An efficient heating system is essential to maintaining a warm and comfortable home. However, a growing number of homeowners are turning to standalone heating systems as a result of growing energy costs and concerns about sustainability. In comparison to conventional centralized heating systems, these systems provide greater control, efficiency, and frequently cost savings.
What precisely is an autonomous heating system, then? In essence, it’s a configuration in which every single dwelling has a separate heating source and distribution system. This means that each residence has its own boiler, furnace, or heat pump, along with its own network of pipes, radiators, or ducts to distribute heat, rather than being connected to a central heating plant that serves several homes or buildings.
More control over interior climate is one of the main advantages of having an independent heating system for homeowners. When it comes to controlling the temperature with a centralized system, the building manager or utility company has complete control. However, you can change the temperature in each room to your preference with an independent system without bothering your neighbors.
An additional benefit is enhanced energy efficiency. Since independent heating systems can be specifically tailored to meet the needs of each home, they are frequently more efficient than centralized ones. Additionally, there is less energy lost in the process because the heat doesn’t have to travel large distances through pipes or ducts.
Independent heating systems can also be more resilient and dependable. Only your home is impacted in the event of a malfunction or maintenance issue, not the building or neighborhood as a whole. This may entail fewer interruptions and quicker problem-solving times.
Naturally, installing a separate heating system calls for considerable thought and preparation. It is necessary to select an appropriate heating source, such as gas, electric, or alternative energy sources like geothermal or solar power. In order to efficiently distribute heat throughout your house, you’ll also need to design a distribution system.
The different parts of an independent heating system, from the boiler or furnace to the distribution network, will all be covered in this article. We’ll talk about the advantages and disadvantages of various heating sources as well as things to think about when planning and setting up your own system. Knowing the ins and outs of independent heating can help you create a warm, cozy, and effective living space, whether you’re building a new home or thinking about upgrading your current heating system.
Component | Description |
Boiler | Main heating source, typically fueled by gas, oil, or electricity. |
Radiators | Distribute heat throughout the house via hot water or steam. |
Pipes | Transport hot water or steam from the boiler to the radiators. |
Thermostat | Regulates the temperature by controlling the boiler. |
- Types of connection
- Advantages
- Flaws
- Methods of connection
- Independent
- Operating principle
- Water circulation
- The scope of application
- Advantages
- Negative moments
- Comparison of two types
- Dependent and independent heating system – differences in circuits, pros and cons of
- Dependent heat supply scheme
- Independent heat supply scheme
- Dependent and independent heating system – comparison
- Dependence on power supply
- Hard -fuel boilers
- Gas boilers
- Which heat supply scheme is better
- What are a dependent and independent heating system
- Assignment by a dependent scheme
- Advantages and disadvantages of the dependent heating system
- Connection according to an independent scheme
Types of connection
Dependent and independent attachment schemes are the two varieties that are possible. Establishing a connection through a dependent method is the most straightforward choice. Nowadays, independent heating systems are becoming more and more common, especially when building new residential arrays. What could be a better way to give any room warmth, comfort, and style?
Generally speaking, an accession scheme of this kind allows for the existence of within-house heating points, which are frequently furnished with elevators. The overheated water from the trunk external network is combined with the reverse at the heat station’s mixing node while reaching a suitable temperature (roughly 100 ° C). As a result, the house’s internal heating system depends entirely on an outside heat source.
Advantages
Such a scheme’s primary benefit is that, although it costs more initially, it allows water to flow directly from the heating main into the water supply and heating system.
- The equipment of subscriber input is simple and is inexpensive;
- Heating systems can withstand large temperature changes;
- the size of the pipeline in diameter is smaller;
- the circuit reduces the flow rate of the coolant;
- low operating costs.
Flaws
Apart from the benefits, there are certain drawbacks to such an addition:
- non -economic;
- adjusting the temperature regime is significantly difficult during the weather changes;
- Energy resources.
Methods of connection
Several methods can be used to establish a connection:
- through direct connection;
- with an elevator;
- with a pump on a jumper;
- with a pump on the reverse or feed lines;
- mixed method (pump and elevator).
The elevator’s connection.
Independent
By using an independent heat supply system, you can reduce resource consumption by 10–40%.
Operating principle
An additional heat exchanger is used to connect the consumer heating system. Consequently, two hydraulically isolated contours heat the area. The water in the enclosed internal heating system is heated by the outer heating main’s outline. Water is not mixed simultaneously as it would be in a dependent version.
Nevertheless, the upkeep and repairs of such a connection come at a significant cost.
Water circulation
The circulation pumps in the heating mechanism facilitate the movement of coolant, which in turn ensures a consistent flow of water through the heating devices. One possible feature of an independent attachment scheme is an expansion vessel with a leak-proof water supply.
During the heating main malfunction, you can keep the water circulating and somewhat heated with this connection method. T.e. The temperature in heated rooms won’t drop during the emergency.
Elements that make up a stand-alone system.
The scope of application
It is frequently used to link buildings or multi-story structures to the heating system, which calls for a higher degree of heating mechanism dependability.
For items with rooms, it is not desirable for unneeded maintenance staff to have access to them. As long as the pressure in heating networks or reverse heating systems is greater than the permissible limit of more than 0.6 MPa.
Advantages
- the ability to adjust the temperature;
- high energy -saving effect;
- The possibility of using any coolant.
Negative moments
- high price;
- The complexity of maintenance and repair.
Comparison of two types
The dependent scheme states that the central heat source’s performance has a major impact on the quality of the heat supply. This is an easy, low-cost method that doesn’t require any extra maintenance or repairs. Nevertheless, despite the associated costs and operational complexity, the benefits of a contemporary independent connection scheme are evident.
Dependent and independent heating system – differences in circuits, pros and cons of
A dependent and independent heating system is employed when setting up the home’s heating system. Their distinction is found in the various circuits they use to connect to a heating main.
Dependent heat supply scheme
If you visualize the layout of an elevator node in a residential building (as shown in the photo), it is set up as follows:
- The input valves are separated from the heating main by the heating main;
- Behind them at the place of feed and return are valves or valves. Through them, hot water supply is connected from the supply or reverse pipelines. Often in modern elevators there are two inserts on the feed line and return, which is separated by a retaining washer. Their purpose is to ensure constant circulation of hot water;
- After inserting the elements to ensure the hot water, there is a nozzle with a camera where mixing is made. The stream of a hotter fluid coming from a direct pipeline under high pressure warms up part of the water in the return and is directed to repeated circulation;
- House valves overlap the heating system of the building – in winter they are open, and in the warm season they are closed.
In the first version of the dependent and independent heating systems, water enters the DHW systems and heat supply directly from the heating main.
Independent heat supply scheme
An autonomous heating system appears like this:
- From the supply pipeline, the liquid enters the reverse line, while simultaneously giving thermal energy to the heat exchanger. In this case, water is not used for hydraulic devices and heating the premises;
- In the same heat exchanger, but its other circuit enters water for drinking from the water supply. After heating, it is submitted to the heating system and for use in everyday life.
This is the appearance of the heating system’s independent connection.
Dependent and independent heating system – comparison
A dependent heating connection scheme has the benefit of being inexpensive to implement. The truth is that an elevator unit or heating system can be installed independently in a small section of the house with standard locking reinforcement. The most expensive part of the process is manufacturing the nozzle, whose diameter determines the elevator’s thermal power.
Benefits of having a separate heat supply system include:
- It allows you to more flexibly adjust the temperature of the coolant for heating. To do this, it will be enough to reduce the flow of the coolant through the heat exchanger and as a result the air temperature in the house will decrease. You can also press the valves in the elevator node and thereby remove the difference. But for these elements, a similar situation is considered abnormal, since it is possible to fall cheeks and stop circulation. If the system is independent, productivity is simply regulated – using a circulation pump;
- Economicity is a consequence of the presence of a flexible heating setting depending on the needs of the residents. In a dependent system, this indicator is at a level of not more than 40%;
- An independent heat supply system allows the use of water purified from impurities, or non -freezing liquids as a coolant (more details: “Unhinded fluid for heating systems – we make the right choice“). It is not difficult to heat drinking water. In turn, in the presence of a dependent system, consumers are forced to use water with large pollution – sand, scale and mineral salts.
Dependence on power supply
Because of the energy-dependent heating system, heating appliances can function even when there is no electricity. While some forms of heat supply systems and heating boilers require electricity to operate, others can do so.
In creating an independent heating system scheme for your home, the primary goal is to design a setup that efficiently and effectively regulates temperature while maximizing energy savings. This scheme typically involves a combination of components such as a boiler or furnace, radiators or underfloor heating, insulation, and controls like thermostats and timers. The key is to ensure that each element works together harmoniously to provide consistent warmth throughout the house. Proper insulation is crucial to prevent heat loss, while the choice of heating source and distribution system should match the specific needs and layout of the home. Additionally, incorporating smart technologies can enhance the system"s performance by allowing remote monitoring and control. By carefully planning and implementing an independent heating system scheme tailored to your home"s requirements, you can achieve greater comfort and lower energy bills.
Hard -fuel boilers
A heat generator is a fully energy-dependent device. It is essentially a boiler (cast iron or steel), with a water shirt inside the furnace and mechanical blower adjustment controlled by a thermostat. It is true that this design has a significant disadvantage, which is the requirement for continuous solid fuel durability.
A private home can be made independently heated, that is, without the need for human intervention, with the aid of several technical solutions:
- Installation of bunker and transport tape. As the fuel burns out, new portions of pellet or sawdust will be served. But for the work of the conveyor, the availability of electricity is necessary.
- The use of a pyrolysis boiler in which the combustion process is divided into two stages. The first of them consists in the pyrolysis of firewood with a limited supply of oxygen, and the second in burning the resulting gas. There is a pyrolysis camera upstairs, and there is a compartment under it, where the gas burns. At the same time, so that combustion products move against the direction of natural traction, an electric fan is needed.
- The upper burning boiler can function on one coal bookmark for about five days, since only its upper layer smolders. The air is supplied to the fuel from top to bottom, and the ash takes the hot flow of combustion products. But to ensure air circulation, an electric fan is required.
Gas boilers
They use a mechanical thermostat to regulate the burner flame and a piezo element for manual ignition in order to achieve a power-dependent gas boiler. A pilot continues to function even if the coolant’s primary burner goes out due to high temperatures.
Electronically igniting devices completely stop the gas supply in the event of a failure. Heating is resumed once the coolant drops below the critical point, but not before the discharge shouldn’t cause the main burner to catch fire. A boost fan that runs on electricity provides the burner with air.
Which heat supply scheme is better
Installing an energy-dependent gas heating boiler is the better option if there are frequent power outages in the home because it can function without electricity. It should be highlighted, however, that the efficiency of these devices is the same: roughly 20% of the gas used is used to maintain a pilot flame.
Another disadvantage of gas power-dependent heating boilers is that they are unable to regulate the weather or the unit via an external thermostat, which establishes the temperature regime, say, in the furthest away room. As a result, setting the temperature for an extended amount of time—say, two weeks—is not possible.
It should be mentioned that the first of them today has gone unclaimed, so when you have to choose between an independent and dependent heating system, this one is preferable. However, it must be acknowledged that despite high costs, a highly independent scheme is used in modern construction to connect the heating system. They are now transitioning to independent heat supplies everywhere. They occasionally use both the independent and dependent systems to connect the heat point in a combined circuit.
Regarding the specific kinds of heating systems covered in the video:
What are a dependent and independent heating system
Assignment by a dependent scheme
It can be performed in two versions: directly or using the mixing unit.
If the connection is performed according to the first option, then the overheated water from the heating system is mixed in a boiler (in a certain volume) with a returning water from the heating system. In this way, water acquires a sufficient temperature, up to approximately 100 0. Its value depends on the power of the boiler. The temperature may be more. Then she enters the heating source. Heating points are supplied with pumping mixing devices and water -jet elevators. To create the optimal air temperature in the rooms, water water is added to the pipeline, reducing the temperature regime. The second connection option implies that hot and cold water are mixed, and the coolant fluid with a temperature of 70-80 0 C is sent to the heating radiators of residential buildings.
Diagram of a dependent connection. To enlarge, click the image.
In low-temperature heat networks, where a two-pipe system with radiator throttle thermostats is used, direct connection can be used. The coolant parameters remain consistent throughout the year in this instance. Heating networks use devices that display the pressure differential at the entrances to reflect variations in consumer demand in the thermal volume. Electronic regulators assist in regulating the heating network’s common pump supply.
Only quantitative regulation is possible for this system. The variations in the water pressure values in the attachments to the external heating system’s components facilitate the circulation of the heat source in the dependent circuit. Dependent connections are structurally straightforward and simple to maintain, as is their connection scheme with the water mixing node.
The scheme’s cost is significantly decreased by the removal of a few structural components. When the heat-consuming system, including the heating system, permits an increase in hydraulic pressure to the pressure of water pressure from the outside when it exits to the thermal pipeline (in compliance with sanitary and hygienic recommendations), the dependent scheme is chosen. Due to the benefits and drawbacks of the dependent scheme, it was popular in Russia for a while.
Separate heating system. To enlarge, click the image.
Advantages and disadvantages of the dependent heating system
- fast payback;
- Light and inexpensive service.
- lack of the ability to adjust the temperature regime in the premises;
- the possibility of using only a certain equipment of the system suitable according to the requirements of the station (systems of this kind should withstand high pressure and hydraulic blows when starting);
- It is required to regularly carry out measures to protect the equipment from the rigidity of salts dissolved in the coolant and oxygen exposure in order to avoid corrosion;
- Exaggeration of energy consumption.
Connection according to an independent scheme
The appearance of an independent heating system is entirely different. The water in the boiler is heated to roughly 150 0 degrees if the element connections are made in accordance with a separate plan. Subsequently, the heat-expenditure apparatus directs it towards the primary coolant. In a heated residential building with a closed circuit, the primary coolant facilitates circulation. Here, there is no mixing of the water.
A circulation pump and water heat exchangers are included in the heat station’s equipment. Implementation of a set of energy-saving measures, including the use of contemporary electronic coolant temperature regulators, programmable circulation pumps, and thermal energy metering devices. Implementing a series of steps to guarantee the dependability of the work include: designing the settlement’s heating system specifically and endowing it with the ability to quickly transfer users to alternative thermal supply sources.
An independent system’s schematic connection scheme. To enlarge, click the image.
If an increase in hydraulic pressure (due to system strength conditions) is deemed unacceptable in the engineering scheme, an independent connection scheme is employed. In other words, the water pressure in the external pipeline ought to be higher than the water pressure inside the pipeline. Independent heating is distinguished by greater dependability in addition to the application of a constant thermal hydraulic regime under external influences chosen for every building independently.
It has the capacity to sustain circulation with the help of a specific heat-containing water content for a predetermined amount of time, roughly sufficient to prevent unanticipated emergencies in the event that the external heat supply malfunctions.
The external components of the engineering system are not a factor in the hydraulic mode of connection with an independent scheme. The thoughtful connection of the heating system in question improves the quality of the water that enters through the hot water supply installations in open systems for heating. Simultaneously, the attachment scheme is designed to prevent water from passing through heating elements that act as sump pumps for different types of dirt.
The independent scheme’s operating principle. To enlarge, click the image.
Choosing to install a separate heating system in your house is a big choice that will improve sustainability, efficiency, and comfort. Homeowners who choose an independent heating system have more control over their heating requirements, are less dependent on outside resources, and may experience a reduction in energy expenses.
Flexibility is one of the main benefits of an independent heating system. Boilers, furnaces, heat pumps, and even renewable energy sources like solar panels or geothermal systems are among the options available to homeowners for heating. Due to its adaptability, people can customize their heating system to suit their unique needs, financial situation, and environmental concerns.
In addition, autonomous heating systems provide higher resilience and dependability than centralized heating systems. Homeowners are less susceptible to infrastructure failures or disruptions in centralized energy supplies when they have a decentralized setup. This independence gives one a feeling of security, particularly in inclement weather or when there are power disruptions.
Independent heating systems have the added benefit of being environmentally sustainable in addition to being dependable. In order to minimize their carbon footprint and lower greenhouse gas emissions, homeowners can use energy-efficient technologies and renewable energy sources. This environmentally friendly strategy fits in with the growing focus on environmental responsibility and sustainability.
All things considered, installing an independent heating system scheme improves comfort, efficiency, and sustainability while enabling homeowners to take charge of their heating requirements. People can adapt their systems to suit their own needs and priorities by utilizing a variety of heating sources and technologies. In light of their environmental consciousness, flexibility, and dependability, independent heating systems are an excellent investment for the heating of homes in the future.