Optimal thermal comfort is important, but achieving it requires proper preparation of the entire installation and system. One solution is to use a heat substation. What exactly is a heat substation and what variants should be distinguished? How to optimally make and configure a heat substation?
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What is a heating substation?
A heat distribution center is a place that connects installations or target devices with an external network. A characteristic feature of a distribution center is that within it, you can change the parameters or change the type of heat carrier supplied from the connection. The distribution center also helps to easily regulate the amount of heat supplied. An example of a heat distribution center is the connection of a central heating installation located, for example, inside a building with an external system, such as a heating network.
In order to achieve optimal system operation, it is necessary to know what functions it is to perform. The main task is to supply heat from the network to the installation and its appropriate transformation. In addition, this system also allows for precise measurements of energy consumption, based on which payment settlements for individual installations are prepared.
A properly configured heating unit also allows for automated regulation of temperature and pressure within individual circuits.
Types of heat exchangers
In practice, heat distribution centers are a very broad issue, which is why specialists classify them quite thoroughly. One of the most important criteria is the way in which the external heating network installation is connected to the one inside the building. In this option, two variants are mentioned: direct-acting and exchanger nodes. The difference between them is that in the first solution, both in the network and in the installation, there is the same factor, while the characteristic feature of the second variant is that the heat exchanger connects two separate, independent circuits.
Additionally, it is worth noting that in direct nodes there are systems in which the parameters of the medium do not change and those in which it is necessary to use a hydroelevator and a pump to change the parameters.
Another division is based on the number of heated buildings. If one facility is served, then we talk about an individual node, while in other cases these are group nodes. However, taking into account the number of installations that have been connected to the node, single- and multi-function models are distinguished, most often it is a dual-function node.
Taking into account the type of functions they perform, heat exchangers are divided into central heating, domestic hot water and technological heat exchangers. Within domestic hot water, we can additionally distinguish 1- and 2-stage exchangers (they indicate the number of zones in which domestic hot water is prepared).
Selection of the power of the heating substation in the block
Heating stations are an excellent solution, allowing for effective management and control of parameters in order to achieve optimal thermal comfort in the facility. This topic is particularly important in blocks of flats and other multi-family buildings, where an appropriate level of heating must be provided to all residents.
In order to know how to properly select the power of a heating substation for the needs of a given facility, it is necessary to understand how it is constructed and what elements it consists of. It is necessary to know that individual solutions may differ from each other, but in the most characteristic systems, the following are used: a heat exchanger, a circulation pump, valves, filters and a heat meter (heat meters), which is the basis for settlements for individual premises. In a multi-family building, the thermal needs of the facility are different than in a single-family home, which should be taken into account when preparing the project and implementing it.
Before installing the appropriate variant, you should carefully consider the power of the node, which is calculated based on the formula. The factors that are important for obtaining a reliable result are the amount of heat supplied/received, in a given time period.
Is it better to choose a single-function or dual-function heating system?
When planning the construction of a heating substation, many decisions must be made, including whether single-function or dual-function heating substations will be better. Each solution has specific advantages and disadvantages, which are best analyzed individually. A characteristic feature of the single-function variant is that it contains only one heat exchanger. In practice, this means that the system allows, for example, to heat water only in the heating system. They are simple in construction, and their dimensions are exceptionally compact. For this reason, these solutions are cheaper than other models.
Despite the higher price, the dual-function heating system is very popular. When choosing this option, the advantages of such a solution are most important. The devices that make up the system allow not only to heat water in the heating system, but also to provide access to domestic hot water. This effect can be achieved because two separately operating heat exchangers are used here. Owners of dual-function heating systems can use this option at any time of the year - in winter, both the needs of heating the apartment and access to hot water are met, while in summer - it is a great way to gain constant access to water.
Heating stations in the Onninen wholesaler
The Onninen plumbing wholesaler offers various types of devices that allow for the comprehensive construction of an entire heating substation, as well as excellent quality heat pumps, thanks to which proven, solid and durable models are used to produce heat. In this way, the temperature is optimal, the heating is efficient, and none of the residents will experience the cold.
The offer includes, among others, ready-made systems, such as the Danfoss heating substation , which is a technically advanced solution, allowing for high and effective integration of individual system elements. The proposal is a comprehensive solution that is easy to install and maintain.
Heat in the apartment, but also hot utility water can be obtained thanks to dual-function models. Although they are more expensive, their use brings many advantages. An example is, among others, the Oventrop CWU WBASIC12-C heating substation . Other models are also available, including those with a flow of 15 l/min and 17 l/min.