling three valves, three pumps, reading two temperatures (air & water), reading whether I have 120VAC connected, and cycling on the hot water heater as needed, I will be able to control everything from the touchscreen (or the same app on my phone). The scenarios work for both On or Off-grid, Van running or resting, and which of the three functions I want, when I want them; Hot water, Cabin heat, and/or Diesel-engine pre-heating. To reduce chances of stranded-class failure of any of the sub-systems, all three fluid systems; Engine anti-freeze, Glycol, and Fresh water are all isolated with heat-exchangers. Any of the switches and valves can be operated manually with a quick change-out. It is possible to do all of this without the computer and I will demonstrate that first.
Some interesting scenarios to include:
1. Its cold outside and the van is connected to the grid. Use the 120V system (calorifier/water heater) to heat the engine and cabin remotely from my phone
2. I'm off-grid and I want to keep the van interior at 70 degrees between 6pm and 10pm, then reduce to 60 degrees until 7am, then back up to 70 degrees or until I "pause" it.
3. I'm off-grid or on-grid and I want warm water for dishes and showers for an hour with a single click
4. I'm filling up the kiddie pool with 50 gallons of warm water from the river, saving my stored water, filtered too.
5. I'm snowboarding at 6,000 feet. I want to come back to the van at 6pm with 75 degrees inside and a tank full of hot water.
I'll follow up as I progress and look forward to feedback from those that can give it. thanks!
I'm starting a thread on a hydronic-based build I'm working on for my Vanagon Syncro camper. The schematic shows the general function of the system. There are a few new concepts here but, in general, this is a normal build found in most yachts, river long boats, and commercial boats. It is also more common in RV Vehicles across the pond. The primary companies that outfit this type of system are Webasto and Eberspacher (Espar), more commonly used in the US/Canada for Air-based heaters. The primary reason you don't find hydronic as much in this hemisphere is that it has been targeted towards diesel-powered vehicles common in the rest of the world but rarer here. The most common use of this diesel furnace is for pre-heating commercial diesel trucks.
I thought I'd show the parts as I start building it out as a working model before laying it out in the van. The heart of the system is an Eberspacher D5WS diesel furnace. There are smaller and larger furnaces but for the small Vanagon camper, I think this is just right. You do not need to have a diesel engine to use a diesel-based furnace for cabin heating and hot water. In fact there are models for regular petrol too. You can also install a small diesel tank for the furnace in your gas-powered vehicle. My goal for the van is international overland and so I'm focusing the rest of my vehicle on readily available parts throughout the world and only one source of fuel, the most common throughout the world, and the one that does not let off flammable gasses; diesel. My Vanagon Syncro has been fitted with a 2003 VW 1.9L TDI. Everything in the van uses either Diesel, 120/240 VAC, Solar, Wind, or Hydro-kinetic power. The van is set up to last a long-time off-grid in any weather. The first picture shows the schematic with the components of the system and integration points (without electrical connections for now).
The next photos show the individual components to build the system, some pieces are still in shipping and I'm still deciding on the exact plumbing. Wiring will be all attached to my cabin batteries system which is isolated from the starting system,
The digital "Panel" on left is a touch screen backed by a Raspberry Pi micro-computer (all the computer parts under $150). The idea is to use a simple program on the micro computer for controlling three valves, three pumps, reading two temperatures (air & water), reading whether I have 120VAC connected, and cycling on the hot water heater as needed, I will be able to control everything from the touchscreen (or the same app on my phone). The scenarios work for both On or Off-grid, Van running or resting, and which of the three functions I want, when I want them; Hot water, Cabin heat, and/or Diesel-engine pre-heating. To reduce chances of stranded-class failure of any of the sub-systems, all three fluid systems; Engine anti-freeze, Glycol, and Fresh water are all isolated with heat-exchangers. Any of the switches and valves can be operated manually with a quick change-out. It is possible to do all of this without the computer and I will demonstrate that first.
Some interesting scenarios to include:
1. Its cold outside and the van is connected to the grid. Use the 120V system (calorifier/water heater) to heat the engine and cabin remotely from my phone
2. I'm off-grid and I want to keep the van interior at 70 degrees between 6pm and 10pm, then reduce to 60 degrees until 7am, then back up to 70 degrees or until I "pause" it.
3. I'm off-grid or on-grid and I want warm water for dishes and showers for an hour with a single click
4. I'm filling up the kiddie pool with 50 gallons of warm water from the river, saving my stored water, filtered too.
5. I'm snowboarding at 6,000 feet. I want to come back to the van at 6pm with 75 degrees inside and a tank full of hot water.
I'll follow up as I progress and look forward to feedback from those that can give it. thanks!
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