best UPS for gas boilers
Experts advise to buy gas boilers only in tandem with a good, technically suitable uninterruptible power supply. And this is not an empty marketing: an auxiliary unit will extend the life of expensive equipment. When choosing a UPS for a heating boiler, you should carefully read the characteristics of the model, correctly determine what parameters are needed. And also study the reviews on the Internet, so as not to miscalculate and take a reliable, high-quality device for the home. Our editorial staff has analyzed the market and compiled an independent rating of the best uninterruptible power supplies for gas boilers, in combination of price and quality, for the year 2022.
mistakes when choosing a UPS for a gas boiler.
A headache for every owner of a country house is the issue of uninterrupted power supply to the boiler and other equipment.
Unfortunately, the problem of constant power outages, at any period of time, is almost the norm for many.
This problem is solved by installing an uninterruptible power supply. In simple terms, it is called UPS, uninterruptible power supply or inverter for the boiler.
Those who want to opt for a generator think about what will happen when the power goes out when you’re not at home? How, in this case, to transfer the boiler to backup power?
You need a model with an autostart system and other automation, and they cost completely different money.
And also because we don’t often have power outages for long, half an hour at the most. It takes a long time to take out the generator, fill it with petrol, connect it, start it, and all this in the bitter cold.
And the quality of output voltage (frequency, sinusoidal) generators are markedly inferior to inverters.
So the choice here for many is obvious.
Just do not confuse this uninterruptible power supply with the UPS for the computer. The computer version uses built-in batteries.
They do not give you the full battery life you need. So if you think “I’ll buy a better UPS for the summer, and in winter through it will connect the boiler,” it is a mistake and delusion.
Even if someone advises you to collect a scheme of computer UPS with connection from external batteries, do not do it. Computer models have an approximated sinusoidal wave, which is bad for the equipment. But more about that later.
Boiler equipment requires a power supply with external batteries. At the same time, with the ability to increase power.
They will give ample autonomy time.
What is the principle of UPS operation? It converts the DC voltage from the batteries to AC. In the case of a power outage, the main function of the UPS is to protect the power supply from harmful interference.energy, all consumers, without any time delay, immediately switch over to battery operation.
And when the mains voltage is switched back on, the inverter itself returns to normal power mode. It will charge the discharged batteries.
First of all, when choosing a UPS for the boiler, pay attention to the shape of the output voltage.
There are 2 types of output voltage:
When choosing, always choose pure sine models. Why it matters?
Boilers and its equipment do not like voltage fluctuations, as well as changes in output frequency. If you buy a UPS with quasi-sinus, the boiler can detect this voltage as an error, and will go into error.
The motor in pumps is asynchronous and this pseudo-sine produces many harmonics that greatly reduce efficiency and cause heating and humming.
In addition, the boiler itself has its own built-in circulation pump, and sometimes more than one, hence such strict requirements.
Always pay attention to the ability of the UPS to withstand high starting currents (two or three times). In addition to the boiler, there is also other equipment that needs to be powered, such as a submersible pump.
What power should choose a UPS for the boiler room? The calculation is not complicated.
Just add the power of all appliances that will be connected through it, and multiply by two. If there is a deep-well pump, then by three. considering its inrush currents.
The data can be taken from the data sheet or instruction manual, or can be seen directly on the housings of the products.
For example, for a boiler room with three 90W pumps and a 135W boiler, an inverter between 0.8 and 1.0kW is more suitable. If you have less power, the field switches (transistors) will overheat.
If the sum of all appliances exceeds the capacity of your chosen model, suddenly you want to power any appliances, light bulbs, then initially take them into account, not just boiler equipment.
Here already the capacity can vary from 1 to 5 kW.
And how long will the selected UPS work offline?? Here it all depends on the batteries. Here is a table with the characteristics of the battery capacity and the load to be connected:
From it is clearly visible in hours and minutes, how long enough time your UPS, to work independently from the mains.
It is better to place the UPS near the existing sockets. If it is undersized, it is not necessary to hang it on the wall, it is enough to hang it on the nearest shelf. The main thing is not to close the ventilation holes.
Do not forget to comply with the rules of PUE. The minimum distance from the gas pipes to sockets, including the UPS, should be at least 0.5m.
Concerning the placement of batteries. Fancy AGM models are afraid of high temperatures over 30 degrees. And the temperature near the boiler is definitely not room temperature.
Many consumers often use car batteries for the uninterruptible power supply, which should not be done categorically. These batteries are flammable and explosive.
They are designed for starting starter currents, and therefore do not give the autonomous operation that is required of them. Therefore, it is necessary to use specialized batteries with AGM or GEL-gel technology.
AGMs have a service life of 6 to 10 years, and gel-type radiators from 10 to 15 years.
Also gel ones are not afraid of deep discharge.
In addition, both models are fire and explosion-proof for any premises and do not emit any gases. Of course they cost more, but if before the differed in times, today you can find models with a difference of only a couple of thousand.
Automotive types are not designed for a large number of charge-discharge cycles, while specialized at a regular 30% discharge can be painlessly recharged up to 700 times!
over the quality UPS has built-in deep-discharge protection from the very beginning. Accordingly, this will further increase battery life and ensure the longevity of the entire system.
But be careful and check the date of manufacture of the battery beforehand, even in the store. It may not be clearly specified in the figures, and sellers modestly silent about this point, will sell you an old stale model.
Here’s a decryption table of Ventura brand batteries, for example. Code GF11PJB6VVK3EA and its decoding by first characters. Other brands may vary. It turns out the release date: 2017-June-11.
Always try to buy an inverter which has a built-in voltage regulator.
According to this parameter, the UPS can be divided into 3 types:
AC 200V applied, the same 200V AC you get at the output. If the mains parameters deviate beyond the minimum or maximum ranges, it will simply turn on the inverter and start drawing power from the battery.
Some people wonder why their batteries discharge so quickly. Even though there didn’t seem to be any outages. Just check the input voltage and everything becomes clear.
That is, all the bad parameters of the network (sine wave, voltage fluctuations, frequency) are smoothed out and flattened to their nominal values.
The best and most advanced models to date are online.
There are often problems with frequencies other than 50Hz.
The power supply of country houses is characterized not only by frequent interruptions, but also by a low quality of the input voltage. But one should not consider a UPS as a panacea against these troubles.
Not all models can “pull” too low a voltage (less than 170-180V).
At such a slump, the device will go into error, shut down and beep. Accordingly, along with it, the boiler will shut down, or immediately switch to the battery.
At the same time, the UPS itself may indicate that it is designed to work at 180V. What’s the matter, was cheated in the store?
That is why if you really have serious and permanent problems with the input U200V, you still have to install a normal inverter regulator at the input.
Otherwise, the boiler will only be permanently powered by batteries. And this will not add life to them.
The inverter stabilizer easily levels the parameters to the norm, starting with drawdowns up to 90 V.
Summing up all of the above, we can make a brief review of the most common mistakes that you should avoid when buying and choosing an uninterruptible power supply in the store.
For gas boilers you need online models. No offline or line-interactive ones, unless of course you have an additional stabilizer in front of them.
Install only AGM or gel-type technology, forget the automotive ones.
3 Using a UPS from a computer instead of a normal UPS for the boiler.
expect problems with autonomy and sinus purity.
4 No stabilizer for stable low voltage sags over an extended period of operation.
As a consequence, the rapid discharge of batteries, or total failure due to software errors in the boiler electronics.
Uninterruptible power supply for the heating boiler: the principle of operation, the subtleties of choosing an uninterruptible power supply
Do you know the feeling when you are left without electricity at the most inopportune moment? Agree, it is difficult to find a convenient time to give up the power grid. Many private homes are already equipped with autonomous generators in case of prolonged loss of power supply. It is a good idea to have a power supply for the boiler as well, since this equipment has sensitive components. On the latter depends the serviceability and safety of the boiler system.
Battery Backup is BETTER than Generator Backup
Uninterruptible power supply of high quality will save your STIHL: you will not have to deal with incomprehensible errors, wait for the masters, pay for repairs. From this article you will learn about the work of the power supply, their types, criteria for error-free choice of device under any circumstances.
The need for protection against power grid instability, blackouts and brownouts led to the emergence of the uninterruptible power supply (UPS). Different circumstances require a certain type of uninterruptible power supply, and others can be discarded. Learn more about this in our article.
Types of uninterruptible power supplies
Uninterruptible power supply manufacturers produce devices for every financial budget, but the more expensive it is, the higher its functionality and battery life.
UPS on the principle of operation can be divided into three main categories: continuous (on-line type), line-interactive and standby (off-line type). We will describe each type of UPS in more detail below.
Variant #1: standby
If there is electricity in the network, the backup or off-line uninterruptible power supply acts as an intermediary, transferring voltage and current with the same characteristics as those available in the input to the device.
Only in case of a power outage or out of its parameters outside the programmed range, the UPS transfers the connected equipment to battery power.
Standby uninterruptible power supplies are usually equipped with 5-10 Ah batteries, which are enough to continuously run the boiler for 10-30 minutes. Their main functions are to prevent an instantaneous stopping of the heating equipment and to allow time for its correct manual stopping.
- The switching time to the battery is 4-12 m.
- Impossibility to adjust the voltage and current characteristics.
- Working from a gasoline generator is dangerous for the boiler, because the parameters of the sine wave can not be maintained.
- Small battery capacity.
Many models of backup uninterruptible power supplies involve the installation of external batteries, at the expense of which their autonomous operation time can be increased. But even with a powerful battery they will remain just switches of the boiler‘s power supply from the mains to the autonomous.
Option #2: line-interactive
Line-interactive uninterruptible power supplies are more advanced than the standby ones. In addition to the battery, these devices have a voltage stabilizer, which allows them to provide 220 V output.
expensive models are able to analyze the sinusoidal waveform and switch the power to the battery if it is distorted by more than 5-10%. Such UPS are not capable of correcting the sinusoidal waveform while operating from the mains.
Line-interactive models with high output power are often installed at the entrance to the wiring in the house. Usually connected to a high-capacity external batteries.
Advantages of line-interactive UPS are as follows:
- Short switching interval to autonomous mode. 2-10 ms, which almost has no effect on the connected equipment.
- High efficiency when supplied from the mains.
- Ability to stabilize voltage even without a battery.
Disadvantages of linear-interactive uninterruptible power supplies:
Line-interactive UPSs are purchased more often than standby ones, because they are additionally equipped with a voltage stabilizer, which allows the heating equipment to work more correctly.
Option #3: continuous
Power output parameters of continuous (on-line) uninterruptible power supplies do not depend on their input characteristics. Connected equipment is always powered by the battery, regardless of the presence of voltage at the input. This is accomplished by converting electrical power in two stages.
First, the incoming voltage is lowered, the AC current is rectified, and the electricity is used to recharge the battery.
When electricity is released, the reverse process occurs. Electricity is drawn from the battery terminals, the current is converted into alternating current, the voltage is increased and fed to the output of the uninterruptible power supply.
As a result, the connected equipment operates in fully autonomous mode with stable electrical parameters. It is not afraid of power surges, sine wave distortions and even lightning strikes. External factors can damage the UPS, but not the connected gas heater or floor standing boiler.
The benefits of continuous uninterruptible power supplies:
- Power to connected devices is not interrupted during a power outage.
- Stable voltage and frequency parameters, the correct sinusoidal waveform, which is especially important when connecting a gas boiler.
- Protection against sudden voltage rises.
- Problem-free connection to a gasoline generator to replenish the charge.
- Possibility of output voltage adjustment.
The main disadvantages of on-line uninterrupted power supplies:
- Increased noise and heat production during fan operation.
- Low efficiency (80-94%)
- The cost of continuous power supply units exceeds the price of linear-interactive models by two or three times.
Advantages of the UPS on-line type are obvious. These uninterrupted power supply units are quite expensive, but provide the best possible electrical protection for the gas boiler. If you connect them to the battery with a large capacity, you can not worry about the normal operation of heating equipment even in case of power failure.
- Baxi
- De Dietrich
- Vaillant
- Wiessmann
- Protherm
- Buderus
- Ferroli
- Attack
- Fondital
- Alpine
- Navien
- Electrolux
- Bosch
- DAEWOO
- ATON
- AEG
- Lamborghini
- Kospel
- Dakon
- EVAN
- Zota
- Beretta
- Kiturami
- Thermona
- INNOVITA
- and other manufacturers
- Capacity of UPS is calculated on the basis of a maximum estimate of circulating pump starting capacity.
- The autonomous operation time is determined based on the condition that the pumps work continuously.
For a wall mounted gas boiler, look at its power consumption in the documentation of the boiler. The starting power (power at the moment of switching on the equipment) does not need to be taken into account separately. The power of the UPS offered on this page is guaranteed to be greater.
To determine the electrical wattage of the floor standing boiler is more complicated. This must be added together:
- 1. Capacity of the boiler control device. Approximately 20 watts can be considered.
- 2. Motor capacity of burner blower fan.
- 3. Sum of the rated outputs of all circulation pumps used.
When you enter the total value on the site, it will automatically calculate the maximum possible starting power and select the appropriate UPS by capacity.
If you are able to determine the exact starting power and select the UPS yourself, you can determine the required capacity of external batteries using the “Select external batteries” button. On this page it is present at each UPS.
Three algorithms are used in determining the desired autonomous operation time of the heating boiler:
- 1. The minimum necessary option: remember or ask your neighbors (if you have moved to the area recently) for how long the power supply has been interrupted in recent years. For example, there have been no interruptions for more than four hours in recent years. Then add an hour just in case and consider that the desired back-up time is 5 hours.
- 2. A comfortable option: consider that even in case of a brief power outage, the heating boiler will not automatically turn on. So that the temperature in your house does not drop while you sleep, it is reasonable to have 8. 10 hours of standby time. So that you don’t have to get up at night just to turn on the heating.
- 3. Maximum comfort option: if power outages can exceed 24 hours and are frequent, it is wise to consider purchasing an electric generator and UPS with external batteries. UPS with external batteries will ensure quiet operation of the heating boiler while you sleep (provided you use 8-10 hours of battery backup). The generator will provide power to all the electrical equipment in the house during the day and simultaneously recharge the batteries.
If you are comfortable with the “maximum comfort option”, before buying the equipment you should make sure that the generator delivers a stable frequency and a clean sinusoidal voltage. The UPS will then be able to charge the batteries when powered by a generator.
What the UPS capacity depends on
The UPS capacity depends on the size of the load to be connected: it must be sufficient to start the boiler and the pumps that circulate the water in the heating system.
Usually with a gas boiler is used a circulating pump. Both units have datasheets that show power consumption in watts or VA. It would seem that you need to add up these powers and choose the right UPS. But this is not enough. the reason is in the peculiarities of pumps.
Pumps operate on electric motors, which means that in order to start them, they need a high starting current. In other words, the moment they are switched on, they consume more power than is shown in the specs.
Variety
Depending on the way in which the supply voltage from an external electrical source into the heating unit, there are 3 types of uninterruptible power supply:
The parameters of the incoming and outgoing voltage are the same. Module includes. battery, stabilizer, inverter and relay. In the event of a power failure it activates a relay to switch to an autonomous power supply. However, this occurs with some delay, in the order of 4-10 milliseconds.
Therefore it is not suitable for units without automatic switching system. In addition, it will be necessary to separately purchase a stabilizer. The main advantage. low cost. suitable for solid fuel boilers.
Current from network undergoes double conversion. First the rectifier transforms the AC 220V into DC 12V, then feeds it to the inverter and the battery. It is then converted back into alternating current, but with ideal sinusoidal characteristics.
In addition, the online uninterruptible power supply for the boiler has the added advantage of switching instantly to an autonomous power supply when the external mains is switched off. It is therefore particularly suitable for gas or diesel heating systems.
Similar in construction to offline models, but with the difference that on the input current flows through the stabilizer. The number of false alarms due to unstable external voltage is thus significantly reduced, and the service life is extended.
However, on such models there is still a disadvantage of analogues. a pause in power supply during relay switching. This can simply shut down or put models that are sensitive to this factor into emergency mode.
Availability of UPS itself does not guarantee protection of the gas boiler from voltage fluctuations in the network. when the drop to 170-180 V unit will automatically switch to the battery and work only from it. The installation of a reliable inverter stabilizer for the incoming signal can save you from this.
Tips from professionals when choosing a UPS for gas boilers
The main characteristic of the UPS. power. Therefore, before choosing a device, it is necessary to correlate its output power with the consumed characteristics of the gas boiler. For this make the calculation.
Their sum is the total capacity of the boiler. But there is such a thing as energy efficiency, which is denoted by letters of the Latin alphabet from “A” to “G”. When calculating the capacity of the uninterruptible power supply, it is necessary to take this into account. For the category “A” is taken into account increasing factor equal to 1.3. For all other categories it is equal to “5”.
If the circulating pump has energy efficiency category “C” and the fan has energy efficiency category “A”, then the capacity of the uninterruptible power supply will be calculated according to the following formula:
It is recommended to make a small power reserve of up to 20%. That is:
403×1,2 = 484 W. this will be the benchmark for choosing an uninterruptible power.
Purpose of the UPS for boilers
When the power outage in the city, the collective heating system remains operational. Some owners install standalone equipment. However, even in this case, you can count on the repair service to fix problems quickly enough.
Typical problems of suburban households:
With the help of an uninterruptible power supply for the gas boiler the following tasks are solved:
- Provide equipment operation in case of power outage 220V;
- Maintain a normal voltage level;
- prevent software errors, breakdown of electronic units.
UPS for gas boilers performs its functions autonomously, without close monitoring by the user. The service life of modern models is 15-20 years and more, which should be taken into account when calculating the investment in the project.
An exception. batteries, which are replaced as the resource. As a rule, such operations are performed after 3-4 years of intensive exploitation.
