Gas-fired boilers are expensive equipment that requires constant care and protection from power surges in the network. Due to the poor quality of energy supply, special measures have to be taken to stabilize it. This explains the increased demand for modern models of stabilizers for a gas boiler, guaranteeing a normal and stable power supply.
Recommendations for choosing a stabilizer for a gas boiler
To choose the right voltage stabilizer for a gas boiler, you need to decide on the following parameters:
- power consumption from the network;
- speed of reaction to instant changes in input;
- input voltage range;
- accuracy of the supported voltage at the device output.
You should also choose a manufacturer company that has a good reputation in the market for regular sales. This applies not only to foreign, but also to domestic companies. It should be determined from what voltage the boiler will be powered (three-phase or single-phase). If the unit is selected for heating small rooms and is designed for power up to 12 kW, a single-phase modification is sufficient. For a mansion with a large heated area, a three-phase boiler with a power of up to 14 kW and above may be required. For him, choose a stabilizer for 380 volts.
The speed of reaction to deviations from the normal power supply will save equipment from sudden fluctuations and jumps (during a thunderstorm, for example). The characteristic that determines the range of input potentials will allow you to cover a wide range of possible deviations.
The accuracy of maintaining the output voltage is a parameter that determines the effectiveness of the stabilizers for heating boilers and the reliability of protection of the latter.
Criterias of choice
You can determine which stabilizer is suitable for a gas boiler according to the following rules:
- for a conventional network, a single-phase unit is purchased;
- power is selected 30-40 percent more than what the boiler consumes from the network;
- when this indicator is unknown - any stabilizer from 400 watts (except the electromechanical option) is suitable.
It is allowed to put a “noisy” electromechanics (servo), but subject to the removal of the stabilizing device in the next room.
Types of stabilizers
Familiarity with the types of devices that guarantee the protection of gas boilers will help you choose the right stabilizer model. Both old drive mechanisms and modern electronic devices (inverters) fall into this category.
Servo Products
The main working unit of the stabilizers of this group is an autotransformer with a movable current collector contact. The adjusting element is designed as a slider or removable brush of a special design. When adjusting, it moves along the transformer winding, increasing or decreasing part of the energy transmitted to the output.
In obsolete models, manual control was performed. In modern samples, the process is automated through the use of a special electrical module. An integrated electronic motor automatically changes the position of the slider, equalizing the output voltage. These devices are used in cases where high speed is not required.
Relay
Relay stabilizers are devices that operate on the principle of stepwise conversion.The circuit is based on an autotransformer, the output windings of which are switched so as to compensate for deviations at the input. The change in the number of turns in the secondary winding occurs automatically due to the operation of electromagnetic relays. A special unit controls their switching. With its help, the parameters of the mains voltage are controlled, and if necessary, the desired stabilization stage is turned on.
Relay devices have the advantage of a high response speed of 10-20 ms compared to drive models. The control modules in them are simple in design, which facilitates maintenance and repair of the finished product.
The minuses of relay machines include:
- intermittent adjustment;
- insufficient work resource;
- increased noise.
The main field of application of these samples is low-power equipment connected to power grids with unstable input power.
Triac models (inverters)
Triac stabilizers belong to the group of inverter devices using the double conversion principle. First, an alternating potential in them turns into a constant voltage, from which high-frequency oscillations are then obtained. After that, they are again converted to alternating voltage, but with a changed shape. The quality of the latter now depends not on the input, but on the electronic circuit that controls the parameters of the device. Triacs are placed at the output of the device and commute the potential with the desired frequency.
The advantages of semiconductor inverters include:
- compactness;
- high speed;
- extended adjustment limits;
- temperature stability;
- high efficiency;
- reliability.
The only drawback is the high cost of inverter devices.
Brand Designs
Rating models of voltage stabilizers for the boiler are represented by relay and inverter units. Electromechanical analogues are almost never used. The first type is the Resanta ACH-500/1-C with a declared power of 500 watts. The input voltage can vary between 160-240 volts, and the reaction time is 7 ms. The number of voltage adjustment steps is 4, and one outlet is provided at the output (European standard).
The manufacturer claims built-in protection against short-circuit and overheating, as well as from increased voltage and impulse noise. Connect the device to the network only with a grounding conductor. This sample is not highly reliable. The wall-mounted version of "Resants" additionally contains the letter "H" in the name and does not differ from ordinary models in anything but the case.
The inverter-type units on the market are the "Calm IS550" with double voltage conversion and power up to 400 watts. The permissible input variation limits are 90-310 Volts, and the reaction time is zero. Within 5 seconds, the device is able to work with double overload.
"Calm IS550" refers to the best models of inverter stabilizers, characterized by high regulation accuracy (error - less than 1%). The device is completely silent and is cooled by convective circuit. This means that it does without built-in fans.
A brief description of the principle of operation
The modern stabilizer for the boiler is a complex electrical device that works according to the algorithm laid down by the engineers in its circuit. The simplest mechanical units have a conventional transformer inside, the output voltage of which is regulated by moving the current collector contact (graphite brushes). The presence of a mechanical assembly makes these devices slow, so they are practically not used in recent years.
In relay systems, the relays switching transformer coils with their contacts are responsible for adjusting the output parameter. They change the magnitude of the voltage removed from the secondary winding.When additional turns are connected, the output potential increases, and when they are turned off, on the contrary, it decreases. Such a control circuit has a higher speed, but due to the presence of contacts it is not very reliable - it has a small resource.
The most effective and reliable devices are inverter units built according to the double conversion scheme. The input voltage in them is first made constant, and then RF pulses are formed from a stable potential. At the next stage, they are switched by powerful diodes, forming a voltage similar in shape to the input, but independent of the network. The electronic device works as follows:
- When changing the electrical parameters at the input, the built-in microprocessor sends an impulse to adjust the shape of the monitored signal.
- Depending on which direction it changes, the control module generates the desired signal.
- After that, the shape of the output voltage is automatically corrected.
Due to the electronic control circuit, the inverter models are characterized by high speed and noiseless operation.
