New remote control technologies allow using GSM systems to use previously inaccessible ways to control the operation of many units, in particular a heating boiler. First of all, you need to decide whether the remote control of the GSM boiler is really necessary.
In many cases, you can get by with Salus programmable or daily thermostats, which have a wide range of boiler control, as well as all types of heating: radiator, floor and convection. Wired and wireless modules are available that can significantly increase comfort and save energy.
Remote Control Tasks
A private house needs constant supervision, and heating is a major concern. Many do not live in a country house in the winter and are forced to leave the boiler working so as not to defrost the system. This consumes a lot of fuel and you have to look for ways to save it.
Automated systems allow you to control autonomous heating. They also need control, which can now be done using a smartphone or mobile phone. With the increasing need for comfort and changing standards for the heating equipment of an individual house, GSM is required - remote control of the boiler.
In addition to the heating system, there are many other household appliances with which it can work. It is especially important to connect a security system that will provide independent tracking of the house without the help of special services.
Advantages of the control system by cell phone
To have a complete picture of the possibilities of using heating control systems at a distance, you need to know their advantages:
- creation of additional comfort;
- ensuring an economical mode of operation of the boiler, due to which energy costs are reduced to 50%;
- receiving information by phone about emergency situations, power outages or gas cutoffs, coolant leakage;
- reduced heating load increases the service life of the equipment;
- Engineering systems are gradually combined into a common network, which reduces maintenance costs and creates a special comfort of a smart home.
To control the boiler via GSM, it is not necessary to be a professional. You only need to know the basic principles and elementary rules for working with it.
It is not necessary to thoroughly understand all the intricacies of setting up and maintaining the equipment. In any case, it is installed by specialists and, if problems arise, they will give the necessary advice.
GSM system features
GSM - control of the heating boiler - performs the following functions.
- Maintaining the normal mode of operation of the boiler and the key elements of the heating system of the whole house.
- Setting individual temperature in different rooms.
- Protection of the heating system from defrosting at a distance.
- Remote activation of the boiler before visiting the house on a day off.
- Monitoring and diagnostics of autonomous heating through mobile communications.
- Creating an economical thermal regime in the house with tuning to low power, when all are absent, and switching to normal mode before returning.
Remote heating control can be done not only through mobile communications, but also through the Internet.
Remote heating principles
The modern GSM boiler control system in a private house is a complex electronic complex, where all elements are combined into a common network. Parameters are regulated by built-in control units. Heating components must be connected to an electronic control unit, and he, in turn, with the user.
The main features of the remote heating control system are:
- connection of electric thermostats and sensors with boiler automation ;
- adaptation of the control system with autonomous heat supply;
- the possibility of influencing the heating parameters when exposed to external conditions: climate, temperature in the house, coolant leakage and other emergency situations;
- the ability to control heating from a distance in order to create the necessary microclimate or an economical mode of operation in the absence of owners.
Controllers are installed on critical sections of the boiler through which parameters are changed. All of them are connected to an external control unit - a programmer or a temperature regulator. It can be configured manually through the remote control, but it also has control via the Internet or a mobile phone.
Programmer Features
- The number of connected components (control loops) is from 1 to 12.
- Setting modes - normal, comfortable, economical.
- An additional control module is the transfer by telephone of information via SMS about the temperature of the coolant, the occurrence of an accident, etc.
- The presence of wired channels or wireless communication between the heating components.
GSM module functionality
The boiler control module is not included in the package, it must be purchased separately, and then connected to the controller, for example, Defro St 57 Lux. After setting up, it will be possible to receive information in the form of SMS about the parameters of the boiler and emergency situations.
Reverse control is also performed by sending SMS of a given format. They allow you to set the temperature of the boiler coolant in the heating circuits, start the boiler after shutdown, etc. Some models have a function to activate a command after a certain time.
Functionality of the module:
- work on 1, 2 or more phone numbers;
- receiving data on 4 or more channels, for example, on the temperature of the boiler, boiler, underfloor heating and indoors;
- remote control through SMS messages of the temperature of the coolant and water in the boiler;
- receiving information about malfunctions: overheating, failure in work, etc .;
- connection to another circuit, for example, opening a gate or security alarm, lighting, watering plants, etc .;
- independent operation during a power outage;
- Use of a PIN code to prevent third parties from connecting.
The module is connected to the boiler controller through the connector. They are also powered from the network. A SIM card is installed and two phone numbers are entered. They will transmit information in the form of SMS messages. To control the boiler, commands are issued in the form of digital sets. In this case, a response message about execution or an error is received if the code is selected incorrectly.
Important! For trouble-free operation of the boiler together with remote control, the presence of auxiliary elements is necessary: devices for regulating the flow of coolant, sensors, safety valves.
How does the GSM module work?
The functionality of each module is limited and is determined by the following factors:
- number of channels and sensors;
- level of management and control;
- the possibility of regulation.
Sensors monitor temperature, pressure and the presence of carbon monoxide. For most modules, analog sensors are suitable for generating signals of a certain level. Digital control is more suitable for connecting alarm systems or household appliances equipped with a USB, RS-485 or RS-232 interface. Users report false positives for infrared motion sensors when heating is working.
To control the operation of the boiler through feedback, relay blocks are most often used, connecting the power of the gas boiler or switching modes if there are corresponding conclusions.
Management of the GSM boiler with a minimum set of module functions provides control and transmission of the readings of the temperature sensors of the coolant, indoors and outdoors. According to these data, you can evaluate the quality of heating.
The module sends a message to the user in the following cases.
- On request, sensor readings are provided.
- Indications are out of range.
The maximum and minimum allowable parameter values are set in advance. When they go beyond the range, the user receives an SMS about this. Typically, the temperature of the coolant is set in the range of 50-90 ° C. If the temperature drops below 50 ° C, it means that the boiler does not heat up, and equipment testing is required so that the system does not freeze.
Modern modifications of GSM modules using special applications can display statistics on the operation of the boiler in the form of creating time schedules, sending important messages and parameters of the boiler.
Electric boiler control
It is easy to connect GSM - control of the Protherm boiler, "Evan" and other units operating on electricity. The module works from its own power source when power is turned off. In the absence of electricity, he goes to work in an economical mode with some limited functionality. When power is restored, it reboots independently, and it can also be done remotely. When the power is off, control of the GSM boiler continues, and the module will give readings, and the boiler parameters will change. The user will not receive false information about a system malfunction, since he will also receive information about a power failure by phone.
The device is connected to the boiler automation, then, depending on the temperature sensor, a module relay is activated in the room, which is a command to supply voltage to the boiler heating elements. When the temperature in the room reaches the set value, the relay turns off and heating stops.
GSM module acquisition costs
The boiler control unit sometimes costs more than the unit itself, since devices have appeared on the market recently. With mass distribution, they, of course, will fall in price, and currently they have to pay $ 150-200.
Conclusion
Management of a GSM boiler allows you to increase your comfort, save on energy, eliminate malfunctions and prevent accidents. When expanding the functionality of GSM modules, the costs are paid back even at the present time.