Increasingly, boilers are used for heating and hot water supply in homes. They are compact, powerful and easy to use. Gas today is cheaper than other types of fuel. If you are thinking about installing such equipment in your home, it is important to understand how a gas boiler works. This will help you quickly understand the management of equipment and successfully operate it.
How is a gas boiler
What is the technique? It is important for each user to know the answer to this question, because different situations may arise during work. In addition, knowledge about the device of a gas boiler and its components will help you choose the model that is right for your room.
Main nodes
Burner. The rectangular design is equipped with nozzles. Through them, the gas enters the burner and is distributed. So the surface of the radiator evenly warms up over the entire surface.
There are two types of burners:
- Atmospheric. Installed near the chimney. The principle of operation is simple: air is taken from the room to maintain the flame. In this case, it is necessary to have a window and adequate ventilation. The advantage of the atmospheric type is independence from electricity. More common in floor-type models.
- Turbocharged. The operation of such a boiler does not depend on the presence of draft in the chimney and ventilation, since the built-in fan forcibly removes combustion products through a coaxial chimney. The conclusion can be made in the wall. It is found in wall-mounted boilers. The main disadvantage is energy dependence.
Heat Exchanger It is a box with tubes inside. Water circulates through them. The node may consist of different alloys, which affects its service life. A double-circuit device is equipped with two radiators, a single-circuit device is equipped with one. Varieties:
- Steel. The easiest and cheapest option. The material is resistant to temperature extremes, but has low thermal conductivity and fragility.
- Copper. It is an alloy resistant to corrosion and temperature extremes. Copper conducts heat seven times better than steel, so the radiator is more expensive. It has a limited heating temperature.
- Cast iron. Resistant to corrosion and high temperatures. It conducts heat well, but has a lot of weight. Therefore, it is more often used for floor boilers in the form of a collapsible structure.
Circulation pump creates pressure in the system for constant circulation of water. Not all models have a pump. But if you choose appliances for gas heating, it must be present in the design.
Expansion tank. When heated, the coolant expands, so the tank accepts its excess in order to avoid an emergency.
chimney. In atmospheric models, the pipe is connected to the body branch pipe and led to the chimney. In turbocharged types of boilers, a coaxial chimney is created, the other end of which is connected to a hole in the wall.
Electronics and control module includes sensors, wiring, circuits: everything that allows the device to function stably.
Security automation. These are sensors that protect the device from such problems:
- lack of traction;
- overheat;
- no flame in the burner.
If the system fails, the sensors send a signal to the control module and the product stops working.
Principle of operation
Cold water enters the system through the mains. Through the circulation pump, it is fed into the heat exchanger. The gas valve opens and fuel enters the burner through the nozzles. The ignition electrode is activated, from which the gas ignites.
The boiler works for heating or providing hot water (DHW). Switching takes place using a three-way valve. During operation, combustion products are discharged through the chimney. When the set temperature is reached, the flame goes out. Some models have an external thermostat, so when the temperature drops, they immediately turn on the heating.
The workflow is shown below:
Varieties and classification
How should the boiler work? It depends on its variety.
According to the installation method, the equipment is divided into two types:
- Wall mounted. Small devices of low and medium power. Often installed in apartments and houses with a small area. Placing on the wall saves free space.
- Outdoor. Oversized structures that require a lot of space to accommodate. But they are able to simultaneously heat and provide hot water to large areas.
According to the structure of the chimney, the type of removal of combustion products:
- atmospheric;
- turbocharged.
We have described their modes of operation above.
By functionality:
- Single-circuit. Ensure optimal heating performance.
- Dual circuit. They are equipped with two radiators, so they can provide a heating system and fill taps with hot water.
Types of burners:
- Modulated. Smooth automatic adjustment of flame strength.
- usual. Without any adjustment.
By type of arson:
- Piezo ignition. The launch is carried out by pressing a button and deforming the piezoelectric element. Advantages of ignition in energy independence. Disadvantages: constant manual start, high fuel consumption.
- Electronic. The built-in transformer is activated, which is controlled by automation.
By the principle of work:
- Convection. The usual scheme, according to which the heat during combustion passes to the coolant (water).
- Condensing. In addition to conventional heating, the device uses the heat of water vapor. Condensate accumulates in an additional heat exchanger. Therefore, Ariston Class Premium Evo models have high efficiency.
Conventional boilers are volatile, but there are devices that work on a different principle. They are installed in rooms with a chimney and have an open combustion chamber. Ignition occurs with the help of a piezoelectric element. Some of them (for example, “Conord”) have a cast-iron radiator.
The equipment can operate on natural and liquefied gas, and is mounted on a wall or installed on the floor. There is a parapet installation option – the gas boiler is mounted on an external wall, has a closed combustion chamber and is connected to a coaxial pipe.
Having considered the device and features of water heating equipment, you can choose the best option for your home. The video will help you better understand the topic: