Power outages are not a reason to freeze! Types of batteries for UPS gas boilers

The modern gas boiler is equipped with various electronic control systems: sensors and an electronic control unit, but for normal operation of the device, a pump for pumping the coolant is also needed.

In case of power outages or power surges A voltage stabilizer or uninterruptible power supply (UPS) would be useful.

Types of batteries for uninterruptible power supply of heating

In case of power failure, the UPS will be able to keep the heating system in working order for some time. Current source This device has a battery. The operating time of a de-energized heating system depends on its characteristics.

Lead acid

Were invented in the 19th century, reliable and cheap. The principle of operation is based on the reduction of lead oxide electrons relative to lead plates. It is produced three types:

1. WET - serviceable batteries, which are series-connected blocks consisting of lead plates in a liquid sulfuric acid electrolyte.

During charging, the charge of sulfuric acid electrons is restored, and electrical energy is accumulated. In the case of overcharging, a violent sulfation process occurs with the formation of free hydrogen.

Hydrogen is explosive, so it is not advisable to use such batteries in closed spaces without forced ventilation. The disadvantages include low service life devices: 3-5 years, as well as their big weight. With a properly selected discharge-charge program, the service life can be increased. up to 10 years.

2. AGM — maintenance-free batteries in a closed case. Instead of lead separator plates, special ones are used fiberglass fillers. The electrolyte is located between the fibers, which allows increasing the contact area of ​​the electrodes and the electrolyte. During charging, gases are released insignificantly and exit through special valves. This type can be used in residential buildings, but the charging unit program must match the battery parameters.
3. GEL — maintenance-free batteries in a closed case. The electrolyte in them is represented by in the form of a gel. The gases released are absorbed by the gel and recycled into their original state. When recharging, the devices may heat up. Have small size, excellent power and capacity. They are easy to maintain, but require compliance with the charge-discharge program.

Charger all types of acid batteries produced by small currents. At low temperatures, the power drops, a strong discharge can disable the power element. Lead batteries are popular due to their low cost. In uninterruptible power supplies AGM and GEL are more commonly used batteries - they are environmentally friendly and do not require forced ventilation in the room.

Alkaline

Alkaline batteries compete with acid batteries. They are nickel-cadmium, And nickel-iron, serviced and unserviced.

Advantages devices:

• the possibility of a strong discharge without harming the battery;
• fast charging with high currents;
• you don't have to charge it completely;
• easy to maintain and durable.

Alkaline batteries have several disadvantages:

• Availability memory effect. The battery capacity decreases if it is not completely discharged. Most inverters in power supplies have a lower voltage threshold and turn off when voltage drops to 9 voltsWith these parameters, the battery is still charged 35-40%, so the electronics will have to be selected with the lowest voltage threshold.
• Maintenance Needed. In alkaline batteries once a year change the electrolyte. There are sealed maintenance-free nickel-cadmium ones, but they are very expensive.
• Wide operating voltage amplitude: 10-17 volts. To operate, a control unit is required that operates in this voltage range.
• Difficulty of recycling and disposal waste batteries: components of devices can harm the environment.

Alkaline batteries are quite suitable for UPS in case of implementation of a recharging system from a diesel generator.

Lithium

Lithium batteries were invented in the 50s of the twentieth centuryThe essence of the technology is in the created electrochemical voltage of lithiumWhen using different materials as the cathode, the lithium oxidation reaction can be reversible.

At first The use of the devices caused euphoria.

But at first generation there was a significant drawback: after a certain number of charges and discharges, lithium ions, gathering into “needles”, reached the cathode and caused short circuit with explosion batteries.

Before SONY company did not present the device second generation (before 1991), lithium batteries were treated with great caution.

Today Lithium-ion batteries are safe due to the use of nanostructured lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) as a cathode. Advantages of the third generation:

• endure up to 5 thousand cycles discharge-charge;
• are working about 25 years old;
• they do not require maintenance;
• compact;
• weigh little.

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How to choose a gas boiler uninterruptible power supply?

When choosing an uninterruptible power supply for a gas boiler, you should pay attention on the following factors:

• On capacity. This parameter determines how will work for a long time your boiler. A smaller battery is needed if the voltage surges are short-term. If necessary, power the boiler for a few hours, it's worth stocking up on several, connected in parallel. If the electricity consumption of an average boiler is 200 W/hour, then it will probably work 8 hours on the battery with parameters 100 A/hourIf the power outage intervals are longer, an autonomous generator is included in the system.

Photo 1. Diagram of a heating system with a gas boiler: three batteries with a capacity of 100 A/h are connected to the uninterruptible power supply.

• On voltage, at which the boiler operates. There are batteries at 1.2, 2.4, 6, 12 volts. To get 24, 48 volts, they are connected in series. The input voltage to the boiler is indicated in the passport or on the technical information plate.
• On durabilityHere you need to decide whether it is worth buying an expensive one, but Long lasting lithium ion battery or buy cheap lead a device that will last 4-5 years.
• On size and weight. Lithium-ion batteries 5-7 times lighter than lead and by 80% less.
• When replacing the battery, it is advisable to pay attention to terminal size and dimensions. Worth checking out polarity connections, as well as capacity and power.

Multi-device system: assembly features

If there are several batteries in the system It is important not to confuse the polarity and the method connections. There is a serial and parallel connection:

• In sequential several batteries are connected plus to minus, a "chain" is formed. All connected elements must have the same parameters, especially if lead ones are used.
• In case it is necessary to increase the total capacity of energy storage devices, it is used parallel connection. Here apply two tires: the positive is connected to the positive terminals, the negative to the negative. With this method, the total capacity of the batteries will be the sum of the capacities of the circuit elements.

If you accidentally reverse the polarities, this will happen short circuit. With such an overload, the battery can explode. To prevent this from happening, when the contacts are closed check if there is a sparkIf the contacts are "cracking", then you need to check the polarity of the connection with a multimeter or a diode lamp.

Useful video

Watch the video, which tells you which battery will make your gas boiler last longer.

Is it worth getting a car battery for a UPS?

An uninterruptible power supply that ensures safe operation of a gas boiler is usually located in a residential area. Application of conventional lead-acid car batteries for UPS in residential premises undesirableFor batteries of this type, a battery cabinet and forced exhaust are organized, since flammable hydrogen is released during operation of the devices.