The growing popularity of autonomous engineering tools already at the design stage of a house inclines the future owner towards an independent heating system. It's far from ideal, but many are willing to pay for its benefits. Moreover, the possibility of savings with such a choice is not completely swept aside. But there are also issues of safety, reliability and ergonomics of using equipment, therefore both dependent and independent heating systems should be considered in detail and with an emphasis on specific conditions of use. 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 node through which the tasks of coolant regulation are performed. From the heating main to the distribution unit of a residential building, water is supplied through a pipeline, and mechanical control is carried out by a system of inlet valves and valves - a typical plumbingfittings. At the next level, there are locking mechanisms that regulate the supply of hot water to the return and inlet circuits. Moreover, the heating system in a private country house can provide for two tie-ins - for the return line and the supply channel. Further, the home tie-ins are followed by a chamber in which the heat carriers are mixed. Hot streams can indirectly contact water in the return circuit, transferring some of the heat to it. Summarizing this part, we can conclude that the 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 collection point. In residential private houses, it can be implemented as a control station (including for pressure reduction), but this scheme is made independent by the integration of a heat exchanger. It performs the functions of a rational and balanced redistribution of hot flows, also maintaining, if necessary, an optimal temperature regime. That is, with an independent connection of the heating system, the heating network as such does not act as a direct source of supply, but only directs flows to an intermediate technological point. Further, in accordance with the settings made, in a more targeted version, both drinking water and hot water supply with heating and other domestic needs can be supplied from it.
Comparison by degree of dependence on electricity supply
In this case, energy independence means the absence of electricity. In other words, how communications will be able to continue their work if, for one reason or another, the light is turned off. Are there any differences in principle between dependent and independent heating systems in this aspect, because both infrastructures can provide for the operation of energy-intensive boilers? Indeed, in practice, most often both systems are equal in this respect, but the scheme of dependent connection to the central heating network itself can do without electrical equipment and supply the consumer all year round even without light - of course, if there are no other kinds of failures. In the case of an independent system, even with minimal equipment, the same presence of a collector unit with automation is more likely to make the system inoperative or cut in functionality for an emergency period in the power grid.
Reliability and durability comparison
The practice of operating technically complex and multi-level systems shows that they are less maintainable and more often should be subject to preventive inspections with maintenance measures. It cannot be said that the 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 to inspect the heat exchanger andadjoining harness. Possible uncontrolled accidents at this node can lead to damage to the pipeline. Therefore, experts recommend installing several sensors with pressure, temperature and tightness control. The latest collector cabinets also provide for the use of self-diagnostic complexes for continuous monitoring of the system status. As for the closed heating infrastructure, such control and measuring fittings will also not be superfluous for it, but in this case its need is not so high.
Ergonomics comparison
Actually, all of the above disadvantages of independent systems are determined by the desire of users to get both an easy-to-use and economical means of heating. 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 come down to the fact that in the first case a wider range of possibilities is provided for fine-tuning the parameters of the DHW operation. In particular, automatic control means allow you to program the distribution of heat in given volumes and according to the intended contours for certain time intervals - from hours and days to weeks.
Pluses of dependent heating systems
In addition to the already mentioned reliability and lower maintenance costs (at least on the part of the user), we can emphasize a fairly high performance and stable maintenancehot water temperature at an average level of 95 ºС to 105 ºС. At the same time, both dependent and independent heating systems can equally regulate the thermal regime. Only in the first case, public utilities will be responsible for this regulation, integrating radiators into distribution systems to stir water with different temperatures. It is for multi-apartment buildings that this solution is optimal in terms of performance 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 that may well enter 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 main line once a year, and another thing is to perform a comprehensive inspection of the elevator assembly piping at home every month.
- Possible water hammer. Incorrect connection of communications or excessively high pressure in the circuit can lead to rupture of pipes.
- Low basic quality of the coolant in terms of composition.
- Difficulties of control and management. At technological stations for municipal water heating, the process of updating the same shut-off valves is rather slow, which can lead to 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 fall not on the final equipment, but on the heat exchanger with a hydraulic tank, which directly receive resources from the main source. Such resource preparation is practically impossible in private when operating dependent heating systems. The connection of an independent circuit also allows rational use of water for drinking needs of optimal purification. The streams are divided according to the intended purpose and each line can provide a separate level of training that meets the technological requirements.
Cons of an independent heating system
Of course, the introduction of additional regulatory and instrumentation equipment into the infrastructure will cost a lot. If we take into account the use of a boiler or radiator with the support of a circulation pump as the main heating unit, then we can talk about 500-700 thousand rubles. In this respect, dependent and independent heating systems diverge radically. By the way, a dependent connection can do without tangible costs. Another thing is that in a private house, owners usually introduce fairly efficient boilers and boilers into the network. In addition, high security requirements are also noted among the shortcomings. This does not mean that a self-contained circuit with several layers of strapping is in itself a greatdanger, however, expanding the network with a connection to a dozen intermediate devices imposes a great responsibility on the user when operating the system.
General tips for choosing a heating system
Dependent lines for connecting heat carriers are now perceived as obsolete, and independent ones as a more functional, balanced and ergonomic solution. But what heating system is suitable if we are talking about an average private house with a typical amount of energy consumption? Initially, you can focus on certain configurations of independent systems, but do not forget about the following nuances:
- If there are technical difficulties in arranging heating equipment, then a dependent system will be more justified.
- If there are periodic power outages, then along with the heat exchanger, you will also have to purchase an autonomous generator.
- The longer the heating period lasts, the more profitable the transition to a dependent system will be.
- For dachas and, in principle, low-cost objects in terms of thermal energy, in the long term, it is advisable to make a choice in favor of an independent connection.
Can one system be converted into another?
Theoretically, this is quite possible - both in one direction and in the other. Basically, they just modernize dependent systems, but there may well be a need to reconstruct independent infrastructure. At the same time, the most rational option, when it will be possible to preserve the advantages to varying degreesboth systems, 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 unit with a full set of control units, in this case, will be taken over by point-mounted devices. 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
Still, safety remains the decisive factor in choosing one or another heating system. And if in one case employees of service organizations will be responsible for it, then in another, these tasks will be taken over to a large extent by the user himself. And in both situations, experts recommend periodically ordering an independent examination of the heating system, which will allow you to professionally assess the current state of the pipeline and adjacent circuits with process 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 network, checking the tightness and compliance of the insulation with the established requirements should be carried out regularly.
