An integral part of modern heating systems of any buildings is a heat accumulator. This device (tank or buffer tank) is designed to accumulate and store thermal energy received from various sources, and then use it as necessary in heat supply systems. At the same time, the heat accumulator almost completely prevents heat loss and significantly reduces the consumption of resources.
a brief description of
In fact, the buffer capacity of the heating system is a tremendous thermos in the form of a vertical steel tank - a cylinder with insulated walls. Its height, as a rule, is much larger than the diameter (3-5 times). Insulation with heat-resistant foam reduces heat loss through the walls of the tank.
In the heating system, the heat accumulator takes place between the heat circuit and the heating devices, so that the heated water enters first into the tank, and only then into radiators and other heating devices.
Benefits of Buffer Tanks
The heat accumulator (buffer capacity) allows you to effectively use the energy of heat sources, which may be temporarily unavailable. For example, boilers with solid fuel give off heat only when burning wood or coal, heat from solar systems can be used only on sunny days, energy from an electric boiler or heat pump is better to use at night at a reduced rate in order to save. While these sources are working, the heat comes in regularly, but what to do when the wood burned out or the sun hid behind the clouds? And in this case, the main advantage of buffer storage devices is manifested: accumulating excess thermal energy during intensive work of heat sources, the buffer capacity stores it for a rather long time (up to 6 days) and, as necessary, spends it on consumer needs.
The thermal battery makes it possible to correctly and clearly coordinate the processes of generation and release of thermal energy in terms of power, time and temperature. In addition, the buffer tank protects the heating system from overheating of the boiler.
Principle of operation
The principle is actually simple. During operation, a heat generator of any kind transfers its thermal energy to the buffer tank (in association with the battery, the charging process takes place). Then the heat is consumed by the heat supply system to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature (discharge process).
Buffer capacity is a necessary element of a combined heat supply system; high-temperature (gas boilers, solid fuel, electric) and low-temperature (power plants based on heat pumps, solar collectors) heat sources can be connected to it at the same time.
Buffer capacity calculation
It is rather difficult to calculate the volume of the storage capacity so that the rooms have a comfortable temperature with the smallest possible tank sizes, only a heating specialist can do it. Practice shows that the smallest capacity can be taken at the rate of 25 liters per 1 kW of boiler power (but not less), the optimal volume is twice as much.
The feasibility of using heat accumulators (buffer tanks) has been proven by European experience both economically and in terms of safety and reducing the risk of coolant overheating. The only drawback is the large capacity and the need for additional space for its installation. Nevertheless, at present, the storage capacity is not just a profitable option, but an essential element in combined heat supply systems.