It is very important for residents of the private sector to take care of high-quality and uninterrupted heating of their home. A gas boiler, which needs an uninterrupted power supply, does an excellent job with this function. Unfortunately, electricity problems in the private sector are not uncommon. Do you agree?
By purchasing a gas generator for a gas boiler, you will ensure the stable operation of the equipment during a power outage. Precious warmth will be preserved under all circumstances.
We will tell you what to look for when choosing a device, how to connect it to equipment and what problems you may encounter during operation.
The content of the article:
- How is a gas generator for a gas boiler arranged?
- Classification of gasoline generators
- Gasoline generator advantages
- Features of connecting the generator
- What to do if the boiler does not work from the generator
- What problems can occur after connecting?
- How to choose a gas generator?
- Conclusions and useful video on the topic
How is a gas generator for a gas boiler arranged?
In case of power failures, the boiler automation switches off the burner. The design of the gas valve is arranged in such a way that due to the current passing through the coil, it is squeezed out. If there is no current, the valve closes.
In our country, power outages are not uncommon, therefore, even if there is gas in the pipeline, the owners of gas boilers have to sit in a cold house. A gas generator will help to solve the problem, which converts thermal energy into electricity.
The indisputable advantage of the gas generator is its economical fuel consumption, due to which it is much more often chosen as a backup source of energy for autonomous heating circuits.
The equipment runs on liquid fuel (gasoline). The generator supports the uninterrupted operation of electrical appliances, in particular the electronics of the gas boiler. Its capacity is sufficient to provide electricity to a small one-story house.
The unit can be equipped with an automatic start system. Since the household gas boiler consumes a small amount of electricity, there is no need to purchase a powerful generator.
Such equipment is small and weighs up to 50 kg. Depending on the design, in emergency situations, the device is capable of generating energy for up to 4-8 hours.
Classification of gasoline generators
The gas generator can operate in a synchronous or asynchronous scheme. In a synchronous generator, the rotation of the magnetic field of the starter is identical to the rotor.
Such a unit reacts faster to voltage surges, provides an even power supply thanks to inductive coils on the rotor (fluctuations do not exceed 5%). These generators are more expensive. The equipment is sensitive to moisture.
The rotor of the induction generator is hidden in a sealed case. Unlike a synchronous device, it is more protected from adverse natural factors. The rotation of the rotor and starter in asynchronous installations does not coincide.
The rotor leads the starter. When the load changes, the voltage sags, which is unacceptable in the operation of a gas boiler. The equipment is not recommended for powering high-precision instruments.
The automation unit will allow the generator to start on time without human intervention. Even if the owners are absent at the moment of turning off the light, the heating will not freeze
The equipment also differs in the way it is switched on. The unit is started manually. After the resumption of electricity supply, you need to turn off the device yourself. Automatic models spontaneously react to power outages. The shutdown also occurs autonomously.
The device for uninterruptible power supply can be frame and inverter. Frame models are the most widespread in everyday life. They are distinguished by their large dimensions (from 60 cm) and solid weight (from 40 kg).
Frame gas generators are recommended for stationary use. Due to the impressive weight, it is unwise to move this type of equipment for a one-time supply of food.
Inverter models are more compact than frame models. They are recommended to be used for power supply of complex electronic devices, the operation of which depends on voltage stability.
Inverter gas generators are compact and lightweight. It is easier and more convenient to connect them to the heating unit as needed and use them for solving various tasks.
The equipment is divided by phase. Voltage in a single-phase generator up to 400 watts. They are used to power several household appliances at the same time.
Three-phase generators cannot be operated at low temperatures due to the fact that the oil in them instantly solidifies. Under suitable conditions, the equipment can operate for up to 10 hours.
Gasoline generator advantages
This device is equipped with two- and four-stroke internal combustion engines, which, in turn, differ in the location of the valves: upper and lower. The most reliable are four-stroke engines with valves located at the top. The station uses liquid cooling.
A petrol generator with a four-stroke engine will last longer than other varieties. This type is most reliably protected from overheating and overload.
The advantages of a gas generator in comparison with other models:
- ease of operation at low temperatures (no long warm-up is required);
- it is easier to find high-quality gasoline for the generator than diesel fuel;
- ease of use;
- insignificant weight in comparison with diesel analogues;
- low noise level.
Along with the advantages, the equipment also has disadvantages, including:
- maximum operating time - up to 8 hours;
- high fuel cost;
- insignificant resource;
- in case of water ingress, it may malfunction (it is necessary to cover in bad weather).
During a power outage, do not connect other electrical appliances to the network. Overloading can damage the generator.
Features of connecting the generator
It is important to remember: since the device operates as a result of fuel combustion, care must be taken to extract the recycled gases. A minimum of a meter of free space must be left around the generator in order to have access to the device for refueling, repairs and manual starting.
Before connecting the generator to gas boiler, you should read the instructions. The connection to the network is made in a distribution board, which is equipped with an automatic fuse.
Both networks should not mix. It is recommended to use a copper cable for connection, the cross-section of which depends on the power of the gasoline generator.
A prerequisite is to ground the boiler and generator. The diagram for connecting a boiler with grounding presented by us
Grounding is done for safety reasons and for the appearance of "zero", without which the flame detection system will not function and the boiler will not turn on. If the generator is installed in the whole house, it is grounded through the common network.
In order for the boiler to operate correctly from the generator, the output current sine wave is 50 hertz. A deviation from this value can cause problems with starting the boiler. A voltage stabilizer will help to cope with this difficulty.
The sequence of connecting the gas generator to the gas boiler:
- find the necessary contacts in the generator set and boiler automation (use the diagram in the instructions);
- connect wires and insulate them;
- ground the devices.
Despite the simplicity of actions, it is better to entrust the connection to specialists.
What to do if the boiler does not work from the generator
If after connecting the gas generator to gas boiler the equipment does not start, several steps should be taken:
- turn the plug;
- make sure there is a "zero";
- check the voltage level;
- find out which device is the problem by connecting the generator to other equipment.
There are several main reasons why the boiler may not start.
Scheme of connecting the generator to the network of the house, necessary for the correct operation of the flame sensors of heating boilers
Possible malfunctions and let them fix them:
- For normal operation of the boiler, the voltage in the network must be 190-250 W. To equalize the voltage, it is recommended to install stabilizer. The generators are already equipped with an automatic voltage regulator. If an external stabilizer is connected immediately after the generator, then both systems may conflict. Solution: do not connect the stabilizer immediately after the generator.
- For the flame sensors to work, you need to connect "zero" to ground. If the boiler drum is connected to earth exclusively through a 220 V plug, then during the installation of the resonant filter, it must be grounded with a separate wire.
- Due to the automatic regulation of the output voltage, gas generators do not produce a sinusoidal voltage. As a result, the automation of the gas boiler blocks the operation of the generator.
A 50Hz resonant filter is used to restore the sinusoidal voltage. In addition, it is also allowed to use uninterruptible power supplies (UPS). But sometimes the UPS does not detect the generator.
In this case, it is recommended to use a resonant filter or purchase another uninterruptible power supply. The mains frequency must be exactly 50Hz. The resonant filter and digital tester will allow you to adjust the frequency.
Summarize. The reasons why the boiler does not work and how to fix the situation.
In order for the gas boiler to work without voltage surges and interruptions, it is important to choose the right generator model
First, malfunction of the flame sensor. The solution is to ground the generator terminal.
Second, there is no sinusoidal voltage at the output (sign: unstable operation and strong hum). The solution is to install a resonant filter or UPS.
Third - the frequency is not 50Hz. The solution is to adjust by means of a resonant filter.
What problems can occur after connecting?
After the boiler is successfully connected to the generator, the equipment may malfunction. The reason is that most boilers are phase-dependent. Problems can arise in the electronic control unit of the gas boiler. In this case, the voltage deviates from the norm.
To prevent problems with the control unit, it is necessary to connect the boiler after the pumps. You must turn it off first. If the boiler does not work even with a stable voltage, the frequency given out by the generator should be checked.
For them to function, there must be a phase and a neutral in the network. Both wires of the gas generator are phase. If the device is of a synchronous type, then one of the outputs must be grounded.
How to choose a gas generator?
Before choosing a generator for a gas heating boiler, you need to understand for what period you need to reserve electricity.
Situations in which uninterrupted power supply of a gas boiler may be required:
- Regular short-term (up to 2 hours) power outages. They can be associated with the deterioration of the network or exceeding the consumption limit.
- During the elimination of minor accidents, carrying out scheduled work, connecting new consumers. The power may be out for up to six hours.
- Emergency shutdown after short circuits or breakdown in KTP. The term for solving the problem is up to 24 hours.
- Outages due to difficult weather conditions. A quick response of the repair crews is impossible. The term is up to three days.
The next step is to select a specific model.
The main criteria for choosing a gas generator are:
- price;
- power;
- noise level;
- maximum duration of work;
- the quality of the output current.
To determine which generator is needed for a modern gas boiler, each item should be analyzed in detail.
Power - to select according to this parameter, you should know the power of the gas boiler. If you plan to connect other devices, their total power is taken into account. To the obtained value, add 20-30%.
A shortage of active generated power in the power system can lead to a drop in the frequency of the supply voltage
When determining the dimensions, you need to estimate the area of the room. The more compact the model, the higher its cost. Imported gas boilers are demanding on the quality of the supplied current.
In this case, you need a device capable of generating a stable voltage of the required parameters. The noise level of most generators during operation is up to 80 decibels. For inverter models, this figure is lower.
Recommendations: Don't choose cheap generators. This is a dubious saving, since low-quality equipment is guaranteed to lead to the fact that the gas boiler will quickly fail.
All factors should be considered when choosing a generator. The more often and for a longer period of time there is a power outage, the more work the generator has to do.
Conclusions and useful video on the topic
Connecting a generator to a gas boiler:
Possible problems with the generator and stabilizer and ways to solve them:
In order to keep the house warm during the cold season during a power outage, it is recommended to purchase a gasoline generator. When choosing a model, technical characteristics and economic factors must be taken into account.
If you have experience connecting a gas generator to a gas boiler or you have additional information, leave your feedback in the comments. If you have any questions after reading the article, you can ask the experts.
