Heating on demand. Temperature sensors and other ways to save heat

In a previous post "Automation for heating systems" our specialists uncovered the issue of automating the operation of the boiler and the hot water supply system without custom functions. Now is the time to reveal the features of the organization of weather-dependent automation in modern heating systems. Responsible for this controller, sensors for the heating system and three- and four way valve... The microcontroller can be connected directly to the thyristor clans on the underfloor heating collector, if the purchased model of the fitting allows this to be done.

Automation of the heating system is a nice addition, which will significantly increase the level of comfort, as well as reduce costs due to the temperature schedule.

What can and does heating system automation?

As in the previous article, our experts emphasize that there are two functional circuits in modern heating systems: boiler and heating. Boilers, a circulation pump, valves, a safety group, an expansion tank and other elements of the "infrastructure" to support the operation of the boiler are installed in the boiler. The heating circuit contains wiring for hot water supply, heating with radiators, underfloor heating, air heating circuits and everything that the owner needs.

In other words, the automation of the boiler circuit has an engineering purpose aimed at supporting the correct operation of the boiler and other equipment. Custom automation is implemented simultaneously by the boiler and heating piping. It can be done with radiator valves, underfloor heating collectors or in conjunction with the operation of servo-driven valves. One (!) Control system will be responsible for the automatic functionality in the boiler and heating circuit, although the number of controllers depends on the owner's desire. But in practice, the heating control system integrates functions.

Climate control settings can be done manually and, as they say, do not fence the garden. But to set more complex heating scenarios, such as maintaining the air temperature at the time of the absence of residents of about 13 degrees Celsius and raising the temperature to 22-24 degrees Celsius by the time people return, this can only be done by properly configured automation.

The sensors for the heating system can be different again. This can be a carbon monoxide sensor that will be mounted in the room and a chimney damper, or overhead or built-in temperature sensors. Engineering automation involves the installation of pressure sensors in the system and other solutions, the use of which will depend only on the design of the thermal circuit.

Automatic functions: what is controlled by the automation of heating systems

Manufacturers present modern automation of heating systems with a wide range of equipment. Sensors, thermostats, valves, servo drives and controllers. It allows for fully automatic regulation of different operating modes. And this has a positive effect on energy savings while maintaining a high level of comfort.

Would you like to turn up the temperature in the bathroom when you bathe? Set the parameters and the system will do everything for you. Is the child sick? Take your smartphone and turn up the temperature in your room, and the system will do everything for you.

Functions of heating automation devices:

• thermostats and thermostats can be analog and digital. Automation will require wireless digital devices. With their help, they establish and maintain temperature indicators in each separate room;
• temperature sensors are used to control the temperature indoors, outdoors. Also purchased to control the temperature indicators of the coolant. They can be internal and applied to the pipe. The number and application functions of the sensors are regulated depending on the thermal circuit;
• the servos cause the valves to move to the desired state for the controller. They regulate automation fittings, which typically do not support wireless communication;
• four-way valves and controlled radiator valves regulate the heating medium flow on demand;
• a controller is a microcircuit with which control takes place according to specified programs. Some controllers allow you to define different service scenarios.

Choice of microcontrollers

Solid fuel boilers FOCUS and pellet burners FOCUS equipped with a microcontroller Plum EcoMAX, which by default controls the operation of the boiler, related devices and allows you to connect indoor and outdoor automation.

If you have a different solid fuel boiler installed, you can purchase a control system. And to implement everything that our specialists wrote about. Users get the opportunity to control hot water supply in winter and summer mode. Connect sensors for the heating system and thermostats. It also becomes possible to configure the heating system for synchronous operation. For these purposes, purchase a controller. It can be purchased as part of a backup electric boiler kit and even automate the operation of the furnace.

The general principle of the automation will depend on the specific model. Also, the selection of equipment is associated with the implementation of the thermal circuit, but the functionality corresponds to that described above. Of course, the functionality must take into account the peculiarities of the heating system.

For example, if you are using only low temperature circuits and have installed warm walls, heliosystem or hidden heating, then this can be regulated using three- and four-way valve... For these purposes, the correct selection of reinforcement will be required, it can be premium or budgetary... Self-assembly is best done on kits assembled fittings... These questions are reflected in our previous publications.

Do I need or not need a three-way valve in heating systems?

To put or not to put a buffer tank when tying a solid fuel boiler?

Order an automatic boiler room project