Companies involved in the development of engineering systems in recent years have been focusing on the development of alternative technological solutions. Concepts and directions that do not involve the use of natural resources come to the fore. At least experts tend 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 heat accumulators, which are also called buffer heaters. The tasks that such installations perform are also different. As a rule, batteries are used to improve the efficiency of the main unit, such as a solid fuel boiler. In these cases, it is advisable to use such systems to carry out a controlling function, which 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. ATin the industrial sector, of course, installations with a capacity of about 500 liters can also be used.
In the tank itself, elements are provided to maintain the required temperature of the carrier. The very same material from which the tank is made is necessarily mated with layers of insulators. Active components are heating elements and copper pipes. The configuration of their placement in the tanks may vary, as well as the battery performance management systems.
Operation principle
From the point of view of the drive, the main task is to ensure the ability to maintain the desired temperature regime, which is set by the user himself. As the boiler operates, the tank receives hot water and stores it until the heating system stops functioning. The conditions for maintaining the temperature balance are determined by the insulating materials of the tank and the 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 ensures 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 needs in the mode of constant consumption.
Heat storage functions
As already noted, units of this type can perform different tasks, the requirements for which determine the criteria for choosing one orother system. The basic and main functions include the accumulation of heat from the generator and its subsequent return. In other words, the same tank collects, stores and transfers energy to a direct heating element. In combination with a solid fuel boiler, overheating protection can also be attributed to the functions of the system. Automated and electronic control relays are ineffective in solid fuel units. Therefore, it is practiced to optimize the operation of the boiler using a heat accumulator, which naturally collects excess energy and returns it at times 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 heat accumulator?
It is advisable to use a heat storage system in cases where the existing heating unit does not allow sufficient control of its operation. For example, solid fuel boilers inevitably provide for maintenance moments 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 set to work during certain periods of time, when the most economical tariff for energy consumption is in effect. So, for example, at nightthe system will conserve a certain amount of thermal energy, which can be used for any needs during the next day.
Where is it undesirable to use heat accumulators?
The nature of the operation of buffer batteries is designed to ensure uniform heat transfer and smooth out jumps during temperature changes. But this principle of action is not always useful. For heating systems, which, on the contrary, require an accelerated set or decrease in temperature, such an addition will be redundant. In such situations, an increase in 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 can be optimal for heating systems that operate for short periods - it is enough to heat the container in advance and then use the finished energy at the appointed time. However, the maintenance of the optimal state of the coolant itself requires the consumption of a certain amount of energy. Therefore, for example, a boiler room used for occasional and short-term heating of a dryer may well do without a battery. Another thing is when it comes to a whole group of boilers that can be combined into one system due to the buffer.
Battery specifications
Among the main characteristics are the dimensional parameters of the unit, its capacity, maximum temperature and pressure indicator. For private houses, manufacturers offer small installations, the diameter of which can be 500-700 mm, and the height is about 1500 mm. It is also important to take into account the mass, since 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 quality of the tank's insulation. Performance is reduced to temperature and pressure. The first value is about 100 °C, and the pressure level can reach 3 bar.
Battery connection
A homeowner with knowledge in electrical engineering can not only independently connect the finished 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 conduct a return pipeline along the niche of the future heat accumulator. The connection should begin with the connection of the return of the boiler and the tank. From one component to the second, a place should be provided on which the circulation pump will be installed. With its help, the hot coolant will move from the barrel to the cut-off valve and expansion tank.
You need to mount the heat accumulator with your own hands in such a way that the most rational distribution of liquid in all rooms is assumed. To assess the quality of the assembled system, it can be provided for the presence of thermometers, explosive valves and pressure sensors. Such equipment will allow you to evaluate how rational it will beoperate the battery through the connected circuits.
Water systems
The classic heat accumulator involves the use of water as an energy carrier. Another thing is that this resource can be used 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 should be noted that the interaction of boilers with water is quite common due to its low cost. A water heat accumulator is cheaper than electric heaters. On the other hand, they also have their drawbacks. As a rule, they come down to nuances in the organization of circulation networks. The greater the amount of resource consumed, the more expensive its organization. Installation costs are one-time, but operation will cost less.
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 plant by reserving energy from different sources. Although the solar heat accumulator is less common, it is quite possible to use it in typical heating systems. Solar collectors also save energy potential,which is later spent on household needs. But it is important to consider that the hot coolant 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 conversions.
How to choose the best heat accumulator?
It is worth starting from several parameters. To begin with, the functionality of the system and its performance indicators are determined. The tank must fully cover the volumes that are planned to be consumed during the operation of the heating system. Do not save on control systems. Modern relays with automatic regulators not only make it convenient to program engineering systems, but also provide protective properties. A properly equipped heat accumulator has protection against idling and provides ample opportunities for indicating temperature conditions.
Battery Reviews
It cannot be said that in every house heat accumulators will certainly save money. Users who serve large private houses and cottages speak about reducing heating costs with the help of such buffers. To maintain optimal thermal conditions in 2-3 rooms, it is not advisable to use tanks with reserve liquid. But almost all users emphasize the convenience that heat accumulators provide. Reviews of owners of traditional boilers, for example, note that the presence of such a tankeliminates the need for constant monitoring of the furnace. The unit automatically redistributes thermal energy in accordance with the set program, facilitating the function of the combustion chambers.
Conclusion
There are many alternative solutions on the market that allow you to replace both boilers and buffer storage tanks. However, the complex, which includes a combination of a water boiler and a solid fuel boiler, is the most advantageous in terms of cost and ease of use. Subject to the rational distribution of circuits, heating with a heat accumulator will provide the required temperature level. Therefore, the most responsible measures will be associated with the design of the system, which will determine the efficiency of the boiler function. In this case, one should not be limited to simple thermal distribution schemes. Heat regulators and radiators in modern modifications organically complement battery systems, interacting with them in different operating modes.
