Among solid fuel boilers, the most popular are wood-fired solid fuel boilers.
Solid fuel wood boilers
The boiler has an electric air blower, which is controlled by an electronic system from a thermostat. As a result of changes in the amount of air, the power of the boiler during the combustion process changes depending on the temperature of the coolant.
The electronic system displays various indicators to monitor the operating mode of the boiler. The boiler has an indicator of the minimum amount of fuel in the firebox and sends a signal to the owner about this. The design of the boiler provides the possibility of additional fuel loading without stopping the combustion process.
Equipment manufacturers produce universal combi boilers, which can burn fuel in two modes - with air supply either from below or from above. The cost of such boilers is naturally higher.
Automatic solid fuel boilers
Automatic solid fuel boilers are available for sale. It would be more correct to call them semi-automatic, since the boiler still requires certain actions from a person periodically, albeit not every day.
You can get acquainted with the design and operating principle of an automatic solid fuel boiler if you watch this video clip:
The fuel for an automatic boiler can be granulated coal with a fraction of 5 - 25 mm. or wood pellets - pellets, as well as pellets from other combustible materials - peat and waste of plant and animal origin.
The need to use only granular fuel for combustion in automatic boilers, causes certain difficulties for home owners. The cost of such fuel on the market is noticeably higher than conventional chopped wood or coal.
In automatic boilers, manufacturers often provide the possibility of replacing the burner for granular fuel with another burner - for gas or liquid fuel. Instead of a burner, grates can be installed. In this option, the boiler turns into a regular wood-burning boiler.
Granulated fuel is usually sold in bags. Fuel is easily and dust-free loaded into the boiler hopper. One loading of the bunker is enough for 3 - 10 days of boiler operation.
After ignition at the beginning of the heating season, combustion in an automatic boiler occurs continuously. The automatic boiler can operate in two modes:
- Active combustion mode, at which the boiler power can be in the range of 10 - 100% of the nominal.
- Combustion support mode, when the boiler power is selected to ensure the coolant temperature in the boiler circuit is about 55 degrees C. The automatic controller switches the boiler to support mode when there is no heat extraction from the heating circuit. This mode is necessary to protect the boiler from low-temperature corrosion (see below for more details), and also ensures that the boiler is always ready to resume active combustion.
During boiler operation it is necessary:
- Monitor the filling of the bunker and load fuel into the bunker once every 3 - 7 days.
- Remove ash from the removable ash drawer every 2 to 4 days.
- Once a week, clean the internal surfaces of the boiler from deposits with a special tool.
- Every year, before the start of the heating season, clean and check the serviceability of the boiler chimney.
How to choose the power of a solid fuel boiler
A solid fuel boiler must be selected so that its rated heating power corresponds to the heat losses of the heated object.
Choosing a boiler with a rated power that is too high leads to the fact that the boiler operates in a mode of significant power limitation most of the time. And this, in turn, leads to a decrease in efficiency (increased fuel consumption), increased formation of deposits (soot, tar), accelerated corrosion of the boiler and chimney. The risk of overheating of the coolant in the boiler increases. The cost of boilers increases as power increases.
That's why you should not buy a boiler with significantly higher power than heat losses at home.
True, when selecting a boiler with a large power reserve, the burning time of one load of fuel increases - there is more firewood in the firebox. But, this advantage can be realized profitably only in a heating system with a heat accumulator.
Accurately calculating the heat losses of a house and the power of a heating boiler is quite a complex task, the solution of which is best left to specialist designers. Managers of a company that sells boilers will most likely advise you to choose a boiler with excess power - this is beneficial for them.
Approximately choose the boiler power for heating the house, guided by generally accepted values of specific power per 10 m 2 of heated area according to climatic zones:
- For the southern regions of Russia: 0.7 - 0.9 kW/10m2.
- For the middle zone - 1.2 - 1.5 kW/10m 2.
- For northern regions - 1.5 - 2 kW/10m 2.
For example, for the Moscow region, in a house with a heated area of 150 m2, a boiler with a capacity of 150 m2 x 1.2 kW/10 m2 = 18 kW should be installed.
For a house built in compliance with modern energy saving requirements, the smaller of the specified values is used for calculations.
It should also be taken into account that the heat capacity of non-freezing liquids is 20% lower than that of water. When used as a coolant, the boiler power may drop by 10 - 15% of the nominal value.
A water heating system with natural circulation of coolant is recommended for use in houses with a heated area of no more than 100 m 2. In larger houses or in heating systems with heated floors, forced circulation of the coolant is used with the installation of circulation pumps.
Protection of solid fuel boiler from overheating
In a solid fuel boiler, the burning fuel, and the boiler itself, have a fairly large mass. Therefore, the process of heat release in the boiler has great inertia. The combustion of fuel and heating of water in a solid fuel boiler cannot be stopped instantly by stopping the fuel supply, as is done in a gas boiler.
Solid fuel boilers, more than others, are prone to overheating of the coolant– boiling of water if heat extraction is lost, for example, if the circulation of water in the heating system suddenly stops, or more heat is released in the boiler than is consumed.
Boiling water in the boiler leads to an increase in temperature and pressure in the heating system with all serious consequences - destruction of heating system equipment, injury to people, damage to property.
Modern closed heating systems with a solid fuel boiler are especially prone to overheating, since they contain a relatively small volume of coolant.
Heating systems usually use polymer pipes, manifold control and distribution units, various taps, valves and other fittings. Most elements of the heating system are very sensitive to overheating of the coolant and pressure surges caused by boiling water in the system.
A solid fuel boiler in a heating system must have protection against overheating of the coolant.
To protect the solid fuel boiler from overheating In a closed heating system that is not connected to the atmosphere, two steps must be performed:
- Shut off the combustion air supply to the boiler furnace to reduce the intensity of fuel combustion.
- Provide coolant cooling at the outlet of the boiler and do not allow the water temperature to rise to a boil. Cooling must occur until the heat generation is reduced to a level at which boiling of water is no longer possible.
Let's look at how to protect the boiler from overheating, using the heating diagram shown below as an example.
Connection diagram for a solid fuel boiler to a closed heating system
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Scheme of a closed heating system with a solid fuel boiler. 1 - boiler safety group (safety valve, automatic air vent, pressure gauge); 2 — tank with a supply of water for cooling the coolant when the boiler overheats; 3 - float shut-off valve; 4 - thermal valve; 5 - connection group for expansion membrane tank; 6 — coolant circulation unit and boiler protection from low-temperature corrosion (with a pump and three-way valve); 7 - heat exchanger for protection against overheating. |
Boiler overheating protection works as follows. When the coolant temperature rises above 95 degrees, the thermostat on the boiler closes the air supply damper into the combustion chamber of the boiler.
Thermal valve pos. 4 opens the supply of cold water from the tank pos. 2 to the heat exchanger pos. 7. Cold water flowing through the heat exchanger cools the coolant at the outlet of the boiler, preventing it from boiling.
A supply of water in tank pos. 2 is necessary in case there is no water in the water supply, for example, during a power outage. Often a common storage tank is installed in the water supply system of a house. Then water for cooling the boiler is taken from this tank.
A heat exchanger to protect the boiler from overheating and cooling of the coolant, pos. 7, and a thermal valve, pos. 4, are usually built into the boiler body by boiler manufacturers. This has become standard equipment for boilers designed for closed heating systems.
Modern solid fuel heating boilers are devices made of cast iron or steel, designed to generate thermal energy obtained by burning peat, coal, and wood. Solid fuel boilers remain popular due to their positive performance characteristics.
pros
Solid fuel heating boilers have the following advantages:
- the purchase and installation of such heating systems does not require a large budget;
- fuel is not in short supply and also has a low price;
- The equipment is presented in a wide range and it will not be difficult to choose the optimally suitable option.
- a solid fuel boiler is installed, as a rule, by specialists from the company that sells the equipment - there are no problems finding an installation specialist;
- Preparing the device for operation does not take much time.
In addition, combustion products are not harmful to the environment. This is very important in our time, when active work is being carried out to preserve nature in its original form. Solid fuel boilers can be used in remote areas where there is no gas pipeline or central heating system: residents of such settlements use this type of equipment.
Flaws
Such equipment has its disadvantages. Thus, the fuel used for operation does not burn completely - its residues are stored in the boiler, which must be removed manually. Therefore, the heating system requires constant maintenance.
In addition, you need to constantly add fuel, which forces the owner to constantly monitor the condition of the boiler - if this is not done, it will stop heating the room. This is especially noticeable if you use such a boiler in a private home constantly.
As a rule, one fill of fuel is enough for only 2 – 4 hours of operation.
Scope of use
It is noteworthy that this equipment is used not only for private purposes, but also to meet industrial needs - this fact implies the presence of various models. The main difference between heating systems used in production is that fuel is supplied automatically, although the operating principle remains the same.
They also have a special ash removal system, which makes them truly innovative. Domestic boilers that are installed in private homes, as a rule, do not have such options, since automation is expensive, and not every user can afford it.
Firewood, peat and other types of fuel require storage space - as a rule, owners of private houses use buildings in the form of sheds, woodsheds, and fire pits. Fuel is prepared in advance.
Classification
For use in a private home, as a rule, a solid fuel boiler with manual fuel loading is installed. Types of solid fuel boilers include three types.
Traditional option
The most popular are traditional solid fuel boilers, which transfer heat by burning solid fuel. The bad thing is that they need frequent maintenance - the bookmark is done at least 4 times a day.
In addition, such equipment almost does not regulate power - only 70% of thermal energy is spent on heating the house. In this case, it is impossible to reduce the volume of fuel, since the efficiency of the boiler is low. But users are still attracted by the simplicity of strapping, autonomy and low cost.
Pyrolysis options
Another type is pyrolysis boilers. The operating principle is based on the use not of solid fuel, but of pyrolysis gas - a product of fuel decomposition at high temperatures. The advantages are complete combustion of fuel, which increases efficiency and almost no formation of soot and ash - boilers are serviced no more than 2-4 times a day.
The disadvantages of such equipment are that you can only use specially dried fuel with a moisture content of no more than 20%. They also have a complex design and high cost - such boilers are made of heat-resistant material.
Long burning units
Such units are distinguished by the fact that the fuel burns in the upper part - using the top combustion method. They are simple in design and require maintenance no more than once a day if you load sawdust on briquettes and firewood with 30% humidity as fuel, and once a week when working on coal. The efficiency of using such boilers reaches 90%.
At the same time, the rate of fuel combustion can be reduced if a private house does not need strong heating. Despite their positive qualities, there is a significant drawback - they are difficult to install, and also require connecting a circulation pump.
Automation
Today there are automatic solid fuel boilers that do not require frequent maintenance and thermoregulation - they are more expensive than conventional manual ones and are energy dependent, but they can save a lot of time and fuel.
These include electric pellet boilers, which operate on so-called pellets - granules from waste from the wood processing industry. They are delivered by a conveyor to the chamber when the combustion intensity or water temperature in the system decreases. The fuel is ignited automatically. Such automatic boilers require a connection to electricity, so in case of power outages you need to stock up on a battery.
A solid fuel boiler of this type has another disadvantage - bulkiness and the need for a separate hopper for loading pellets. Their number determines the duration of the work cycle: after the volume loaded into the hopper burns out, the next fill will be required. Another difficulty is the cost - pellets are not very accessible and are produced by only a few factories, and an additional conveyor and bunker must be purchased for the boiler.
Materials
When choosing a solid fuel boiler, you should also pay attention to the material of manufacture: they can be made of steel and cast iron. Cast iron solid fuel boilers are resistant to corrosion, have high efficiency and require almost no cleaning.
A cast iron solid fuel boiler usually uses coal and wood as its main fuel. Domestic KChM and imported “Solida” from the manufacturer Sime are popular. But such household units have one drawback - they are very heavy and a foundation needs to be laid under them. Steel boilers are easier to install and transport due to their weight, but are also less reliable in long-term operation.
What's burning in them?
Solid fuel boilers “eat” the following types of fuel:
- dry wood;
- pellets – compressed sawdust, wood;
- hard coal and anthracite coal.
The greatest combustion energy is produced by anthracite coal and bituminous coal. Pellets and firewood are almost similar in their energy potential.
Power
To select fuel, you need to divide the calorific value by the cost of 1 kg: the maximum value will be the most profitable type. To calculate power, it is necessary to start from the ratio of 10 m2 per 1 kW of power. The calculation is based on a ceiling height of 3 m.
So, the area of a private house of 100 m2 will require a power of 100 m2 / 10 - a total of 10 kW/h. If the house is not insulated, the calculation is carried out with an adjustment factor of 1.3 - that is, for an uninsulated private house of 100 m2, you will need a solid fuel boiler with a capacity of 13 kW.
Combustion structure and stages
A solid fuel boiler is a device assembled in a steel casing and consisting of the following components:
- heat exchanger (coil);
- cleaning hatch and combustion chamber equipped with a door;
- grates (grid);
- thermostat.
The principle of operation is to burn fuel: first it is dried, then it is oxidized and wood gas is released, everything is burned, turning into ash. Once in the chamber, the fuel is distributed on grates, which are located obliquely.
All moisture that is in the fuel evaporates during interaction with the chamber lining and from combustion energy. All combustion is carried out by forced air. Afterburning occurs in the firebox at a temperature of 95°C in the part where air enters from the layer between the lining and the lining.
After combustion, the heat exchanger transfers energy to the coolant. The heat exchanger is a simple device - it is a barrel, a vessel through which pipes go: hot air passes through the pipes and heats the water inside the barrel. Water moves in the coolant automatically using a pump. To regulate the volume of coolant, an inlet and outlet manifold with a temperature sensor are used.
Two in one
A gas boiler is often combined with solid fuel equipment: it is more comfortable to use, but heating costs with gas alone are high, so combining the two types of heating provides both savings and convenience.
The connection of the two types of systems is carried out with the expectation of protection against an increase in pressure in the heating circuit. The only safe solution for combining a gas and solid fuel boiler is a system with a heat exchanger, which divides the circuit into two circuits: an open circuit loaded with a heat exchanger, and a closed circuit - a gas boiler with a heat exchanger and batteries. Such a complex system will more than pay for itself in terms of efficiency and convenience.
If economic issues concern heating your own home, it is better not to depend on anyone. To organize an autonomous system, heating boilers using solid fuel are often chosen. They provide the opportunity to quickly achieve a comfortable temperature in the room, while ensuring a significant reduction in costs.
You will learn everything about choosing a solid fuel boiler from our article. We have presented and described the main criteria that allow us to accurately determine the most suitable option. Taking into account our advice, finding the right model will be much easier.
A solid fuel boiler is a good incentive to save money on heating. It happens that even with installed hot water meters, utility services send bills with inflated figures.
Individual heating eliminates dependence on a centralized heating system and makes it possible to control the volume of fuel consumed. This is especially important when it comes not to domestic use, but to the heating of enterprise premises. Expenses directly affect the cost of production.
Cost Determinants
An autonomous heating system using solid fuel is a fairly practical way to heat small industries. Such boilers are used when there is a lack of electricity or no connection to the gas main.
The installation of such units is especially relevant in woodworking industries or small workshops (solid fuels are all types of coal, wood, sawdust, etc.)
Classic solid fuel boiler with additional protection. Ideal solution for private housing construction
The cost of the boiler itself depends on its design. The simplest option is an improved stove with manual fuel loading. Some models have automated feeding, but their cost is several times higher.
The increase in cost may also be influenced by the materials used in the manufacture of the product and its heat exchanger (cast iron is most often used). The last factor that affects the price is power. A solid fuel boiler for a small house will cost less than one that can heat a 200 sq. m mansion. m.
Cast iron and hardened steel are used as the main materials for the production of boiler heat exchanger. A cast iron boiler lasts about thirty years and requires regular cleaning. You can load any solid fuel into it, and the efficiency of these models is quite high. Which modification of the unit to choose depends on the parameters of the heated room.
Cast iron boiler. Suitable for heating large areas. Due to its strength, it copes well with any type of fuel
Steel boilers are cheaper than cast iron ones, but they are practically no different from them - they have high performance at a lower cost. A heat exchanger made of a steel alloy heats up faster, but also cools down faster. When choosing any model, you need to take care of the fireproof protection of the room where the equipment will be installed.
The entire range is presented in the form of single-circuit and double-circuit models. Single-circuit ones are used only for heating, while double-circuit ones are also used for heating water (an additional heat exchanger is provided). They are practical for installation in small houses, where it is advantageous to have one heating unit instead of several.
Steel boiler. An excellent solution for private housing construction. Provides good savings on heating and hot water
If the area is large, it is possible to install a coupled heating system. Such work can only be carried out by specialist installers - without experience in carrying out such work, you may face additional costs for equipment and wiring throughout the house.
The arguments for choosing a boiler for a country house are presented in detail in the contents of which we advise you to familiarize yourself with.
A little about heating boiler brands
Among heating equipment users, equipment from Viessmann and Conord is of great interest. Thus, the Italian brand of solid fuel boilers Viessmann stands out on the market due to its ease of installation and build quality of the finished product.
By installing large cast iron crossbars, engineers give users the opportunity to load firewood up to 70 cm long. The starting price of such a unit is 75 thousand rubles
Russian products are the most popular on the domestic market. The Conord company is an excellent representative of it. Thanks to the large model range, you can choose both an economical option and an “industrial” one for large areas. For domestic types of heating equipment, prices start from 50 thousand rubles.
Moreover, their own units are no worse than foreign ones. Using modern equipment, Russian engineers create quite competitive options, sometimes surpassing their European counterparts in power and performance.
This rule does not work for all equipment manufacturers. Most often, it is more profitable to buy a unit from a European company, which belongs to the middle price category. Such models offer the best combination of quality and cost.
About the intricacies of choosing equipment
The main points when choosing before purchasing a classic solid fuel boiler or long-burning boiler are dimensions and functionality. For each type of room, you will have to select a boiler individually. Sometimes it is still necessary to rebuild it, taking into account the characteristics of heated housing.
In order for the installation to be carried out in accordance with the technical instructions, everything should be done according to the manufacturer’s recommendations or you should seek help from specialists. It is enough to comply with all the specified requirements for the safe operation of the boiler.
It is important not to forget about fire safety measures. This should be remembered at the stage of equipment installation, and later during its operation.
When choosing a model, do not forget that solid fuel heating modules are divided into universal and specialized. The former operate on several or one type of solid fuel or combustible waste. Specialized ones are most often installed in places where there is only one type of fuel, or the availability of one is superior to the others.
All solid fuel units are divided into 3 main groups:
- traditional;
- pyrolysis;
- universal.
Representatives of the first group produce heat by burning fuel (coal, firewood, etc.). This is the most common option on the market and is very popular. In pyrolysis modules, solid fuel is burned and additional combustion of the gas generated is carried out. For this purpose, a second camera is provided.
Installation of such equipment is more difficult - it requires the installation of a high-quality ventilation system. After all, for productive operation of the unit, an uninterrupted supply of secondary air is necessary.
As for the cost, it is higher for pyrolysis boilers than for traditional ones. But the productivity of the former is also higher - therefore, in the long term, the initial cost is recouped due to lower costs for fuel materials.
But universal models operate on several types of fuel and are able to consume a minimum of energy to ensure the functionality of the equipment’s automation.
These are quite popular representatives of the trading line. They are often installed in public places to heat rooms. They are in turn divided into stationary and mobile options.
Pyrolysis boiler. Its installation is somewhat more complicated than the traditional model - it is advisable that it be carried out by a specialist
Disadvantages include energy dependence and an urgent need for regular air supply. Inside such a boiler, not only fuel elements are burned, but also the gas released as a result of this process.
It requires an installed blower fan to operate. This type of boiler requires less access to the chimney system. Their efficiency is higher, despite their energy consumption. When choosing a pyrolysis model of a solid fuel boiler, you should immediately take care of the installation by inviting a specialist to do this.
You should buy this product only from trusted suppliers - certified stores themselves ensure compliance with all rules and regulations, and the buyer can save time, effort and money.
If store employees are unwilling to provide additional services of installation, transportation, etc. you should contact the administration
Particular attention should be paid - these are, as a rule, pellet boilers. Here, compressed wood waste is used as fuel, which burns for a long time.
These units have a special bunker, which allows for an uninterrupted supply of fuel. They can retain heat for up to 3 days, do not require special attention, and are equipped with additional protection, due to which they do not need to be looked after.
Modern and environmentally friendly equipment
Solid fuel boilers with a long-burning function are rightfully considered guardians of nature. Burnt filtration systems installed in modern models help purify smoke from combustion products, releasing only purified steam. The maintenance cycle for a solid fuel boiler is about two months (cleaning, purging).
For equipment cleaning procedures, it is better to call a specialized worker so as not to damage or disturb anything yourself.
It is also appropriate to install such units in industries with large amounts of solid combustible waste. The recycling (incineration) process takes a short amount of time, while it becomes possible to save additional money on waste removal.
If installed correctly, it is possible to provide heating for work areas, which will significantly improve the cost of production.
How to choose the optimal boiler model?
As for the rules for choosing the optimal option, the specifics of each specific case should be taken into account. You have to carefully analyze your needs and compare them with the capabilities of the models you like.
A solid fuel boiler is quite expensive equipment and errors in selection can affect the quality of heating. However, replacement is fraught with unnecessary costs.
To choose the right heating unit, you must first carefully measure and prepare the room in which it will be installed. Only after finishing and organizing the water supply and chimney drainage systems should you begin to select a specific model.
Pyrolysis models are suitable for industrial premises, because... for large areas, despite their price, they “give” a greater effect of savings and payback
- Versatility. For private homes, universal solid fuel units are best suited, where it is possible to combine and replace fuel;
- Difficult to install. Based on the cost of the product, you definitely need to study all its capabilities and modification options (so that there are no problems with installation);
- Average price. You should not choose very expensive models. Often, in the middle class there are options that are quite suitable for home use;
- Repair and service. You should immediately consider all possible repair and maintenance options. The boiler room should be easy to access at any time;
- Climatic conditions. At low ambient temperatures, installing a low-power boiler is unacceptable (even if at first glance it seems that it is “enough”). It is better to make a purchase with a reserve so as not to start all over again later.
Particular attention should be paid to arranging the space for. Fire safety requirements must not be violated. All necessary advice can be read in the instructions for the equipment, obtained in a store, or from fire specialists.
It is important to use only fire-resistant materials during installation. You should save on equipment only as a last resort. After weighing all the pros and cons, calculate all the details again and only then make a purchase.
When considering those operating on solid fuel, you should immediately think about what type of fuel is the most accessible in the region. When it’s easier to buy wood, the most logical thing to do would be to install a traditional double-circuit boiler. This solution will allow you to save not only on heating, but also on hot water.
Always remember safety precautions. There must be free access to the boiler room at any time
When choosing a specific manufacturer, it is a good idea to make sure that there are authorized technical centers in your region of residence, or at least specialists who know how to work with such equipment. A solid fuel boiler is an expensive pleasure, so it’s worth thinking about possible repairs and unusual situations in advance.
Most often, stores warn about the availability of warranty service provided under the manufacturer’s warranty card. This point is important because this way you can count on qualified assistance without the risk of damage or permanent breakdown of the equipment.
It is important to immediately clarify questions about the availability of original spare parts and components for the selected type of equipment, because in the event of a breakdown, it is advisable to install components that are ideal for the operation of the structure. This will make the heating unit last longer.
Qualified service is the key to long-term operation of a solid fuel boiler
If you have difficulty choosing, it is better to consult people involved in the design and installation of equipment, or read the responses of other buyers. Comparing several points of view helps in making a final decision.
When purchasing, be sure to check for certification documents confirming the quality of the product. And also resolve the issue of future installation of equipment. Most often, delivery and installation services are provided by the seller.
It should be remembered that when planning the installation of a double-circuit model in private housing construction, a water supply system will have to be laid in advance. After all, the location of the heating boiler will depend on the placement and installation of pipes.
It is also important to design a ventilation system in advance and consider the location of the chimney to remove fumes. And only after such preliminary preparation at home can you begin to select the required boiler model.
Conclusions and useful video on the topic
Advantages and disadvantages of solid fuel equipment in the video clip:
Review of new products on the market of solid fuel units in the video:
In order not to make a mistake in choosing and purchasing a unit to heat your home, you should correctly assess your capabilities and needs. After all, the most expensive equipment will not always be better and more durable.
An option with an average cost may be more suitable, which will fully meet all technical needs. And in order to avoid mistakes in calculations and selection of heating devices, you should definitely consult with specialists.
Tell us about how you chose a solid fuel boiler for a country house or cottage. Share what was the main argument in choosing your model. Please leave comments in the block below, ask questions, post photos on the topic of the article.
Content- Types of hot water solid fuel boilers
- Pros and cons of a solid fuel boiler
- Technical characteristics of TT boilers
For those living outside the city or just considering buying a country house, the heating problem is extremely acute. There is no main gas supply in 34.5% of settlements in Russia. There is also often no access to power grids when the village is new or when the house is built at a distance from power lines. Therefore, a solid fuel heating boiler is sometimes the only available option.
Let's try to figure out what hot water solid fuel boilers are, how they work and what they are. We will also consider their advantages and disadvantages, and the main technical characteristics. We hope this material will help you decide which one is better to choose for heating your home.
Types of hot water TT boilers
A solid fuel boiler is a heating device that uses the energy of burning solid fuel. Most often it is wood or coal. However, some manufacturers produce models that run on pellets and fuel briquettes.
Based on the type of solid fuel used, boilers are divided into:
wood burning
This category includes conventional wood-burning boilers. Their disadvantage is that wood has low heat transfer and burns out quickly. Therefore, it is necessary to add firewood to the firebox every 2-4 hours.
coal
Coal boilers operate on brown or black coal, anthracite, and coke. The heat transfer of coal is 2 times greater than that of wood, and besides, coal is more compact. One bookmark is enough for 8-10 hours.
pellet
They work on special granules - pellets. They have a high efficiency of 85-95%. Their significant disadvantage is the high cost of the devices themselves and the fuel for them.
universal
Can run on wood, coal or pellets to choose from. The efficiency of universal boilers is lower than that of those using one type of fuel. Manufacturers also produce two-furnace models. Each type of fuel has its own combustion chamber and its own heat exchanger.
Based on the material of the heat exchanger, they are divided into:
cast iron
The advantage of a cast iron heat exchanger is its high heat capacity and corrosion resistance. Such products will last 30% longer than their steel counterparts. The disadvantage of cast iron heat exchangers is their fragility and sensitivity to temperature changes. We also note that cast iron ones are 2-3 times heavier than steel ones, as a result of which even low-power models have to be installed on a concrete foundation.
steel
Boilers with a steel heat exchanger are 30-60% cheaper than their cast iron counterparts. The disadvantage of a steel heat exchanger is the formation of corrosion due to water condensate.
There are two methods of burning solid fuels: classical and pyrolysis. Depending on which method is used, all models are divided into two types:
classic
In classic boilers, the combustion process occurs naturally. They are characterized by simplicity of design and, as a consequence, low price. Their disadvantage is low efficiency (75-85 percent) due to incomplete combustion of fuel.
pyrolysis (or gas generator)
The peculiarity of these devices is that solid fuel and the gas it produces burn separately. This achieves greater efficiency compared to classical ones (about 85-92%). Such devices are much more economical and environmentally friendly than classic ones. about 1.5 times more expensive than traditional ones.
According to the loading method, solid fuel boilers are distinguished:
with manual loading
To maintain a constant heating temperature, it is necessary to manually add a new portion of solid fuel every 2-4 hours.
with automatic loading
The design of the heating system is complemented by bunkers for automatic fuel supply. Depending on the volume of the bunker and the amount of solid fuel in it, the battery life ranges from several tens of hours to one month.
Photo 2: Boiler with automatic fuel supply According to the degree of dependence on electricity, they are divided into:
non-volatile
In volatile boilers, air is forced into the combustion chamber by a mechanical thermosyphon.
volatile
Volatile boilers use an electric fan to force air into the combustion chamber. This process is controlled by an electronic unit that requires connection to the electrical network.
We have figured out the classification, now let's look at the design and operating principle of a TT heating boiler. It consists of the following components and assemblies:
Combustion chamber
The fuel combustion process takes place in this compartment of the boiler;
Heat exchanger
This device is made of cast iron or steel. It transfers the energy of burning fuel to the coolant;
Cleaning hatch
There is a special hole in the ash pan. Ash and combustion waste are removed through it;
Grate
A metal grate between the combustion chamber and the ash pan on which the combustion process occurs. Ash falls through holes in the grate into the ash pan, from where it is then removed manually;
Thermostat
A mechanical or automatic device that regulates the intensity of combustion, and therefore the temperature of the coolant;
Photo 3: Construction of a wood-fired hot water boiler The process of operating a boiler with a water heating circuit is very simple. Solid fuel is placed through the loading door into the combustion chamber. During the combustion process, the heat exchanger heats up and transfers energy to a coolant, such as water. The coolant circulates through the heating system to warm the room. Ash and other combustion waste accumulate in the ash pan.
Return to contentsPros and cons of a solid fuel boiler
Any heating device has its advantages and disadvantages. Let's weigh the pros and cons of TT boilers. The advantages of solid fuel heating devices include:
fuel availability
Wood and coal rank first among the most common types of fuel in Russia and the post-Soviet space. Forests cover 46.5% of the territory of our country.
low cost
For many of us, the cost of a product is critical. The cost of solid fuel models is significantly lower than gas or electric ones.
For example: A solid fuel boiler Dakon with a power of 24 kW costs 52,000 rubles, and a gas boiler of the same power costs 97,000 rubles.
no dependence on the power grid
There is no electricity supply in many villages and country houses. Therefore, this quality of solid fuel boilers comes in handy in this case.
long service life
With appropriate care and maintenance, timely cleaning and careful operation, the service life of solid fuel boilers reaches 30 years.
Photo 4: Solid fuel wood boiler in operation We've sorted out the advantages, now let's talk about the disadvantages:
the need for constant monitoring
The fuel in the firebox burns out quickly. It is necessary to reload every 2-4 hours to maintain the required temperature in the room.
complex and time-consuming care
Maintaining a solid fuel boiler is not an easy task. It is necessary to promptly remove ash from the ash pan, and also clean the combustion chamber from soot. It is better to entrust complex work such as cleaning from scale, rust and tar deposits to professionals.
low efficiency of solid fuel combustion
Compared to fuels such as gas and diesel, solid fuels have low combustion efficiency. The combustion process leaves waste in the form of ash, while gas and diesel leave no waste.
need for fuel storage
Firewood and coal have quite impressive dimensions. It is necessary to equip a separate room for storing their supplies.
inertia of the combustion process
The main feature of solid fuel boilers is their high inertia. The combustion process cannot be quickly interrupted. The boiler will continue to heat the water in the heating system even if it is already overheated. One way to solve this problem is to install a heat accumulator (buffer tank).
In homes where gas supply is unavailable or prohibitively expensive, solid fuel boilers are used. This type of heating is also preferred by those who want to save money on heating their homes. It will cost 2 times cheaper than gas and 3 times cheaper than electric.
Solid fuel heating boilers have many advantages:
- Autonomy. Since the operation of the equipment does not depend on external power sources, it will be enough to have a supply of firewood or pellets to ensure uninterrupted operation.
- Variability. Depending on the availability of raw materials, peat, coal, briquettes, firewood, and pellets can be used.
- Environmental friendliness. When a renewable raw material, wood, is used, there is no harm to the environment.
- Practicality. The device is simply designed, so it is easy to maintain and lasts a very long time.
Long-burning solid fuel boiler - features of operation and operation
The main feature of equipment designed for long burning is the increased heat resistance of structural elements. The air supply system is also different. The main fuel for such boilers is coal, coke, petroleum products, and peat.
When long-burning solid fuel boilers are used for home use, after loading with coal they can operate for up to 5 days, and with wood for up to 2 days.
The undeniable advantages of this equipment are savings on inexpensive fuel and the ability to not think about its operation for several days. But it is necessary to take into account that the operating cycle:
Range
The range of products offered includes equipment made in Germany, Italy, Slovakia and Russia.
The Bosch brand is well known to Russian buyers for the high-quality household and industrial appliances and equipment that it supplies to the market. If you are looking for the best solid fuel boiler, you should pay attention to German products. It is manufactured to high standards and of impeccable quality.
A good choice is the Slovak brand Protherm. The model range includes solid fuel boilers used for private homes of various heated areas. The material from which the equipment is made is low-temperature cast iron, which minimizes heat loss. The equipment is complemented by special sensors that help owners easily adjust the power.
If you are looking for solid fuel boilers, the price of which includes only the cost of production with a reasonable markup, this is domestic equipment from the Zota company. The products of the Krasnoyarsk plant, operating since 1992, have earned high customer ratings as reliable and easy to use.
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