A typical LPG gas boiler for heating a private house is a classic unit that burns fuel and turns it into heat. In order to correctly choose and independently mount the boiler, you will need to understand its structure and principle of operation. In addition, it is useful for the user to become familiar with its advantages and disadvantages.
General description and operating principle
Liquefied gas boilers are energy converters in which a certain type of fuel is transformed into heat, which is used to heat the coolant. The peculiarity of liquefied gas (LPG) is that it cannot be supplied to the injection burner in its original form, since the jets are not designed for this. If the fuel is not sprayed into the smallest droplets, it will overheat the equipment during combustion and its subsequent destruction.
The boiler is equipped with smaller nozzles and a special pressure reducer. Due to its sharp fall at the outlet of the cylinder, the fuel passes into a gaseous form. In this state, it goes directly into the combustion chamber. The specified set of equipment is ordered together with the boiler, but it can also be purchased separately. In some models, a replacement kit is included in the basic package. Otherwise, a gas boiler powered by bottled gas is completely identical to traditional units.
Types of propane boilers
The classic propane boiler is available in several modifications. According to the design and organization of the heating process, the units are:
- single-circuit;
- double-circuit;
- convection and condensation.
The functionality of the device and the purpose for which the generated heat is used depends on the number of circuits. Single-circuit boilers are intended only for space heating, and their double-circuit counterparts allow you to additionally organize hot water supply (DHW).
The efficiency of LPG-fueled gas units is largely determined by how the energy released after combustion is used. This can happen in the following ways:
- Convection, in which the coolant is heated by the energy of the direct combustion of the fuel. With this method, part of the generated heat is lost - it is removed along with the exhaust gases.
- Condensation, in which additional heat is extracted in the system due to cooling the smoke and condensation of steam released in a low-temperature heat exchanger.
The condensing type of boilers is considered very economical, since during its operation it is possible to reduce fuel consumption by 15-20 percent. At the same time, such a unit costs 1.5-2 times more than a conventional boiler.
Types of boilers by location
According to the method of placement, boiler equipment is divided into floor-standing and wall-mounted units. The difference between them is clearly visible when examining the structure. Wall-mounted models are assembled in a small and lightweight body and equipped with a steel or copper heat exchanger. In addition, they have more advanced functionality.
Floor standing boilers are not limited in weight and dimensions and often have a cast iron heat exchanger.In addition, they are distinguished by an extended range of operating powers (10-60 kW). The difference between these samples is also manifested in the equipment presented by the manufacturer.
The set of wall-mounted units includes an automatic machine, a circulation pump and a number of other volatile devices. In fact, it is a miniature heating station, ready for operation. Floor standing boilers do not have developed functionality, but many of the samples do not depend on the source of electricity.
Advantages and disadvantages
The advantages of boilers operating on liquefied gas include:
- autonomy - independence from gas mains;
- versatility - the possibility of conversion to natural gas;
- environmental friendliness - liquefied fuel, when burned, practically does not generate waste;
- simplicity of design and the possibility of self-service and repair.
The downside of choosing these products is the increased operating costs associated with transporting fuel from the point of refueling. Added to this is an increased fire hazard and the need for strict adherence to the rules for storing combustible compounds.
Users of LPG heating boilers must constantly monitor the remaining fuel in the connected cylinder. This is due to inconveniences, forcing to update its contents or immediately pump the required amount of gas into the storage.
Criterias of choice
When choosing a boiler suitable for specific conditions, the following points must be taken into account:
- due to the significant consumption of liquid fuel, it is wiser to choose a single-circuit gas unit;
- if it is necessary to equip a separate DHW circuit, it is more convenient to connect an "indirect" heating boiler to it;
- double-circuit models are chosen in a situation when there are free funds for this.
The most important criterion for choosing the right sample is the correct selection of fuel for it, the payment for which should be provided for years in advance. Added to this are the costs of arranging the structure inside the house and creating the conditions necessary to maintain a normal temperature.
Rating of popular models and manufacturers
The boilers from the Siberia firm, manufactured at a Russian enterprise, are at the top of the rating. These non-volatile units are equipped with a reliable automation system and are fully adapted to the operating conditions. They are made from time-tested high quality materials, the assortment on the market is characterized by the breadth and variety of models.
High-quality and competitively capable equipment is supplied to Russia by the Italian company Ferroli. The products presented by this company are distinguished by the following features:
- stylish, quite modern design;
- an easy-to-use and user-friendly panel that displays general operating modes and key indicators;
- compact copper heat exchanger manufactured using the company's patented technology.
The exchange unit is made in the form of 3 copper tubes connected in series into a single structure.
The well-known German corporation Bosch is represented by turbocharged convection-type units for wall placement. They work well in various modes of operation and provide the room with heat even at reduced pressure in the system. The electronic control unit is equipped with a temperature limiter that excludes overheating of the heat exchanger, as well as a pressure sensor that performs a blocking function in the absence of a coolant.
No less functional and reliable boilers for liquefied gas are offered by the Viessmann group of companies from Germany. The range of models includes both floor-standing samples of high power and mounted units with small dimensions.
