Allows you to create an excellent indoor microclimate. This is achieved uniform distribution thermal energy. But for long-term effective operation of underfloor heating, you should understand how to regulate warm water floors. This article will cover several adjustment methods.
To put heated floors into operation, you must wait until the screed has completely dried. This may take up to three weeks. If time is running out, then you can speed up the drying process by adding 1 degree of heat every day. This can only be done after 14 days.
Moisture should come out of the concrete evenly. Otherwise, the screed will begin to crack, and this will compromise the integrity of the heating cake.
Immediately before starting, all heating circuit taps on the manifold should be fully opened. The three-way valve also opens to maximum. At the end, turn on the circulation pump. After this stage, you can begin adjusting the temperature of the coolant.
Manual adjustment of coolant temperature
How you adjust the temperature will depend entirely on the equipment you are using. For example, if a system with a temperature controller and a servo drive is installed, then the setup is carried out according to the instructions from the manufacturer of this device. In this case, the adjustment is performed automatically. Now let's look at the manual method of setting the temperature using thermal heads.
Thermal heads can be installed both on the supply and return side of the coolant.
First of all, the system up to the heated floor must be completely filled with coolant and freed from air. But it is important not to rush here, otherwise air jams may form. If the connection was made from the boiler, then before starting water into the heating circuits, turn off all taps. Afterwards, open the supply/return loop on one loop, filling it with coolant. The air should come out of it through the air vent. Now turn on the circulation pump so that the coolant begins to move in this loop. At the same time, turn the temperature on the boiler to 35°. To the touch you should feel that hot water is flowing in the return and supply in the heating circuit. If everything works properly, close this loop and open a new one. Using this method, you pump and check each loop of the heating circuit. When you have set up each circuit, you open all the taps and adjust the required temperature by touch. In some loops the faucet will need to be opened completely, while in others it is enough to open it slightly.
The coolant temperature in each circuit may be different. There are several reasons for this, such as the length of the loop. The shorter the circuit, the faster it warms up and vice versa.
Thus, manual temperature adjustment is carried out. It is enough to do it once a year. But here it is important to take into account the nuance. The underfloor heating system is inertial. What does this mean in practice? If you make changes to one of the hinges, you will have to wait a few hours to notice a noticeable change in the temperature inside the room.
If you installed flow meters on the collector, the difference between the readings can reach up to 0.5 liters.
Three way valve and mixing module
When equipping the manifold with a three-way valve, adjustment can be carried out using a servo drive. In this case, the mixing valve will control the temperature according to preset parameters. At the same time, you can turn the three-way tap several times and as you wish, but with setting the mixing valve everything is much more complicated.
If you, at your own peril and risk, connect heated floors to centralized heating, then the presence of a mixing valve will avoid side problems. Your neighbors will not determine in any way that you have heated floors, since there will be no temperature imbalance.
Another method of adjusting the temperature in heated water floors is to use a mixing module. This module includes the following components:
- Three way valve.
- Thermometer.
- Bypass.
- Circulation pump.
- Thermostatic head.
- Relay for maximum permissible temperature.
Although this entire kit has a high price, the efficiency of the mixing module is very high. However, the mixing module only works if it is assembled according to the European model. In the heating system, the coolant must have a temperature of at least 65°. As for the underfloor heating system, the admixture module dilutes the coolant and releases it into the heating circuits according to the established parameters. In our country, temperature control is often carried out on the boiler itself. This leads to temperature imbalance.
There is also another method on how to regulate warm water floors. To do this, a servo drive and a room thermostat are mounted. Based on the room temperature, the thermostat sends a signal to the servo drive to supply hot coolant.
This technique works even with a homemade manifold, even with a mixing module, even with a three-way valve. It all depends on your financial capabilities.
So, we have looked at several methods of how you can adjust the coolant in a heated floor system. If you use other technologies and techniques, we would be interested to know about them. Write your comments at the end of this article.
Video
Learn the intricacies of adjusting a warm water floor from the following video:
The interweaving of pipes, valves, sensors, bulbs and pressure gauges - this is what the owner sees country house, opening the heated floor box for the first time. The system seems complex and confusing, but it is necessary to understand how it works and how to regulate it.
After reading the article, you will understand the purpose of the main components of the underfloor heating system and will be able to optimize its operation by redirecting heat from room to room.
First, let's look at the main components of a heated floor. Two large pipes that connect warm floor and the boiler serve to circulate the coolant. One pipe delivers the heated coolant to the heated floor. On the other hand, the cooled coolant is returned to the boiler for heating. The temperature difference in these two pipes shows how much heat was spent heating the house. The optimal difference is from five to ten degrees.
In the manifold we see circulation pump, which helps the boiler pump push the coolant through the long lines of underfloor heating pipes. The second function of the pump is to mix cold water reverse feed to forward feed. This is necessary for the heating floor to operate in parallel with batteries, which require a higher coolant temperature for efficient operation. Please note that the temperature of the direct supply entering directly into the floor pipes is always several degrees lower than its temperature at the outlet of the boiler.
Next we see a three-way valve, which allows you to redirect part of the coolant flow back to the mixing pump and further reduce the supply temperature directly to floor pipes .
Behind the direct and return thermometers there is the main part of the floor collector - a “comb” with pipe contours connected to special connectors. The connectors of each circuit are located opposite each other. One is connected to the forward supply line, the second to the return supply line. Each circuit is essentially a separate battery, immured under a heating surface, and you must clearly understand in which part of the house it is located.
There is a flow meter bulb next to the direct feed connector. Next to the return flow connector there is a valve that shuts off the circuit. The operating principle of the flow meter is simple. Its float sinks deeper, the greater the flow of coolant through the circuit. There are systems where flow meters are in reverse flow. In this case, the float, on the contrary, floats up when the coolant flow increases.
Flow meters not only indicate the speed of coolant flow in the floor pipes, but also serve as flow adjustment knobs. They are often fitted with red safety washers that must be lifted to release the rotation handles.
By tightening the flow meter, you reduce the flow of coolant along the circuit and thereby reduce the amount of heat that enters one or another part of the house.
The optimal coolant flow in the circuit is 2 liters per minute. During the initial balancing of the loops, it is necessary to achieve equal flow in each circuit by slightly rotating the flow meter knobs. If the flow is equal, but below 2 liters per minute, then the power circulation pump not enough. We need to replace it with a more productive one. But first, check whether the speed controller is at full power.
After each adjustment, the system must be allowed to reach dynamic equilibrium for 10 minutes and the flow rate must be adjusted.
After the initial balancing of the circuits, you need to let the heated floor work for a couple of days and measure the temperature in each room of the house. Using flow meters, we reduce the coolant flow by 25% in those areas of the house that are too hot. Now some circuits show a flow of 1.5 liters per minute, while others show a little more than 2 liters per minute. Heat is automatically redistributed to colder rooms. We wait a couple more days, check the temperature and again adjust the coolant flow. We repeat until the temperature balance in the premises of the house becomes optimal. We return the safety washers of the flow meters to their place, since we will continue to control the temperature in the house using the temperature of the coolant on the boiler or using a three-way valve.
Ecology of consumption. Estate: In order for water floor heating to work as expected, it requires not only strict adherence to the rules of the installation process and the use of appropriate materials. Today we will talk about setting up the operation of heating loops and the principles of debugging the operating modes of a heated floor.
Typical connection diagrams
Water heated floors are rarely used as the only source of heating. Heating only due to underfloor heating is permissible only in regions with a mild climate, or in rooms with a large area, where heat removal is not limited by furniture, interior items or the low thermal conductivity of the floor covering.
Almost always it is necessary to combine radiator circuits, hot water preparation devices and underfloor heating loops in one heating system.
Typical diagram of a combined heating system with connection of radiators and underfloor heating circuits. This is the most technologically advanced and easily customizable option, but it also requires significant initial investment. 1 - heating boiler; 2 - safety group, circulation pump, expansion tank; 3 - manifold for separate two-pipe connection of radiators according to the “star” scheme; 4 - heating radiators; 5 - underfloor heating manifold, includes: bypass, three-way valve, thermostatic head, circulation pump, combs for connecting underfloor heating circuits with gearboxes and flow meters; 6 - heated floor contours
There are quite a large number of variations in the design of the boiler room piping, and each individual case has its own principles of operation of the hydraulic system. However, if you do not take into account very specific options, then there are ways to coordinate the operation of heating devices various types only five remain:
- Parallel connection of the underfloor heating collector to the main line of the heating unit. The insertion point into the main line must be made up to the connection point of the radiator network; the coolant supply is provided by an additional circulation pump.
- Association according to the type of primary and secondary rings. The line, wrapped in a ring, has several supply connections in the supply part; the coolant flow in the connected circuits decreases with distance from the heating source. Flow balancing is performed by selecting the pump supply and limiting the flow with regulators.
- Connection to the extreme point of a coplanar manifold. The movement of the coolant in the heated floor loops is ensured by a common pump located in the generator part, while the system is balanced according to the principle of priority flow.
- The connection via a low loss header is ideal for large quantities heating devices, significant differences in flow rates in the circuits and significant length of underfloor heating loops. This option also uses a coplanar manifold, but the hydraulic arrow is necessary to eliminate the pressure drop that interferes with the correct operation of the circulation pumps.
- Local parallel loop connection via unibox. This option is well suited for connecting a short-length heated floor loop, for example, if you need to heat the floor only in the bathroom.
The simplest option is to connect a heated floor circuit to a radiator heating system with a coolant temperature of 70-80 °C. 1 - line with supply and return of the high-temperature circuit; 2 - heated floor contour; 3 - unibox.
It must be remembered that the nature of the operation of a heated floor may also change depending on the installation pattern of the coil. The “snail” scheme is considered optimal, in which the tubes are laid in pairs, which means that the entire area is heated almost evenly. If the warm floor is arranged as a “snake” or “labyrinth”, then the formation of colder and warmer zones is practically guaranteed. This drawback can be eliminated, including through proper configuration.
Temperature
Before you begin adjusting the heated floor, it is extremely important to establish a clear understanding of the purpose for which it is being done. According to the principle of operation, water heated floors are fundamentally different from other heating devices. The main difference is the operating temperature of the coolant.
If the radiator network is supplied at temperatures up to 80 °C, then the heating of the coolant entering the heated floor coil is limited to 40–42 °C. This need is due to reasons of comfort and safety. In normal mode, the temperature on the floor surface fluctuates in the range of 22–26 °C; stronger heating causes unpleasant sensations.
There are two ways to regulate the heating temperature of a liquid heated floor. The first of them involves controlling the temperature on the supply branch of the collector by mixing in a portion of cooled coolant from the return. Technically, this solution is implemented by installing a three-way valve with a pressure-action RTL thermostatic head. The difference between such a head and a radiator head is that it relies on the temperature of the coolant, not the air. With this control method, the flow rate in the loops remains constant, only the coolant temperature changes with a small amplitude.
The second adjustment method involves limiting the flow of hot coolant in the circuit. In this case, a thermostatic head is also installed, but it is located on a two-way valve, which interrupts the return flow circuit. With this method of regulation, the supply and return are connected by a bypass circuit, the flow through which is regulated by a restriction valve with a pre-calibrated throughput.
The principle of such regulation is based on the high inertia of the heated floor system. During operation, the coolant is supplied to the loops at the nominal temperature of the heating unit; only the total flow rate changes periodically. Thus, heating of the screed occurs cyclically, that is, a significant heat capacity of the accumulating layer is required to smooth out temperature changes.
In both cases, one important rule applies: thermostatic fittings in mandatory based on loop or manifold return temperature. The device may have a mechanical or electronic principle action, it could even be an ordinary thermometer. Necessity correct location This is due to the fact that it is almost impossible to judge the effectiveness of the adjustment based on the temperature of the coolant at the supply, because the length of the loops can differ significantly.
Rules for refueling the system
Setting up the operation of a heated floor cannot be done if the coolant flow in the loops changes spontaneously. This phenomenon is typical when there are air locks, so the heating system must not only be properly organized technically, but also properly charged.
To fully fill the system, automatic air vents must be installed on both branches of the underfloor heating collector. If the loops are located at a level above the collector, the supply connection to the latter must be made through a deaerator. The underfloor heating system is charged separately from other heating circuits, that is, the piping of the generator part and the radiator network must be filled in advance, and the shut-off valves at the collector inputs must be closed.
To fill the coolant into the system, a hose from the water supply system or pump is connected to the drainage outlet of the supply branch of the collector. Accordingly, a hose must be connected to a similar outlet of the return branch to bleed the air, the return end of which is either led outside or lowered into a container with a volume of 30–40 liters.
The first thing to fill in a heated floor system is the manifold and its piping. In this case, the flow meters on the supply branch must be completely open, and the regulators on the return branch must be closed. Next, you need to sequentially fill each loop with coolant until clean coolant without air bubbles comes out of the bleed hose. The heated floor is filled with a minimum flow to uniformly squeeze out air from the system. When all the underfloor heating loops are filled, you can put the heating system into operation and balance it.
Working with Manifold Flow Meters
Hydraulic balancing of underfloor heating loops involves normalizing the flow in each coil. Depending on the length, different amounts of incoming coolant may be required so that when passing through the loop it cools exactly to the calculated value. The required flow is quantitatively determined as the ratio of the thermal load on the loop to the product of the heat capacity of water or other coolant and the temperature difference in the supply and return: G = Q / s * (t 1 - t 2).
You can often find recommendations to determine the coolant flow according to the performance of the circulation pump, that is, to divide its supply in proportion to the ratio of the lengths of the loops. Such advice should be avoided: in addition to the fact that it is quite difficult to calculate the length of each coil, one of the most important rules is violated - choosing equipment parameters based on the needs of the system, and not vice versa. Attempts to distribute flow in the described manner almost always lead to the fact that the flow in the loops differs significantly from the calculated values, which makes further adjustment of the system impossible.
Adjusting the flow with flow meters is quite simple. In some models the change bandwidth is carried out by turning the body, in others - by rotating the rod with a special key. The scale on the flow meter body indicates the flow rate in liters per minute; you just need to set the float to the appropriate position.
Almost always, when the capacity of one flow meter changes, the flow rate in the remaining loops changes, so the adjustment is carried out several times, sequentially calibrating each outlet. If such changes are particularly pronounced, this indicates a lack of capacity of the control valves through which the collector is connected, or that the performance of the circulation pump is too low.
Automatic and manual temperature equalization
When adjusting a heated floor using the mixing and limiting method, the methods for setting the required coolant temperature are slightly different. It also matters whether the proportional adjustment is done on the fly, or whether the adjustment is done manually. The latter is permissible only for the mixing control method and only on the condition that the coolant flow in the remaining circuits of the system changes insignificantly.
Manual adjustment of a three-way valve requires temperature control on the return branch, for which a thermometer sleeve or an attached temperature probe can be used.
Temperature measurements should not be taken immediately, but based on the length of the loop and the coolant flow in it. The temperature must be measured after a time sufficient for 2 or 3 times renewal of the coolant in the heated floor system.
The purpose of the adjustment is to ensure a constant difference in coolant temperature between supply and return. In this case, the temperature difference is determined by the heated floor design and is calculated by the thickness, screed material, as well as the direction and pitch of the coil pipes.
Automatic proportional control is much simpler. The main control element is the RTL thermostatic head or unibox valve.
The larger the mark at which the flywheel is installed, the higher the coolant temperature will be, which is true when adjusting both by mixing and limiting. published If you have any questions on this topic, ask them to the experts and readers of our project.
A water heated floor, as a rule, consists of several circuits plastic pipes. Hot water, moving along them, gives off its heat and returns through the return supply part of the system. The collector (comb system) of a warm water floor is designed to collect cooled water, mix and supply heated water. In other words, this is a unit that controls the operation of the floor heating system.
To regulate the temperature, flow meters are provided in the manifold. These devices control the flow of coolant, in this case water.
Theoretically, it is quite possible to do without installing a flow meter in the manifold. However, if you do not install this device, then:
- IN different rooms the temperature will be different;
- There may be excessive consumption of electricity to heat water in the system;
- Different circuits will heat up unevenly.
A simple example can be given: a bathroom and a bedroom. A gas or electric boiler heats water equally for both the bath and the bedroom. But the bathroom is at least 3 times smaller in area than the bedroom. Accordingly, the bathroom will be hot and the bedroom will be cool with the same water supply to the floor heating system. This situation is due to the fact that in the bedroom the total length of plastic pipes in the area is much greater. It is precisely in order to regulate a comfortable temperature throughout the entire apartment that it is desirable to install such a device.
Advice! When installing a water heated floor, you should strive to make the contours of the pipes approximately the same length. This will save energy costs and allow you to more accurately regulate the temperature.
Operating principle
The device is installed on the return collector outlets. When the set temperature in the system is reached, the manifold valves narrow the lumen of the energy supply or close it completely. This principle of operation is possible with full automation of the system. For this purpose, the collector is equipped with a temperature sensor.
The flow meter itself consists of several parts:
- Frame;
- Transparent flask with scale;
- Float.
The flask is usually made of durable glass; the body can be plastic or brass. The float is located inside the flask; it serves as an indicator of the coolant speed. The flow meter is also called a float rotameter.
In an automatic water heated floor collector, balancing of coolant flow is carried out using a temperature sensor. If the latter is not provided, then the rotameter can be adjusted manually.
Step-by-step instructions for installation and adjustment
H2_2The rotameter is installed strictly vertically. To ensure that the liquid level in the flask is accurate, the collector itself is also mounted according to the level. If the comb pipe is installed crookedly, the temperature adjustment will be incorrect.
Since the finishing finishing work often occur after installation of the collector, it is necessary to protect the unit and its components from possible damage. The best option is to make a niche or a special cabinet for it in the wall.
Installation and adjustment:
- Using a wrench, screw the flow meter into the process inlet of the return line of the manifold;
- Turn the membrane (flask) counterclockwise to open the pressure meter;
- Remove the factory protective ring;
- Turn the brass housing ring clockwise to the desired pressure level. This is balancing the energy flow rate. The float on the scale will indicate the set value;
- Cover the brass ring with a cover plate. This must be done to avoid damage to the device, especially if the water heated floor unit is not closed in a niche or cabinet;
- Check the system operation.
During operation of the unit, the flask remains open so that the level of the water float is visible. If balancing is needed during operation, the membrane is simply turned in the desired direction.
Choosing a flow meter for water heated floors
High-quality rotameters should be accompanied by a guarantee of 5-7 years of stable operation. It is recommended to select flow meters with a brass body. You should also pay attention to the flask; it should be made of transparent glass with good visibility of the water level scale. However, there is an opinion that it is better to choose products with a membrane made of impact-resistant plastic.
When choosing a device, you need to take into account the area of the piping system. It is also important whether the node is automated or not. In the first case, balancing will be necessary extremely rarely; mechanized collectors require more careful attention.