When installing heating systems, innovative technologies are increasingly being used. One of the promising ones is one based on condensation of water vapor. It is formed during the combustion of hydrocarbons. A relatively new solution for the Russian market is condensing boilers, which in some countries are the only ones approved for operation. The reasons for this are the high efficiency of the technology, versatility and profitability.
Principle of operation
For the described type of heating equipment , fuel is used, which is natural or liquefied gas. The former is most often used in everyday life, while the latter is increasingly oriented toward industry.
The name of the described devices was given due to the ability to take heat from the combustion products. This is the kinetic energy of water, which is formed during the condensation of water vapor. The principle of operation of condensing boilers is based on physical laws. When blue fuel burns, water and carbon dioxide are released. The liquid evaporates, which leads to the release of thermal energy. Lost heat is returned due to steam condensation. This allows you to increase the efficiency of the system. In conventional boilers, this phenomenon is undesirable, therefore, they are struggling with it.
As for the condensation equipment, a heat exchanger is provided in it for liquid formation. It collects heat during condensation and transfers it to process water, which is a coolant. To prevent corrosion in the production of equipment, materials with increased resistance are used, among them silumin and stainless steel should be highlighted. The first is an alloy of silicon and aluminum.
The design of the described device is similar to a conventional gas boiler. The main elements are:
- branch pipes of supply and removal of liquid;
- burner;
- heat exchanger;
- pump.
Condensing boilers have nozzles where cold water is supplied inside, and after increasing its temperature it is sent through pipes and radiators. Gas is supplied to the combustion chamber by means of a burner. This contributes to an even distribution of fuel. In the described devices there are heat exchangers, the first of which is a tank for heating water, while the second is designed for condensation and extraction of thermal energy.
But the pump device is necessary for the circulation of fluid. When gas is supplied to the combustion chamber when water enters, the burner starts combustion. Products pass through the first heat exchanger, during which its walls are heated. The latter transfer heat to industrial water, and after the gases pass into the second heat exchanger. There, the steam cools, resulting in condensation. This entails the release of energy that goes to heat.
The first part of the equipment operates according to the standard principle: the coolant is heated by combustion of fuel. As for the second part, there is an accumulation of energy of condensed air vapor. This process is quite complicated.
Condensing boilers can work with increased efficiency. For this, the shape of the spiral is attached to the heat exchanger tube , which increases the area of contact with the coolant. It is also used for this purpose and the action of the reverse heat carrier, which has a low temperature. It goes to that part of the heat exchanger where the cooled gases enter. Another way to increase the efficiency of condensation is to use a high-tech burner that mixes the main gas and air.
Boiler overview: De Dietrich MCA 90 90522
This model of equipment is a wall-mounted single-circuit device that is used for heating apartments and houses. The heat exchanger is monoblock and made of an alloy of aluminum with silicon. The kit does not include control panels, but you can choose one or two of them to choose from. The owner of the equipment can connect to the chimney or coaxial chimney.
Key Specifications
The condensing gas boiler described above has a capacity of 90 kW. Power consumption is 125 watts. Natural gas is consumed in the amount of 9.1 m 3 / h. If liquefied gas is used as fuel, then its consumption will be 3.5 kg / h. The permissible natural gas pressure is 0.013 bar. The overall dimensions of this boiler are 750 x 500 x 500 mm. This condensing gas boiler weighs 67 kg.
The heating temperature can reach 90 ° C. The temperature of the flue gases at minimum and maximum power is 30 and 68 ° C, respectively. With one hundred percent thermal power, the efficiency reaches 110%. The device uses a closed combustion chamber.
Consumer Reviews
When buyers consider the boiler described above, they pay particular attention to its durability. It is provided by a monoblock heat exchanger, which is characterized by a high coefficient of conductivity. The base material resists corrosion well, which ensures a long service life.
Among the additional advantages of this consumer device are:
- high coefficient of performance;
- low emissions of harmful substances;
- the presence of a modulating burner;
- the ability to connect to a chimney and a coaxial chimney;
- the presence of a fan with a silencer;
- optimal gas supply pressure in the range from 13 to 20 mbar.
This wall mounted condensing boiler has a premix burner. It is based on stainless steel, and the surface is made of braided metal fibers. Power can be modulated in the range from 18 to 100%. To ensure combustion air intake, the manufacturer provided for a fan with a silencer. Customers also like the fact that this condensing heating boiler comes with an automatic air vent. The equipment uses a siphon to drain condensate.
Overview of the boiler Wolf FGB-35 8615353
This is a more budget model, which will cost the consumer 109,000 rubles. It is a water heating device for residential private houses. The equipment has an attractive appearance, and the case has compact dimensions. Durability and reliability in operation are ensured by good build quality and related components.
In order for the equipment to last as long as possible, you need to know not only the principle of operation of condensing boilers, but also their main features. The described model is no exception. You should also know about it that the pipes in the kit are made of copper, and the heat exchanger is based on an aluminum alloy. The hydraulic unit is made of polyamide, which is reinforced with fiberglass during the production process.
Specifications
The capacity of the Wolf brand boiler is 34.9 kW. This wall-mounted equipment has a power consumption of 114 watts. The maximum consumption of natural and liquefied gas is 3.36 m 3 / h and 2.5 kg / h, respectively. The diameter of the coaxial chimney used during installation can range from 60 to 100 mm. The temperature of the flue gases at minimum and maximum power is 40 and 55 ° C, respectively.
Overview of the Vaillant ecoTEC plus VUW boiler
Vaillant condensing boiler is quite popular among consumers. This is due to its low cost, which is 69,200 rubles. Wall-mounted equipment is used to prepare hot water for technical needs and space heating. It is based on a stainless steel heat exchanger. You can use a coaxial pipe to connect .
The unit has a closed combustion chamber. The liquid crystal display on the external panel allows you to easily monitor the operation of the equipment. This simplifies parameter monitoring. To protect against inadvertent changes in the operating mode, the manufacturer has provided a door that closes the control panel.
Specifications
Having familiarized yourself with the principle of operation of condensing boilers, you should also learn about the technical characteristics. The equipment model described above, for example, has a power of 32.4 kW. The maximum heat input is 34 kW. The equipment weighs 42 kg. Its overall dimensions are 720 x 440 x 404 mm.
What consumers say
The above-described condensing boiler, reviews of which should help you make the right choice, according to consumers, has many advantages. Among them are the following:
- low noise level;
- reliability;
- simplicity of management;
- ease of use.
As for the noise during operation, it is, thanks to a fan with an adjustable speed, reduced. This also reduces energy consumption. Consumers also like reliability. It is guaranteed by a door that closes the control panel.
Overview of the floor boiler POWER HT 45-150 from the manufacturer "Baksi"
This model is a high-tech floor boiler, which successfully combines high performance and advanced technology. The equipment has compact dimensions, as well as a high coefficient of performance, which reaches 110%.
The device provides energy savings of up to 35% per year if we compare models with traditional boilers. This condensing floor boiler can be used for cascade installation, which allows to achieve high power with a small boiler room.
Consumer Opinions
The above equipment has an open combustion chamber. Consumers like the ability to continuously modulate flame. The design is based on a stainless steel burner that provides premixing of air and gas.
Electronic ignition is smooth. If desired, the consumer can reconfigure the boiler to work on liquefied gas, which customers consider an indisputable advantage. The Baxi condensing boiler has temperature control. You can use the remote control. This allows you to regulate the climate. This option is supplied separately.
We cannot but mention the electronic system of self-diagnosis. The design provides for two microprocessors. Consumers emphasize that it is very convenient to monitor the operation of the boiler, because the housing has a wide LCD display. The coolant is protected from overheating due to the thermostat, which guarantees the normal operation of the primary heat exchanger.
Finally
Condensing heating equipment has many advantages. For example, consumers especially emphasize their compact size and low weight. These heating devices are also chosen for the reason that they allow saving fuel. You may especially like the accuracy of the modulation. You can choose a boiler for the parameters necessary for you. At the same time, you do not have to overpay for excess power.