What are the schemes of connection of batteries in a private house?

An efficient heating system is essential to maintaining a warm and comfortable home during the winter. The connection of your home’s radiators, or heaters, is a crucial part of this system. To guarantee effective heating distribution, these radiators are frequently linked in certain configurations. The purpose of this article is to help you decide which scheme would be best for your home by examining the various methods that are frequently used to connect radiators in private homes.

It’s crucial to first comprehend the fundamentals of radiator operation. Radiators warm a room by radiating heat into the surrounding area; they are usually filled with steam or hot water. The design of your home, the size of the radiators, and their connections are just a few of the variables that may affect how effective this process is. You can get the most out of your heating system and guarantee even heating throughout your house by making the most of the connection scheme.

The parallel connection is one typical radiator connection scheme. Each radiator in this configuration is directly connected to the supply and return pipes. This indicates that every radiator functions independently and gets the same amount of steam or hot water from the boiler. With a parallel connection, you can precisely control the temperature in every room because you can adjust the heat flow to each radiator separately. If not properly balanced, it can also lead to uneven heating.

The series connection, sometimes referred to as the loop system, is another well-liked choice. With this configuration, the hot water or steam travels through each radiator in turn before returning to the boiler. The radiators are linked in a continuous loop. Since each radiator receives the same amount of hot water or steam, a series connection guarantees uniform heat distribution throughout the house. It might, however, be less adaptable in terms of controlling the temperature in certain rooms.

The partially parallel connection, which incorporates aspects of both parallel and series schemes, is the last type. The main supply and return pipes are connected in parallel to groups of radiators in this configuration, and each group is subsequently connected in series to the main heating system. Many homeowners choose this hybrid approach because it provides a balance between even heat distribution and precise temperature control.

The optimal plan for installing radiators in your private residence will ultimately rely on a number of variables, such as your budget, heating preferences, and home layout. You can ensure the best level of comfort and efficiency for you and your family by making an informed decision by being aware of the various options available.

Series Connection	Batteries are connected end-to-end, positive terminal to negative terminal, increasing voltage while maintaining the same capacity.
Parallel Connection	Batteries are connected positive terminal to positive terminal and negative terminal to negative terminal, increasing capacity while maintaining the same voltage.

What should be taken into account when selecting schemes?

The foundation of normal human activity is a warm room. There are various fundamental forms of heating that are intended to keep spaces at a consistent temperature for various uses.

The primary parts of the heating system are as follows:

• Heat generators are sources of heat.
• Heating equipment – radiators, convectors, registers, heaters, heaters etc. д.
• Communications – pipes, power cables, air ducts, etc. д.

Types of heating systems and their design

Different kinds of heating systems exist. New space heating systems are continuously added to and improved upon the range that is currently available.

Let’s examine the various heating system types below.

• Radiator heating. This was one of the first options used by man for heating. After modernization, the system continues to work properly not only in old houses, but also in new buildings. A heating radiator consists of several parts of heat exchange sections. The more there are, the higher the power of the device. Key features of the modern version:

• Cast iron has been replaced by aluminum, steel and bi-metal.
• The temperature in each room can be adjusted to your liking.
• Increasing efficiency and reducing energy consumption for heat generation.
• Attractive design.
• Affordable price.
• Uneven distribution of heat in the room, which is explained by the physical laws of convection circulation.

• Does not require high installation/maintenance costs.
• Provides maximum comfort.
• High efficiency.
• Large temperature differences in the room (high air temperature upstairs, low air temperature downstairs).
• Impossibility to ventilate the room without loss of heat energy.

• Different types of energy sources can be used: firewood, coal, pellets, wood waste.
• Furnaces can be made of clay and brick.
• The most economical heating.
• Suitable for summer houses and country houses.
• It is necessary to know how to handle the furnace, otherwise you can be poisoned by carbon monoxide.

• The temperature is evenly distributed throughout the room.
• Concealed heating systems give freedom to realize various design concepts.
• It can be made not only electric, but also water-powered.
• Safety – no risk of burns.
• High energy efficiency.

Every variety has benefits and drawbacks of its own. An ideal microclimate within the home, however, is only possible with a well-thought-out heating system that is independent of the outside weather.

Principle of operation of radiator heating systems

The boiler’s heated liquid circulates throughout the complex, distributing heat via pipes to electrical appliances and ultimately to the room that needs heating. This is how the heating system operates. The liquid travels in a circle since the system’s heating components are all closed.

Which cases does the liquid flow through?

• boiler;
• heating radiators – sequentially, from the one closest to the boiler to the furthest one;
• expansion tank.

What the efficiency of the radiator depends on?

The radiator’s heat output is a measure of its efficiency. Thus, heat output is dependent on the following factors:

• Atmospheric pressure – heat conductivity decreases as air density decreases.
• Color of the heater and composition of the coating.
• Method of radiator installation.
• The speed of the air in the room, and the direction of its flow.
• The way in which the heating system is connected.
• The wall surface behind the radiator.
• The presence of dust on the battery – it significantly reduces the heat release rate.

Insulation should be considered when running ducts through unheated spaces and streets. It raises the system’s efficiency and lowers heat loss.

Calculation of the heating system and selection of boiler capacity

Prior to purchase, the boiler’s capacity must be accurately calculated to ensure optimal operation. The information gathered makes it feasible to choose an electric boiler that will efficiently heat the whole needed space without overloading or malfunctioning.

In order to compute W=S*W(ood)/10 m2. The following is the decoding:

• W is the power of the device in kilowatts.
• S – an indicator of the area of the room in square meters;
• W(ud) – the parameter of specific power for equipment used individually in each region.

1. Enter the necessary data.

2. Press "Compute."

Types of radiator connection schemes for a private house

There are various ways to connect heating appliances. Every one of them has advantages and disadvantages, useful features.

"Spider"

Multi-pipe ducting is the second term. The spider is thought to be the most effective gravity system; it doesn’t require extra pumps and can use any type of pipe or radiator. There are four key components to such a heating scheme:

• Heat generator on any type of fuel.
• Expansion tank from above.
• Pipeline.
• Radiator.

The technical room located in the attic is reached by the supply pipes that originate from the boiler. The pipes are then connected to each individual heater from this point on.

The hot liquid’s ideal temperature distribution throughout the entire apparatus is the primary benefit. The primary drawback is the requirement for attic pipe insulation.

Private residences in areas with severe weather conditions ought to utilize the system.

Tichelmann scheme

One of the most popular designs for heating country homes is the Tichelman loop, also known as the Pathway scheme. Distinguished by consistent heating across all radiators and reliable operation, this system satisfies the fundamental needs of private residential heating systems.

Every radiator in the system has the same hydraulic conditions and total supply and return length. As a result, at a constant temperature, the radiators will receive the same volume of coolant, resulting in roughly equal heat output.

By using a balancing valve at the outlet, radiators that are installed far from the mains or in different operating modes can be adjusted. The last radiator is where the supply stops, and the first radiator is where the return begins.

The Tichelman loop proves to be a more stable and cost-effective scheme for connecting convectors than the radiant scheme when utilizing four or more radiators. Applying it to just one radiator is feasible, but it is not cost-effective.

• Incorporating a large number of radiators into a Tichelmann rim requires an increase in pipe diameter.
• Placing a large diameter around the rim increases financial costs.
• It is necessary to go around the building along the perimeter of the outer wall and return to the boiler, this is not easy to do almost anywhere – doors, high windows, stairs, etc.

Diagonal top

Radiators can be arranged for the room’s most efficient heating through a diagonal connection. The top spigot is where hot water enters, gets distributed to the various sections, cools, and then flows downward to the bottom spigot via the return manifold on the opposite side of the radiator.

The most effective plan is this one. This installation solution has an extremely high efficiency of over 90%. Additional benefits of the choice are:

• Radiators can have a very different number of sections.
• High level of performance compared to other methods of installation.

Among the scheme’s primary drawbacks are:

• Not the best looking.
• There is no possibility to connect additional sections later.
• Relatively high cost.

The connection is very particular. The diagonal scheme requires specific markings, Mayowski tap installation, special couplings, and valves to be fixed on radiators. Not typically utilized in apartments, but rather in private homes.

Bottom/grid connection

One radiator segment’s bottom outlet is served by hot liquid piping, and the opposite radiator segment’s return is served in a similar manner. Although the pipes themselves can be hidden in the flooring, this will result in uneven heating and a 14% decrease in power.

• Water supply can be carried out in any direction – from bottom to bottom, from top to bottom, from bottom to top;
• The supply and return pipes are shorter.

The primary drawback is that the pipes are mounted in the floor or concealed beneath the baseboard for aesthetic reasons. And this means a reduction in efficiency, as was previously mentioned. In order to offset heat loss, stronger radiators are installed. Systems that have a connected circulation pump can benefit from split connections.

Side/sided connection

Any type of heat sink, including copper-aluminum, cast iron, aluminum, steel, and bimetallic, can be connected from the side. The scheme is utilized in both private and multi-story buildings; the mains are positioned vertically or along the walls (found mostly in old panel houses).

The name makes it obvious that the pipes are inserted from the side, in the upper and lower corners. the most typical one-way lateral connection, with 500 mm separating the pipes.

Both the top and bottom connections to the scheme are possible; the only distinction is that in the second scenario, hot water enters the bottom pipe and drains under pressure through the upper one, whereas in the first scenario, the opposite is true. The device’s outlet and the coolant are on the same side in both situations. For 2-3 story cottages, it is utilized.

Coolant supplied from below is a very rare application for this design because of the increased complexity of the installation.

Whatever the material and type of radiator, side connections have the primary benefit of being more cost-effective. The unattractive appearance of the batteries, which can ruin a room’s design and draw attention to themselves, is one of the drawbacks.

Two-way bottom connection

The radiator’s bottom inlet is where the supply is fed from one side to the bottom inlet, and the other side is where the return is fed. Although less effective, this connection makes it possible to conceal the pipes as much as possible. This kind of system is used in houses that aren’t too cold (naturally unsuitable for northern climates).

• You can install an adapter to direct the flow.
• Both pipes are connected directly, and go straight away from the radiator into the floor or wall (or into a pipe above the floor).
• No need to worry about buying a suitable temperature controller, it"s already installed.

• Air vents should be installed on each battery.
• Heating is uneven and not very efficient.
• Not suitable for use with gravity heating systems.
• The circulation pump must be used at all times.

An educational video about different radiator connection schemes

• Water flows by gravity, meaning that in the case of wood boilers, the hot liquid enters the system without the need for a pump or any other device that requires electricity to turn on.
• This option is very economical, as it requires less cable ducting and is done with less labor for installation work.

The primary drawback is that the radiator’s temperature will decrease with increasing distance from the boiler. By increasing the number of radiator sections as they move away from the boiler, you can circumvent this issue and achieve roughly equal power per unit.

This might be the best option in a small house where the radiator chain runs from the living room to the technical room. Installing two pipes for heating is preferable in larger cottages.

Two-pipe

The radiator receives the coolant from the supply pipe in this design, and the return pipe receives the cooled water. Because every heater is connected in parallel, it is simpler to guarantee that the equipment receives an even distribution of heat. For this, a thermostatic valve is employed.

Horizontal wiring is recommended for a small one-story residential building with a two-pipe heating system. The preferred layout for multi-story buildings should be vertical. Because this option makes balancing easier, the heat can be distributed evenly throughout the room.

This arrangement has the benefit of maintaining a constant temperature at all heat exchange points. The systems guarantee even heating throughout the building and are fully programmable.

Radial (collector)

The use of collector structures results in the house being heated as efficiently as possible. These have individual connections for every radiator. The same can be true for heated water floors.

Private homes can benefit from collector heating systems, which are more expensive initially but save more money over time due to operational savings. The fact that each radiator can be individually adjusted in addition to the complex as a whole. The outcome:

• It is easy to maintain a low temperature in non-residential areas;
• thereby significantly reducing boiler fuel consumption.

The plan is implemented in areas where the pipes ought to be concealed, like beneath floor coverings. In this instance, a pipe runs from each radiator to the first collector and then to the second, which are installed for supply and return.

In a private house, connecting heating radiators—known as batteries—efficiently is crucial for maintaining warmth during colder months. Various schemes exist for this purpose, each with its own advantages. The most common are single-pipe and two-pipe systems. In a single-pipe system, each radiator connects in series, meaning hot water enters one radiator and then moves to the next, gradually losing heat along the way. Two-pipe systems, on the other hand, have separate pipes for supplying hot water and returning cooler water. This setup allows for more precise control over individual radiator temperatures and ensures more even heating throughout the house. Additionally, there are options like the reverse-return system, which balances flow rates and temperatures for optimal efficiency. Understanding these schemes is essential for homeowners looking to maximize their heating effectiveness while minimizing energy costs.

Criteria and selection of the optimal scheme for a private house

It makes sense for homeowners to consider all of their heating options when deciding which system is best for their house.

These days, single-pipe and gravity systems are essentially nonexistent since energy resource issues are uncommon in contemporary cities, urban settlements, and even rural areas. These kinds of systems are typically advised for places that are extremely isolated from the outside world.

The best course of action for private homes that are intended to be heated by radiators is to modify the heating network by creating a two-pipe or beam scheme. These two systems combine the ability to replace and remove leaking radiators without stopping the main heater, despite differences in the duct design.

What is needed for installation?

Any kind of radiator installation requires specific tools and supplies. The set is nearly identical, however in the case of cast iron batteries, for instance:

• a large size plug is used;
• no Maevsky valve is installed;
• But somewhere at the highest point in the system, an automatic valve is installed.

There is no difference between installing bimetallic and aluminum radiators.

Items you might require:

• Maevsky valve or automatic air vent. This is a small device to remove air that may collect in the radiator. It is located on the free upper outlet (collector). Should be on any heating equipment.
• Stop valve. You will need two adjustable stop or ball valves. They are located at the inlet and outlet of each radiator, and are necessary to disconnect the radiator and remove it if necessary (emergency repair, replacement in winter).
• Taps on the radiator. They act as a shut-off mechanism and allow you to change the intensity of the flow of hot liquid (coolant).
• Plug. The radiator has four outlets in the transverse direction. Two of them are occupied by the supply and return pipelines, and on the third there is a Maevsky valve. The fourth entrance is closed with a special cover.
• Related materials. To hang it on the wall, you will need a hook or staple (the number depends on the size of the battery), fum tape or linen coils, adhesive paste to seal the joints.
• Tools. You will need a drill with drills, a level (better laser, but ordinary bubble level will do), a certain number of dowels. You will also need equipment for connecting pipes and fittings.

How to connect a radiator in a private house with your own hands?

Let’s look at the sequence of events that occurs when radiators are connected to a two-pipe heating system. The steps involved are as follows:

1. Prepare and assemble the radiator. Clean all threaded holes of factory grease. It can be cleaned using a special cleaner and a brush.
2. When you are finished with the treatment, remove any residual cleaning agents with a paper towel. It is important that the holes are as clean and dry as possible.
3. Put all the necessary adapters (in our example they are ½ and ¾ inches).
4. Install the "American" from the faucet on the pre-installed adapter. Use the "US" key to tighten. As a result, you will equip the inlet and outlet port.
5. Install plugs on unnecessary holes that need to be covered.
6. Prepare shanks (these are special thin tubes), cut them up. Remove the inner chamfer from the stem. It is important that there are no burrs inside.
7. Put a nut, a brass gasket and a rubber band on the pipe. Then use a special tool to expand the tube and insert it inside until it stops. Move the rubber band and other parts to the extended edge to attach the adapter.
8. Mark the proposed location of the radiator on the wall – find the center of the window sill, measure down 10 cm – the battery mounts should be exactly at this level. Then draw a line to install the bracket parallel to the window sill.
   The holders themselves will be attached to the dowels. Other fasteners will be placed at a distance of 12 cm from the floor surface along the center vertical line.
9. Install the battery on the base using a construction level. Mark the positioning of the wall penetrations. Do this wherever the pipes connect to the radiator.
10. Remove the radiator from the wall, for the convenience of work execution, and make a hollowing of the previously planned areas.
11. Prepare the piping. Make marks on the pipes, according to which they will be cut.
12. Connect the radiator and faucet to the soft fitting located in the wall. Tighten all connections. The inlet should be at the top and the outlet at the bottom.

For effective heating and comfort in your private home, selecting the appropriate radiator connection scheme is essential. Making educated decisions to guarantee warmth throughout your house can be facilitated by being aware of the various options available.

A popular configuration involves connecting radiators in a line, one after the other, in a series connection. For smaller houses or rooms with regular heating requirements, this straightforward arrangement may be ideal. But it’s crucial to remember that the heating of the entire system may be impacted if one radiator breaks down or requires maintenance.

As an alternative, a parallel connection has a separate branch from the main pipe for every radiator. This makes it possible to regulate the temperature of each room more precisely and guarantees that a malfunctioning radiator won’t have a major effect on the system as a whole. For larger homes or spaces with different heating needs, parallel connection is the best option.

Combining parallel and series connections can provide the best efficiency and flexibility. With this hybrid approach, you can customize the heating system to meet the unique requirements and layout of your home, offering both personalized temperature control and consistent warmth.

Whichever plan you decide on, adequate insulation of your home is necessary to maximize energy efficiency and reduce heat loss. In addition to keeping your house warm in the winter, good insulation also lowers energy costs and lessens the environmental effect of temperature fluctuations throughout the year.

In conclusion, you can create a heating system that suits your unique requirements and tastes by being aware of the various schemes for connecting radiators in a private home. Achieving efficient and effective heating for your home requires proper insulation, regardless of whether you choose series, parallel, or a combination of the two.