Circulation pumps are devices that are used to force the circulation of liquids in heating, cooling systems or to heat domestic hot water. Using circulation pumps brings many benefits, including reducing heat losses in the case of heating. How does this happen? And how does the pressure in the central heating system affect the operation of the system?
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How do circulation pumps minimize heat losses in a heating system?
A circulation pump is a solution that brings many benefits, but one of the most important is the real reduction of heat losses in the installation, which in turn allows you to reduce heating costs. This effect can be achieved thanks to the special properties of the device.
Installing a circulation pump in the system allows for even heating of water throughout the system. The fact that the process is continuous means that the water in the system is constantly heated, and the water temperature is maintained at the same level. This makes it quite easy to avoid cold zones inside the system, which could reduce heating efficiency.
Eliminating cold zones is one aspect of heat loss. Another important issue is that the presence of a pump makes the water circulate faster in the system. Increasing the flow rate reduces the risk of heat loss through the water circulating in the pipes. The liquid returns to the boiler faster, before it cools down significantly.
Another factor that allows for reducing heat losses in the heating system is that the pump allows for faster achievement of the expected and set temperature in the rooms. What does this mean in practice? That thanks to the pump, the heating system can operate at full power for a shorter time, in order to then maintain the set temperature while reducing energy consumption.
In modern pumps, it is possible to use automation in the process of controlling the device. This is a great convenience, allowing you to program the operation of the device, depending on, for example, the time of day or the presence of household members. These possibilities allow you to reduce energy consumption in a situation where maximum heating power is not needed.
What pressure should a heating installation have?
The pressure value in the heating system determines whether the system will work efficiently and effectively. Determining the optimum pressure depends on several factors, including the height of the building, the type of installation or the specific properties of the end devices. However, general, average guidelines for specific situations can be indicated.
When the system is cold and the boiler is not working, the initial pressure is usually around 1.0-1.5 bar. When the heating boiler is started, the pressure in the system increases by an average of 0.3-0.5 bar. During heating, this value should be maintained at a level of 1.5 to 2 bar. These data are typical for lower buildings. If the building has several storeys, then effective heating of the entire building may involve the need to increase the pressure to even 2-2.5 bar.
The pressure value cannot be too high, however. Depending on the components used in the system, the manufacturer specifies the maximum, safe pressure. It should usually not exceed 3 bar. Many of the systems used have a special safety valve.
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Reducing the pressure in a heating system with a circulation pump
Lowering the pressure in the system may have a negative impact on the efficiency of the entire system. It is worth knowing that the pump, as a device, does not affect the regulation of pressure in the system, its task is completely different - it is responsible for the even and constant distribution of water in the system. The observed problems with pressure may be related to the incorrect operation of the installation pump .
One of the most common problems is the failure of the device itself. It may be damaged, but it is also often clogged. Contrary to appearances, the presence of impurities is not uncommon. When the pump is not working fully efficiently or has been installed incorrectly, the water circulation may be hindered and the pressure in the entire system will drop. This is a consequence of the pump not being able to effectively force the appropriate water circulation.
Among the most common failures, one should also mention a clogged impeller of the device. When impurities from the system get into the impeller, the ability to pump water decreases, which in turn can lead to a drop in pressure in the heating system.
Pressure drop, regardless of the cause, adversely affects the operation of the entire system. That is why it is so important to maintain the device in excellent condition and to properly select the pump for the individual needs of a specific heating installation.
How do circulation pumps affect the heating efficiency of heat pumps?
The circulation pump is one of the elements that play an important role in heat pump-based installations, supporting their efficient and optimal use. Installing a heat pump allows you to improve the system's operating parameters. Using an optimally matched device means that water flows continuously through the heat exchanger of the pump and the heating system, and there are no colder spots that worsen efficiency. The circulation pump ensures that the generated heat is evenly distributed to all radiators.
Knowing how a circulation pump works, understanding the essence of the process, it can be clearly stated that a system based on circulation pumps and heat pumps is a very beneficial combination. A constant and even water flow reduces the risk of heat losses. Enforcing a constant water flow means that the risk of cooling the liquid is not eliminated, which allows for improved efficiency.
The combination of a circulation pump and a heat pump improves the efficiency of the operation, or more precisely the COP coefficient of performance. When its value is higher, it means that the heat pump's energy demand will be lower, which in turn leads to savings during operation.
Thanks to the fact that a circulation pump was installed in the heating system, this system has the ability to respond better and faster to changes in the temperature level in the rooms. This fact energy is used more economically.
By installing a circulation pump, it is possible to maintain a constant and even flow, thanks to which warm water is constantly present in the system. In practice, this allows to limit the heat pump's operating cycles at full power in relatively short periods of time. Reducing the frequency of switching on the device has the so-called peak power extends the life of the heat pump and saves energy.
What energy efficiency ratio should a circulation pump have?
Ensuring optimal use of the possibilities offered by circulating pumps requires proper adjustment of the parameters of individual components and taking into account the specifics of a given facility. Thanks to the circulating pump, the installation has constant access to evenly distributed water at a set temperature in the system. When choosing the right solution, it is best to focus on good quality devices to be sure that everything will work properly.
One example is the CP 15-1.5 Onnline circulation pump , dedicated to DHW. This is a single-speed model that requires a nominal voltage of 230 V to operate. This pump can also be used for drinking water.
Another noteworthy example is the Wilo-Star-Z Nova A circulation pump . The pump housing is made of brass, which guarantees its high strength and corrosion resistance. A big advantage is that this single-phase pump can withstand a maximum operating pressure of 10 bar, as well as a maximum water temperature of 95 degrees Celsius. The device does not consume much energy, which is an additional advantage.