3.9.1.3 Recirculation Systems

90.1-2019

This section describes the building descriptors for hot water recirculation systems. The baseline building has a recirculation system when the proposed design does. This is one aspect of the water heating system configuration (see above).

 

Recirculation System Name

Applicability

All recirculation systems

Definition

A unique descriptor for each water heating recirculation system

Units

Text, unique

Input Restrictions

Where applicable, this should match the tags or descriptions that are used on plans such that a plan reviewer can make a connection

Baseline Building

The naming convention of the baseline building shall be similar to the proposed design

 

Pumping Power

Applicability

All recirculation systems

Definition

The electric demand of the pumps when the recirculation system is operating. This input is a function of the flow rate, the pumping head, the motor efficiency, and the pump efficiency. Some software may allow each of these factors to be separately entered.

Units

Watts (W)

Input Restrictions

Pumping power shall be consistent with the piping configuration, flow rate, and equipment specified on the construction documents

Baseline Building

Pumping power in the baseline building shall be the same as the proposed design unless specific measures are included in the proposed design to reduce the pumping power. Example measures could include reducing pumping head by oversizing distribution piping or specifying premium efficiency motors or pumps.

 

Schedule

Applicability

All recirculation systems

Definition

An on/off or fraction schedule that indicates when the recirculation system is expected to be operated

Units

Data structure: schedule, on/off or fraction

Input Restrictions

The schedule for operation of the recirculation system shall be consistent with the design intent of the system. Hotels, hospitals, and other 24x7 institutional buildings will typically have a system that runs continuously. The schedule should be consistent with the controls called for on the construction documents: no control (runs constantly), timer control, temperature control, timer/temperature control, or demand control.

Baseline Building

Recirculation schedules for the baseline building shall be the same as the proposed design

 

Piping

Applicability

All recirculation systems

Definition

The heat loss rate of piping for recirculating systems. This may be defined separately for pipe that is exposed to outdoor conditions, indoor or semi-heated conditions, or buried underground conditions.

Units

Btu/h-°F specified separately for outdoor, indoor, or buried locations

Input Restrictions

In accordance with Standard 90.1-2019, Section G3.1.3.6, piping heat losses are not modeled for the proposed building

Baseline Building

Piping losses shall not be modeled for the baseline building.