All the heat will stay in the house! Wood boiler with a water circuit: characteristics, manufacturing

Water circuit - climate control design of the required temperature regime.

Its essence lies in the fact that when the cooling system is operating, the mechanisms take away heat, and those operating in heating mode give it away.

According to the technical design, it is represented by a solid fuel boiler. When using it the accumulated heat does not “fly out the window” as with conventional heating, and is stored inside heated rooms.

The absolute advantage of such designed heating systems is safety principle. In case of emergency shutdowns of traditional energy sources, it is possible to conserve heat thanks to an additional unit operating in autonomous mode.

Wood boiler with water circuit

The working scheme of the device is quite simple. After lighting the wood the liquid is heated, which in turn enters the heating systemIf the unit is mounted in front of a gas boiler, it is possible not only to limit the use of this energy source, but also to completely replace it with solid fuel.

Photo 1. Scheme of a wood-fired heating boiler with a water circuit. The arrows indicate the parts of the device.

With the right thinking, understanding of physical processes, a similar unit can be made by yourself. After all, the basis of all solid fuel systems made by handicraft methods lies in the economical combustion of firewood, effective heating of the heat exchanger and pipes.

Advantages homemade solid fuel installations:

• cost price such a unit much cheaper, than other heating systems;
• correct connection, high-quality interaction with the heating system allows heat to be distributed over large areas, than other devices;
• significant heat transfer apparatus;
• the energy resource is ordinary firewood, the acquisition of which will not cause any difficulties;
• independence of the heating system allows to exclude electric and gas energy sources;
• low physical and material costs for the entire project.

Flaws:

• lack of autonomous heating mode, the system operates exclusively under manual control;
• Efficiency similar unit somewhat exaggerated;
• unpresentable appearance;
• possibility of incorrect assembly systems.

Construction of a wood-fired boiler with water heating

An acceptable option for DIY production is a solid fuel unit with circuit heating.

The device includes two containers that fit one inside the other. The inner tank serves as a firebox, the outer one as a heating tank.

Homemade equipment can operate on both wood and other types of solid fuel.

Components of a homemade boiler:

• metal firebox with door;
• ash compartment with door;
• soot collector;
• chimney device;
• steel pipe;
• damper valve;
• outlet and inlet fittings;
• cast iron or steel lid;
• support posts.

Efficiency of solid fuel boiler with circuit heating achieved through constant circulation of the coolant. The hot liquid moves up the pipes, the freed space is filled with cold water, which heats up over time. Due to the continuous movement of liquid through the heating system, the required temperature is maintained in all rooms of the house.

DIY welding

The materials for making the device are quite affordable, and the tools required for the job are easy to find. From the home craftsman certain welding and plumbing skills will be required.

You will need:

1. Metal container (an ordinary barrel, without signs of corrosion). The body of the unit must be made completely sealed. If there are any defects, they are welded, filling with water. The slightest leak is excluded.

Photo 2. A metal barrel suitable for making a wood boiler. Before working with it, you need to remove the paint.

1. Thick sheet metal for welding heat exchangers. It is possible to replace homemade radiators with used cast iron batteries. For the case it is enough 5-6 sections. Cast iron serves as a good conductor of heat, maintaining the required temperature for a long time.
2. Profile pipes for chimney, frame installation.
3. Doors, dampers, grates. If the house is large, a circulation pump will be needed, since the coolant will not rise up through the pipes. It is possible to defrost the system during the cold period. Experts advise purchasing a thermometer and pressure gauge for the installed device.
4. To distribute the pipes, it will be necessary to install metal-plastic fittings and cast iron radiators, since solid fuel units with circuit heating will not be able to function normally without them.

How to assemble a device in a handicraft way

One of the main editing tools will be welding machine. If you have no work experience, further work is dangerous.

Boiler assembly algorithm:

1. Create a drawing (at least schematically) future assembly of the boiler and heating circuit.
2. Assemble the base that will support the unit. Profile pipes or metal corners are used. It is proposed to design the upper part of the device in an arched shape, which will allow the barrel to take a more stable position.
3. Prepare the barrel. Make holes for the firebox and ash chamber, for the chimney, as well as the inlet and outlet openings.
4. The tank is installed behind the firebox. One of the possibilities of wood boilers is that the exhaust gases envelop the unit, helping to heat the heat exchanger. The installation of the device is done strictly vertically, the nozzles are pre-connected to the holes made.
5. They install a metal chimney pipe and prepare the lid with a door. The chimney is led out into a common ventilation opening. If there is no ventilation, the pipe is led out onto the roof.

Next, It is recommended to test the homemade contour unit. You will need some fuel, which is placed in the firebox and ignited. If there is no leakage of exhaust gases, proceed to install the piping throughout the rooms.

Adviсe:

• When installing, carefully consider the correct choice of circuit: the presence of one pipe creates uneven heating, two pipes make it possible to regulate the temperature when installing Mayevsky taps at the ends of the radiators;
• connect the fittings and batteries in sequence;
• Place the expansion tank on the supply line.

After diagnostics, we inspect the structure, eliminate deficiencies, and start the heating process.

Possible difficulties during assembly

It is important to know that a homemade solid fuel device belongs to the risk zone and is included in the group of high-risk structures. Possible problems with incorrect assembly:

• Mismatch of chimney pipe diameter leads to poor draft and a decrease in temperature in the system.
• Boiler doors are often not sealed, Because of this, there is a possibility of smoke leaking into the firebox, and there is a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Installation of the device without safety devices. This refers to the blast valve for releasing air and the expansion tank.
• Formation of condensation in the chimney due to improper assembly of the system.
• If the chimney section is horizontal, it is important to install a revision (a special cover) that must be regularly cleaned of soot to protect the room from fire.

Causes of failures during system operation

During the operation of a homemade boiler, certain difficulties may arise. This is not necessarily due to errors made during installation work. The most common problems are:

1. Condensate is leaking from the unit. The reason is the low temperature mode of the return. To eliminate this, you will need to ensure that the temperature does not drop. below 60 degrees.
2. The boiler is overheating. The reasons for this are varied:

• generation of excess heat — occurs when the device regenerates additional energy over a small area, the water boils, and unnecessary heat escapes through the safety valve;
• Stopping the circulation pump: When the pump is de-energized, the heat supply cycle stops. The system boils, releasing excess heat through the safety valve.

1. Smoke is leaking through the doors. The chimney needs to be cleaned.
2. Water is leaking from the chimney. We'll have to insulate the hood.
3. Excessive fuel consumptionThe room is poorly insulated, the efficiency of combustible materials is low.

Useful video

Watch the video, which tells you how to make a wood-fired heating boiler with a water circuit yourself.

Results

Do not involve amateurs in assembly and maintenance. This service can become dangerous and lead to tragic consequences. For successful operation of a home-made heating unit, strict adherence to safety precautions will be required.