Using electric boilers with hierarchical load control systems to supply heat to apartments

Abstract

Introduction. Using electrical energy, transformed into thermal energy, to supply heat to premises is not a good idea due to its low efficiency. It is generally believed that the use of electricity to supply heat to multi-family buildings is considered to have a higher carbon footprint than gas-fired heating. If we consider the entire life cycle of heat supply systems, as well as the production of smoke exhaust systems, air supply, gas supply, operating expenses, the comparison between the carbon footprints of the above technologies is ambiguous. The use of electric boilers as sources of heat supply to apartments is limited due to the amount of energy, thus produced, which is equal to 15 kW. Materials and methods. The author analyzed the operation of a wall-mounted electric boiler with a hierarchical load control system. Its mode of operation was focused on meeting the top-priority physiological and social needs of apartment residents. Results. The operation of electric heat generators, having triac and relay control systems, was compared for the case of a limited amount of electricity supplied. The authors determined the boundaries of comfortable use of electric heat generators for apartment heat supply. Conclusions. Electric boilers with a triac control system and a small load change step can demonstrate linear modulation in the entire range of changes in heat load values of independent heat supply systems. The structure of electrical energy consumption by electric boilers is hierarchical. An electric boiler control system must have an independent line equipped with priority and time relays. 15 kW is enough to ensure the comfortable use of any standard electrical appliances for premises up to 80 m2 located in the central areas of the Russian Federation.