Are There Energy Losses with No Glycol in Drainback Systems?

System Instability without Glycol

Drainback systems without glycol experience thermal expansion and contraction of pipes, which can lead to reduced system performance and potential damage. As the system heats up, water expands and can create backpressure, causing the pump to work harder and reducing its lifespan. Without glycol, this expansion and contraction can also cause pipes to loosen or even rupture.

Temperature Fluctuation Impact

The temperature fluctuation caused by water expansion and contraction without glycol can lead to reduced system performance and increased maintenance costs. In a typical drainback system, temperatures can fluctuate by as much as 30-40°F (16-22°C) between summer and winter months. This can cause the water to expand and contract, leading to reduced system efficiency and potentially causing damage to the system components.

Glycol as a Solution

Using a glycol solution in a drainback system can help mitigate these problems by preventing water expansion and contraction. A typical glycol solution is 30-50% propylene glycol, which has a freezing point of around -60°F (-51°C) and can withstand temperatures up to 180°F (82°C). By adding glycol to the system, the water can expand and contract without causing damage to the pipes or other components, ensuring the system operates efficiently and effectively throughout its lifespan.