The organization of a floor heating system requires taking into account many technical aspects. Additional equipment in the form of control and management systems is a key link in the overall infrastructure of the warm floor. It includes temperature controllers, kits with cables, fasteners and sensors. The main task in this matter is realized by a servo drive for a warm floor, which is based on the electromechanical principle of operation. In essence, he is responsible for controlling the flow of water into the water circuit. In electric systems of floor heating, similar regulators are also used, but they act differently. The mechanical functional part is practically absent in them, since there is no need to implement a locking action. And now it’s worthwhile to understand in more detail how the similar drive differs in a water heating system.
What is a servo drive?
Outwardly, it is a small cylindrical device that connects to the network and the temperature sensor. The main task of the device is to control thermostatic valves of heating equipment. The signal for the action of the servo is a manual switch, thermostat or collector. The latter option is used more often, since it allows you to organize a wider and more efficient heating network. In particular, a servo for a warm water floor collector can simultaneously serve several pipeline segments that may not be interconnected. Another thing is that each independent collector group must also have a climate monitoring system. Based on its indicators, an electromechanical servo drive will perform one or another action to correct the heating characteristics.
The principle of operation of the device
The action of the regulator is based on the principles of expansion of the bellows fluid at the time the current flows through the integrated heating element. In this case, the working fluid must be special - as a rule, this is toluene. With this configuration, the water underfloor heating in a private house can be controlled automatically if the interaction between the individual components of the system is properly organized. Manufacturers themselves consider the optimal scheme of work, in which the warm floor is controlled by air temperature until the moment when its level of heat transfer corresponds to the standard indicator, that is, comfortable for the user.
Another algorithm for working underfloor heating - with a radiator, is noteworthy. The advantages of this configuration are obvious, since heat transfer will be increased and heating time will be reduced. If we exclude the cost of electricity, the next most important disadvantage of this system will be an imbalance in the workload of two heaters. To reduce this difference, a servo drive for the warm floor can also be used. The principle of operation, based on the regulation of surface temperature in the air, in this case will be appropriate. At low temperatures, radiators will be activated exclusively during moments of insufficient heat transfer from floor heating. Conversely, when the heat loss of the main system exceeds a predetermined mode, the radiator will automatically turn off.
Varieties of Servo Models
First of all, it is again worth emphasizing that there are manual and automatic servos. The first option is less common and significantly inferior in ergonomics to automatic models. On the other hand, hand held devices are reliable and in some cases even accurate. There are also open and closed models. Open regulators mean that the valve will not be locked by default. This means that in the absence of signals to the servo for the warm floor, the shutter points of the heating water supply will be in the open position. Conversely, closed systems provide that the valves will be locked if the actuator is not under load.
Servo connection
Mounting a servo is simpler than installing an underfloor heating floor as such. Typically, such devices are mounted in any position that is acceptable and convenient from the point of view of operation. Before installation, it is important to make sure that the thread of the fit meets the standard of a particular product - this should be taken into account if the equipment was purchased separately. Now you can go directly to the question of how to connect a warm floor to the heating system, and with it the servo drive. Floor heating is introduced into the general heating infrastructure through the mentioned collector system, which will include the regulator. The drive adapter must be screwed onto the valve, and then push the regulator onto it so that the corresponding latches work.
Operation Nuances
All operating and functional elements must have free movement and visibility to the user. Particular attention is required to the indicator button, which usually protrudes slightly on the surface of the case. Cleaning is carried out only after dismantling. You should turn off the system, unscrew the servo for the warm floor and its adapter, and then proceed to delicate care. It is also necessary to maintain the appropriate working condition of adjacent components, among which are the elements of the power supply network.
Servo Manufacturers
Decent options for servos are offered by the companies "Valtek", Watts, "Kermi" and others. These are large manufacturers of engineering equipment specializing in equipment for heating systems. In the same lines you can find thermostats, sensors, wiring and other auxiliary devices that complement the warm water floors in a private house or apartment. As for the cost, on average, electromechanical servos are estimated at 2.5-3 thousand rubles.
How to choose a servo for a warm floor?
From the point of view of the average user, the main parameter of choice will be the temperature range supported by the device. Even budget models operate in the spectrum from 0 to 60 º, which is the optimal value to ensure a comfortable microclimate. You should also return to the question of how to connect a warm floor to the heating system so that it will work correctly in the future. A good connection depends on how correctly the adapter has been selected. In addition, the cross-section of the wire that feeds the collector system is also taken into account.
Conclusion
Warm water floors lose to eclectic counterparts just in the troubles of the technical organization of the heating process. The point is not only in laying the pipeline with a warm carrier, but also in connecting the control system. After all, what is a servo? This is an electromechanical installation that interfaces with several components of the heating infrastructure, including a temperature regulator and an electrical network with pipes. You can count on a minimum of difficulties only when working with a small area, but, for example, heating several rooms requires the organization of a complex control structure with several servos.