Modern heating units running on natural gas are controlled electronically, providing automatic support for comfort in the home. However, the slightest failure in the power supply can not only turn off, but also damage the equipment, leaving the home without heating. To prevent such a scenario, a special UPS for a gas boiler is installed. Let's look at what this module is and how it works, what types there are, what are the selection rules, and also what the rating of the best models looks like.
Installed and connected uninterruptible power supply for a gas boiler Source kamin-expert.ru
Uninterruptible power supply - what it is, how it works, purpose, requirements
A full-fledged UPS is a three-part module that ensures stable operation of the heating unit when the power supply from the external network is disconnected. It consists of the following 3 components:
- Inverter. Electric current converter - from DC to AC battery with a rating of 220 V, but with a normal sine wave for stable operation of the equipment.
- Stabilizer. Levels out the external network current with unstable characteristics to reduce the load on the electrical circuit, ensuring safe operation of the unit. Can be used separately or in conjunction with an inverter module.
- Battery This is one or more battery packs to power the boiler in case of a power outage. When the equipment operates from an external source, the module accumulates charge, and when disconnected, it releases it.
The principle of operation of a UPS for a gas heating boiler is the following algorithm:
- When there is voltage in the network, the stabilizer works and the battery accumulates charge.
- When the external current is turned off, the power supply circuit from the battery is switched on through the inverter.
UPS operating diagram for a gas unit Source wikimedia.org
- When electricity appears in the network, the boiler goes into normal operation - through the stabilizer. The battery pack begins to accumulate charge again.
In order for gas boiler equipment to operate properly and stably, the uninterruptible power supply must meet a number of special requirements:
- High sine frequency of electric current coming out of the module.
- The presence of a through neutral, which is necessary for the correct operation of burner sensors for phase-dependent units.
- Sufficient charger power is at least 5 amperes. This will make it possible to connect more batteries in the event of a long power outage.
- Spare power. As a rule, a 30-40% reserve is required over the sum of all connected electrical devices - automation, pumps, etc.
Important! An uninterruptible power supply for a gas heating boiler must have only a pure sine output voltage. Quasi-sine models, used, for example, for computers, will lead to deterioration in the performance of pumping equipment. As a result, their efficiency will decrease, they will begin to heat up and hum.
Appearance of boiler equipment with UPS Source victronenergy.store
UPS or generator – what to choose?
The gas generator is used in case of power failure. You need to switch the power supply system to the generator, start it and wait until it comes into operation and connect the load.
The average price of equipment is 30,000 rubles, but there are also more expensive units . Their advantages are the ability to use energy supply at any time. The disadvantage is the need to monitor the operation of the system.
IMPORTANT!
The best solution is a UPS. The advantage of the system is the presence of an online mode for automatic mode switching.
No human presence is required when the UPS is operating . The device copes well with power outages.
Varieties
Depending on how the supply voltage from an external electrical source enters the heating unit, there are 3 types of uninterruptible power supply:
- Offline.
The input and output voltage parameters are the same. The module includes a battery, stabilizer, inverter and relay. When there is a power outage, a relay is triggered to switch to autonomous power supply. However, this happens with some delay - about 4-10 milliseconds.
It is therefore not suitable for units not equipped with an automatic switching system. In addition, you will need to purchase a stabilizer separately. The main advantage is low cost. More suitable for solid fuel boilers.
- Online.
The current from the network undergoes double conversion. First, the rectifier converts 220V alternating current into 12V direct current, then supplies it to the inverter and battery. Then it is converted back to variable, but with ideal sinusoidal characteristics.
An example of an online UPS for a heating boiler Source sibcontact.com
In addition, the on-line uninterruptible power supply for the boiler has another advantage - instant switching to an autonomous power supply when the external network is turned off. Therefore, it is most suitable for both gas and diesel heating units.
- Linear interactive.
The design is similar to offline models, but with the difference that at the input the current passes through a stabilizer. Thanks to this, the number of false alarms due to unstable external voltage is significantly reduced and service life is increased.
However, such models still have a disadvantage of analogues - a pause in the power supply when switching the relay. This can simply turn off or put into emergency mode models that are sensitive to this factor.
Advice! The presence of an uninterruptible power supply in itself does not guarantee the protection of a gas boiler from voltage surges in the network - if it drops to 170-180 V, the unit will automatically switch to the battery and operate only on it. Installing a reliable inverter stabilizer on the incoming signal can save you from this.
An uninterruptible power supply with a stabilizer guarantees equipment protection from surges and network outages Source alfae.ru
See also: https://m-strana.ru/services/inzhenernye-sistemy-otoplenie-vodosnabzhenie-kanalizatsiya/
Necessity of acquisition
Modern gas boilers require a constant connection to a power source. The control unit, circulation pump, ignition system and forced ventilation operate from the mains.
Advanced users install special modules with which they control the system remotely.
If the power goes out, the device continues to work. Most models are capable of not only providing the boiler with power, but also adjusting its operation during power surges.
Benefits of an uninterruptible power supply:
- reasonable cost;
- simple installation that does not require special knowledge;
- excellent operation during voltage surges;
- automatic control of all parameters;
- service life up to 7 years;
- silent operation.
Selection rules
When choosing a UPS, the following set of parameters is primarily taken into account:
- Power.
- Working hours.
- Battery type.
Let's look at them in more detail.
Power
The durability and performance characteristics of the device depend on how correctly the power is calculated. Its indicator is the sum of similar characteristics of all energy consumers in the network - primarily the boiler and pumps. In this case, the latter are taken into the formula taking into account the starting power.
All pumps in gas boilers are characterized by energy efficiency classes, designated by letters - from A to G. Therefore, in order to calculate the starting power, it is necessary to multiply its nominal value for a particular pump by 5, and for class A - by 1.3. The resulting value is added to the pump power and multiplied by another 1.3 - a correction factor taking into account the required reserve.
Note! When calculating the power of a UPS, it is necessary to take into account the power consumption of the unit, and not how much heat in kW it produces. As a rule, this characteristic can be found in the technical data sheet. In most cases, it varies between 100-200 watts. The thermal power of the boiler reaches values from 1 to 80 kW.
Parameters influencing the calculation of the power of a gas boiler Source voltmarket.ua
Battery life
In order to choose the right UPS for a gas boiler, it is necessary to determine for what period of time a power outage usually occurs - this will determine the required number of external batteries and their characteristics. They, in turn, will determine how long the unit can operate in autonomous mode.
At the same time, the period of autonomous operation for which uninterruptible power supplies are designed depends on the battery capacity and power consumption. As a rule, this indicator varies from 6-8 hours to a full day for different models. A longer period is not advisable, as it will lead to the need to install a large number of batteries and increase costs. In this case, it is wiser to use an electric generator.
Battery types
To ensure uninterrupted power supply to gas heating units, special batteries of two types are used - AGM and AGM-gel. Their average service life is 10 years. In this case, it is unacceptable to use conventional car batteries.
The UPS ensures continuous operation of the boiler in conjunction with the correct battery Source raes.com.ua
Starting car batteries are simply not designed for the operating conditions typical of heating equipment and will quickly fail. In addition, they are filled with a liquid electrolyte that can evaporate, which, when used in a private home, is contrary to safety regulations.
Helpful information! The location of the UPS in the boiler room must meet the requirements of practicality and safety. On the one hand, they must be in a comfortable service area and next to the power source, on the other hand, no closer than 0.5 m to the gas pipeline, away from heating devices, including the unit body, and not interfere with the free ventilation of the room.
Why it is unacceptable to use a computer UPS for emergency power supply of gas boilers
For household and industrial equipment, sinusoidal voltage is required. But not every inverter in an uninterruptible power supply can produce a pure sine wave. Often a step model is formed, which is also approximated. The photo below clearly shows how they differ from each other.
All electric motors can only operate on a pure sine wave. Electric motors are installed in the circulation pump and fan.
It cannot be guaranteed that the sinusoid will be as smooth as possible, but there are errors that are considered acceptable. Typically this figure does not exceed 8%. Therefore, when purchasing a UPS, you must definitely pay attention to this coefficient. Usually the manufacturer indicates it after the words: Total Harmonic Distortion.
For computers, you can use uninterruptible power supplies that produce a stepped sine wave. This is unacceptable for gas boilers.
Installing uninterruptible power supplies with a stepped sine wave to electrical appliances that generate reactive currents is likely to result in many problems:
Inability to start.
Power drop.
Reduced service life.
Video description
Video instructions on how to choose a UPS for a gas boiler:
Advantages:
- Large range of input voltage values – 110-300 V.
- Charge current 12 A for battery operation with a capacity of up to 250 Ah.
- Load up to 400 W.
- Operating time – 3-9 hours.
Disadvantages - high price and operating voltage of 12 volts, which is uncharacteristic for the manufacturer.
- "Calm".
Domestic development. Line-interactive type device with external battery.
Pros:
- Compactness.
- Horizontal installation.
- Operating voltage – 160-300V.
- Power – 150-260 W.
There are no obvious shortcomings, with the exception of those characteristic of this type of model.
- Teplocom.
The simplest uninterruptible power supply unit for a gas heating boiler - without additional adjustments and settings. Easy to connect and works automatically.
Advantages:
- Deep discharge protection.
- Connecting two 12 volt batteries with a capacity range of 40-200 Ah.
- Universal installation, including on the floor.
- Voltage for different models is from 185 to 600 volts.
- Power consumption – up to 200 W.
- Reasonable price.
Devices of this line do not show any noticeable shortcomings.
Briefly about the main thing
The UPS stabilizes the operation of the heating unit in case of deterioration or sudden power outage. The module includes three components - an inverter, a stabilizer and a battery. As soon as the external network is turned off, the autonomous power supply is triggered by the battery. When the supply is resumed, the boiler starts working from the external network, and the battery switches to charging mode.
Uninterruptible power supplies for boilers are divided into 3 types:
- Online.
- Offline.
- Linear interactive.
Each of them has its own pros, cons and recommendations for use. When choosing a UPS, it is necessary to correctly calculate the power and determine the battery life and battery type. The rating of the best includes such models as Eltena (Inelt) Monolith E 1000LT-12v, Shtil, Teplocom, SVC W-600L and Helior Sigma 1 KSL-36V.
