A widespread in the past, a kitchen water heater - a gas boiler - has regained popularity. This is explained by the rapid development of private housing construction and the increased demand for fuel-efficient heating units. For this reason, many users are interested in design features and the principle of operation of devices for hot water heating.
Design and principle of operation of a gas boiler
According to the principle of their action, gas water heaters are divided into two types - flow and storage. Flow models or gas direct heating boilers warm the flowing water while it is in the heat exchanger. Directly in front of it is a built-in flow sensor, in the inoperative position of the system is in the off state.
When the hot water tap is turned, this sensor sends a signal to the control circuit, which opens the fuel supply and ignites the gas burner. By means of another control circuit with a sensor, the control of the temperature of the liquid at the outlet of the device is organized. With the function of controlling the intensity of combustion, the electronic unit controls the flow of the mixture into the main burner, so that it is possible to maintain a given operating mode. When the water flow stops or the temperature exceeds the permissible limit, the gas burner automatically turns off.
All flow-type units are compact in size and relatively low cost.
Their characteristic disadvantages include:
- the impossibility of maintaining a stable regime with respect to the temperature of the aqueous carrier - this applies only to inexpensive models;
- relatively low productivity, according to the passport not exceeding 15 liters per minute.
In facilities where significant amounts of water are consumed, productivity is usually not enough. To satisfy current user requests, the indicator is selected at least one third higher.
Accumulative gas boilers heat a small amount of the liquid filled to a predetermined temperature, so that a certain amount of hot water is always in the working tank. Automation in such heaters is simpler, since electronic devices only need to start the burner when the temperature drops below the set level and when it reaches the set heating rate, close it. In this case, there is no special need for adjusting the flame level in the burner and controlling the flow of liquid.
Boilers consist of such main parts:
- bearing case with working units located in it;
- gas burner with igniter;
- a system of tubes with fluid circulating through them;
- container for flowing or accumulated water;
- heat exchanger.
The water heaters also include a set of automation with sensitive sensors that control the flow at the input to the system, as well as the operation of the gas burner (its igniter).
Options for combustion chambers and boilers themselves
In accordance with the location of the gas burner, all known boiler models are available in two versions:
- with an open camera;
- with its closed location.
In first-class devices, the air necessary for gas combustion enters naturally from the outside, passing through the inlet and inspection hatch. To adjust its level, the door opens or closes completely.In units with a closed chamber (“turbocharged” or “supercharged”), air is injected into the combustion zone by means of a special fan. A separate place is provided for its installation and connection in the system.
According to the method of installation of water heaters, floor models are distinguished, if possible installed in a separate room, as well as wall samples that can be mounted in the kitchen or in the bathroom.
Water heater selection criteria
When choosing a suitable model of a household gas column, first of all, attention is paid to its performance - the volume of heated water. The indicated value is usually given in the technical data sheet and is expressed in liters per minute when the liquid is heated to 25 ° C.
Boilers for domestic hot water are somewhat inferior in effectiveness to gas-fired boilers (no more than 3-5 percent). On the other hand, the efficiency of models of various classes (with open and closed cameras) is almost the same, so when choosing this indicator is not paid attention.
The following important points will need to be considered:
- With a limited user budget and living in areas with frequent power outages, a simple non-volatile open-type model is the best option. Its ignition system operates from a piezoelectric element or from batteries located in a special compartment. They are usually enough for 2-3 months of intensive work.
- According to the instructions for use, open systems are not allowed to be installed within the living spaces of modern apartments. In private houses a separate room is allocated for them (analogue of the boiler room).
The last requirement is explained by the absence of special chimney channels within the premises.
The removal of combustion products through the ventilation shafts available in city apartments is strictly prohibited.
Unit Specifications
The main parameters or characteristics of water heaters, taken into account when choosing the right model, include:
- productivity (liters per minute);
- volume of working capacity (80-200 liters);
- dimensions of the purchased sample in centimeters;
- availability of additional options.
The first two indicators make it possible to correctly assess the need for hot water sufficient for current needs. The higher they are, the more water can be heated.
The most common containers are 100 and 150 liters, having the optimal combination of volume and space occupied by the unit. Using these same parameters, it is possible to obtain an idea of the consumption of gas fuel, which increases with their increase.
Familiarity with the dimensions and the presence of additional options allows you to correctly choose the location of the boiler and evaluate its functionality.
Popular manufacturers
Among the well-known manufacturers of water heaters, brands stand out whose products are time-tested and do not cause any doubts among consumers. In the domestic market of heating equipment, the following well-known companies have established themselves well:
- Ariston;
- Junkers;
- Beretta;
- Electrolux;
- Neva;
- Baxi.
The Ariston gas heater, well known to the Russian user for the popular 100 liter model, deserves special attention. All products of this Italian manufacturer are in great demand in Russia since the 90s.
Its distinguishing features:
- affordable cost achieved by transferring capacity to China;
- adaptation to Russian conditions: the possibility of low water pressure and increased level of hardness has been taken into account;
- electronic ignition from batteries and protection against overheating;
- wide selection of working tank capacities (from 80 to 200 liters).
All models from Ariston have an integrated electronic control system and are equipped with a flame control sensor. In addition, they are distinguished by classic ergonomics characteristic of this brand.
If the user needs a reliable sample of a water heater with a large tank capacity exceeding 150 liters, you should pay attention to Baxi boilers. Products of this Italian company, which is a leader in the market of hot water and heating equipment, are characterized by a high level of automation, as well as ergonomics and ease of management. Like the models of other manufacturers, all the Baksi equipment is available in two classic versions, thanks to which the user has access to storage tanks of a significant volume and conventional flow units.
In any case, the choice of water heating equipment is based on the preferences of the buyer.
