In most cases, an autonomous heating system includes a circulation pump, which serves for forced movement of the heat-transfer fluid through the pipes. For the operation of this device, a constant power source is required, more often it is a standard 220 V electrical network.However, in private houses where autonomous heating equipment is installed, an accident, a planned blackout or a power outage may occur when the networks are overloaded. As a result, heating devices can fail, and pipes can leak. An uninterruptible power supply for a heating pump is a device that will not allow a serious accident to occur and will ensure the further operation of the equipment in case of short-term network failures.
Operating principle
An uninterruptible power supply is a device that adjusts the connection to a specific power source depending on the characteristics of the power supply. If power is lost on the main line, the UPS switches the system to the backup battery. The main functions of the device:
- Automatic connection to the battery in case of power failures from a permanent source.
- Conversion of voltage from DC to AC.
- Eliminate the risk of pump damage due to voltage fluctuations.
- Stabilization of the parameters of the current supply.
The latter function is performed only by models with a stabilizer included.
UPS models
On sale you can find a large number of devices that differ in design features, dimensions and price. The main classification provides for the division of equipment into three types.
Reserve
An uninterruptible pump for heating provides energy from a centralized 220 V network, in case of failures or power outages, it switches the equipment to an emergency battery. A voltage with a power of 12 V is sent from the battery to the converter, where it is transformed into an alternating voltage with an increase. Stabilization of the mains voltage is not performed, since a device for this purpose is not structurally provided in the equipment. A passive filter is used to block impulse noise that could harm equipment.
Foundry-interactive
These varieties are used more often, they are characterized by increased ease of use and efficiency. The main difference between such uninterruptible units is the use of an electric power stabilizer of a standard design: it is used to equalize voltage parameters. The circuit includes an automatic transformer, in which, when the indicators fluctuate, the corresponding winding lines are connected using an electronic switching device. As a result, the output voltage is slightly different from the nominal value. In addition, line-interactive UPS are equipped with converters and filtering elements.
Double inverted
This design has significant differences from the two previous varieties. The rectification of the mains voltage parameters is provided taking into account the supply of electricity in the capacitor banks. The second inverter of the block provides re-conversion of the current from DC to AC.The equipment capacitors themselves have a dual purpose. If the voltage parameters are overestimated, the surplus is supplied to these elements, and when the values are reduced, the accumulated electricity serves for replenishment and stabilization.
The conversion processes are controlled by a microcontroller equipped with a quartz oscillator. Due to this, it is possible to achieve maximum accuracy of voltage and frequency parameters. Inverter uninterruptible devices include chargers in the structure that allow you to recharge the battery.
Advantages and disadvantages
Each type of uninterruptible power supply has its own pros and cons. The advantages of redundant UPSs include the following features:
- increased level of efficiency;
- reduced amount of heat generated;
- almost silent work;
- affordable price.
The disadvantages include a long switching period, distortion of the output voltage characteristics and the inability to change the frequency and amplitude of the current.
The main advantages of line-interactive models:
- high efficiency;
- silent operation;
- stabilization of voltage parameters.
Like the previous version, such blocks switch for a long time, have a reduced accuracy. Other disadvantages of the equipment are possible deviations in current frequency and trapezoidal voltage.
Inverter devices are considered the most convenient and efficient in operation. Their pluses:
- extended working range;
- increased accuracy of voltage stabilization;
- instant switching;
- increased frequency accuracy;
- maximum protection against interference.
The downside is the considerable cost and noise of work.
Selection and determination of power
When selecting equipment, you need to pay attention to the following characteristics:
- Power. The value is calculated by the formula P / Cos ϕ, where the first indicator is the thermal voltage, and the second is the parameter specified in the documentation for the device.
- Battery capacity.
- The maximum period of autonomous functioning.
- Connection of external sources and energy storage.
- The degree of accuracy of the output voltage.
- The speed of switching to a backup source.
- The degree of distortion.
On sale you can find a large number of UPS models that can be used in an autonomous heating system. The most popular are devices of the Skat, APC, Sven, Blazer, Teplocom, ECM brands and a number of other manufacturers.
When buying, it is advisable to give preference to equipment of well-known brands, since it is guaranteed to last several years, protecting the system from emergencies. The price of a UPS depends on the design of the device, materials of manufacture, the degree of conversion accuracy and other factors.