The widespread kitchen water heater in the old days - the gas boiler - has gained popularity again. This is explained by the rapid development of private housing construction and the increased demand for gas-efficient heating units. For this reason, many users are interested in the design features and the principle of operation of devices for operational 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-through and storage. Direct-flow models or gas boilers heat 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, which is in a disconnected state.
When the hot water tap is turned on, 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 temperature of the liquid at the outlet of the device is monitored. With the function of controlling the intensity of combustion, the electronic unit regulates the supply of the mixture to the main burner, so that it is possible to maintain the specified operating mode. If the flow of water stops or the temperature exceeds the permissible limit, the gas burner automatically turns off.
All flow-through units are compact in size and relatively low cost.
Their characteristic shortcomings include:
- the inability to maintain a stable regime in terms of the temperature of the water carrier - this applies only to inexpensive models;
- relatively low productivity, according to the passport, not exceeding 15 liters per minute.
At sites that consume significant amounts of water, productivity is usually inadequate. To meet the current user needs, the indicator is chosen at least a third higher.
Storage-type gas boilers heat up a small volume of the poured liquid to a predetermined temperature, so that a certain amount of hot water is always in the working container. 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 the set heating value is reached, close it. In this case, there is no special need to adjust the flame level in the burner and control the liquid flow.
Boilers consist of the following main parts:
- bearing body with working units located in it;
- gas burner with igniter;
- a system of pipes with a liquid circulating through them;
- container for running or accumulated water;
- heat exchanger.
The water heaters also include a set of automation with sensitive sensors that control the flow at the inlet to the system, as well as the operation of the gas burner (its igniter).
Combustion chambers and boilers themselves
In accordance with the location of the gas burner, all known boiler models are produced in two versions:
- with an open-type camera;
- with its closed location.
In devices of the first class, the air necessary for gas combustion enters from the outside in a natural way, passing through the entrance opening and the inspection hatch. To adjust its level, the door opens or closes completely. In units with a closed chamber ("turbocharged" or "supercharged"), air is forced 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.
Criteria for choosing a water heater
When choosing a suitable model of a household gas water heater, 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.
Boiler devices for obtaining hot water supply are somewhat inferior in efficiency to gas heating boilers (no more than 3-5 percent). On the other hand, the efficiency of models of different classes (with an open and a closed chamber) is practically the same, so when choosing this indicator is not paid attention.
You will need to consider the following important points:
- With a limited user budget and living in areas with frequent power outages, a simple non-volatile open-type model would be the best option. Its ignition system is powered by 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-type systems are not allowed to be installed within the living spaces of modern apartments. In private houses, a separate room is allocated for them (analogous to a boiler room).
The latter requirement is explained by the absence of special chimney ducts within the residential premises.
The removal of combustion products through the ventilation shafts available in city apartments is strictly prohibited.
Unit characteristics
The main parameters or characteristics of water heaters taken into account when choosing the desired model include:
- productivity (liters per minute);
- 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 estimate 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, which have an optimal combination in terms of volume and space occupied by the unit. Using the same parameters, it is possible to get an idea of the gas fuel consumption, which increases with their increase.
Acquaintance with the dimensions and the availability of additional options allows you to choose the right location for the boiler and evaluate its functionality.
Popular manufacturers
Among the well-known manufacturers of water heaters, there are brands whose products are time-tested and do not cause any doubts among the consumer. In the domestic market of heating equipment, the following well-known companies have proven themselves well:
- Ariston;
- Junkers;
- Beretta;
- Electrolux;
- Neva;
- Baxi.
Special attention should be paid to the Ariston gas heater, well-known to the Russian user for its popular 100-liter model. All products of this Italian manufacturer have been in great demand in Russia since the 90s.
Its distinctive features:
- affordable cost achieved by transferring capacity to China;
- adaptation to Russian conditions: the possibility of low water pressure and an increased level of hardness has been taken into account;
- the presence of electronic ignition from batteries and protection against overheating;
- a wide range of working tank capacities (from 80 to 200 liters).
All models from "Ariston" have a built-in electronic control system and are equipped with a flame control sensor. In addition, they are distinguished by the classic ergonomics typical of this brand.
If the user needs a reliable example of a water heater with a large tank capacity exceeding 150 liters, then Baxi boilers should be considered. The products of this Italian company, which is the market leader in hot water and heating equipment, are distinguished by a high level of automation, as well as ergonomics and ease of operation. Like the models of other manufacturers, all Baksi equipment is produced in two classic designs, thanks to which the user has access to storage tanks of significant volume and conventional flow-through units.
In any case, the choice of water heating equipment is based on the preferences of the buyer.
