Gas consumption from the gas tank for heating: calculations and advice on minimizing costs

click fraud protection

It is well known that gas tanks are increasingly used to heat houses and summer cottages with permanent or long-term residence. It cannot be disputed that a large share of the budget for heating a house is the cost of fuel. In our case, it is liquefied gas.

Therefore, a prudent home owner must know how to correctly calculate the gas consumption from a gas tank for heating, be able to predict the intervals between refueling. This is also relevant because gas delivery, as a transport service, has its own rather significant price.

We will help you in an accessible form to independently calculate the consumption of liquefied gas for heating a home in gas supply systems with a gas holder. This knowledge is relevant when designing the construction of a new house and planning the reconstruction of the existing heat supply system. Correctly performed calculations will allow you to control gas consumption and reduce gas costs.

The content of the article:

  • Factors affecting gas consumption
  • Calculation of the power of a gas boiler
  • instagram viewer
  • Calculation of gas consumption from the gas tank
  • Choosing the optimal gas tank for consumption
    • Comparison of surface and underground gas tanks
    • Vertical or horizontal gas tank
    • Features of the mobile gas tank trailer
    • How to choose a gas tank by volume
  • Gas saving tips
  • Conclusions and useful video on the topic

Factors affecting gas consumption

The gas holder looks like a volumetric tank filled with liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). It is a mixture of two gases - propane and butane.

Gas holder in the gas supply system of the house

Autonomous heating schemes with gas extraction from a gas tank and a gas boiler in the system have become a modern alternative to heating houses from solid fuel or diesel boilers

The storage of gas in such tanks, with its further use for heating a house, may be due to the following factors:

  • the lack of the possibility of tapping into the main gas pipe or the high cost of such a connection;
  • persistent and unsolved gas services problems with gas pressure in the central pipeline.

For the normal functioning of most gas boilers pipeline gas pressure must be at least 35 mbar. This norm is often not observed in main gas pipelines and is only from 8 to 22 mbar.

To determine the volume of liquefied gas in a tank, there are mechanical level gauges or more modern remote telemetry systems. Such equipment can be supplied with the tank or purchased separately. The average daily average gas consumption can be determined by the difference in readings gas meter, if available.

But, a more accurate answer to the question of how much gas in the gasholder will be enough for heating housing, what is its consumption and how to minimize the cost of it, will help mathematical calculations. And this is despite the fact that objectively such a calculation will be of an average nature.

The main consumers of gas in the house

The fuel in the independent gas supply from the gas tank is consumed not only for heating. Although in much smaller volumes, it is also spent on heating water, operating a gas stove and other household needs

It should be borne in mind that the following factors influence the gas consumption:

  • the climate of the region and the wind rose;
  • the square of the house, the number and degree of thermal insulation of windows and doors;
  • material of walls, roofs, foundations and the degree of their insulation;
  • the number of residents and the mode of their stay (permanently or periodically);
  • boiler technical characteristics, use of additional gas appliances and auxiliary equipment;
  • the number of heating radiators, the presence of a warm floor.

These and other conditions make the calculation of the fuel consumption from the gasholder a relative value, which is based on the average values ​​taken.

Calculation of the power of a gas boiler

Heating accounts for the bulk of fuel consumption. An important parameter of any house or apartment that affects the volume of gas consumed for heating is the rate of heat loss. The task of heating is precisely to compensate for these losses correctly, creating conditions for a comfortable stay.

Heat loss at home

In order to calculate the need for liquefied gas, it is necessary to determine the amount of heat loss at home or the heat power required for full heating. This indicator determines the rated power of the heating system - a gas boiler

As a standard for calculations, we will take a house located in an area with an average climate, in a satisfactory condition and insulated in accordance with technology. House area 80 m2.

You can determine the average values ​​of heat loss and boiler power by squaring the area.

The formula is:

Q = S × Pp / 10, where

Q - calculated heat losses (kW);

S is the area of ​​the premises that are heated (m2);

Рр - specific power of a gas boiler (kW / m2) - power for every 10 m2.

Specific power for heating an area of ​​10 m2 already approximately established, taking into account amendments for regions with different climates. For our reference house, located, for example, in the Moscow region, Pp = 1.2 - 1.5 kW.

Taking into account the area of ​​the house 80 m2, the optimal power of the heating system will have the following value:

Q = 80 × 1.2 / 10 = 9.6 kW.

Despite its simplicity, this formula reflects the most accurate results.

Often, for convenience in carrying out calculations, a unit is taken as the value of the specific power. Based on this, the power of the heating system is taken at the rate of 10 kW per 100 m2 heating area.

Optimum power of gas boilers

Since the gas supply system of your house includes not only heating, but also water heating, other equipment, the boiler power is determined by adding 20-25% of the stock to the calculated heat losses

The second option, but accepted with a greater degree of error, is the calculation of the costs of thermal energy for the heat loss of a building by cubic capacity - the volume of heated rooms. Depending on the climatic zone, 30 - 40 watts are allocated for heating one cubic meter of a room with a ceiling height of up to 3 m.

Calculation of gas consumption from the gas tank

The calculation of the consumption for heating of the mixture used in the heating system of the house from the gas storage has its own characteristics and differs from the calculation of the consumption main natural gas.

The predicted volume of gas consumption is calculated by the formula:

V = Q / (q × η), where

V is the calculated volume of LPG, measured in m³ / h;

Q - calculated heat losses;

q is the smallest specific value of the heat of combustion of a gas or its calorific value. For propane-butane, this value is 46 MJ / kg or 12.8 kW / kg;

η is the efficiency of the gas supply system, expressed in absolute value per unit (efficiency / 100). Depending on the characteristics of the gas boiler, the efficiency can range from 86% for the simplest ones, up to 96% for high-tech condensing units. Accordingly, the value of η can be between 0.86 and 0.96.

Suppose that the heating system is planned to be equipped with a modern condensing boiler with an efficiency of 96%.

Substituting the values ​​we have adopted for the calculation into the original formula, we get the following average volume of gas consumed for heating:

V = 9.6 / (12.8 × 0.96) = 9.6 / 12.288 = 0.78 kg / h.

Since a liter is considered to be a LPG filling unit, it is necessary to express the volume of propane-butane in this unit of measurement. To calculate the number of liters in the mass of liquefied hydrocarbon mixture, it is necessary to divide the kilograms by the density.

LPG density table

The table shows the values ​​of the test density of liquefied gas (in t / m3), at various average daily air temperatures and in accordance with the percentage ratio of propane to butane

The physics of the transition of LPG from liquid to vapor (working) state is as follows: propane boils at minus 40 ° C and above, butane - from 3 ° C with a minus sign. Accordingly, the 50/50 mixture will begin to pass into the gaseous phase at a temperature of minus 20 °WITH.

For middle latitudes and a gas tank buried in the ground, such proportions are sufficient. But, in order to protect oneself from unnecessary troubles, it is optimal in winter conditions to use a mixture with at least 70% propane content - "winter gas".

Taking as the calculated density of LPG equal to 0.572 t / m3 - a mixture of propane / butane 70/30 at a temperature of - 20 ° C), it is easy to calculate the gas consumption in liters: 0.78 / 0.572 = 1.36 l / h.

The daily consumption with such a gas intake in the house will be: 1.36 × 24 ≈ 32.6 liters, within a month - 32.6 × 30 = 978 liters. Since the value obtained is calculated for the coldest period, then, adjusted for weather conditions, it can be divided in half: 978/2 = 489 liters, on average per month.

Announcement of the beginning of the heating season

The duration of the heating season is calculated from the moment when the average outside temperature during the day does not exceed +8 degrees Celsius for 5 days. This period ends in spring, with stable warming

In the area that we took as an example (Moscow region), this period averages 214 days.

Gas consumption for heating during the year, when calculated, will be: 32.6 / 2 × 214 ≈ 3488 liters.

Choosing the optimal gas tank for consumption

A gas holder is an expensive equipment that is purchased and installed for more than one year. Not only the efficiency of the home heating system largely depends on its correct choice. The type and type of storage for liquefied gas may indirectly affect heating costs.

Comparison of surface and underground gas tanks

An onshore gas tank is a cheaper option for autonomous gasification. These tanks are usually smaller in volume and do not require expensive excavation to be installed.

But, when using ground gas tanks for heating needs in winter, it is necessary to take into account that that the evaporation of the propane-butane mixture during this period will be reduced and problems with pressure are possible gas.

Insulation of a ground gas tank

For more efficient and efficient operation of the ground gas tank, at least it will be necessary to equip it with an evaporation unit and insulate the walls of the tank.

It is possible, of course, to lower the temperature threshold for the transition of LPG to the gaseous phase of the fuel due to the higher content of propane in the mixture. But this will entail additional costs, since this gas is more expensive than butane.

Underground gas tanks are the most popular storage facilities for LPG.

Underground gas tank for a country house

Such a buried tank in an average climate does not need additional equipment for its heating and thermal insulation.

The immersion depth of the tank must be such that the soil layer above it is at least 0.6 m. This will protect the storage from freezing and mechanical damage.

Vertical or horizontal gas tank

Recessed gasholders are of two types in shape:

  1. Vertical.
  2. Horizontal.

These containers differ from each other not only in design, but also functionally - the surface area of ​​the liquefied mixture, called the "evaporation mirror".

Horizontal gasholder scheme

Horizontal gas tanks have a larger "mirror". Due to this, vaporization occurs more intensively, with a pressure sufficient for the correct operation of the heating system.

Vertical storages are more often used in autonomous gas systems of small houses or summer cottages, if they do not require full heating in winter.

Insulation of a vertical gas tank

For efficient and stable operation of vertical gas tanks in winter, insulation is required tank or the use of special heaters, which increases the total cost of gas supply at home

Features of the mobile gas tank trailer

Solve the problem of heating and creating comfortable living conditions in winter at dachas with temporary residence, facilities under construction, where gas storage equipment is impractical or technically impossible, allows mobile gas tank.

This is a tank equipped on a trailer with a capacity of 500-600 liters. How long such a gas tank with a capacity of 600 liters will last can be predicted by taking the average used standard - 30-40 liters of liquefied gas per 1 square meter of the room.

Mobile gas tank for 600 l

An approximate calculation shows that an insulated house of 100 m2 can be independently heated by a mobile gas tank for a month, while maintaining a comfortable temperature for living

It should be understood that the operation of a mobile gas tank as a ground-type tank in winter or in the northern regions will require insulation and forced heating of the tank. For this reason, a trailed gas tank is not an entirely acceptable heating option.

How to choose a gas tank by volume

Of the typical underground gas tanks, tanks with volumes of 2700 liters and 4850 liters are optimally applicable for country houses and cottages.

When choosing a standard size for a gas storage facility, the following factors must be taken into account:

  1. If you live permanently in a house with autonomous heating, it is advisable to fill the tank twice a year. This is due to the different concentrations of butane and propane in mixtures intended for use in summer and winter.
  2. The reservoir must be 85% full with the liquefied phase. The remaining void space in the storage is a vapor cushion for the hydrocarbon in the vaporization phase.

Therefore, when calculating how much gas can be enough in a gas tank with a capacity of 2700 liters or in a gas storage of other sizes, it must be borne in mind that the passport total volume of the gas tank and its filling volume are not the same the same.

Table of filling volumes of gas tanks

The table shows the filling capacities of typical Eurostandard-2 gas tanks, in relation to the optimal area of ​​the heated areas and the power of the boilers

Our calculation of the average values ​​of the selection of liquefied gas from the gasholder and the generally accepted norms allow us to determine the frequency of refueling gasholders. With an average annual consumption of 30 liters of gas per 1 m2 heated area, refueling liquefied gas with a volume of 2295 liters in a tank for 2700 liters for a house of 100 m2 will be enough for 9 months.

Using the same technique, but for a house of 150 m2, we consider how much LPG will be enough in the heating system from a gas holder for 4850 liters. During the year, 4500 liters are consumed, so a filling volume of 4122 liters is enough to heat a house for 10 months.

The calculations show that the refueling will have to be done twice a year. And this is economically justified due to the use "Summer" and "winter" LPG.

Gas saving tips

It is possible to reduce the gas consumption from the gasholder by performing the following energy-saving measures:

  • insulation of walls, roofs, attic, basement overlap;
  • replacement of old window blocks with modern double-glazed windows with an anti-freeze profile;
  • optimal setting of boiler parameters;
  • installation for heating an energy efficient gas condensing boiler;
  • usage collector heating systemhaving a higher efficiency and the ability to regulate the supply of the coolant to each heating device;
  • equipping heating batteries with thermostats.

A good gas saving effect is achieved through the installation of controllers that automate the heat supply control process.

Controller for controlling the heating system

The controller, depending on the preset settings in automatic mode, controls the autonomous heating, which allows you to significantly minimize the consumption of LPG from the gas tank and reduce the cost of heating

Moreover, modern controllers are, as a rule, smart devices with which you can remotely control the boiler from a mobile phone.

An inexpensive alternative to such remote controlled devices is programmable or daily thermostats, which also save energy.

A modern solution to save gas from an autonomous storage is smart home system.

Heating system in a smart home

Along with a wide range of useful functions that make life easier, the use of smart home technology allows automatic climate control

The home climate control function can be installed separately or integrated into a common set of "utilities".

Such technologies make it possible to economically use gas for heating during the day in separate rooms. You can configure the system to operate in heating mode in the absence of tenants and remotely, before arriving home, turn on full heating.

The main problem of introducing a climate control system for a "smart home" is the relatively high cost of the issue and the need for design before performing the installation of the heating system.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

An interesting technique for calculating gas consumption for heating and tips for reducing costs for it:

Expert advice on the economically feasible choice of the volume of the gas tank:

9 tips to reduce your home heating gas consumption:

It is necessary to understand that all the calculations that we propose to apply when using gas from a gasholder are rather arbitrary. Even a specialist will not be able to determine and predict exactly how much liquefied gas will be consumed in a specific period.

But the above technique, based on the practice of operating autonomous gas systems, displays reliable averaged gas consumption values.

These calculations and the given useful tips will make it possible to correctly choose the optimal gas tank and plan the frequency of its refueling.

If you have experience in using gas tanks for heating, please share it with our readers. Tell us about the intricacies of using such equipment. Write your comments, ask questions - the contact block is located below.

The pressure in the pipeline: technical norms + particular distribution line by the gas pressure

The pressure in the pipeline: technical norms + particular distribution line by the gas pressureCalculations And Standards

The proximity of the gas pipeline network to the settlement does not guarantee the absence of problems with the connection to it. In conveying the most popular fuel communication different tasks, m...

Read More
The cost of installing a gas tank in a private house: prices of suburban systems

The cost of installing a gas tank in a private house: prices of suburban systemsCalculations And Standards

The problem of heating a private house is best solved by connecting it to the central gas pipeline. But even in areas located in close proximity to the capital, there are places where this possibi...

Read More
How much does a gas connection to a private house: 💰 issue price

How much does a gas connection to a private house: 💰 issue priceCalculations And Standards

Planning to connect to the system of centralized gas supply? This is a justified decision, because the cost of trunk methane in Russia is cheaper than any other fuel. However, gas communications s...

Read More
Instagram story viewer