A central heating boiler is the core component of a heating system in a building. The boiler heats the water in the system, which then warms up the radiator or underfloor heating, radiating heat into the various rooms of the property. Would you like to learn more about how it works or about the different components of a boiler? In this blog, we explain how a central heating boiler operates.
Werking cv-ketel
In a heating system, water is heated using a central heating boiler. Most boilers operate on natural gas, which serves as the fuel for the burner inside the heat exchanger. Pipes (or coils) run around the burner, through which the water of the heating system flows. As the burner emits heat by burning natural gas, the water is heated. This heated water is then transported through a network of pipes to the radiators or underfloor heating. The circulation pump ensures that the water continuously flows through the heating system. The radiators emit heat into the rooms, and as a result, the water cools down. The pump then returns the cooled water to the boiler, where it is reheated, continuing the cycle.
1. The heat exchanger
In the heat exchanger, the water is heated. You could say that the heat exchanger is the engine of the heating system in a building. The heat exchanger operates on gas. With a spark from the electric ignition pin, the boiler switches on, and the burner is activated. Around the burner, coils (pipes or loops) filled with water circulate and get heated. The heated water is then transported to the radiators, where it releases its heat into the different rooms. For more information about the heat exchanger, read our blog on the
2. Flue gas exhaust
The combustion of gas in the heat exchanger produces flue gases that must be expelled. In a single (mono) heat exchanger, the flue gases are directly transported outside. In a condensing (duo) boiler, the flue gases are used for an additional heating stage by condensing them. For flue gas exhaust, a concentric exhaust pipe is commonly used. This is a double-walled pipe where the inner pipe removes the flue gases, while the outer pipe brings in clean air. In case of a leak, the contaminated gas escapes into the outer pipe, preventing harmful substances from entering the building.
3. Fan
The fan ensures the supply of air into the combustion chamber so that the natural gas can burn efficiently. It also helps to push the flue gases produced after combustion towards the exhaust system.
4. Circulation pump
The circulation pump ensures that the water in the heating system is in motion. When the boiler is activated, the pump also starts working. The circulation pump pumps the hot water from the heat exchanger to the radiators and then returns it to the boiler.
5. drainage system
In a high-efficiency boiler (HR boiler), the flue gas released during combustion is reused to heat the water. The flue gas mainly consists of water vapor, which is condensed, causing the droplets to become hot. After these droplets have released their heat, the water is drained away into the sewage system. This condensate flows through the drainage system.
6. Gas valve
The gas valve is connected to the natural gas and air supply within the unit. It ensures the correct amount of gas is delivered to the burner head for optimal combustion. The gas valve also regulates the proper gas pressure. It is important that the settings are checked during every maintenance service. Proper adjustment of the gas valve optimizes combustion, resulting in the highest efficiency of the central heating boiler.
7. Burner control unit
The burner control unit is the computer of the central heating boiler. It is connected to the thermostat and measures various parameters, such as the water temperature. The display shows various information, such as the water pressure, water temperature, boiler history, and details about any malfunctions.
How does a high efficiency heat boiler works
Een hoogrendementsketel verwarmt het water in een verwarmingssysteem op een duurzame manier. De verwarming vindt plaats op twee momenten. Door middel van de brander, waar aardgas wordt verbrand. En door middel van condensatie. De rookgassen die vrijkomen bij de verbranding worden opgevangen en gecondenseerd, waardoor hete waterdruppels ontstaan. Het afgekoelde water dat terugstroomt van een radiator naar de ketel, stroomt eerst langs deze hete druppels. Hiermee wordt het water voorverward. Vervolgens wordt er door de brander minder energie verbruikt om het water op de juiste temperatuur te brengen. Er ontstaat daardoor een rendement van boven de 100%. Hiermee wordt meer energie opgewekt dan dat er energie wordt verbruikt. De ketels van Eco Heating Systems halen een rendement tot 107%. Lees meer over onze heat boilers.
Maintenance
Onderhoud van een cv-ketel of warm tapwaterketel verlengt de levensduur en zorgt voor minder storingen. Het is dus een belangrijk onderdeel dat dikwijls wordt onderschat. Bij de verbranding van aardgas in de warmtewisselaar ontstaat aanslag op coils of buizen waar het water doorheen stroomt of komen er verbrandingsdeeltjes vrij. Regelmatig schoonmaken van de warmtewisselaar voorkomt storingen en zorgt ervoor dat de ketel optimaal en duurzaam kan blijven presteren. Daarnaast moet bij iedere onderhoudsbeurt de ketel worden geïnspecteerd op lekkage, slijtage, de rookgasafvoer en de waterdruk. Lees meer over het onderhoud van de cv-ketel in ons blog. Of bekijk onze video over het onderhoud van een cv-ketel.
Contact
Would you like to know more about central heating boilers, domestic hot water boilers, maintenance, or other heating products for your building? Or are you interested in the pros and cons of a central heating boiler? Then read our blog on the topic or contact us directly. We’re happy to help and can provide tailored advice. We’re here for you.
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