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A non-volatile gas boiler is recommended for areas with unstable power supply. Modern equipment connected to the power grid often breaks down and fails due to power surges in the network. This can become a serious problem in winter. So that the heat in the house does not depend on the vagaries of the power grid, consumers choose heating devices that work without electricity.
What are the non-volatile congratulations
Combined non-volatile boilers operating on two types of fuel are available only in the floor version. Gas heaters powered by gas are available in two versions:
- Floor. This option is more popular than the wall option. Boilers that work without electricity are preferred by the owners of private houses. The floor-standing type of equipment has a simple device and is available in a wide range of capacities. There are heaters that can heat more than 200 m². They are installed in a special room with good forced ventilation.
- Wall. These models are chosen by consumers who cannot allocate space for a furnace. Manufacturers not so long ago began to offer the market wall-mounted non-volatile devices. They are good for their compactness, are equipped with coaxial chimneys and are in no way inferior in performance to their floor counterparts. The wall option is usually chosen for a small area.
What are the features?
Previously, if the gas heater was not connected to the mains, it lost its functionality and safety. Much has changed today. Modern boilers that do not depend on electricity networks have an additional device that generates electricity – it works from the heat released during the combustion of fuel. The resulting energy feeds complex automatic systems that ensure the stability and safety of work.
In non-volatile systems, there is no forced circulation of the coolant. The latter circulates under the influence of natural forces, it moves according to physical laws. If there are problems with electricity, circulation pumps cannot be used – the stability of the heater depends on the constancy of the coolant pressure. They produce two types of devices that work without electricity:
- single-circuit – they are bought to organize heating for a house or apartment;
- double-circuit – for heating, in parallel they provide the house with hot water.
Manufacturers also offer parapet models. A parapet boiler is a low-power apparatus. It has a closed combustion chamber. Suitable for small spaces. It can be with volatile or non-volatile automation.
Principle of operation
The autonomous heater has an igniter and a main burner. The igniter is pre-ignited, then the main burner ignites, which heats the coolant to a temperature set by the user. Having reached the set value, the device stops the fuel supply. As soon as the temperature drops to a critical value, the gas supply begins, which ignites from a burning igniter. In the absence of traction, the fuel supply is automatically cut off. The electrically independent heater system has an expansion tank, which is necessary for the liquid expanding due to heating. Ignition is carried out using a piezoelectric element, which is triggered by pressing a button.
Advantages
- The ability to work without electricity is their main plus. There is no need to do wiring, install a socket, this saves money.
- Simple design and safe use.
- Versatility – suitable for heating houses and apartments of different sizes.
- Silent operation – no pumps making noise.
- High efficiency.
- Durable heat exchangers.
Disadvantages
- It is not possible to achieve full circulation in the system. There can be many reasons, for example, the calculation of the thickness of the pipes. In such a system, it is extremely important to correctly calculate the diameter of the pipes and install them at a special angle. As a result, uneven heating of the room is possible.
- For correct operation, a chimney with strong draft is required. Lack of draft will cause the equipment to stop, the reverse draft valve will operate. The chimney must create a vacuum in the furnace from 16 to 20 Pa.
- Efficiency at the level of 90%, the average volatile boiler has an efficiency of about 93%.
- The temperature is controlled manually.
How to choose?
It is not so easy to choose a non-volatile boiler of foreign or Russian production on the market – there are too many brands, models, and design options. Imported ones are considered more economical, domestic ones are more affordable and better adapted to operating conditions. When choosing a model, it is necessary to take into account the pressure in the gas pipeline, at what minimum pressure a particular model is able to function. Next, the power is determined – 1000 W per 10 m².
When choosing a model, it is important to pay attention to the material of the heat exchanger. There are copper, steel, cast iron. Preferably – cast iron, it is stronger than steel and it has a longer service life. Cast iron heat exchangers can last up to 30 years. The walls of cast iron elements are thicker than those of steel counterparts, and they are more resistant to corrosion. Another criterion worth paying attention to is that a device that does not depend on electricity cannot be with a closed combustion chamber. Turbocharged models do not work without electricity, as they need forced circulation of the coolant, air injection and exhaust gas removal.
Non-volatile or volatile – which is better?
In volatile models, unlike their non-volatile competitors, there are:
- Circulation pump to ensure the movement of the coolant. This eliminates air congestion and uneven heating of the premises.
- Fan for forcing outdoor air into the chamber of turbocharged boilers.
- More advanced automation that selects the most economical modes for the device. It is possible to program the operation taking into account the time of day and days of the week. The operation of the boiler is controlled by internal thermostats located in the rooms.
Thanks to circulation and forced draft, less stringent requirements apply to energy-dependent versions:
- there are no strict requirements for room ventilation;
- you can use a closed expansion tank, placement is free;
- do not need to comply with slopes;
- It is allowed to use pipes of small diameter.
Can a volatile heater work without electricity? No, during a power outage, the device does not work, and the house remains without heat. This is the only downside. There is a solution, but it requires additional costs – connecting a generator. It turns out that volatile models are more perfect and convenient to use, and if there is a reliable power supply, then the choice would be unambiguous. Non-volatile analogues are indispensable in situations where uninterrupted and high-quality power supply cannot be provided.
Manufacturer selection
Having decided on the type of boiler – single or double-circuit, wall-mounted or floor-standing, it remains to choose a brand. The reliability rating is predictably headed by German manufacturers, whose products have only one drawback – too high prices. That is why consumers often pay attention to cheaper Italian brands – Ariston, Baxi and others. But the most popular, according to sales statistics, are domestic devices on the market – Rostovgazoapparat AOGV, Mimax KSG, Siberia KCHGO, Protherm Volk, Borinsky AOGV, Termotechnik AOGV and AKGV, “Lemax» “Premium”, ROSS AOGV. Also, products manufactured by Ukrainian factories have proven themselves well, in Russia they are especially popular Atem Zhytomyr
Models overview
Protherm Medved TLO
Floor single-circuit devices with an open fire chamber. Completely energy independent. Power range – 18–45 kW. Technical characteristics and design features of “Proterm Medved” 20 TLO:
- power – 18 kW;
- heating temperature (min / max) – 45–85 ° С;
- dimensions (HxWxD) – 880x420x671 mm
- weight – 92 kg;
- maximum gas flow – 1,9 m³ / h;
- heats an area up to 135 m²;
- piezo ignition;
- cast iron heat exchanger with condensate protection;
- single-stage power adjustment;
- modes “Winter” and “Summer”;
- switching to liquefied gas is possible;
- automatic microprocessor control;
- Efficiency – 90%.
There is a built-in water heater. Reliable security system: there is protection against gas pressure drop, water overheating and flame extinction. It is compact, has a stylish design, will look good in the kitchen. The estimated cost is 55 rubles.
Baxi SLIM EF
Double-circuit floor version from the Baksi brand. It has a stylish design – a gray body and a black adjustment panel. The burner is atmospheric. The heater device has a high sensitivity thermocouple, which promptly stops the gas supply when the flame goes out. They are connected to systems with natural circulation of the coolant. Their maximum power is 61 kW. The estimated price is 45 rubles. For example – BAXI SLIM EF 000:
- power – 22 kW;
- maximum temperature – 95 ° C;
- dimensions (HxWxD) – 850x400x595 mm;
- weight – 101 kg;
- maximum fuel consumption – 2,64 m³ / h;
- heating area – 176 m².
Protherm Cheetah 23 MOV
Wall-mounted versions that work without an electrical connection are much more modest on the market. “Gepard” 23 MOV from the brand “Proterm” has two circuits. With a weight of 31 kg, it is easily fixed to the wall. Draft – natural, smoke removal – through a conventional chimney. The approximate cost is 33 rubles. Characteristics and design features:
- 23,3 kW;
- maximum gas consumption – 2,73 m³ / h;
- Efficiency – 90,3%;
- heats an area up to 230 m²;
- primary heat exchanger – monothermal;
- steel plate type heat exchanger for hot water supply;
- switching to liquefied gas.
Viadrus G36
Products of the Czech manufacturer. A steel atmospheric burner was supplied. In order for the gas valve to function smoothly, there is a built-in thermocouple capable of generating electricity in the right amount. There is also a sensor that prevents tipping of the thrust. Adapted to local conditions. You can connect a pump to increase the pressure of the coolant, and if there is a danger of power outages, an uninterruptible power supply is connected. You can also connect an indirect heating boiler. The price is about 52 rubles. Characteristics Viadrus G000 BM 36:
- 17 kW;
- heating – 45–85 °С;
- one circuit;
- Efficiency – 92%;
- heating – 128 m²;
- maximum gas consumption – 1,98 m³ / h;
- weight – 100 kg;
- dimensions – 935x485x733 mm.
Mounting Features
Gas heaters that do not consume electricity operate in conventional gravity heating systems, which have a lot of disadvantages. The main ones are insufficient temperature stability in the rooms and high fuel consumption. That’s the price for offline work. Since there is no forced circulation, such boilers are located at the lowest points of heated buildings so that water flows to the place of heating.
The heating circuit, independent of electricity, has a special wiring. The pipes must be of a larger diameter than in the case of circulation pumps. The location of the pipes is with a slope. It is necessary to strive for the optimal number of branches and turns so that the coolant pressure does not decrease below normal. An expansion tank is required: its absence can provoke a pipe rupture.
Reviews
VIADRUS G36: Boris M., Pyatigorsk
We bought the device in 2013. Impressive view. The heat exchanger is cast iron. Weighs 175 kg. It seemed that there was nothing to break, but the breakdowns were not long in coming, the SIT 820 Nova burner broke down. There are enough shortcomings – for example, due to sensors, a shutdown can suddenly occur. Was bought in addition to the pump for water circulation, which helps a lot in winter. There is no normal service.
Protherm “Bear” 30 TLO: Regina M., Belgorod
Single-circuit heater, reliable and easy to operate. 27 kW of power is more than enough for an area of 190 squares. The cast-iron heat exchanger is almost eternal, the sections can be replaced if necessary. Works 7 years with the connected boiler of indirect heating. The thermocouple was changed only after six years – it was worn out. We did not find any shortcomings, the best option for a private house.
Non-volatile boilers, inferior to their volatile counterparts in almost all respects, however, are indispensable in settlements or areas with unstable power supply. Both options have their pros and cons, the decision is made by the consumer – taking into account all the circumstances and their financial capabilities.