Thermostat for the boiler: classification, principle of operation of the thermostat and features when equipped with a temperature sensor

The main problem requiring clarification can be considered the following: a thermostat for a heating boiler is just a temperature controller or something multifunctional. First of all, it is an element that controls the heating system, providing an optimal temperature regime, protecting the room from overheating and minimizing energy costs.

Functional purpose

The coolant temperature is the most important indicator of the functioning of the heating system in general and the boiler in particular. Comparing this parameter with the air temperature in the heated room and the degree of heating used coolant, you can adjust the operation of the unit in terms of comfortable living conditions and indicator energy efficiency. This is the functional purpose of thermostats for heating boilers.

Classification of thermostats

Temperature regulators for heating boilers provide a given temperature regime of the room with a sufficiently high accuracy. Deviations, as a rule, do not exceed 0.5

⁰ C - 1.0⁰ C. Their work is carried out by means of a variety of executive devices, which actually determines the belonging of the thermostat to one type or another. By the number and content of functions performed devices are classified as follows:

• Single-function (maintaining an exclusively set temperature).
• Multifunctional, or programmable.

According to the type of execution, thermostats are divided into devices that are connected to the heating boiler by means of wires and wireless. The installation of the control device is carried out in an accessible place that provides sufficient air flow. In addition, it is advisable to exclude the placement of household electrical appliances (TVs, heating and lighting devices, etc.) in the vicinity of the regulator. ), since this can significantly affect the correctness of its operation.

Programmable room controller

A programmable thermostat for a heating boiler provides the ability to select the required (comfortable) temperature at the desired length of time, it can be easily reconfigured to another operating mode. Equipping the device with a timer allows you to set different patterns for the functioning of the heating system for weekends and weekdays. There are timers that can support certain parameters depending on the day of the week. The presence of these functions in the temperature controller allows you to adjust the space heating system in accordance with the established way of life and guaranteed to maintain the temperature microclimate even during the absence owners.

This controller has some options that significantly expand the capabilities of the heating system as a whole:

• "Batch", a function that provides periodic shutdown (for several hours) and the subsequent resumption of the system.
• "Holiday". The purpose of this option is to increase or decrease the intensity of space heating for a given number of days.
• "Overlap". A mission that allows you to temporarily change the program settings in one of the periods.

Central fixture

As a rule, a device of this type is used to effectively control the heating system of the whole house and is placed at some distance from the heating boiler. Such devices are equipped with a dilatometric thermostat that works remotely. The principle of its operation is to measure the ambient temperature and, depending on its fluctuations, turn on (off) the heating boiler.

Operating principle

Regardless of the type, the design of the thermostats corresponds to one general scheme. The device consists of 3 key modules (blocks):

• a temperature sensor for a heating boiler with a temperature sensitive element;
• settings block;
• control unit.

A thermal sensor with a temperature sensitive element monitors the degree of heating of the surrounding environment. Changes in ambient temperature cause changes in the physical parameters of the element, which are captured by the control unit. The control unit, in turn, transmits a signal to one of the executive devices:

• mechanical valve;
• electromagnetic relay;
• digital (analog) device performing post-processing of the signal.

The functional purpose of the tuner is to fix the parameter values, the achievement of which initiates the operation of the thermostat itself.

Installation of a temperature controller for a heating boiler is carried out with the obligatory observance of certain mandatory conditions:

• The device must be protected from UV radiation.
• The external sensor is installed in places characterized by a stable ambient temperature (no proximity to heating devices, drafts, etc.). ).
• The sensor is mounted at the height recommended by the manufacturer.
• It is unacceptable to cover the device with screens, curtains, furniture, etc.

Regulating thermostatic valve

This regulating device, called a thermostatic valve (valve), is the simplest solution to the problem of obtaining a heat carrier of a certain temperature. The result is achieved by mixing cold and warm water. The control of the coolant temperature is carried out not by controlling the heating boiler, but by changing the intensity of the coolant flow through the radiator.

The design of the device is quite simple and includes two main elements:

• The valve itself (valve), which is, in fact, an ordinary shut-off valve that closes the opening at the entrance to the heating radiator. The overlap occurs in whole or in part, which, in essence, determines the amount of the coolant passed through.
• Thermostatic element with a thermostatic bulb filled with a special liquid (gas) that expands when the temperature of the coolant changes.

In addition, the thermostatic valve can be considered as an effective addition to mechanical or electronic thermostats. The advantages of such devices are their low cost and ease of use, however, they need to periodically check the operating parameters.

Useful Tips

To ensure high-quality and uninterrupted operation of the thermostat for the boiler, and the entire heating system as a whole, it is necessary to take into account some nuances. In this regard, some useful tips:

• The purchase of control equipment is preceded by a calculation that considers such parameters as the required temperature and the area of ​​the heated room. This calculation will avoid the low efficiency of the system and the problems with electrical wiring, which are inevitable when connecting heavy equipment.
• Despite the fairly good compatibility of thermostats with most models of heating boilers, the use of equipment from one manufacturer will provide not only ease of installation, but also simplicity exploitation.
• If in doubt about the need to buy expensive equipment, buy a cheaper (mechanical) option and test its capabilities. Perhaps its functionality will be quite enough.
• Before installing the thermostat, carry out thermal insulation measures in a heated room, since large heat losses will negate the efficiency of the device.

Summarizing the above, it can be stated that thermostats for heating boilers (water circuits, gas appliances) are increasingly positioned as an indispensable heating system equipment that provides energy savings, comfortable warmth and coziness in the room.