Innovative technologies are increasingly used in the construction of heating systems today. One of the most promising is the one based on the condensation of water vapor. It is formed during the combustion of hydrocarbons. A relatively new solution for the Russian market are condensing boilers, which in a number of countries are the only ones allowed for operation. The reasons for this are the high efficiency of the technology, versatility and cost-effectiveness.
Working principle
For the described type of heating equipment, fuel is used, which is natural or liquefied gas. The former is most commonly used in everyday life, while the latter is increasingly oriented towards 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 entails the release of thermal energy. Lost warmth returneddue to steam condensation. This improves the efficiency of the system. In conventional boilers, this phenomenon is undesirable, so they are struggling with it.
As for the condensing equipment, a heat exchanger is provided in it to form a liquid. It takes heat during condensation and transfers it to technical water, which is a heat carrier. To prevent corrosion in the production of equipment, materials with increased resistance are used, among them silumin and stainless steel should be distinguished. 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:
- fluid inlet and outlet pipes;
- burner;
- heat exchanger;
- pump.
Condensing boilers have branch pipes where cold water is supplied inside, and after its temperature rises, 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. The described devices contain heat exchangers, the first of which is a container for heating water, while the second is designed to condense and extract thermal energy.
But the pump is necessary for the device to circulate the liquid. When gas is supplied to the combustion chamber when water enters, the burner starts combustion. The products pass through the first heat exchanger, during which its walls are heated. The latter transfer heat to process water, and then the gases pass intosecond heat exchanger. There, the steam cools, resulting in the formation of condensate. This entails the release of energy, which is used for heating.
The first part of the equipment operates according to the standard principle: the coolant is heated by fuel combustion. As for the second part, the energy of condensed air vapors is accumulated there. This process is quite complicated.
Condensing boilers can operate at increased efficiency. For this, the heat exchanger tube is shaped into a spiral, which increases the area of contact with the coolant. For this purpose, the action of the reverse heat carrier, which has a lower temperature, is also used. 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 main gas and air.
Overview of the boiler: 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 aluminum alloy with silicon. The kit does not include control panels, but you can choose to install one or two of them. The owner of the equipment can make a connection to a chimney or a coaxial chimney.
Main Specifications
The condensing gas boiler described above has a capacity of 90 kW. Power consumptionis 125 watts. Natural gas is consumed in the amount of 9.1 m3/h. If you use liquefied gas as fuel, then its consumption will be 3.5 kg / h. The permissible pressure of natural gas is 0.013 bar. The overall dimensions of this boiler are 750 x 500 x 500 mm. This condensing gas boiler weighs 67 kg.
Heating temperature can reach 90 ˚С. Flue gas temperature at minimum and maximum power is 30 and 68 ˚С, respectively. At 100% thermal power, the efficiency reaches 110%. The device uses a closed combustion chamber.
Consumer Reviews
When buyers consider the above boiler, they pay special attention to its durability. It is provided by a monoblock heat exchanger, which is characterized by a high conductivity coefficient. The base material resists corrosion well, which ensures a long service life.
Among the additional advantages of this device, consumers are distinguished:
- high efficiency;
- low emissions;
- presence of a modulating burner;
- possibility of connection to chimney and coaxial chimney;
- the presence of a fan with a silencer;
- optimal gas supply pressure ranging from 13 to 20 mbar.
This wall mounted condensing boiler has a premix burner. The base is stainless steel, and the surface is made of woven metal fibers. The power can be modulated in the range from 18 to 100%. To ensure the intake of air for combustion, the manufacturer provided for the presence of 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 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 body has a compact size. Durability and reliability in operation are ensured by good build quality and appropriate 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 block 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 gas and liquefied gas is 3.36 m3/h and 2.5 kg/h respectively. Diameterthe coaxial chimney used during installation can be limited to 60 to 100 mm. Flue gas temperature at minimum and maximum power is 40 and 55 ˚С respectively.
Overview of the boiler Vaillant ecoTEC plus VUW
The 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 will allow you to easily monitor the operation of the equipment. This simplifies parameter control. To protect against unintentional changes in the operating mode, the manufacturer has provided a door that closes the control panel.
Features
After familiarizing yourself with the principle of operation of condensing boilers, you should also learn about the technical characteristics. The above model of equipment, 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 are saying
The above condensing boiler, reviews of which should help you make the right choice, according to consumers, has many advantages. Amongthey should be highlighted:
- low noise;
- reliability;
- easy to manage;
- Ease of use.
As for the noise during operation, it is reduced thanks to the fan with adjustable speed. This also allows you to reduce energy consumption. Consumers also like reliability. It is guaranteed by a door that closes the control panel.
Review of the floor-standing boiler POWER HT 45-150 from the manufacturer "Baksi"
This model is a high-tech floor standing boiler that successfully combines high performance and advanced technology. The equipment has a compact size, as well as a high efficiency, which reaches 110%.
The device provides energy savings of up to 35% per year, if we compare models with traditional boilers. This floor-standing condensing boiler can be used for cascade installation, which allows you to achieve high power in a small boiler room.
Consumer opinions
The above equipment has an open combustion chamber. Users like the ability to continuously modulate the flame. The design is based on a stainless steel burner that pre-mixes air and gas.
Electronic ignition is smooth. If desired, the consumer can reconfigure the boiler to run on liquefied gas, which buyers consideran undeniable advantage. Baxi condensing boiler has temperature control. You can use the remote control device. This allows you to regulate the climate. This option is available separately.
It is impossible not to mention the electronic self-diagnosis system. The design includes two microprocessors. Consumers emphasize that it is very convenient to monitor the operation of the boiler, because there is a wide liquid crystal display on the body. The heat carrier is protected from overheating thanks to the operation of the thermostat, which guarantees the normal operation of the primary heat exchanger.
In closing
Condensing heating equipment has many advantages. For example, consumers especially emphasize compact dimensions and low weight. These heating devices are also chosen for the reason that they save fuel. You may especially like the accuracy of the modulation. You can choose the boiler according to the parameters you need. At the same time, you won’t have to overpay for extra power.
