The growing popularity of autonomous engineering tools already at the stage of designing a house inclines the future owner to an independent heating system. This is not an ideal solution, but many are willing to pay for its advantages. Moreover, the possibilities of saving with this choice are not completely swept away. But there are also issues of safety, reliability and ergonomics of the use of equipment, therefore, both dependent and independent heating systems should be considered in detail and with emphasis on specific application conditions. In this case, the most pronounced features and differences of each of these concepts will be noted.
Dependent heating system
The central link of such communications is the elevator unit through which the tasks of regulating the coolant are carried out. Water is supplied from a heating main to a distribution unit of a residential building through a pipeline, and mechanical control is carried out by a system of inlet valves and gates - typical plumbing fixtures. At the next level are locking mechanisms that regulate the supply of hot water to the return and input circuits. Moreover, the heating system in a private country house may include two taps - on the return line and the feed channel. Further, a chamber is already followed by home inserts in which the coolants are mixed. Hot streams can indirectly contact water in the return circuit, transferring part of the heat to it. Summarizing this part, we can conclude that water is sent to the DHW system directly from the central heating main.
Independent heating system
The principal feature of this system is the presence of an intermediate collector point. In residential private houses, it can be implemented as a regulatory station (including to lower the pressure), but the integration of the heat exchanger makes this scheme independent. It performs the functions of a rational and balanced redistribution of hot flows, while also maintaining, if necessary, the optimal temperature regime. That is, with an independent connection of the heating system, the heating system as such does not act as a direct source of supply, but only directs flows to an intermediate technological point. Further, from it, in accordance with the settings made in a more precise version, both drinking water and hot water supply with heating and other domestic needs can be supplied.
Comparison of the degree of dependence on power supply
In this case, non-volatility is understood as the absence of electricity. In other words, how much communication can continue to work if, for one reason or another, the light is turned off. Are there, in principle, differences between dependent and independent heating systems in this aspect, because both infrastructures may provide for the operation of energy-intensive boilers? Indeed, in practice most often both systems are equal in this respect, but the scheme of a dependent connection to the central heating system itself can completely dispense with electrical equipment and supply the consumer all year round even without light - of course, if failures of a different kind are not observed. In the case of an independent system, even with minimal equipment, the same availability of a collector unit with automation is more likely to make the system inoperative or cut in functionality for an emergency period in the mains.
Reliability and Durability Comparison
The practice of operating technically complex and multi-level systems shows that they are less maintainable and more often should undergo preventive examinations with maintenance measures. It cannot be said that independent connection of the heating system reduces the overall level of reliability and safety (in some cases, even increases), but the tactics of carrying out repair and restoration measures should be at a different and more responsible level.
At a minimum, an increase in labor and time resources will be required when examining a heat exchanger and adjacent piping. Possible uncontrolled accidents at this site can lead to damage to the pipeline. Therefore, experts recommend installing several sensors with control of pressure, temperature and tightness. The latest collector cabinets also include the use of self-diagnostic systems for continuous monitoring of the system. As for the closed heating infrastructure, for her, such control and measuring fittings will also not be superfluous, but in this case its need is not so high.
Ergonomic Comparison
Actually, all of the above disadvantages of independent systems are caused by the desire of users to get both an easy-to-use and economical heating tool. How is this achieved? It is due to the intermediate control and distribution unit connected to the heat exchanger. The main differences between independent and dependent heating systems in terms of control are that in the first case, a wider range of possibilities is provided for fine-tuning the parameters of the domestic hot water operation. In particular, automatic control tools allow you to program the distribution of heat in predetermined volumes and along the intended contours for specific time intervals - from hours and days to weeks.
Advantages of dependent heating systems
In addition to the reliability already mentioned and lower maintenance costs (at least by the user), one can emphasize a rather high productivity and stable maintenance of the hot water temperature at an average level from 95 º to 105 º. At the same time, both dependent and independent heating systems can equally regulate the thermal regime. Only in the first case will utilities be responsible for this regulation, integrating radiators in the distribution systems to mix water with different temperatures. It is for multi-apartment buildings that this is the optimal solution in terms of productivity and financial feasibility.
Cons of dependent heating systems
Of the negative aspects of the operation of such systems, the following are noted:
- Intensive contamination of working circuits with scale, dirt, rust and all kinds of impurities, which may well get into consumer equipment.
- Higher requirements for repairs. The fact is that dependent and independent heating systems in such cases require the connection of specialists of different levels. It is one thing to make repairs on the trunk line once a year, and another to perform a monthly comprehensive inspection of the elevator unit strapping at home.
- Water hammering possible. Incorrect wiring or excessively high pressure in the circuit can lead to pipe ruptures.
- Low basic quality of the coolant in composition.
- Difficulties of control and management. At technological stations of municipal water heating, the process of updating the same shut-off valves is quite slow, hence there may be disturbances in pressure balances.
Pros of Independent Systems
Already at the approach to the main consumers of the home water supply network, a whole range of preparatory measures is provided to ensure the distribution, filtration and adjustment of the coolant pressure. All loads do not fall on the final equipment, but on a heat exchanger with a hydraulic tank, which directly receive resources from the main source. Such preparation of the resource is practically impossible in the private order when operating dependent heating systems. The addition of an independent circuit also makes it possible to rationally consume water for drinking needs of optimal purification. The streams are divided according to their intended purpose and on each line they can provide a separate level of training corresponding to technological requirements.
Cons of an independent heating system
Of course, the introduction of additional regulatory and control equipment in the infrastructure will cost a lot. If we take into account the use of a boiler or radiator as the main heating unit with the support of a pump for circulation, then we can talk about 500-700 thousand rubles. In this regard, dependent and independent heating systems diverge radically. By the way, a dependent connection can do without significant costs. Another thing is that in a private house, owners usually introduce quite productive boilers and boilers to the network. In addition, high safety requirements are noted among the shortcomings. This does not mean that an autonomous circuit with several strapping layers is in itself a great danger, however, expanding the network with connecting to a dozen intermediate devices imposes a great responsibility on the user when operating the system.
General tips for choosing a heating system
Dependent coolant connection lines are now perceived as obsolete, and independent ones as a more functional, balanced and ergonomic solution. But what kind of heating system is suitable when it comes to an average private house with a typical amount of energy consumption? Initially, you can focus on certain configurations of independent systems, but without forgetting the following nuances:
- If there are technical difficulties in arranging heating equipment, then the dependent system will be more justified.
- If periodic blackouts are observed, then along with the heat exchanger you will have to purchase an autonomous generator.
- The longer the heating period lasts , the more beneficial the transition to a dependent system will be.
- For summer cottages and, in principle, low-cost thermal energy facilities in the long term, it is advisable to opt for an independent connection.
Is it possible to remake one system into another?
Theoretically, this is quite possible - both in one direction and in another. Basically, just dependent systems are being modernized, but the need for reconstruction of an independent infrastructure may well arise. In this case, the most rational option, when it will be possible to preserve the advantages of both systems with varying degrees, will be the implementation of an independent heating system with closed input circuits. This means that those functions that in a standard independent circuit were performed by a separate collector block with a full set of control units, in this case, pointwise installed devices will take over. At different levels of the home network, before approaching consumers, it is possible to insert filters, compressor units, distributors, circulation pumps and a hydraulic tank.
Conclusion
Nevertheless, the decisive factor in the choice of a heating system rightly remains safety. And if in one case employees of service organizations will be responsible for it, then in another, the user himself will take up these tasks to a large extent. And in both situations, experts recommend periodically ordering an independent expert examination of the heating system, which will make it possible to professionally assess the current state of the pipeline and the adjacent circuits with technological equipment. By the way, this is especially important for residents who use the communications of old houses. In such cases, a comprehensive diagnosis of the connection to the heating system, leak testing and insulation compliance with the established requirements should be carried out regularly.