Companies engaged in the development of engineering systems in recent years have been emphasizing the development of alternative technological solutions. Concepts and directions that do not involve the use of natural resources come to the fore. At least, specialists seek to focus on minimizing their consumption. A tangible benefit in this segment is demonstrated by the heat accumulator for the heating system, which is included in the existing engineering complex as an additional optimization component.
General information about heat accumulators
There are many modifications and varieties of thermal batteries, which are also called buffer heaters. The tasks that perform such installations are also different. As a rule, batteries are used to increase the efficiency of the main unit, for example, a solid fuel boiler. In these cases, it is advisable to use similar systems to carry out a monitoring function that is difficult to implement in the process of servicing traditional boiler houses in private homes. Most often, heat storage tanks are used for this, the capacity of which reaches 150 liters. In the industrial sphere, of course, installations with a capacity of about 500 liters can also be used.
In the tank itself, elements are provided that ensure the maintenance of the required temperature of the carrier. The material itself, from which the tank is made, necessarily mates with the layers of insulators. Active components are heating elements and copper pipes. The configuration of their placement in the tanks may differ, as well as the system for managing the operating parameters of the battery.
Operating principle
From the point of view of the drive, the main task is to provide the ability to maintain the desired temperature regime, which is set by the user. As the boiler operates, the tank receives hot water and stores it until the function of the heating system stops. The conditions for maintaining the temperature balance are determined by the insulating materials of the tank and internal heating elements. The classic heat accumulator for the heating system, in essence, resembles the operation of a boiler and is also integrated into the circulation system. That is, on the one hand, the equipment is connected to a heat source, and on the other hand, it provides the operation of direct heaters, which can be radiators. In addition, the system is often used as a full-fledged source of hot water for domestic use in a constant consumption mode.
Thermal Battery Features
As already noted, units of this type can perform different tasks, the requirements for which determine the criteria for choosing a particular system. The basic and main functions include the accumulation of heat from the generator and its subsequent release. In other words, the same tank collects, stores and transfers energy to the direct heating element. In combination with a solid fuel boiler, the system functions include protection against overheating. Automated and electronic control relays are ineffective in solid fuel units. Therefore, it is practiced to optimize the operation of the boiler with the help of a heat accumulator, which naturally collects excess energy and returns it at the time of temperature drops. Electric, gas and liquid generators are easier to control, but with the help of a battery they can be combined into a single complex and operated with minimal heat loss.
Where can I use a thermal battery?
It is advisable to use the heat storage system in cases where the existing heating unit does not allow sufficient control over its operation. For example, solid fuel boilers inevitably provide for service times when their capacities are not loaded. To compensate for heat loss, it makes sense to use such a system. Also in the operation of water and electric heating complexes, such a solution justifies itself economically. A modern heat accumulator with automatic control can be configured to work in certain periods of time when the most economical tariff for energy consumption is in effect. So, for example, at night the system conserves a certain amount of thermal energy, which during the next day can be used for any needs.
Where is it undesirable to use heat accumulators?
The nature of the operation of buffer batteries is designed to ensure uniform heat transfer and smoothing surges at temperature extremes. But this principle of action is far from always useful. For heating systems, which, on the contrary, require accelerated set-up or lowering of the temperature regime, such an addition will be unnecessary. In such situations, increasing the potential of the coolant due to auxiliary buffer tanks will prevent rapid cooling and heating. In addition, it is worth noting that the heat accumulators at home for the most part make it impossible to accurately adjust the temperature. It would seem that such a solution may become optimal for heating systems operating in short intervals - it is enough to pre-heat the tank and then use the finished energy at the appointed time. However, the content of the optimal state of the coolant in itself requires the consumption of a certain energy. Therefore, for example, a boiler room, used for irregular and short-term heating of the dryer, may well do without a battery. Another thing, when it comes to a whole group of boilers, which can be combined into one system with a buffer.
Battery Specifications
Among the main characteristics, one can note the dimensional parameters of the unit, its capacity, maximum temperature and pressure indicator. For private homes, manufacturers offer small installations, the diameter of which can be 500-700 mm, and a height of about 1500 mm. It is important to consider the mass, as in some cases, specialists have to use concrete screeds to give the structure stability. The average heat accumulator weighs about 70 kg, although the exact value is directly related to the capacity and insulation quality of the tank. Performance is reduced to temperature and pressure. The first value is around 100 ° C and the pressure level can reach 3 bar.
Battery connection
A homeowner with knowledge in electrical engineering can not only independently connect a ready-made buffer to the heating system, but also completely assemble the structure. First you need to order a container in the form of a cylinder, which will become a working buffer. Further, in transit through the entire tank, it is necessary to draw a return pipeline along the niche of the future heat accumulator. The connection should be started by connecting the boiler return to the tank. From one component to the second, a place should be provided where the circulation pump will be installed. With its help, the hot coolant will move from the barrel to the cut-off valve and the expansion tank.
Do-it yourself need to mount the heat accumulator in such a way that the most rational distribution of liquid is assumed for all rooms. To assess the quality of the assembled system, it is possible to provide for the presence of thermometers, explosive valves and pressure sensors. Such equipment will allow you to evaluate how rationally the battery will function through the connected circuits.
Water systems
The classic heat accumulator involves the use of water as an energy carrier. Another thing is that you can use this resource in different ways. For example, it is used to supply heating floors - the liquid passes through the circulation pipes into a special coating. Also, water can be used to ensure the operation of the shower and other needs, including technological, hygienic and sanitary properties. It is worth noting that the interaction of boilers with water is quite common due to its low cost. A water heat accumulator is cheaper compared to electric heaters. On the other hand, they also have their drawbacks. As a rule, they come down to the nuances in the organization of circulating networks. The larger the amount of resource consumed, the more expensive its organization is. Installation costs are one-time, but operation will be cheaper.
Solar systems
In water systems, the design provides for a comb heat exchanger designed for a geothermal pump. But a solar collector can also be used. In essence, it turns out the center of the power plant, which optimizes the function of the heating station by backing up energy from different sources. Although a solar heat accumulator is less common, it can be used in typical heating systems. Solar collectors also retain energy potential, which is subsequently spent on household needs. But it is important to consider that a hot heat carrier in the form of water itself requires less energy than a solar battery. The best option for using such batteries is the direct integration of panels into places where heating should be carried out without additional transformations.
How to choose the best heat accumulator ?
It’s worth starting from several parameters. To begin with, the system’s functionality and its performance indicators are determined. The tank must fully cover the volumes that are planned to be spent during the operation of the heating system. Do not save on control systems. Modern relays with automatic regulators not only make programming of engineering systems convenient, but also provide protective properties. A properly equipped heat accumulator has protection against idling and provides ample opportunities for indicating temperature conditions.
Battery Reviews
This is not to say that in every home, thermal batteries certainly provide savings in finances. Users who service large private houses and cottages are talking about reducing heating costs with the help of such buffers. To maintain optimal thermal conditions in 2-3 rooms, tanks with reserve liquid are inappropriate to use. But almost all users emphasize the convenience that heat accumulators provide. Responses of owners of traditional boilers, for example, note that the presence of such a tank eliminates the need for constant monitoring of the furnace. The unit in accordance with a given program automatically redistributes thermal energy, facilitating the function of combustion chambers.
Conclusion
There are many alternative solutions on the market that allow you to replace both boilers and buffer drives. However, a complex including a combination of a water boiler and a solid fuel boiler is the most profitable in terms of cost and ease of use. Under the condition of rational distribution of circuits, heating by a heat accumulator will provide the necessary temperature level. Therefore, the most critical activities will be associated with the design of a system that will determine the effectiveness of the boiler function. At the same time, one should not limit oneself to simple thermal distribution schemes. Heat regulators and radiators in modern versions organically complement battery systems, interacting with them in different operating conditions.