Vapor vacuum heating systems and integration with condensing vacuum boilers

A heating system having a closed-loop two-pipe vapor vacuum distribution sub-system having periodic condensate return, the heating system comprising:

• a vapor source adapted to generate vapor, the vapor source comprising a boiler, said boiler comprising an evaporating section and a condensing section;
• one or more radiators, each radiator comprising a float check valve on a radiator condensate return line adapted to periodically return condensate from the radiator at a temperature below approximately 100° F., wherein at least one radiator entrance comprises a control valve adapted to control vapor flow into the radiator based on a temperature in the radiator's location;
• a feeder conduit connecting said vapor source to said radiators;
• a return conduit for returning condensate from each radiator back to said vapor source, wherein said return conduit contains no steam traps;
• a vacuum pump to evacuate air from the system, wherein the vapor source, the feeder conduit, and the return conduit are air-tight;
• a temperature sensor adapted to sense a temperature of the vapor leaving the vapor source;
• a pressure sensor adapted to sense a pressure of the vapor;
• and
• a control unit for controlling the vapor source and the vacuum pump based on the temperature and the pressure sensed by the temperature sensor and the pressure sensor to maintain a predetermined vacuum level and a predetermined temperature of the vapor.

A heating system having a closed-loop two-pipe vapor vacuum distribution sub-system, the heating system comprising:

• a boiler adapted to generate vapor, the boiler comprising a burner, an evaporating section and a condensing section;
• one or more radiators;
• a feeder conduit connecting said evaporating section of said boiler to said radiators;
• a return conduit for returning condensate from each radiator back to said condensing section of said boiler at a return condensate temperature below approximately 100° F. sufficient for condensing water from flue gas from the burner in the boiler;
• and
• a vacuum pump to evacuate air when the boiler is idle to a vacuum level of at least 20 inches Hg at a vapor temperature below approximately 100° F., wherein the boiler, the feeder conduit, and the return conduit are air-tight.