Automation of heating systems. Why do we need automation for heating
Multifunctional devices BM8036 and NM8036 manufactured by Master Kit can be used as the central part of the heating, cooling, ventilation, etc. control system. Based on the NM8036, one of our customers decided to make home heating control automation and described in detail the process of implementing his idea:
“In the article Automatic heating for the home, I wrote about what kind of automation is needed for a heating system with a water thermal accumulator (WTA). Based on the desired algorithm and the features of the heating system of this kind, I came to the conclusion that we need a programmable control unit that performs not only the functions of a thermostat, but also a timer with a calendar.
In principle, you can just take an old computer, some kind of Pentium 2nd, write a program for it that will perform all the desired functions - and that's the end of it. I confess that I still have not lost this mood. However, I suddenly remembered such a company where you can buy a lot of different kits for a wide variety of tasks. This is Master Kit.
And I must say that this company supplies various kits for assembling electronic devices. What is a kit? This is usually a printed circuit board and a set of parts for assembly. True, there are already assembled, ready-made devices. I, in fact, used this service before, collected something ... And now, after digging quite a bit in its catalog, I found a device that, in general, fully meets my requirements. This is a 4-channel timer-thermostat NM8036.
There is also an analogue of such a thermostat in the catalog, but already for 8 channels: BM8036.
* the device is delivered soldered with installed power keys, complete with a case and 8 temperature sensors
If you take a closer look at both options, then my personal choice: 4-channel. Why? It is easy to expand up to 12 channels. More precisely, both devices can be converted into a 12-channel version. That is, install 12 devices under his control. And this is not my invention, the Master Kit website talks about all this. My choice fell on NM8036 as it is cheaper. However, the use of one or another option depends on the tasks, the ability to solder, etc. (it will be easier and more convenient for someone to use the finished device).
What kind of devices can these be? Well, for example, electric valves of the heating system, circulation pumps, electric heaters, fans, electrically controlled valves ... Eka blew me away. Gate valves, fans ... So, I'm already estimating that this thermostat will not only control the heating system, but also maintain the optimum storage temperature for vegetables in the basement.
It is not superfluous to note at the same time that you can connect to the inputs of this device simply great amount temperature sensors. Digital sensors with high accuracy. And for gourmets from electronics, it is also possible to connect a couple more analog sensors to the ADC inputs.
But the highlight of this unit is not even that. Its software core allows programming work without knowledge of any programming languages. Everything is at the level of human understanding in Russian. Although, of course, a person who is far from such things will probably find it difficult to cope with this. At least not right away, not immediately.
But what I especially liked was the fact that this device can be connected to a computer and mocked over it no longer with the help of its regular buttons, but from the computer keyboard. Viewing the program, changing it, uploading new versions of firmware… Is it difficult, Master? I don't know, I don't think so. Today is such a century that 12-year-old grandchildren, no longer looking at the buttons on the keyboard, are beating. I'm dumber than them, right? Dudki, they won't catch up with us!
Well, in short, I assembled this device, debugged it. Now there is a trifle left: to place the temperature sensors in their places and create a program according to the algorithm that I need for the system to work. And this is by no means unrealistic. Look, Master, read how many people already use this thermostat. I did not make any discovery here, I just found what I need, and at an affordable price.
Well, what is required for the complete assembly of my control unit? So I figured it out on my Wishlist-motels and decided to use all 12 channels at once. Maybe not immediately, but the control unit must be assembled completely. That's why:
But today I did not start a story in order to repeat this instruction. There are various pitfalls and cobblestones that are not mentioned in the instructions, but in my practice I either stumbled or miraculously avoided one, but I could stumble. This is what I'll talk about.
I will not tell and show how to solder elements to a printed circuit board. Of course, this is not done with blowtorch and a certain minimum skill is, of course, highly desirable. Here the rules are simple: accuracy and attentiveness, conclusions and contact pads, try not to overheat.
There are schemes with sets, lists of elements are enclosed, names are written on the elements - have, as they say, eyes and hands. But I want to remind you of one thing: after assembly, cleaning and washing, do not rush to immediately turn it on. Take, Master, a larger magnifying glass and carefully check each soldering. EVERYONE! So that the circle is even, so that the closing snot of solder does not stretch from it to other contacts. The lion's share of malfunctions arises precisely from poor-quality soldering.
Correctly insert the processor (controller) into the socket. This is the largest microcircuit, it has a notch at the end, indicating the beginning of the conclusions. The wiring diagram shows where this notch should look.
Collected? Checked? Now check again. Control shot before launch. Shot? Well, cross yourself on the image and poke the power connector. Just keep in mind that if you put it in the wrong place, the pleasure will be doubtful, and the result is not the same.
Look, there are two smaller connectors near the COM connector - on the right and on the left. The one on the right is a connector for connecting sensors. And the power connector is the one to the left of COM. So, the power connector pokes very well into the sensor connector. Be careful, otherwise you risk running into trouble.
COM connector. For what? To connect to a computer... and more. The controller outputs for controlling the loads OUT0, OUT1, OUT2 and OUT3 are connected to the contacts of the same connector (see connector XS1 in the diagram). That is, these 4 outputs can be used directly from this connector.
Not bad, of course, but if you do not use them here, but use the connector only for connecting to a computer, then do not try to use any cable to connect. In this cable, wires to the output contacts can also be soldered. It is not known how this may end. It says in the instructions how to unsolder the cable to connect to the computer - just do it.
Further. These little blue terminal blocks (XS6 - XS9), to the left of the connectors, can be omitted altogether if you intend to use the NM4411 kits for control. Moreover, you can also not solder all the elements that are provided in these output stages. Everything that is on this fragment of the NM8036 circuit (there are 8 more resistors and 4 optocouplers).
These elements are not needed (less rations - a more reliable device). But how then to connect the outputs of the controller with the inputs of the NM4411? Duc, like ... directly.
I said that nominally in this set there are only 4 outputs, to which, accordingly, only 4 loads can be connected. And the software, controller firmware can provide work with 12 loads. In this case, each of them is connected directly to the controller's contacts (although, of course, the first 4 can be taken from the COM connector, normally).
How about directly?
If you look at the NM8036 board from the side of soldering, then its appearance will be approximately the same as in this figure (click on it to enlarge). The outputs of the control channels from the 1st to the 12th are numbered with the corresponding numbers. Also numbered are two analog inputs (A1 and A2), which are also processed by the new controller firmware.
If, Master, you watched the assembly video, then, of course, you noticed a bundle of wires soldered to the controller pins on the back of the board. Using this flagellum, I connected the indicated pins to the connector on the additional board.
And there another harness has already gone, from this connector to the NM4411 executive relay boards and two switches, which are connected to the analog inputs of the controller. What are switches for? I put them to switch the operating modes of the heating system.
The heating control of a private house with a boiler and a heat accumulator is not solved unambiguously. It's not just "turned on and off". The operation of the boiler for the accumulation of thermal energy is already a separate mode, different from the mode of heat consumption. My first switch is to turn on / off the "Boiler" mode, which just corresponds to the operation of the boiler.
The second switch in my case turns on the heating of the bath. In standby mode, the temperature is maintained at 16 degrees in the rooms of the dressing room, washing and sauna. When the heating is turned on, the temperature in the sink rises to 35 degrees.
The mode switch circuit is simple, it is a pair of 1 kΩ resistors soldered to the toggle switch. The top resistor in the circuit is connected to terminal 10 of the controller (VCC, +5V supply), and the bottom resistor is connected to terminal 11 (GND, common).
It remains to supplement this article with considerations for choosing a corps. Very successful in my case was the choice of a plastic case, which was caught in one of the local electrical stores. Some tightness in it was completely compensated by a rather appropriate transparent window for placing the NM8036 unit with a display under it. It also houses the power supply and 3 NM441 control boards, 4 channels each.
The keyboard and toggle switches of the mode switches were fixed on the inside of the lid. Thus, a good heating control unit for a private house turned out.
To be continued..."
Automation for heating systems
All owners of private houses, when deciding on a heating device, are faced with such a concept as automation of heating systems. But not many understand what it is, or rather, not everyone knows what this system consists of.
It is clear without words that automation is designed to improve and simplify control over the operation of heating. It is she who frees a person from the constant regulation of the temperature regime inside the house. But not all the townsfolk trust various devices, trying to control everything personally, that is, manually. And this is the cost of your free time. And the reliability of operation often depends on this.
But back to automation. Usually, this concept means a certain number of different devices that mainly monitor the operation of the heating boiler. The word itself already says that with the help of a complex of devices, some process is automated. That is, it is not you who control and regulate the process yourself, but the devices of the automation system, which is very convenient. Let's add to everything that has been said and the fact that automatic control is more accurate and almost error-free.
The modern level of development of science and technology allows you to automate any process. And heating is no exception. The most interesting thing is that this applies to any stage of the operation of the heating system of your own house. For example, you can set up automatic fuel supply to the boiler burner, and, accordingly, change the temperature of the coolant. You can regulate the removal of combustion products and increase the safety criteria for the operation of the boiler, as well as other elements and devices. We encounter many automated processes on a daily basis, so we have some understanding of them.
But the main criterion for the quality work of the heating system is maintaining the required temperature inside the premises of the house. It is on this that I would like to dwell in more detail. Why?
- First, it is the main function of heating.
- Secondly, it is with these devices that most questions arise.
Currently, the market offers a fairly large range of monitoring and control devices, which differ from each other in functionality, accuracy of readings and performance. Therefore, there is a need to understand their main types in more detail.
thermostatic valve
This automation device was specially invented in order to be able to control and regulate the temperature inside each individual room of the house. Install it on heating appliances- radiator or underfloor heating circuit. The principle of its operation is quite simple. You just need to turn the thermal head of the valve on which there is a risk to the temperature you need. The numbers are printed on the valve body. And that's where your involvement ends.
Everything else is done automatically. When the air temperature inside the room becomes higher than the set one, the valve will close the coolant supply to the radiator. When the temperature drops, it will open the supply. This is a kind of cycle in which the valve is constantly in operation. As you can see, the principle of operation of the device is very simple.
The most important thing is that this scheme will work regardless of whether we regulate the supply of coolant in the boiler. And it doesn't matter which boiler will be used. Such thermal valves can be mounted in heating, where there are boilers operating on solid, liquid or gaseous fuels. And even if an electric heating boiler is installed in the system, they are also appropriate. This is especially true with solid fuel units, when it is quite difficult, and sometimes simply impossible, to regulate the temperature by supplying fuel.
Radiator thermostats Danfoss
But note that in this specific case there is no talk of savings. It is simply impossible to do this with this device. And that's why:
- By choosing just such a temperature controller, we increase thermal power the heater itself by about 15%. That is, if the valve is not installed, then you can choose a radiator with less power. So, automation in this regard played a cruel joke with us. An increase in power leads to an increase in the cost of the heating device.
- The heating boiler in this mode operates in not very comfortable conditions. First of all, this affects fuel consumption, and secondly, on the life of the unit. Imagine how many times a day, for example, a gas boiler should turn on and off. Anyone who is a car enthusiast knows that gas consumption is always more in the city than on the highway. Because the traffic in the city is intermittent (traffic lights, crossings, intersections), and you always have to stop, then slow down. FROM solid fuel boilers even more problems. It is almost impossible to regulate the fuel supply in them, so the likelihood that such a boiler will boil is very high.
- And one more thing, which is determined by the human factor. To save energy, you will need to reduce the temperature of the coolant during your absence from the house. How to do it? There are two options. The first is to reduce the fuel supply to the boiler. The second is to set the temperature in reduced mode on each thermal valve. Will you do it every day is a big question. Practice shows that most often this is simply forgotten.
And the last. The thermostatic valve is expensive. Multiply its price by quantity heating batteries- and you get quite a serious amount.
Room temperature controller
Temperature controller Vaillant calorMATIC 470
If you are interested in modern automation for heating, then it should be noted that at present, manufacturers offer quite unique technologies that meet all the requirements and standards of our time. These types include the room regulator of the heating system. Usually such a device is installed in a room. He's pinned to the wall where he controls temperature regime air. The most important thing is that this is not just a regulator - it is a whole complex of devices that turn off and turn on the fuel supply (usually this option is used in systems where gas or electric boilers) or enable and disable circulation pump(for solid fuel boilers).
What are the advantages of this type of automation?
- The device controls the air temperature in the room, and not the coolant in the batteries. And since the volume of air is much larger than the volume of water, there will be no sudden changes in temperature. This will directly affect the efficiency of the heating boiler, which will turn on and off much less often. Experts have already calculated that energy savings increase by approximately 30% from such work.
- Such a controller belongs to the category of "programmable devices". It can be programmed for a certain period, for example, for a week - set the temperature so that in your absence the air temperature drops, and rises an hour before your arrival. As you can see, the savings are clear. In addition, for every degree lowered, you get 6% fuel savings.
- There are more advanced regulators that have two sensors - one is installed in the house and the second on the street. This is necessary so that the temperature regime depends on the temperature of the outdoor air. Such a system can anticipate weather changes that affect comfort inside the home. And to be aware in advance means to be able to prevent changes without consequences. Such models are called weather dependent.
- And one more criterion, which is determined by the additional functions of the room regulators. With their help, you can control and manage the heating of water in the boiler, circuits on different floors of the house or common system and warm floors. And you can combine all functions in all circuits in one regulator and distribute heat as you wish. And the last - such automation can be controlled via the Internet or via SMS messages.
Euroster 2510TX programmable temperature controller
If we talk about the price of this device, then everything will depend on the model you choose. But keep in mind that the difference in cost is very significant. If you choose a weather-compensated programmable device, then it is 5-6 times more expensive than the simplest room regulator. But there is a way out of this situation. You can install an expensive regulator in one of the rooms, and mount manual thermostatic valves on the radiators in the rest. You set the temperature on the programmable device, and adjust the valves manually.
What is the gain? The fact is that expensive automation will affect the operation of the boiler, turning it on or off. Accordingly, thermal valves will have nothing to do with the boiler - they will only be responsible for the temperature inside their room. But there is one downside to this situation. Imagine that several people have gathered in the room where the room regulator is installed. It is clear that in this room the temperature will quickly rise. Automation will react to this, and the fuel supply to the boiler burner will be drastically reduced. Temperatures throughout the house will begin to drop. And if it is comfortable in the room where the people gathered, then it will become cool in the rest of the rooms.
The question may arise - how quickly will automation respond in this particular case? A person usually emits 100 watts of thermal energy. Multiply that by the number of people present, and there you have it. Usually, in the presence of five people, the air temperature inside a standard room rises by 1 degree in half an hour. And the further, the more intense. All the same applies to the situation of the location of the house. For example, if the controller is installed in a south-facing room, the temperature inside will always be higher than in other rooms. And all this must be taken into account when choosing automatic heat regulators.
Thermal valve plus room regulator
Radiator thermostatic valve
This "symbiosis" has already been mentioned above. But how effective will such a dual system work, and will there be a savings effect? As practice shows, the savings are obvious. And not only by reducing energy consumption, but also by purchasing inexpensive thermal valves.
The distribution of functions in this case occurs on the basis of the importance of each device. The room regulator will play the role of the main element that controls and regulates the operation of the boiler. That is, it will perform the main adjustment. Thermal valves act as an addition, with which you can adjust the temperature in the rooms depending on the conditions created inside each room.
Conclusion on the topic
Here is what concerns such a topic as automatic heating. Of course, one cannot ignore the choice of the manufacturer - one must be careful here. But this choice is not so difficult. In order not to be mistaken, you need to see if your friends, neighbors, acquaintances and colleagues have temperature controllers installed and how they behave. This will be the most objective assessment. Plus, the age of the company that offers its products in your market matters. But that's a topic for another conversation.
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AT last years more and more widespread is the process of automating the heating system of residential buildings. Specialized publications are increasingly publishing articles on weather-dependent automation of heating systems, and in general, the number of reviews on this topic is quite large. This issue requires detailed consideration, since the possibilities for temperature control are quite extensive, and this issue must be approached thoughtfully.
Methodology for controlling the heating system with weather-compensated automation
Thermal automation
The most common temperature control method is called "direct exposure". That is, to change the microclimate in the house, you need to go and with my own hands change the parameters of the heat generator (heating boiler, stove, fireplace or electric heater). Thus, maximum control over the level of temperature in the room is achieved. This approach is very effective, but rather inconvenient, since it takes effort to manage heat every time. See also: "".Alternatively, an automated heating system control unit is used. When using automation to control the temperature, it is enough to indicate the required level of heat once or set the appropriate mode, which will be maintained all the time. Most of these devices, if necessary, can independently equalize the temperature, depending on specific conditions.
Such a system can make life much easier, since with a single exposure, temperature control will be carried out automatically. If desired, you can even set individual indicators for each heated room, or distribute heat evenly. In addition, adjusting the heating intensity makes it possible to save on fuel, for example, by lowering the temperature when the owners are not at home.
Characteristics of automatic heating system control systems
At the moment, a wide range of heating automation is presented on the market. Despite the differences in design, functionality and parameters, the same requirements are imposed on all automation, the fulfillment of which is mandatory.The first and most important requirement is reliable and efficient feedback, which is achieved through the presence of highly sensitive thermal sensors. During the operation of automation, minimal temperature drops will still appear, and the task of the sensors is to prevent a noticeable difference.
Automation for heating systems should also provide energy savings, in which temperature sensors are also most directly involved: the better they are adjusted, the less often the heat generator will start - and this is a direct saving.
In addition, an important parameter when choosing automation for heating is a clear and pleasant interface that will allow you to adjust without any effort and knowledge (more: ""). You will have to pay for such simplicity, since even the simplest control panel hides a complex controller for the heating system. The reliability of these devices is very high, but the cost corresponds to the high quality.
All devices must be safe and reliable - this is a prerequisite. Installation of such systems is usually carried out by qualified specialists, but there are also models that can be installed independently.
Heating controller device
Consumers and generators
It is very important to understand why automation is needed for heating a private house at all, and how it works. Automation can work both with consumers and with heat generators. The consumers in this case include heating devices (radiators, "warm floors", etc.). To control the heat transfer of consumers, separate control elements are used, which regulate the heat. These controls may include pumps, faucets or mixers. An important nuance: with a decrease in the number of consumers on the circuit, the adjustment accuracy increases.The heat generator in the system is usually a heating boiler. Automation for a heating boiler can work in both directions, increasing or decreasing the temperature, which allows precise control of the temperature of the coolant in the pipeline. If you set the program to the system once, then it will be executed all the time, without the need for constant monitoring.
Control device types
To ensure control over the temperature regime of the heat generator or the consumer, the same device equipped with a temperature sensor is used.These devices are divided into three categories, which can work both singly and in a bundle:
- Thermostat. This device is the simplest control device in the heating system. Being located in the building, it monitors changes in air temperature. When the required temperature is reached, the thermostat sends a signal to the boiler or radiator valve, as a result of which the heating of the coolant stops or the fluid supply to the radiator is blocked. Self-installation of the thermostat is not particularly difficult: just look at the photo, which shows the diagram of its connection and operation, to make sure that such a design is simple.
- Heat carrier temperature controller. Such a device can work independently or together with a thermostat. The design works due to temperature sensors that are installed inside heating circuit. They constantly monitor changes in temperature in the system and transmit this data to the control module, which controls the mixing valve of the circuit. If it is necessary to increase the temperature, the controller can perform this task by means of a valve.
- Weather-dependent automation of heating systems. This type of device can be classified as the most complex, since such a system has to work not only with the heating circuit, but also with environment, due to which the most accurate and rational temperature control is provided.
The basic design of weather-compensated automation includes an outdoor thermometer, a thermal circuit controller and a thermostat located in the room. Despite the high cost, such a system is considered the most in demand, since it is able to provide maximum comfort that can only be "squeezed" out of heating. Weather-dependent automation of heating systems uses complex software systems, which allow to ensure maximum efficiency and economy.
For calculations, these systems use the outside temperature, on the basis of which the weather-compensated controller of the heating system makes a decision to increase or decrease the temperature of the coolant. Profitability is ensured through competent and balanced use of fuel.
Weather-compensated automation can be controlled both from its own remote control and remotely by installing the necessary software on a smartphone or tablet. In this case, you can regulate the temperature in the house, being at a distance from it.
Conclusion
Automation for heating boilers is expensive, but immediately after installation, these devices will begin to save fuel, which will affect the economic situation after a while. Besides, exactly automatic system temperature control allows you to ensure maximum comfort in the house.
Autonomous heating is an urgent need for owners country houses that do not have the ability to connect to the highway. Like any piece of equipment, it needs to be fine-tuned to achieve maximum operational efficiency. Modern technologies allow you to install the heating control unit of a private house remotely, using a cell phone, the Internet and other communication methods. This approach makes it possible to receive timely notifications of an emergency, remotely issue commands to turn off the system, and adjust the temperature by sending messages in accordance with your own requirements.
The main detail in the whole scheme is an electronic control unit, which provides slots for installing standard SIM cards for cellular communication. More technological modifications also have a connector where an electronic Internet cable is connected. Similarly, temperature sensors, pressure indicators, fire alarms and other security systems are connected to this module. Of course, to ensure feedback and the unit itself must be connected to the heating boiler.
Heating control country house carried out according to a simple, in general, scheme. The initial adjustment of the functioning is carried out, after which the central processor fixes in the memory the correct operating conditions of the system. If one of the connected sensors sends a signal about a change in these conditions, for example, the temperature starts to drop, a text message is sent to cellular telephone owner. The owner, in turn, can request the readings of other sensors in order to more fully assess the situation, send a response command with a text message to turn off the devices or continue working as usual.
The heating control system can also be based on communication through the use of the Internet. To do this, on a cell phone with access to the global network, you must first install a special application that demonstrates all the current system parameters in real time.
Tangible benefits
Consider a few situations in which the scheme is guaranteed to be useful:
- You return to the cottage from a week-long business trip or vacation, during all this time no one lived there. On the way from the airport, you send a text message, send a signal to start heating. By your arrival, the microclimate in all rooms will be as comfortable and pleasant as possible.
- You set the boiler to an economical mode, which excludes freezing of the coolant in the pipes, and leave. Unexpectedly, a failure occurs, the coolant cools rapidly, the module detects an accident, sends you a message. You, in turn, send a response command to restart the boiler. If this measure does not bring results, it is worth calling the emergency service. This method eliminates the possibility of freezing of the coolant in the pipes, which will inevitably lead to a rupture and huge financial costs for restoration.
- If you want to know the current situation in the house, send the appropriate command. The response message contains information about the air temperature in the controlled premises, the level of humidity, and the current temperature of the system coolant.
- arose dangerous situation with a gas boiler: the fuel supply circuit is depressurized, there is a high concentration of the composition. With a response message, the heating system is transferred to a backup energy source, the problem is eliminated by specialized services.
Set of modules and installation features
Heating control in country house according to the GSM standard, it assumes the presence of the following elements:
- A unit equipped with slots for installing cellular cards and power cables.
- Auxiliary remote antenna that improves signal quality.
- An integrated battery that maintains the device's performance when the centralized power supply is turned off. Please note that with autonomous power, functionality decreases significantly. For example, the unit will not be able to signal a restart gas boiler, for this there is simply not enough voltage. The built-in battery should last approximately 3 days of operation. Many models require the connection of an additional power source.
- temperature sensors. In most cases, their maximum number is limited to five.
- Additional sensors for security and fire alarms, water supply breakthroughs, unauthorized opening of windows and doors.
Thus, not just a heating control system, but a full-fledged security complex can be formed in the house.
If we talk about the nuances of installation, then there are no particular difficulties. All devices are fixed as easily as possible. To eliminate the possibility of failure, we recommend mounting the control unit in a room where the most stable and clear cellular network signal is recorded. It is also worth contacting the operator so that advertising messages from unknown numbers do not come to the SIM card in the block, such interference often causes failures.
Functionality
The minimum set of functions that control and configure the heating system high-rise building, is as follows:
- Setting the air temperature in the premises and the temperature of the coolant;
- Formation of a text report indicating all operating parameters and further sending to the owner's phone;
- Determination of voltage stability in the home power network;
- Control of devices in case of an emergency, including emergency shutdown of the boiler;
- Maintaining the temperature in the premises at a given level, its remote adjustment.
Additional functionality depends on the exact model of the automation unit, a set of connected sensors. Practice shows that the following functions are most useful:
- Control over pressure and fuel level in diesel and wood-burning devices;
- Tracking unauthorized access;
- Activation of a fire alarm in the event of an open fire, smoke, a sharp increase in temperature;
- Leak tracking.
Please note that some blocks involve communication not with one number, but with nine at once, they are designed for storey buildings.
Summarize
It turns out that the automation of the heating system is a profitable and justified solution from all sides. The efficiency of operation increases, the risk of an emergency situation is eliminated, the comfort of living reaches maximum level. With all these advantages, the cost of setting up such a system is democratic, the devices will pay off in just a season or two!
In this article we want to talk about energy savings and automation in water heating systems for houses, cottages and other premises.
The use of automatic regulators in heating systems allows not only saving gas and energy resources, but also creating comfortable conditions in the room for which automation is installed.
Automation of the heating system is an effective tool to reduce the cost of operating a house.
Automation costs
The initial cost of devices for automating the heating system can be from 2000 rubles. and to infinity. In our article we will tell you how to get the maximum effect with minimal costs.
You just need to understand - there is no saving without spending. According to the law of conservation of energy - if you save on home insulation, you will have to pay more for gas, as well as in automation - without automation, you will also have to pay more.
However, all devices purchased for automation will soon pay off, plus they create a comfortable temperature in the house and premises, regardless of the outside temperature.
Economical gas boiler
Part of the energy resources can be saved by choosing a gas boiler. Old unregulated AOGV burn much more gas than modern boilers with advanced electronics and automation. Many boilers have weather-dependent automation (read below), which also provides small savings and comfortable conditions in the house.
Condensing boilers are widespread in the west. In a condensing boiler, flue gases that contain a lot of water vapor are cooled by passing through a heat exchanger when water enters from the return pipe. The steam condenses and its latent heat is added to the heat of combustion. Thus, an efficiency of over 100% is achieved.(relative to a similar non-condensing boiler) and, as a result, tangible energy savings.
In Russia, such boilers are usually more expensive than conventional ones and therefore have not yet received wide distribution. In the West, the state gives subsidies for energy-efficient equipment - so it is used more often there.
Another opportunity to have a small savings is the operation of a boiler (gas or any other) with a low coolant temperature (low-temperature systems) - approximately 50-60 degrees C. In such systems, boilers usually work on underfloor heating, but also for owners of houses with the usual radiator heating do not forget that with more low temperatures coolant - less heat loss.
The use of automation and regulation in water heating systems
In most private houses in Russia, heating systems operate on the basis of boiler automation. That is, the owners set the required temperature of the coolant in the pipes, for example, 65 degrees C, and the boiler maintains it. The warmer the house, the less water in the heating system cools down, and the boiler turns on less often. But such a heating system does not consume energy economically and does not automatically create comfortable conditions in the house.
Below we will consider the most common devices and at the same time quite affordable for automating heating systems.
Outside temperature sensor and weather compensation
In many modern boilers there is already weather-dependent automation, the owners of such systems only need to purchase an outdoor temperature sensor (from 800 rubles) with a cable of the required length, connect it to the boiler and make the necessary settings.
When an outdoor temperature sensor is connected to the boiler (control system controller), weather-compensated automatics are activated and the boiler itself regulates the temperature at the supply to the heating system according to the established control curve. In this case, the consumer receives increased comfort and gas savings by taking into account real weather conditions.
Room thermostat and programmable weekly thermostat
The room thermostat is used to maintain a constant set temperature in the room. It works on the principle of turning off the boiler when the desired temperature in the room is reached and turning it on when the temperature drops. The consumer receives a simple and reliable means of controlling the indoor climate.
When connecting a room thermostat to the boiler, the user can forget about the boiler as such. All he needs is to set the desired temperature in the room using a thermostat. After that, the boiler starts to work completely offline, automatically maintaining the set temperature.
Such a simple device as a conventional room thermostat, saves from 10-15% of the consumed gas. This happens due to more accurate maintenance of the temperature in the room and by reducing the number of switching on and off of the boiler. Not without reason, for example, in Italy, in normative documents mandatory requirement is to use a room thermostat.
The room thermostat can be either conventional or programmable. With a programmable weekly room thermostat, it is possible to install indoors various temperatures during the day and week. For example, drop in temperature by only 2 degrees for five hours a day(during the absence of people) immediately results in savings of at least 10% of the gas consumed.
With a long absence of people, it is possible to program a change in the climate program and the minimum required temperature (10-12 degrees) will be maintained in the house.
In our practice, during the transitional period (in autumn), the customer began to save up to 50% of gas by installing an inexpensive thermostat, about 1000 rubles, and setting it to 10 degrees C, because have not yet lived in the house.
Timer (time relay)
The timer is used for a heating system or for a hot water supply system (DHW). It serves to program the operating mode of the heating system or DHW boiler during the day or week. When working on the DHW system, the timer turns off the heating of water in the boiler at night and during the absence of people in the house. This also results in savings in gas consumption. This function can be used for boilers with a built-in boiler or with a separate DHW storage tank. When the timer turns off the DHW pump, electricity is also saved.
thermostatic heads
The radiator thermostat consists of a valve and a thermostatic head. The thermostatic head measures the temperature in the room and mechanically regulates the flow of the coolant through the thermostatic valve mounted on the radiator. Actually, the thermostatic valve on the radiator performs the same function as a conventional valve (faucet), i.e., it allows you to regulate the flow of water through the radiator.
A thermostatic head with a valve is one of the simplest elements of an automation system. They allow you to reduce the temperature in a single room without lowering the temperature in the entire heating system. Thermostatic valves are most effective in rooms with various external sources of heat (cold):
- Reduced heat transfer from the radiator when the room is heated by solar heat (for example, on the south side of the building)
- Reducing the heat transfer of the radiator in the presence of a large number of people in it (guest rooms)
- Using the full power of the radiator in case of opening a window for ventilation
Boiler with built-in automation
Separately, let's say a few words about one of the most popular boilers presented by BAXI - a third-generation wall-mounted gas boiler Luna-3 Comfort.
The main highlight of the Luna-3 Comfort series boilers is a removable digital control panel, which is also a room temperature sensor. The remote design of the control panel allows you to install it in any convenient place at home, cottage.
The digital control panel not only makes it easy to set up and instantly diagnose the boiler, but also remembers the last errors in the system. Room temperature and temperature hot water can be installed directly on the remote control panel. Boiler management has become easier thanks to a clear display of all information on a wide LCD display and temperature control buttons.
The remote control panel is also equipped with a two-level weekly timer and functions as a programmable room thermostat. This allows you to set the temperature regime for the whole week, thereby ensuring rational energy consumption. The control panel can be mounted directly on the wall, or in a standard recessed light switch box.
For the convenience of space heating and saving fuel consumption in Luna-3 Comfort boilers connection of the outdoor temperature sensor is provided for the operation of the built-in weather-dependent automation. In this case, the boiler electronics changes the temperature of the water in the heating circuit in accordance with the set climate curve. Boilers Luna3 Comfort can also be used for low-temperature heating systems (mode "warm floors" 30-45°C).