Solid fuel boilers are gaining popularity again today. The reason for the increased interest in this type of heating equipment lies in several aspects. The greater power and autonomy of solid fuel mechanisms, compared with gas and electricity, provide the consumer with ample opportunities for equipping an autonomous heating system in the home. Installation of a solid fuel boiler is especially important for residents of those areas where there is no centralized gas supply. In terms of choosing a heating device and heating system, the fact that for installation on solid fuel does not require obtaining official permission from the supervisory and control authorities is captivating.
The installation of the heating boiler is carried out taking into account the design data. Further, the working heating system is subject to registration by the Ministry of Emergency Situations authorities responsible for stove heating and the safety of objects heated by solid fuels. Schematically, the installation and connection of solid fuel heating units is as follows.
Having assessed all the obvious advantages of individual heating using fossil fuels or wood waste, the pros and cons of solid fuel appliances, you can safely begin installing heating equipment in a private home. The only thing that is of interest in this situation is how to connect a home solid fuel boiler to other devices and to the heating system itself
Let's consider the features and nuances of connecting equipment of all types.
What is special about connecting a solid fuel boiler? Important nuances
At the moment, quite a variety of schemes for connecting solid fuel boilers to an individual heating system are used in everyday life. In each individual case, the type of boiler, what fuel is supplied to the heating device and what its power is taken into account. The main tasks and requirements that are set for heating devices are space heating, operation of the hot water system, the required level of comfort and operating conditions.
How to connect a solid fuel boiler to the system, if already at the development and planning stage there was a desire to establish interaction between a solid fuel boiler and an electrical appliance. When it comes to directly installing the unit and connecting it to all elements of the entire heating complex, a lot of questions arise.
A correctly drawn up thermal diagram is the key to successful installation and connection of equipment. A smart decision would be to order the development of the project from a specialized institution. If you decide to do everything yourself, you will need certain technical knowledge, skills and the participation of professionals. The reason to turn to the services of specialists is that it differs significantly from the gas autonomous heating and heating scheme with electricity that we are all used to.
Moreover, the subsequent operation of the entire heating system and the profitability of individual heating depend on how correctly the solid fuel heating device is connected.
Important! It should be remembered when working with solid fuel units that the operating temperature of the boiler varies in the range of 60-90 0 C, no less and no more. Painstaking and careful adjustment of the heating temperature is required to reach operating mode due to the inertia of boiler equipment of this type.
Eg: you are using a heating device in operating mode at a temperature below the permissible limits. The temperature of the coolant in the return circuit is below 55 0 C (dew point) leads to the formation of an excessive amount of condensate, which begins to flow out of the boiler. Firstly, a large amount of soot is formed on the walls of the firebox, which settles on the heat exchanger and accumulates on the walls of the chimney, reducing its cross-section. As a result, precious efficiency indicators of the heating device are lost, and difficulties arise with its maintenance. Secondly, the boiler room takes on an untidy appearance.
The installation of the boiler is preceded by work related to connecting the heating equipment to the pipeline system. , despite the complex and expensive equipment, it should be simple and understandable. To connect the product, the heating configuration must meet the following minimum requirements:
- there must be a large and small circuit through which water circulates;
- the pipeline must have good permeability;
- installation of the pipeline must be carried out in accordance with the parameters specified on the specification.
Ventilation plays an important role in home heating. The device must be connected to a ventilation system, the construction of which is carried out strictly in accordance with existing norms and standards. Properly equipped exhaust hood and ventilation not only facilitate the operation of the boiler, but also guarantee the safe operation of a complex unit in a residential building.
Traditional connection diagram for solid fuel boilers
The basis of almost any autonomous heating system used today is connection. It is this connection that is the key to the safety of the entire heating complex. Preliminary thermal calculations allow the coolant to be easily supplied to a special container that performs storage functions. If necessary, while the main mechanism is cooling, the heating system takes coolant of the required temperature from the heat accumulator.
A heater with a heat accumulator can operate in a constant operating mode, maintaining the highest possible efficiency, while saving precious fuel.
For reference: At the design stage, you can calculate the volume of the storage tank, taking into account the power of the device. Such calculations are important, first of all, to calculate the number of times the boiler is loaded with fuel to heat a living space for two or three days.
Often, it is with the help of an expansion tank that the temperature of the coolant in the heating circuit is adjusted. Below is shown the place of the heat accumulator in the entire unified heating system of a private house.
The expansion tank is a mandatory element of the entire system, on which hot water supply is based. The hot water supply circuit is placed in a heat accumulator, where the heated coolant gives off its heat to running water circulating through the DHW circuit. Without an expansion tank it is impossible to install a heated floor connection. Long-burning boilers together with a heat accumulator are ideal for arranging heating systems of the “warm floors” type. Due to the expansion tank, the required temperature of the coolant is created, which then enters the pipeline laid on the floor. Heating "warm floor" in this form has maximum efficiency.
For calculations: The volume of the heat accumulator is taken at the rate of 25-30 liters. capacitive volume per 1 kW of boiler power.
Connection diagrams for solid fuel boilers together with an expansion storage tank represent a complex of complex and expensive equipment. Despite the high cost of such heating schemes, the investment and your efforts will pay off soon.
Other connection diagrams for a solid fuel heater
We connect the device to the main line with admixture
The design of the heating system in this case includes the following elements:
- heating equipment safety group (thermostatic valve, safety valve);
- expansion tank (heat accumulator);
- a circulation pump that supplies coolant to the entire system;
- shut-off valves.
This scheme is different in that it has an additional mixing circuit and taps, with the help of which you can easily volume the coolant in the mixing circuit. This type of connection allows you to keep heating radiators at a comfortable temperature, despite the fact that the heating boiler operates in optimal mode.
Eg: in a pyrolysis boiler, the water temperature is 70-80 0 C, the heating system for living rooms produces a coolant temperature for the batteries of no more than 65 0 C.
Connecting a solid fuel unit with a hydraulic boom
This type of connection is used in situations where the heating system has more than one circuit. The hydraulic distributor or hydraulic arrow performs the task of a fuse, excluding the hydraulic action of the circulation pumps installed on each circuit. The hydraulic arrow simultaneously acts as a sludge catcher and degasses the entire heating complex.
The connection diagram for a solid fuel boiler with a hydraulic boom in a house consists of the following elements:
- control devices;
- expansion tank;
- two circulation pumps independent from each other;
- hydraulic boom;
- heating radiators;
- distribution combs (dirt collectors).
Connecting a solid fuel boiler with an electric or gas boiler
The heating system can include a whole set of heating devices, the task of which is to complement each other if necessary. Coal or wood boilers are used as the main source of the heating unit, while an electric or gas unit performs auxiliary functions.
Connecting an electric boiler to a solid fuel boiler is carried out in order to combine all the main units into a single automated heating system.
On a note: Electric boilers usually duplicate the work of traditional wood-burning boilers. When the combustion in the furnace of the main boiler weakens, this happens especially often at night, the electric heating device starts up.
The electric heating device also serves as a trigger for the solid fuel boiler.
The connection is made through a buffer tank, which plays the role of a hydraulic separator and a heat accumulator. The attenuation of the flame in the boiler furnace leads to the fact that the temperature of the coolant in the expansion tank begins to drop, therefore, the electric heating is automatically turned on. When the main boiler resumes operation, the reverse process occurs. The heated coolant flows back to the sensor and the electric heater turns off. What kind of device should work is decided by automation.
An approximate diagram is shown in the figure below
The system is viable and highly efficient, however, such a set of heating devices has a very high cost. Basically, a similar scheme is used for heating large residential buildings.
How to connect your unit to ventilation and chimney
Connecting a solid fuel boiler to a chimney is one of the key tasks, the solution of which determines the subsequent functionality of not only the heating device, but also the entire heating system. Your home, in which you want to have a comfortable microclimate and coziness, must be protected from harmful combustion products.
For those who want to make a chimney with their own hands, there are some practical tips.
- the chimney pipe must have a diameter no less than the cross-section of the outlet pipe;
- when the chimney has a rectangular shape and the boiler outlet pipe is made round, it is necessary to compare them in terms of the flow area.
- the length of the chimney from the first bend should not exceed two pipe diameters. The chimney should have a minimum number of turns and bends.
- for better draft, the horizontal section of the chimney in relation to the heating boiler is located at an angle of 45 0 (an inclination angle towards the boiler of 30 and 15 degrees is allowed).
In the latter case, compliance with the angle of inclination is not necessary if the heating boiler is equipped with a blower.
In the video you can get the necessary information on how to install the chimney of a solid fuel boiler.
Conclusion
Installing a solid fuel boiler involves a complex and painstaking process. Many factors depend on which connection scheme you choose. The efficiency of autonomous heating will appear immediately after the solid fuel boiler is put into operation. Turning on the boiler will clearly show whether the heating unit is connected correctly and how all other system elements and devices function. During the first start-up, you can identify technical shortcomings and mistakes, which can be eliminated to optimize all processes. A normally operating mechanism will provide the system with the necessary amount of coolant for a heated floor. A correctly calculated expansion tank capacity guarantees you enough water for domestic hot water.
How efficiently and reliably the heating structure will function primarily depends on how correctly the solid fuel boiler with or without a water circuit is connected. But this is possible when the connection diagram for a solid fuel boiler is made professionally (read also: " "). If this type of water heating device is used, as can be seen in the photo, it only has an input and an output, to which the remaining elements of the circuit are connected.
To work for a long time with maximum efficiency,
The operating instructions specify a minimum temperature of 55°C at the outlet and 45°C at the inlet (return) of the boiler. If these conditions are not met, condensate, collecting on the walls, can destroy the unit. To avoid such problems, you will need a diagram for connecting a solid fuel heating boiler to the heating system.
The correct installation of the device is of no small importance, since it must be placed strictly vertically on a rigid base. To install the flooring, create a cement screed at least 5 centimeters thick with bedding of the same height. The expansion tank should be mounted at the highest point above the heating system; it is usually placed in the attic.
The boiler's chimney should be equipped with a valve made of stainless steel; at the bottom of it, a condensate collector should be installed (read: " "). To clean the channel from soot along its entire length, you can create easily accessible, small-sized hatches. If the soot removal pipe passes through an unheated room, it should be insulated and thereby extend its service life.
Experts categorically do not recommend operating these devices without a safety valve. You can also install a three-way boiler valve. It is necessary to study the instructions on how to properly connect a solid fuel boiler and how to operate it. The fact is that solid fuel units can only be used in conjunction with a water circuit with a pressure of 2 kg/cm², and the permissible temperature level should not exceed 90°C.
Connection diagrams for solid fuel boilers
There are many schemes for connecting TT boilers. Sometimes they are irreplaceable. In each individual case, the connection diagram of a solid fuel boiler to the heating system is selected individually.
- When making a solid fuel boiler with your own hands, the drawing should not be memorized at all. It will be enough to know the basic design of a solid fuel heat generator, as well as the pros and cons of such devices.
- When calculating an ideal heat supply scheme, it is necessary to best combine the operation of a solid fuel device with a tank that accumulates thermal energy. The fact is that during operation the temperature of the water heating device can fluctuate in the range from 60°C to 90°C, since it is not possible to maintain it at a constant temperature. Units operating using coal or wood are classified as inert devices. This is how they differ from gas, electric and diesel heat generating plants.
- If installed, the drawings do not always provide for the installation of a water pump that provides forced circulation of the coolant. This happens for a number of reasons, one of which is frequent voltage drops in the electrical network or the absence of power lines near the house. Due to not using a pump, the cost of heating equipment will be cheaper, but when installing the system, you will need to maintain a slope. Read also: "".
- When a solid fuel boiler is installed, the installation diagram must provide for the presence of safety lines between the boiler and the tank at the inlet and outlet pipes in the immediate vicinity of the water heater. In addition, the distance between the boiler and the expansion tank should be as short as possible. The insertion of safety valves or taps is not permitted in this area.
- If you look at any drawing of a solid fuel boiler with your own hands and the diagram of its installation in the heating system, you will see that the circulation pump should be installed on the return pipe, which is also called the return pipe, close to the heat generator. They act in such a way that if there is a failure in the power supply, the heat supply structure continues to function without a forced device. The circulation pump is installed along a bypass path and then, if necessary, it is disconnected from the network, and the bypass is closed with taps.
- When installing a heating system, experts advise installing a bypass, which is a jumper with a tap placed between the supply and return lines. It will be required to return excess amount of hot coolant from the radiator to the riser when it is changed using a thermostat. Read also: "
The installation of a heating system in a private house begins with the installation of a boiler. Many suburban communities do not have a natural gas pipeline. Instructions on how to properly connect a solid fuel boiler will alleviate this problem.
Necessary conditions for the correct connection of a solid fuel boiler to the heating system
- A separate room for the boiler room is selected. The area is about 7m2. A boiler room in a separate building is ideal. Loading fuel into the boiler room can be made easier. It is enough to install a so-called chute in the area of the receiving bunker on the outside where, for example, coal will be unloaded. Having unloaded the fuel into the receiving hopper, the coal is poured down the slope into the boiler room on its own.
- It is preferable to place the heating boiler below the 0 floor level. This boiler installation option ensures ideal circulation of coolant in the heating system without the use of a circulation pump.
- The base for the boiler must be made of a concrete pad with an even top layer. The thickness of the concrete screed is 10 cm. The area of the base under the boiler should be 20 cm larger than the dimensions of the connected boiler. On the furnace side 40-50 cm.
- According to SNiP standards and fire safety requirements, the distance between the boiler and the wall is 50 cm. From the side of the combustion opening, firebox, to the opposite wall the distance is at least 1.3 m.
- The installed heating boiler should not have gaps between the base and the body.
- The boiler must be connected to the heating system with a steel pipe at least 1 meter long at the inlet and outlet of the pipeline. It is incorrect to connect the boiler to the heating system with copper and polymer pipes.
Below is a diagram of the correct connection of a solid fuel boiler.
There are many connection methods. Let's consider one of the simple and reliable connection methods.
A safety group is installed from the boiler on the direct pipeline. After the safety group, a tee for the bypass is installed. Next, the supply is connected to the heating system wiring. Having given up its heat in the heating system, the coolant returns to the boiler through the return pipe. To avoid the main disease in the operation of solid fuel boilers, condensation, which negatively affects the integrity of the boiler, a thermostatic three-way valve is installed, connected to the return line on the bypass, set to a temperature of 50-60°C. When heated, the coolant circulates through a small circuit through a three-way valve. A temperature of 55°C prevents the formation of condensation on the inner walls of the boiler. A circulation pump is installed after the three-way thermostatic valve. As soon as the return temperature reaches 55°C, the three-way valve opens and the heated coolant flows into the heating circuit to the radiators.
Connecting a solid fuel boiler paired with a gas boiler, diagrams and features
The connection diagram for a solid fuel boiler in parallel with a gas boiler differs from the installation of two solid fuel boilers. The requirements for the boiler room, where the main condition is air exchange, also differ:
- The area of a boiler room with a gas boiler, as recommended by fire authorities and the gas service, is calculated as follows: 1 kW of power - 0.2 m 3 with a ceiling height of 2.5 m, but not less than 15 m 3.
- A boiler room with a gas boiler must be equipped with a window with a window, the size of which is 0.03 m2 per 1 m3 of room volume.
- The entrance door of the boiler room must open only to the street. The door width is at least 80cm.
Gas boilers are available in two versions. Floor and wall. The requirements for installing a floor-standing gas boiler are the same as for a solid fuel boiler. The length of the pipe connecting the chimney and the boiler is no more than 25 cm. If the boiler is coaxial, the pipe for removing combustion products is installed at an angle of -3°. In another option, a gas boiler requires a separate pipe made of ceramic or lined with stainless steel with a hatch to remove combustion products, and a tee with a tap to remove condensate is installed in the lower part of the pipe.
A gas and solid fuel boiler are connected in parallel to the heating system in several ways. The schemes are different, it is not necessary to know them all, it is enough to understand the features that must be taken into account when using this combination of boilers in relation to your premises:
- Use the heat exchanger effectively. It will separate the open and closed heating circuits. Connect the boiler to one of the circuits, and connect the second boiler to the second circuit. A solid fuel boiler, capable of raising the coolant temperature to 115°C, heats the secondary closed circuit to which the gas boiler is connected. The gas boiler is adjusted to a temperature of about 50-60°C. The main load will be taken on by the solid fuel boiler. As the fuel burns out, the gas boiler will automatically turn on, heating the secondary circuit of the heat exchanger. The secondary circuit is equipped with a diaphragm expander. A closed expansion tank protects radiators from excess pressure. With this configuration of a connected solid fuel boiler, it is possible to install an open expansion tank directly in the boiler room under the ceiling.
- The use of a hydraulic arrow for parallel connection of boilers is used mainly in houses with a large area. The operating principle of this system is as follows. The heating solid fuel boiler is installed first with a circulation pump, for example, 25/60 installed on the return pipe. An MD solenoid valve is mounted on the pipe between the boiler and the pump, which regulates the boiler circulation. Mandatory installation of a configured safety valve on the supply pipe. Shut-off valves are not installed on the supply side. The gas boiler is installed second. Through a tee, the boiler is connected through the supply pipe to the pipe from the solid fuel boiler and then connected to the hydraulic needle. Shut-off valves are not installed on the switch. On the second boiler, a pre-set safety valve is installed on the supply. A closed expansion tank is installed from the hydraulic needle on the return pipeline to the tee. Then, through a tee on the pipe, it is connected first to a gas boiler with the installation of a circulation pump of lower power than that of the first boiler. A valve without a servo drive is installed after the pump. Next, a solid fuel boiler is connected from the tee on the return pipeline. The use of a manifold after a hydraulic switch allows you to assemble several heating circuits with pump groups on each of them. Collectors make it possible to configure each circuit individually according to the loads on heating devices.
- Another method of parallel connection of boilers is when a solid fuel heating unit is installed first, a gas heating unit is installed second, and between them a check valve is installed on the supply pipeline, operating in the direction from the first heating unit. A bypass is installed in front of the check valve, connected to a three-way thermostatic valve set to a temperature of 55°C. Between the thermostatic valve and the boiler, a circulation pump of greater power than in a gas pump is installed on the return pipeline. The gas boiler is connected through a tee on the supply pipeline with a solid fuel boiler and then the supply pipeline goes to the radiators. The return pipeline from the radiators is first connected through a tee to the gas boiler. After the tee, it is necessary to install a spring check valve at the boiler. When both boilers are operating simultaneously, you need to adjust the temperature regime on the boilers. The gas boiler is adjusted to a temperature of 45°C. The solid fuel boiler is adjusted to a temperature of 75-80°C. Solid fuel will have priority. As the fuel burns and the temperature in the first boiler drops, the gas boiler will turn on automatically and maintain the set temperature in the house.
- Use of buffer capacity. The heat accumulator is a large steel thermally insulated container, the task of which is to retain the heated coolant from the boiler. The maximum load occurs during fuel combustion in a solid fuel boiler. For efficient operation of the heating system, the heat accumulator performs one of the main tasks. But there are big disadvantages in this scheme. It takes from 2 to 4 hours to heat the radiators to the desired temperature. This is where the gas boiler plays its main role. Let's look at the installation diagram. The solid fuel boiler is tied in the traditional way. A safety group is installed on the supply pipeline in front of the bypass. Then a bypass is installed through the tee. Next, the supply pipeline is connected to the storage tank. The bypass is connected to the return pipe through a thermostatic three-way valve set at 55°C. Then, a circulation pump is installed, running towards the boiler, and then the pipeline is connected to the boiler. A working circuit is created, and the coolant in the heat accumulator begins to gradually heat up. From the storage tank, the supply pipeline goes to the heating devices. A three-way valve is installed on it, going to the bypass. From the other outlet of the three-way valve, a circulation pump is mounted on the supply pipe.
After the pump, a check petal valve is installed, operating towards the radiators. Next, the supply from the gas boiler with the supply from the battery is connected through a tee. After completing this work, the direct pipeline is connected to the heating system distribution. From the heating system, the return pipeline is connected through a tee to the gas boiler with the obligatory installation of a spring check valve operating towards the gas boiler. A closed expansion tank is inserted in front of the tee to protect the heating system. After the tee, through which the gas boiler is connected via the return, the return pipeline goes to the heat accumulator and is connected to the bypass from the supply pipeline also through the tee. After connecting to the bypass line, the return pipeline is connected to the storage tank. This scheme allows you to quickly heat the heating system. Further operation of the system is designed to prioritize the operation of the solid fuel boiler.
Combined operation of a solid fuel boiler paired with an electric one
The connection diagram for a solid fuel boiler in parallel with an electric one is described in detail and in detail in the video:
Coordinated operation of solid fuel, gas and electric heating boilers
If desired, you can use a fairly simple connection diagram to combine the operation of 3 or more different types of heating boilers in addition to solid fuel, which still remains the most acceptable and economical in terms of consumption of heating resources.
Any equipment, no matter what category of complexity it falls into, requires a serious approach to installation and subsequent operation. Otherwise, the period of uninterrupted operation may be significantly reduced. It is also necessary to adhere to certain rules when connecting a solid fuel boiler, despite the simplicity of the design.
Installation Features
When installing such equipment, you should follow the basic rules that will allow you to operate the device as safely as possible.
Before starting work, you need to make the calculations necessary to determine the technical parameters of the device, as well as select a suitable location.
- The unit operating on solid fuel must be located in a separate room measuring at least 7 square meters. m.
- It is mandatory to create fresh ventilation in the boiler compartment: for 1 kW of device power there must be 8 sq. cm air duct.
- The floor covering should be selected taking into account fire resistance, and a sheet of metal should be placed in front of the boiler.
- The device should be located at some distance from the side surfaces: at least 200 cm from the front and more than 50 cm from the side walls.
Attention!
When carrying out work, it should be used for connection to the pipes of solid fuel boilers.
Their length should not be less than 15 cm.
Installation process
Installation is not very difficult, which means it can be done with your own hands. Next, it is recommended that you familiarize yourself with the main stages that you will have to go through during the installation of the heating device. With proper installation, the heating system will serve for many years.
Preparing the base
Regardless of the connection diagram used for solid fuel boilers, a support structure on the floor is prepared in the room. Usually it rises 10-20 cm above the main part of the lower plane. The most popular option is a reinforced concrete screed.
Strapping device
When organizing the system, special attention must be paid to selecting the most effective operating mode and adjusting the temperature. If the piping is performed correctly, it is possible to save money, since thermal energy in this case is optimally distributed.
During installation, one of several schemes can be used.
- Piping in a heating system with natural circulation is the simplest option, since it does not imply additional devices. All adjustments are made manually, fuel is added as it burns. Such a scheme assumes the presence of pipes with a large diameter.
- A forced circulation system must include a special pump for pumping liquid. With its help, the coolant moves evenly along a closed circuit. Thanks to this device, it is possible to adjust heating radiators separately. However, the building must have electricity to operate.
- Collector wiring is considered the most complex, which is due to the presence of a large number of different devices - valves, air vents, gate valves, taps and other devices for monitoring the necessary parameters. The price of such a heating network is quite high.
- A ring piping scheme with primary and secondary circuits is used, as a rule, in residential buildings with many consumers. The device requires the installation of several devices at once to organize coolant circulation.
Important!
Solid fuel heating units that depend on electrical energy must be equipped with emergency circuits so that normal operation continues when the lights are turned off.
Creating a chimney
The devices are equipped with a pipe for removing combustion products, the cross-section of which must correspond to the size of the outlet located in the upper part. Most often, ready-made elements are used, consisting of metal inserts and heat-insulating material.
Ideally, the chimney should have no turns, but if they are present, they should be made as smooth as possible. All joints between the components of the pipeline must be sealed so that smoke from the boiler does not penetrate into the heated room. For these purposes, heat-resistant tape or a special composition can be used.
Particular attention should be paid to the outlet of the pipe above the roof, since the quality of traction will depend on this.
- If the distance from the ridge to the chimney does not exceed 150 cm, then you need to make an outlet 50 cm above the highest point.
- When moving up to 300 cm from the intersection of the slopes, the pipe should be installed so that the upper part is flush with the ridge.
- If the chimney is located at a decent distance, then it should be located below the top of the roof with an angle of no more than 10 degrees.
As a conclusion
After studying the instructions, many individual developers will understand how to properly connect a solid fuel boiler to the heating system of a residential building. The choice of the final scheme will depend not only on the preferences of the owners, but also on the operating conditions, because in some cases some costs have to be incurred. Other important consumer information is contained in the video.