Alde flow

[Mel]

Not so long ago there was a thread on here about having continuous hot water in the shower. Someone will post a link, I 'm sure. The technical opinion was that this wasn't going to be possible in any practical way. Anyway, I was just watching Caravanfinder TVs ( second episode from nec show) and it featured a new gizmo which will probably be available as a retro fit if you already have alde heating. It was called Alde flow and it promised continuos hot water. OK you will need an existing Alde system and a mains water hook up ( or a humungous aquaroll ) but it sounds good.
Mel

 

[ProfJohnL]

Having watched the episode, I was not especially impressed with equipment on display, it looked rather complex and they failed completely to tell us how much hot water it produced.

 

[Dustydog]

I too saw the presentation and was impressed. The one shown was a prototype. Weighs 3.5kgs empty. Not available until 2016?? cost estimated at £450ish. Seems it piggy backs on existing boiler double heating the main hot water.
The final product is allegedly an easy dealer fit or can be fitted at Alde own workshop.
On the face of it a very useful piece of kit. But yet untried nor currently available.

 

[Mel]

Always someone pouring cold water. B) :cheer: :cheer: :cheer:
Mel

 

[Dustydog]

I'd buy it :cheer:

 

[ProfJohnL]

Not that I'm likely to be in the market to buy one, but before I'd even consider putting my name down, I need to see much more of the technical specification, because basically to raise a quantity of water through a specified temperature change requires a well defined amount of heat input energy, and that is one thing that is quite restricted in touring caravans.

 

[Dustydog]

Do I detect a hint of green mist Prof :cheer: B) :silly:
No one ever thought the Carver systems would be any good but when I had one which replaced an old Ascot type heater I was delighted.
Alde are an International company employing many Graduate engineers who judging by their current range of products are pretty good at what they do.
In this day and age of Consumer protection Laws it will be a very foolish Company who brings something to the market that doesn't work never mind the brand reputation , err VW excepted

 

[ProfJohnL]

Hello Dusty,
I’m not implying the product won’t work, but I do have concerns about how well it may work, and whether it’s actually a product we need or is just one that sounds good for one-upmanship.

If this product does what it the video report implies then it must be an instantaneous water heater. There is some advantage to that principle as you only heat water when you need it.

There have been IWH before but because of their open flues and low efficiencies were outlawed.

But who would need continuous hot water if you have a systems that already provides hot water? - quite an expensive add on for very little advantage, in my view