Smart pump control SALUS offers a cost-effective solution

How much is a thermostat for heating

Scientific and technological progress allows us to take advantage of innovations that improve our lives. About 30 years ago, special devices began to be used in the heating system, with which you can control the temperature regime inside the premises. Thermostats for heating - as these devices are called - have become an integral part of any heating system, regardless of the purpose of the room where it is used.

The novelty appealed to both specialists and ordinary people. With the help of thermostats, you can not only regulate the flow and temperature of the coolant in the heating radiators, but also, if necessary, completely shut off the supply of the latter. This facilitates the repair or replacement of the device, since it is not necessary to stop the entire heating process and completely drain the coolant. So it's an indispensable device in every respect. Therefore, installing a thermostat is a very profitable investment.

Why do you need a pump in the heating system

Circulation pumps for heating private houses are designed to create a forced movement of the coolant in the water circuit. After the installation of the equipment, the natural circulation of the liquid in the system becomes impossible, the pumps will work continuously. For this reason, high demands are placed on circulation equipment regarding:

1. performance.
2. Noise isolation.
3. Reliability.
4. Long service life.

A circulation pump is needed for "water floors", as well as two- and one-pipe heating systems. In large buildings it is used for hot water systems.

As practice shows, if you install the station in any system with natural circulation of the coolant, the heating efficiency and uniform heating along the entire length of the water circuit increase.

The only disadvantage of such a solution is the dependence of the operation of pumping equipment on electricity, but the problem is usually solved by connecting an uninterruptible power supply.

Installing a pump in the heating system of a private house is justified both when creating a new one and when modifying an existing heating system.

The principle of operation of the circulation pump

The operation of circulation pumps increases the energy efficiency of the heating system by 40-50%. The principle of operation of devices, regardless of type and design, is as follows:

• The liquid enters the cavity, made in the form of a shell.
• Inside the housing there is an impeller, a flywheel that creates pressure.
• The speed of the coolant increases and, by means of centrifugal force, the liquid is discharged into a spiral channel connected to the water circuit.
• The coolant enters the water heating circuit at a predetermined rate. Due to the swirling of water flows, the hydraulic resistance decreases during fluid circulation.

The principle of operation of a heating system with a circulation pump differs from circuits with natural circulation in that the movement of fluid is forced. The heating efficiency is not affected by compliance with slopes, the number of installed radiators, as well as the diameter of the pipes.

The operation of circulation pumps may differ slightly, depending on the type of construction, but the principle of operation remains the same. Manufacturers offer more than a hundred models of equipment, with various performance and control options. According to the characteristics of pumps, stations can be divided into several groups:

• According to the type of rotor - to enhance the circulation of the coolant, models with a dry and wet rotor can be used.The designs differ in the location of the impeller and moving mechanisms in the housing. So, in models with a dry rotor, only the flywheel, which creates pressure, comes into contact with the coolant fluid. "Dry" models have high performance, but have several drawbacks: a high level of noise is generated from the operation of the pump, regular maintenance is required. For domestic use, it is better to use modules with a wet rotor. All moving parts, including bearings, are completely encased in a coolant medium that serves as a lubricant for the parts that bear the greatest load. The service life of the "wet" type water pump in the heating system is at least 7 years. There is no need for maintenance.
• By type of control - the traditional model of pumping equipment, most often installed in domestic premises of a small area, has a mechanical regulator with three fixed speeds. It is rather inconvenient to regulate the temperature in the house using a mechanical circulation pump. The modules are distinguished by high power consumption. The optimal pump has an electronic control unit. A room thermostat is built into the housing. Automation independently analyzes the temperature indicators in the room, automatically changing the selected mode. At the same time, electricity consumption is reduced by 2-3 times.

There are other parameters that distinguish circulation equipment. But to choose the right model, it will be enough to know about the above nuances.

Scheme for connecting the circulation pump to the mains

The circuit for connecting the circulation pump to the mains is as follows

Note. necessarily in the pump connection diagram there must be either a differential circuit breaker (as in our diagram) or a combination of a protective circuit breaker and an RCD (Residual Current Device)

This is required, first of all, to protect a person from electric shock, in the event of a pump malfunction or incorrect connection.

As you can see, there is nothing complicated in the circuit; for operation, a household circulation pump requires a phase and zero (working zero), and besides, an indispensable safety element is grounding (protective zero). Therefore, in the terminal box of the pump there are three contacts, with the corresponding marking.

Detailed photo instructions for connecting the circulation pump to the mains, according to this scheme - HERE (the link will open in a new window).

Most circulation pumps in heating systems are connected according to this standard scheme. The main disadvantage of which is that the pumps have to be turned on and off manually each time, so they are often turned on at the beginning of the heating season and turned off at the end. Disadvantages of this connection method. I think it is obvious that the extra power consumption and a decrease in the life of the pump.

To automate the operation of the circulation pump in the heating system, in order to reduce energy costs and increase the overall life of the pump, you can connect it through a thermostat.

At the same time, the temperature of the heat carrier is measured by the thermostat and, if it is low, the circulation pump does not turn on so as not to drive cold water through the system in vain (or another heat carrier), and when the temperature of the heat carrier at the boiler reaches the required level, the pump starts.

Operating principle

At the same time, the principles of operation of thermostats differ: for example, flow-through ones only close the access of the coolant to the radiator circuit, and three- and four-way ones mix the heated liquid with the cooled one. Each thermostat has its own advantages and disadvantages. Installation of this device should be carried out based on its operational features.

In 1994, when construction companies, in accordance with the new SNiP, were required to equip heating systems with thermostatic elements, only one enterprise in Kazan was engaged in the production of such devices. Today there are dozens of such manufacturers.

Two-way thermostats

The principle of operation of these devices is significantly different from the above. They represent the same valve, only with two branch pipes - for connection with a radiator and a coolant supply pipe. In this case, no mixing of heat carriers occurs. The temperature is lowered by shutting off the hot water supply in the circuit.

But can such devices be classified as thermostats? Most likely you can. Let's look at the construction of a simple mechanical device.

It resembles a mechanical thermostat, but the liquid filler here can be replaced with a gas or spring one. In both cases, the efficiency of response to temperature changes is sharply reduced. But still this is a reaction without the presence of a person. In this design, the main move is to shut off the main coolant supply circuit and reduce its speed. It is on this that the work of such a mechanism is built.

Materials used in the production of circulation pumps

This is a very important aspect that affects not only the quality of work, but also the cost of the unit. It is clear without words that the contact of parts and components of the pump with water brings a lot of trouble. Therefore, for the production of this type, high-strength materials are used that can withstand water with a sufficiently high temperature.

For example, analogues are produced today, where the shaft, that is, the rotor, and bearings are made of ceramics. Such parts have high strength and long service life. In addition, ceramics are not afraid of water. Plus, these parts work silently.

The average guaranteed service life of circulation pumps is at least ten years. Of course, the requirements of the manufacturers must be strictly followed here, otherwise there are no guarantees. What do manufacturers require? Correct selection, correct installation, prepared coolant, prevention of some negative indicators in the heating system, for example, air inside.

Circulation pump insert

If the pump was not previously included in the heating system. its "tie-in" into the pipeline is required. Since this operation requires some skills and special equipment from the performer, it can be entrusted to professionals, or you can do the work yourself, having previously familiarized yourself with the pipeline installation technology. The order of work and the list of equipment used will depend on the selected tie-in method and pipeline material.

There are 2 ways to tie in a circulation pump:

1. on the main section of the pipeline;
2. on the bypass section (bypass).

Installing the unit on the main site involves less time and money, but has one significant drawback. The pump is powered by the mains, so with this installation method, during a power outage in an apartment or house, the heating will not be able to function.

The second method is more complicated, but provides the heating system with an increased level of autonomy. In this case, when the system is operating in normal mode, the coolant moves through the bypass channel, and the corresponding section of the main line is closed using a specially installed ball valve. During a power outage, the valve opens and the liquid moves through the pipeline in a natural way.

Scheme of installation of the pump on the bypass channel (bypass).

This option, although common, has one big drawback - a tap on the main line. It is better if a ball valve is installed instead of a tap.

Installation of a pump on the supply of a gas floor boiler in a heating system with natural circulation. An article on the topic "How to choose a gas boiler" may be useful to you.

In normal operation, the valve is closed by the overpressure generated by the pump above the ball. If the pump is de-energized, the ball rises under the pressure of water moving naturally along the highway. This option is relevant if the installation of the pump for one reason or another is carried out on the "supply".

Pump tie-in mounting kit includes:

• pipes of the required diameter;
• elements of pipeline fittings;
• union nuts (for polypropylene pipelines) or shackles (for steel pipes);
• mud filter;
• stopcocks;
• check valve.

The diameter of the tie-in pipes must correspond to the diameter of the already installed pipeline, and their total length is determined by the results of measurements at the site of the proposed installation of the pump. In the same way, a set of pipeline fittings is selected. Union nuts (or spurs) are used for quick installation and removal of the pump.

The dirt filter is installed directly before the entrance to the unit. It is necessary to protect the pump from the ingress of contaminants, the source of which may be deposits on the inner surface of the pipelines. The drain hole of the filter must point downwards to allow periodic cleaning.

Shut-off valves are placed at the inlet to the pump in front of the filter and at the outlet of it, so that, if necessary, the unit can be dismantled without stopping the entire system. When installing the supercharger on the bypass section, an additional valve is installed on the main line parallel to the pump. The check valve is designed to protect the system from hydraulic shocks. It is mounted at the outlet of the pump in front of the stopcock.

Power connection

Circulation pumps operate from a 220 V network. The connection is standard, a separate power line with a circuit breaker is desirable. Three wires are required for connection - phase, zero and ground.

Electrical connection diagram of the circulation pump

The connection to the network itself can be organized using a three-pin socket and plug. This connection method is used if the pump comes with a connected power cable. It can also be connected via a terminal block or directly with a cable to the terminals.

The terminals are located under a plastic cover. We remove it by unscrewing a few bolts, we find three connectors. They are usually signed (pictograms are applied N - neutral wire, L - phase, and "earth" has an international designation), it is difficult to make a mistake.

Where to connect the power cable

Since the entire system depends on the performance of the circulation pump, it makes sense to make a backup power supply - put a stabilizer with connected batteries. With such a power supply system, everything will work for several days, since the pump itself and the boiler automation “pull” electricity to a maximum of 250-300 watts. But when organizing, you need to calculate everything and select the capacity of the batteries. The disadvantage of such a system is the need to ensure that the batteries are not discharged.

How to connect a circulator to electricity through a stabilizer

Hello. My situation is that a 25 x 60 pump stands right after the 6 kW electric boiler, then the line from the 40 mm pipe goes to the bathhouse (there are three steel radiators) and returns to the boiler; after the pump, the branch goes up, then 4 m, down, rings the house of 50 sq. m. through the kitchen, then through the bedroom, where it doubles, then the hall, where it triples and flows into the boiler return; in the bath branch 40 mm up, leaves the bath, enters the 2nd floor of the house 40 sq. m. (there are two cast-iron radiators) and returns to the bath in the return line; the heat did not go to the second floor; the idea to install a second pump in the bath for supply after a branch; total pipeline length 125 m.How correct is the decision?

The idea is correct - the route is too long for one pump.

What is a circulation pump and why is it needed

A circulation pump is a device that changes the speed of movement of a liquid medium without changing the pressure. In heating systems, it is placed for more efficient heating. In systems with forced circulation, it is an indispensable element, in gravitational systems it can be set if it is necessary to increase the thermal power. Installing a circulation pump with several speeds makes it possible to change the amount of heat transferred depending on the temperature outside, thus maintaining a stable temperature in the room.

Sectional view of a wet rotor circulation pump

There are two types of such units - with a dry and wet rotor. Devices with a dry rotor have a high efficiency (about 80%), but they are very noisy and require regular maintenance. Wet rotor units operate almost silently, with normal coolant quality, they can pump water without failures for more than 10 years. They have a lower efficiency (about 50%), but their characteristics are more than enough to heat any private house.

Varieties

Depending on the design, thermostats come with a built-in and remote sensor. The latter are convenient in that they allow you to place the thermoelement and the control knob at a considerable distance from each other.

Classification by number of pipes

According to the number of attached radiator pipes, they are divided into two-way, three-way and four-way. Two-way thermostats are also called pass-through thermostats. They have two outlets and are attached to only one pipe. The two-way regulator has a mechanical or electric valve that partially or completely blocks the path to the coolant flow.

Heating systems equipped with three-way thermostats have great potential. The latter not only block access to hot water, but also supply cold water to the radiator circuit. As a result of mixing the flows, the heating temperature of the heaters decreases.

It is important to correctly install the three-way thermostat. The manufacturer usually depicts the installation diagram on the device case.

The blue color indicates the place for connecting the supply pipe with the cooled coolant, the red one - with the heated one, and the outlet point is marked with an arrow. The same applies to four-way models. True, unlike three-way regulators, they are able to maintain the recirculation of cooled and heated coolants without mixing.

Classification by actuation type

Depending on the method of actuation, thermostats are divided into two categories - manual and automatic. With the first, everything is simple: to reduce the flow of heated water or block its path to the radiator circuit, you need to turn the knob.

The latter are more complex in design. They consist of a sensor and a thermostatic element built into a plastic housing. The sensor is filled with gas condensate, water or wax, which, when heated to a certain temperature, change the volume of the medium. After that, the stem of the device comes into motion, partially or completely blocking the mechanical valve.

You can also install an electronic thermostat. It is equipped with an electrically actuated valve. Depending on the principle of operation, electronic devices are:

• automated, which are triggered when the temperature indicators recorded by the sensor change;
• programmable, triggered in a user-specified period of time;
• radio-controlled, when the temperature of the heating radiator is controlled using a remote control.

What is a circulation pump

This is not a large unit that is installed in the heating pipeline system and distills the coolant through all branches of the heating system, that is, it circulates hot water. There is a wide variety of circulation pumps for heating systems. but for private houses, units with the so-called "wet rotor" are usually used. What is the design feature of this model?

The thing is that the moving parts of the pump, and this is mainly the rotor and the impeller, are cooled and at the same time lubricated by the liquid flowing inside the pump, that is, the coolant. Hence the quietness of operation, and a high indicator of reliability, and the small dimensions of the unit itself. We add here durability, efficiency and economy.

Advantages

Thermoregulators can reduce the cost of thermal energy by 10-20%. Those systems that have not only individual thermostats, but are also additionally equipped with regulators at the heating source, save from 25-35% of thermal energy.

In addition, a pleasant microclimate is constantly maintained in the room, especially if automation is used to control the coolant.

Additional benefits

Other advantages of using temperature control devices include versatility and high accuracy. The versatility lies in the fact that the thermostats are suitable for installation in heating systems of any type.

This equipment is used with gas, electric and solid fuel boilers.

High tuning accuracy is manifested in the fact that even a mechanical device stops the supply of heated water to the battery at the right time, not to mention devices with electronic filling.

The latter can be configured in such a way as to maintain a specific, comfortable temperature at certain hours. Often, the electronic thermostat even has a weekly programming function. The advantages also include the following qualities:

• durability - the devices are made of steel, resistant to corrosion. Of particular interest is Russian-made equipment, which, in terms of hydraulic and strength properties, corresponds to domestic realities;
• a wide range of brands and models - today thermostats are manufactured by many companies and supplied from abroad. High competition reduces the cost of products.

Scheme and principle of operation of circulation pumps for heating

Structurally, the unit is a complex of main components and additional elements.

The supercharger circuit includes:

1. Frame. Needed to protect the device from external influences.
2. Terminal box. Electrical components, adjustment devices are connected here.
3. Electric motor. Starts the equipment.
4. Impeller. The part ensures the transportation of fluid through the pipeline in a given speed mode.
5. Transfer chamber. The compartment is equipped with nozzles for pressure, supply for connection to the heating circuits.

The principle of operation of the supercharger is simple:

• through the inlet pipe, water enters the pumping chamber;
• the coolant is picked up by the impeller blades, which begin to function when the engine is turned on;
• an increase in pressure sets the coolant in motion, water passes through the outlet pipe and enters the heating system main.

The circuit for the heating pump has no difficulties, the device works on the principle of all superchargers. The peculiarity lies in the correct choice of the device, depending on the type of heating system, the design characteristics of the line, boiler and heating devices.

Automatic control unit for circulation pump

The circulation pump is controlled by a thermostat, relay, uninterruptible power supply. The complex is needed to regulate the heating of the coolant, to maintain the operation of the equipment.

thermostats

The units combine the functions of a thermoelement and a valve, they are needed to adjust the temperature of water heating.

The thermostat for the heating circulation pump works like this:

1. Reads information from the temperature sensor. Compares indicators with settings. To set the settings mode, a side menu is intended with a difference in the pump start temperature and hysteresis. Hysteresis - the time interval of temperature delay when the heater is turned on and off.
2. When the equipment is started, the hysteresis is automatically added to the water heating indicator when the blower is turned on. When the pump is switched off, the hysteresis is subtracted from the total.

By default, the size of the hysteresis is taken as 1/10 of the heating medium heating temperature. Thus, when the water heating mode is +50 C, the hysteresis is only 5 degrees. In order for the automatic control unit to start working, the water must warm up to +55 C. To turn off the unit, it must cool to +45 C. Units with hysteresis are more convenient to use. The equipment maintains a temperature run-off of 5 degrees, therefore it is protected from constant on / off.

The thermostat should be selected with a firmware hysteresis of at least +/- 1 degree, maximum +/- 10 degrees. Install a thermostat next to the boiler. Subject to adjustment taking into account the external temperature in the room, the boiler regulation must be able to change the media indicator.

Uninterruptible power supply

The heating circulation pump control unit is a volatile equipment; it will not work without electricity. Eliminate the possibility of downtime will allow a UPS (uninterruptible power supply) or a generator. It is permissible to do without a power supply device, starting the network in gravity mode. But there is a risk of an error in laying pipelines, which will lead to a network failure.

The contours of the gravity heating network according to the laying technique are inclined towards the return circulation pipe. The slope is recommended to be maintained within the limits of 3 cm per meter of pipeline. This requires accurate circuit calculations and increases the network layout area.

The reverse circulation line is mounted with a slope towards the heater, also taking into account the slope. If the level of reduction is small, there is a risk of stagnation of the coolant, the formation of an air lock. In addition, the heater should be installed at the lowest point of the circuit, which causes difficulties in the absence of a basement.

A circulation pump will help to avoid all problems, in order to provide it with power, a UPS or a generator is built into the network. The choice depends on the user, however, the generator makes a lot of noise during operation, the uninterruptible power supply operates as quietly as possible.

On and off relay

This is a module for starting the equipment into operation and turning off the unit. The relay for turning on the heating pump is an important node responsible for maintaining the performance of the entire unit.

The task of the unit is simple:

• decrease in the level of pressure in the network - a signal to start the device into operation, the relay turns on the equipment;
• excess of the established pressure norm - a signal to stop the equipment.

Thus, when the analysis of the coolant stops, the pressure in the network increases, the timer for the heating pump trips. The resumption of the analysis of hot water leads to a decrease in the pressure indicator, starts the device into operation. Whether or not to install a thermostat, UPS, is the business of the owner.

A high-quality circulation pump with a temperature sensor has several advantages:

• reduces fuel consumption;
• ensures the maintenance of a comfortable temperature in the premises;
• makes it possible to quickly correct the mode of operation.

Experts recommend choosing devices in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Manufacturers of equipment without an automatic control unit prescribe in the data sheet the parameters of the unit suitable for mounting on devices.

To simplify the regulation of water flow in the battery, it is recommended to equip all batteries in the house with thermostats. When choosing them, it is necessary to take into account the gradation of the setting - the smaller the division, the more accurate the mode. It is more practical to take devices with a scale graduation of up to 5 degrees.

Functional purpose of thermostats

In most cases, during the operation of heat supply, an uneven distribution of heat in radiators and tubes is observed. This is due to its cooling while moving along the highways. For stabilization and timely adjustment, room thermostats for heating are installed.

Radiator heat control. By regulating the inflow of hot water, the temperature on the surface of the heater changes;

Optimization of costs for heating the coolant. The overhead thermostat for heating reduces the cost of heating hot water by reducing the difference in temperature of the coolant between the supply and return pipes;

Heating automation. Almost all models of thermostatic devices operate offline

It is important to initially correctly set the initial functioning parameters.

What is the difference between a thermostat for a heating boiler and a similar model for a radiator or circulation pump? First of all - the speed of response of the control element and the temperature regime of operation. Therefore, it is recommended to select the optimal model for each heating component. And for this, one should consider their types and design features.

Any thermostat for home heating has individual operating parameters - installation features, degree of temperature control, etc. They must correspond to the characteristics of the heating element on which the device will be installed.

Mounting the thermostat

Before installing the thermostat, you need to make sure that it is compatible with the heating system. Each device has its own valve capacity coefficients, denoted Kv and Kvs.

Single-pipe systems are recommended to be equipped with thermostats with a Kv value of more than 1, and even better - more than 1.5. For two-pipe regulators with Kv in the range from 0.5 to 0.9% are more suitable.

Sequence of work

The sequence of installation work is as follows:

• after shutting off the supply riser, water is drained from the heating system;
• at a short distance from the battery, horizontal pipe connections are cut off;
• disconnect the cut section of the pipeline together with the valves;
• if the system is single-pipe, a bypass is welded. This is a jumper that will allow the coolant to circulate around the circuit when the valves are closed and there is no access to the battery. In two-pipe heating systems, the thermostat is mounted on the inlet upper pipe, and the valve is mounted on the lower one;
• shanks with nuts are removed from the stopcock and thermostat, after which they are wrapped in radiator plugs;
• piping is mounted and installed, and then connected to horizontal supply pipes.

Location nuances

The axis of the thermal head must always be in a horizontal position so that the temperature measurement accuracy of the device is high.

In a vertical position, the sensor will be in the zone of action of ascending and descending heat flows, due to which the temperature readings will be incorrect.

If the axis of the rod is mounted vertically, it is better to use a remote electronic sensor with an electrical drive or with a radio signal transmission.

Thermostats with a built-in sensor should be positioned so that they are visible, but do not fall into the scope of thermal appliances. Also keep in mind that heat is shielded by thick curtains. The optimal height of the thermostat is at least 80 cm from the floor surface.

Installation of thermostats on bimetallic, steel and aluminum batteries is allowed.If the radiator housing is cast iron, due to the high inertness of this alloy, it is not recommended to install a thermostat.