Which solid fuel boiler to choose. Security system for solid fuel boilers
You can't argue with the fact that high-quality heating is the foundation of home comfort. But how to make it not only efficient and convenient, but also economical? The answer lies in the choice of boiler fuel - the cheapest option is currently solid fuel heating. It has a very high efficiency and requires a minimum of user attention during operation. But the most important thing is solid fuel boilers, which means heating systems based on them, almost do not depend on electricity.
Solid fuel heating equipment: main characteristics
Present on the market today great amount solid fuel models in a very wide price range. The main differences between such heating equipment are:
- Performance
The main characteristic of any heating boiler is its efficiency. In the case of solid fuel equipment, it is really high - 85-99%. The performance of such a boiler directly depends on the method of fuel combustion, as well as structural and functional features systems. Therefore, when buying, you should pay close attention to them.
- Type and consumption of fuel
The cost of heating a residential building during the season is calculated based on the price of fuel, which is determined by its type and availability, and the performance of the heating system. The more expensive the fuel and the faster the boiler burns it, the more expensive the heating itself will be.
- Cost in operation
Any heating equipment requires proper care and competent maintenance. At the same time, the reliability of a particular model depends both on its design solutions and on the material from which its components and components are made, the cost and availability of the latter, and, of course, on operating conditions.
When buying a solid fuel boiler, you should pay attention to its functionality. There is currently a growing demand for universal boilers, which can work not only with solid fuel and require minimal operator participation.
Types of solid fuel boilers
According to the principle of operation, solid fuel boilers differ in:
- Classic
They have a traditional design with a combustion chamber and a tank for a thermal agent. Can work on any kind solid fuel. Used in open heating systems with natural circulation air. Fuel is loaded every 5-6 hours of operation.
- Pyrolysis (gas generating)
Equipped with two fireboxes. Firewood is laid in the lower one, where, under the influence of temperature in the absence of oxygen, they smolder. The released gas burns in the second chamber, heating the heat exchanger. During the operation of such boilers, soot and carbon monoxide are not formed, while loading is carried out no more than 1 time per day. Allows the use of any combustible material as fuel.
- long burning
Can work not only solid fuel- firewood, coal, coke or peat briquettes, but also on petroleum products. On one load of firewood, such a boiler is able to work for about 2 days, with coal - up to 5.
- Pellet
The main advantage of such boilers is a large interval between furnace loads. They have a high efficiency and have a fairly wide range of adjustments, which allows you to achieve the most comfortable microclimate in the house. The main disadvantage of pellet equipment is the high cost of it and, of course, the fuel itself.
The materials used for ignition and operation of solid fuel boilers have different calorie content, which means that the power and operating time of the equipment at one load will differ. The decrease in productivity when using low-calorie fuel can reach 25-30%, and with its high humidity - 30-40%.
Manufacturers of solid fuel boilers always indicate which fuel can be used as the main and / or additional fuel for a particular model.
Steel and cast iron boilers
Boiler equipment operating on solid fuels is made of steel and cast iron. If the first has high thermal conductivity and strength, then the second, despite its fragility, provides longer service life. Steel boilers tolerate temperature changes better, but are equipped with only one - internal - heat exchanger. At the same time, cast iron is not afraid of corrosion, and in addition to the main heat exchange circuit, they have an additional external one.
One of the main features of cast iron models is the prefabricated sectional structure. Elements of such boilers are mounted using threaded connections using various kinds seals. Steel units, on the other hand, have welds, which are their weak point - it is here that in most cases the consequences of the destructive effects of corrosion appear.
Among other differences between steel and cast iron heating equipment, notem the following:
- Steel boilers allow more extensive use of automation than cast iron boilers and respond to changes in operating parameters much faster than the latter.
- Cast iron boilers during long-term operation are covered with a film of iron oxide (dry rust), which does not progress, unlike steel corrosion.
- Solid fuel boilers made of cast iron are subject to thermal shock.
- Fatigue zones can occur on steel equipment with frequent and sudden temperature changes. A rusty or cracked steel boiler is usually beyond repair.
Unlike cast iron, steel boilers heat up faster and, accordingly, cool down faster. This feature should be taken into account when choosing equipment for heating a particular object.
Criterias of choice
There are several criteria according to which one can judge the efficiency and ease of use of a particular model. This list includes:
- The presence of a combustion chamber for furnace gases with a lining
Comparing boilers with and without a lining function, it can be noted that the latter burn 30-50% more fuel at a similar power output.
The lining function is vital if you decide to install a solid fuel boiler in order to save money.
- Number of elbows in the chimney system
If the chimney of the boiler is straight, its efficiency can be compared with the performance of a conventional indoor fireplace. The more knees there are in the flue system, the more economical the heating unit will be.
- External insulation
External thermal insulation makes it possible to reduce heat losses during heating of the boiler room and significantly slow down the cooling of the boiler. In turn, this allows you to load the firebox no more often than after 8-10 hours, and without the need for "cold" kindling.
- thermostat
Without a thermostatic unit, a working boiler will have to be carefully looked after. When using a modern thermostat, one load of the fuel chamber in the off-season can be enough for a whole day, or even longer.
- Pressurization system
The presence of this node reduces the size requirements chimney. At the same time, a boiler with good efficiency can be operated even with insufficiently good traction.
Units with a pressurization system require careful control of the seals of the firebox doors - the slightest gap and smoke begins to escape into the room.
- Energy independence
Boilers with natural circulation of the coolant can work in the absence of electricity. However, such units have low efficiency and do not allow to control the combustion process, unlike equipment with volatile automation.
Security system for solid fuel boilers
Modern solid fuel heating systems in most cases have forced circulation of the heating agent. This allows you to save money when arranging the system itself, as well as to exclude the presence of pipelines in the interior of the house. However, this option has one significant drawback: the boiler will continue to work even if the circulation is disturbed. This can lead to overheating and failure of the system elements, so the latter must have
It is not always advisable to use gas and electricity for heating. Laying pipes and wires over long distances is expensive. Fully or partially autonomous solid fuel boilers, according to reviews, are able to heat buildings of a large area. The power of industrial equipment reaches 5,000 kW. Fuel costs are low, it is easy to get it.
Compared to gas and electric boilers, solid fuel boilers will not work continuously without human control, however, the application of technology long burning, automatic feeding of pellets or charcoal briquettes reduces outside interference to a minimum (loading and cleaning 1-2 times a week). Their advantages: environmental friendliness, availability, high efficiency, ease of maintenance. Disadvantages: regular cleaning is required; fuel takes up a lot of space; sensitivity to the state of firewood, coal and other energy carriers; Difficulty in temperature control.
Reviews
“In all reviews of solid fuel boilers, the description of the products of German brands speaks of its quality and reliability. And this is true, Buderus 32 kW has been in my house for 10 years - not a single breakdown. The total cost of equipment with a storage boiler and installation is 153,000 rubles. For this money, I received not only always hot batteries and water for various needs, but also warm floors.
Svetlana Streltsova, Moscow.
“For two years, I heated the garage and attached to it with a home-made solid fuel boiler lined with bricks. I used long firewood (1–1.5 m) and coal as an energy carrier. The room was warm, but it was impossible to maintain a certain temperature. In addition, the daily cleaning of ash was exhausting.
Vitaly Zinovkin, Magadan.
“I would like to refute reviews about boilers that talk about their low efficiency. My pellet boiler heats three houses, their total area exceeds 400 m2. Even after a long period of inactivity, the rooms become warm after 2-3 hours. The device practically does not require attention, the briquettes are fed into the furnace automatically. Heating costs are about 9,000 rubles per month.
Sergey Sokolov, Yekaterinburg.
“In rural areas, power outages are not uncommon, and heating from the network is the most convenient - turn it on and forget it. In order not to be left without heat in winter, we had to install a multi-fuel boiler. It runs on wood and electricity. It happens that we heat wood for weeks in order to save money.
Maxim Kuznetsov, Moscow.
“After reading numerous enthusiastic reviews from the owners of the Stropuva S20U solid fuel boiler, I installed the same one in my dacha of 100 m2. Dry birch burns for 16–18 hours, it is warm both at night and during the day. I entrusted the installation and the first kindling to professionals in order to avoid unpleasant surprises. During operation, a small drawback was discovered - it is inconvenient to stack firewood through the firebox door.
Anastasia Pupyreva, St. Petersburg.
Main types
Classic solid fuel boilers heat the coolant using the energy released by burning dry logs, coal, and so on. There are wood-burning and "omnivorous" devices. Birch, oak, alder, ash, maple with a moisture content of no more than 20–35% are suitable for filling the former. The latter are able to work on any solid fuel, most often they use one of the types of coal with a calorie content of up to 7000 kcal per 1 kg.
Solid fuel pellet boilers are considered separately. They are heated with special pellets pressed from wood and other agricultural waste, peat. Consumers in reviews of solid fuel boilers of this type note the convenience of automatic feeding of briquettes, significant efficiency - up to 90%, long burning compared to wood. Among the shortcomings, the high cost of equipment and pellets is mentioned.
In pyrolysis solid fuel boilers, the chimney and firebox (usually consists of 2 sections) are closed. In the first compartment with high temperature(220–800 °C) and oxygen deficiency, the fuel smolders, as a result, gas is released, which, after mixing with air (in the burner nozzle or in the afterburner), burns with a yellow or white flame. Wood, pellets, brown coal, peat briquettes provide a sufficient amount of volatile substances. Advantages of gas generating boilers: efficiency up to 85%, fuel economy, no soot and minimal ash, partial automation. Negative sides: the cost is 1.5-2 times higher compared to traditional models, sensitivity to excessive moisture.
The solid fuel boiler of long burning has the maximum efficiency. There are several ways to organize its functioning. According to one of them, combustion is supported only in the upper layer of the filled furnace. Air is forced zonal. After the upper tier burns out, the combustion layer moves lower. Judging by the reviews, the burning time of solid fuel boilers of this configuration with one laying of firewood is 70 hours, coal - 7 days.
Criterias of choice
- Type of fuel: firewood, coal, pallets, peat and so on.
- Power. Based on the calculation: 1 kW per 10 m2 of the room.
- efficiency. The normal value is 70–95%.
- Useful volume, shape and dimensions of the combustion chamber. The parameters will indicate how much fuel is allowed to be loaded at a time, how long the logs should be. Cylindrical furnaces have high efficiency.
- The material of the heat exchanger, housing and other elements. Cast iron is suitable for wood-burning, and high-alloy steel for solid fuel coal-fired boilers. The weight and dimensions of the latter are smaller. But cast iron holds heat better.
- The optimal ratio of quality and price of a solid fuel boiler. For the cost, in addition to specifications, affects the design.
- Ease of use, maintenance costs.
- The durability of steel elements is on average about 10-15 years, cast-iron - 30-40 years.
- Level of protection against burns or injury. It is especially important if solid fuel boiler children have access.
- The presence of additional options - automation, a capacitive heat accumulator, a gas combustion chamber, a second circuit for supplying water, and so on.
Overview of solid fuel boilers of popular manufacturers
Atmos
Particular attention is paid to multi-fuel (gas, coal, pellets, light oils, wood, brown coal) pyrolysis boilers with a power of 14–99 kW at an efficiency of 81–88%. The package includes: fan, thermostat with security alarm, steel heat exchanger. Thanks to a separate firebox, the equipment can run on two types of fuel at once (the unique Kombi C uses wood and brown coal at the same time). Price: 78,470–383,264 rubles, traditional Atmos are cheaper: 64,800–100,150.
Dakon
It produces classic solid fuel Dor and pyrolysis Kp Pyro boilers. The quality is average, the cost is acceptable, it is allowed to switch to gas or diesel refueling. The power range of the Dor line is 12–45 kW, efficiency is 75–82%, the heat exchanger material is cast iron, models marked D can run on coal, they will cost 30,800–73,500 rubles. Characteristics of pyrolysis boilers: power 18–38 kW, efficiency up to 85%, steel heat exchanger, 10-hour burning on one tab, automation installed, You can buy for 106,000–151,000 rubles.
Protherm
The model range is represented by solid fuel classic boilers Bober dlo, with a power of 18–45 kW. According to the technical documentation - their efficiency reaches 90%, the burning time of one firewood bookmark is 2 hours, the heat exchanger is cast iron. Additional fuel - coal. Price: 48,900–69,500 rubles.
Buderus
It is famous for its high-quality solid fuel traditional Logano G211/S111 (WT) and pyrolysis Logano S121 (WT) boilers. The power of steel models is 12–45 kW, cast iron models are 15–32 kW, gas generator models are 21–36 kW with an efficiency of up to 85%. In addition to firewood with a length of up to 680 mm, a firebox with coal, coke, pellets is allowed; brown coal is suitable for pyrolysis combustion. Marking WT means the possibility of connecting to a heating circuit with forced circulation. Solid fuel gas-generating boilers for 92,100–112,800 rubles are equipped with pressure and temperature control systems, steel - with cooling heat exchangers. The cost of the "classics" is 51,200–73,800 rubles.
Prometheus
Solid fuel boilers, power 12–45 kW. They are distinguished by ease of maintenance, an impressive volume of the loading chamber and the area of \u200b\u200bthe steel heat exchanger (three-way), and a long service life. Connection to a circuit with forced circulation is provided. Efficiency 78–84%. The control system is non-volatile. Price range: 28,600–62,230 rubles.
Viadrus
A wide range consists of traditional Hercules U22 D (20-49 kW), pyrolysis Hefaistos P1 (30-100 kW) and 7 types of boilers for various types of fuel, cast iron heat exchanger everywhere. Efficiency 71–89%. Gas generating furnaces are equipped with thermostats and a fan, there are models with automatic supply of coal or wood pellets. One serving of fuel is enough for 2-3 hours of operation. In stores, buy solid fuel automatic boilers Viadrus is available for 81,500–158,000 rubles. The cost of classic 36,600–74,900 rubles.
Stropuva
Offers solid fuel boilers (S) of long burning with the possibility of deep power adjustment (7–40 kW). Their advantages: simplicity of design; high efficiency - up to 91.6%; when burned, a minimum amount of soot is formed; one bookmark of firewood is enough for 31 hours of continuous work, coal - up to 7 days. The disadvantages include a complex strapping scheme. Equipment is sold for 62,400–113,300 rubles.
Buyer Tips
- The best automation for solid fuel gas-generating boilers Viessmann, Buderus, Biasi.
- Budget wood-burning options are produced by Zota, Viadrus, Protherm, Dakon, Attack, Prometheus.
- Maximum efficiency for solid fuel pyrolysis models: Viessmann, Buderus, Dakon, Viadrus, Atmos, Biasi, Ferroli.
- Simplicity, reliability and durability are personified by Buderus, Dakon, Viadrus, Biasi, De Dietrich, Roca, Protherm cast-iron wood-burning equipment.
- STS makes it possible to simultaneously use several types of fuel (gas, diesel, electricity).
- The combination of pyrolysis combustion and a cast-iron heat exchanger is found in Viadrus and Biasi boilers.
solid fuel boiler
Without a doubt, boilers that generate heat by burning gas are most in demand among consumers today. However, it is not always possible to connect to the gas pipeline - it's just that the highways are not laid everywhere. In addition, some homeowners, for various reasons, prefer to use a different type of energy carriers. At the same time, the focus is rarely on electrical energy, which is too expensive. The most practical option is to install .
Equipment modifications
Material
Solid fuel boilers are made from cast iron or steel. The first, despite the fragility of the material, are considered more durable. Cast iron has an exceptional heat capacity. It heats up slowly and keeps the temperature for a very long time after the boiler is turned off. Steel is stronger and has better thermal conductivity.
When operating solid fuel equipment, it is important to monitor the water level in the system. Otherwise, overheating of the heat exchanger cannot be avoided, and, possibly, its deformation. Steel models are more resistant to temperature changes. On the other hand, cast iron is practically not subject to corrosion. The weight differences of the devices are also obvious - steel ones are much lighter.
Models differ not only in physical parameters, but also in design features. In steel boilers, the heat exchanger is located only inside the body, and in cast iron boilers there is an additional cooling element located outside. Both options are equipped with a thermostat, which opens the flow of coolant when the temperature in the combustion chamber rises.
Another feature of cast iron models is that they are assembled by hand. Various structural elements are tied together threaded connections. Various sealing materials are used for this. Joints on steel models are sealed by welding, and this is their weak point. If water flows out of the heat exchanger after a short period of time, then only at the welding points.
Number of circuits
Traditionally, single- and double-circuit equipment options are presented on the market. The former heat the coolant exclusively for space heating, while the latter additionally provide domestic needs for warm water. Double-circuit models are more practical, since they eliminate the need to install a boiler or other equipment for heating water.
Sometimes for this purpose single-circuit boilers install an indirect heating tank. Roughly speaking, metal pipes are passed through the barrel, through which hot coolant flows from the boiler. Such an approach can hardly be called rational. Rather, it is a forced measure when other options are unacceptable. In addition, it requires additional costs of money and time.
Conventional and gas generating models
The principle of operation of a gas generating boiler
According to the principle of operation, solid fuel heating equipment is usually divided into classical and gas-generating. The latter is called pyrolysis. It differs from traditional models in that it has two combustion chambers that are located vertically. This circuit has a lot of power.
Firewood, coal, peat or other energy carrier is placed in the upper chamber. During the combustion process, gas is released, which is generated in another furnace and gradually burns out. As a result, the potential of the fuel is fully utilized. Such models are very effective. Their efficiency is recognized all over the world and, according to experts, even surpasses their natural gas-powered counterparts.
The maximum efficiency of such equipment reaches 92%. Compared to classic heating systems pyrolysis boilers you have to load firewood 2 times less often. Naturally, they are also more convenient in maintenance - the formation of soot is reduced.
It is worth emphasizing the high environmental friendliness of these heating devices. Due to the fact that all hydrocarbons are burned, much less harmful emissions enter the atmosphere. The draft is controlled by an independent fan. With it, it is easy to set the optimal operating mode and adjust the performance of the device.
Autonomous and volatile options
Autonomous gasification in a country house
The only disadvantage of a pyrolysis boiler over traditional ones is its dependence on electrical lines. The fan will not work without electricity. Therefore, the installation of such equipment in houses where there is no electricity supply does not make sense. Not suitable for such buildings and a boiler with a hopper.
These models are equipped with a special tank in which granulated fuel can be poured for future use. This is very convenient, as it eliminates the need for systematic control over the workload of the furnace. Fine coal, wood shavings, pellets, the so-called eco-peas, etc. can be used as fuel.
Depending on the type of fuel used and the capacity of the bunker, it is necessary to refuel once every one or several days. For example, if a sawdust bunker is enough for a day, then coal - for three or more days. The equipment control system automatically determines the need to supply fuel to the combustion chamber. She gives a command to the executing mechanism, and the whole process is carried out automatically.
Even boilers stuffed with electronics last a very long time. Manufacturers themselves guarantee trouble-free operation for 10 years. In practice, the equipment can last 20-30 seasons. It all depends on proper operation and timely Maintenance.
Operating rules
Functional diagram of Vaillant atmoTEC Pro and turbo TEC PRO boilers
Boilers are characterized by high inertness - after heating they cool down slowly. Therefore, it is very important not to exceed the set maximum temperature threshold. Long term exposure hot water under high pressure can disable not only the heating boiler, but also the system itself. This phenomenon is especially dangerous for plastic pipes and economy-class heating radiators.
To protect the system from overheating, cooling heat exchangers are installed on the boilers. They are mounted at the outlet or inside the case and connected to the source cold water. If the temperature rises to 100 degrees Celsius, the thermostat kicks in. The valve opens and cold water flows to the internal heat exchanger, removing excess heat. After the normalization of the situation, the supply of cold water stops.
It is very important that there is a constant flow of cold water to the boiler. If there are doubts about the functionality of pumping equipment, then a separate tank can be installed for this purpose. It must be placed higher to ensure a minimum pressure for supplying water to the system. Along the way, heated water from the tank can be used for domestic needs.
Exhaust gas outlet
Chimneys are made from a material resistant to corrosion. Combustion products are saturated with acidic chemical compounds, which very quickly corrode the walls of ordinary steel. The diameter of the chimney is about 180 mm, the height is about 4 meters.
To avoid heat loss and the formation of condensate, the walls of the channels are insulated. There are also ready-made factory options for "warm" pipes, which are commonly called sandwiches. Analogues with one wall are "sleeved" - they are wrapped with a thermal insulation layer, on top of which sheet metal or strong foil is "put on".
It is better to entrust the installation of heating equipment to specialists. They will work in accordance with technical requirements operation and compliance with safety regulations.
Important! The boiler is installed from other surfaces at a distance of at least 20 cm. If the base is made of combustible materials, then a heat-insulating stand is required.
Solid fuel classic boiler
From the front heater the floor is covered with non-combustible material. The width of such a protective belt is about 50 cm. In most cases, homeowners prefer to lay ceramic tiles.
The boiler is connected to the chimney using a special smoke channel. As a rule, it comes with the package. Otherwise, it will not be any problem to buy it separately. The total length of the chimney does not exceed 1 meter. If it consists of two or more parts, then the joints are overlapped by 80 mm. Sealing materials must also be used. Not only the comfort in the house, but also the health of its inhabitants depends on the quality of the processing of the compounds.
Basic rules of operation
In addition to fuel loading, ash must be removed periodically. Its excess reduces the efficiency of the boiler. It is also necessary to follow the generally accepted procedure for using the equipment:
- Do not leave the boiler operating at full capacity unattended.
- Protective gloves should be worn when removing ash and loading fuel to avoid burns.
- Children are not allowed near the operating boiler.
- Proper fuel storage must be ensured. It can be located no closer than 1 meter from the boiler in a specially equipped box.
- Periodically it is necessary to check the presence of water in the system, the tightness of the lines (including chimneys), the functionality of valves and thermostats.
- Clean smoke ducts and filters annually.
Compliance with the rules of operation is a prerequisite for safety in the house. And timely maintenance prolongs the life of the equipment.