How does an indirect heating boiler work, its device, characteristics and varieties

It is difficult to imagine comfortable living conditions in the 21st century without hot water supply. Constant interruptions in the work of public utilities are increasingly causing discomfort. The use of boilers for heating water solves this problem. The presence of autonomous communications in an apartment or private home ownership allows you to use the work of the heating system to prepare hot water using an indirect heating boiler.

Design features and principle of operation of the BKN

A boiler or a heater is a tank designed to raise the temperature of water in an apartment or house. It is a barrel-shaped or rectangular container. Heaters are made of metal or heat-resistant plastic. There are several types of such equipment:

• direct heating;
• indirect;
• combined.

Direct-type boilers heat water using an energy source: electric heating or gas. Indirect heaters operate due to the heating system. Combined have two methods of heating water. It is convenient when using the equipment all year round. In winter, the preparation of hot water is carried out through an indirect heat exchanger, and in summer with the help of heating elements.

Water heaters are made of insulating materials, which allows you to maintain the temperature of the prepared water for a long time. Unlike direct type boilers, the indirect indirect cavity is equipped with a coil. The coolant is supplied to it from the heating element (boiler) of the heating system.

How is the indirect heating boiler arranged

A heat exchanger installed inside the heater is a source of heat for the preparation of hot water. The heating circulation pump constantly supplies the coolant to the coil in a closed loop. The water in the tank heats up quickly because the coil of the heat exchanger occupies most of the interior of the tank.
Using the nozzles, the tank cavity is connected to the cold and hot water supply lines, and the coil is connected to the heating system. The spiral is made of brass or steel for greater heat transfer. Hot water is drawn from the top of the tank.
The heat supply is controlled by valves installed on the connected networks and a heating pump. When opening the supply and return valves connected to the boiler, the heat exchanger starts heating. The supply and withdrawal of water to the heater is carried out in the same way.

IMPORTANT. Installation of input and output connections to utilities is carried out in accordance with the requirements of the equipment manufacturer. Changing the order when connecting the pipes will not allow the heater to work in the desired mode.

Cold water is supplied to the boiler. The heat exchanger carries out heating, after which, thanks to the pressure of the line, hot water supply to the consumer is provided. Depending on the temperature of the coolant in the heating system, a different level of heating of the consumed water will be provided. The simplicity of the design of the indirect type heater allows it to operate for a long period of time. The absence of intense heat sources contributes to minimal maintenance needs.

Types and model varieties of equipment

There are indirect-type boilers that heat water only with a heat exchanger. But there are a large number of models equipped with heating elements for using the heater in the summer. These modifications are convenient for domestic use and are in great demand.

These models are separated by the installation method:

1. Wall-mounted - the heater is attached to the wall using brackets. Such a boiler is usually made up to 200 liters. The ability to install under the ceiling expands the possibilities of free space under it.

IMPORTANT. The choice of fasteners and location should be a reliable support for the installation of equipment. Not every wall can withstand 250-300 kg of lateral load.

1. The floor-mounted version can heat more water - up to 1000 liters. Requires a designated place or installation in a separate room for household purposes.

Boilers are also distinguished by the shape of the tank:

• horizontal - is more spacious and takes up a lot of space;
• vertical - takes up little space, but I would like to increase the internal volume.

An important characteristic that allows the consumer to measure the capabilities of the boiler is the capacity of the heated water. The model range provides for the manufacture of indirect heaters from 75 to 1 thousand. liters. Depending on the required amount of heated water, equipment is selected.
Another characteristic of indirect boilers is the heat output of the heat exchanger. The value of this indicator takes into account the rate of heating of water at different temperatures of the coolant.

Pros and cons of the device

Any equipment has its positive and negative sides.
First, consider the advantages:

• long life due to the simplicity of the design;
• lack of energy consumption when using the heating system;
• fast heating, due to the fact that the power of the heat exchanger is several times higher than the power of electric heaters;
• the ability to install an additional electric heater for all-weather use;
• high performance heating water.

Now let's touch on the shortcomings:

• dependence on the operation of heating, when it is turned off, the indirect properties of the heat exchanger become unclaimed;
• the cost of boilers is very high, so not everyone will allow such a pleasure in their monastery;
• outdoor execution takes up a large amount of space.

Given the constant need for hot water, it makes sense for owners of autonomous heating to think about the possible acquisition of an indirect water heater. Overcoming the price barrier will pay off in 2-3 years, due to the lack of costs for the comfortable use of equipment.