Central Heating Pump
What Is a Central Heating Pump?
Those who own a house or a cottage and are using a central heating system to warm up their properties, might have experienced the problem of uneven heating - when some rooms are hotter or colder than the other. In order to make sure that one sets the central heating system in a way that will ensure a proper heat distribution throughout the house, two things are important to keep in mind:
- use large diameter connection pipes - pipes that connect the central heating system boiler or heat pump with the heat distribution devices (radiators, underfloor heating).
- use a central heating pump (also known as circulating pump) - it is usually installed in a certain part of the heating system and helps the coolant to be more equally distributed.
The second option is the one that is most widely employed by many homeowners. It requires less financial and working hours investment in refitting the layout of the central heating system for achieving the desired level of hot water circulation.
Among other things, the installation of a circulation pump is times faster compared to a full-fledged modernisation of the central heating system. By installing a central heating pump, one can achieve the following outcomes:
- balance the temperature of the entire system.
- prevent the buildup of air congestion within the pumps.
- more optimal usage of the heating system infrastructure.
In order to make sure that the pump you get matches the central heating system parameters, you should keep in mind that calculating your heating expenses and needs plays a major role when selecting the circulation pump that will deliver the best value for your money.
Calculating the Pump's Required Power
The central heating pump performance depends on the following factors:
- the diametrical values of the system’s main parts.
- the peak pressure indicator of the fluid (coolant) that is pumped from the boiler/heat pump to the central heating distribution system.
- the coolant capacity indicators.
- the maximum temperature level of the fluid that circulates inside the central heating system.
- the density indicators for the central heating fluid (hot water).
In order to calculate the coolant’s heat transfer value, it would be necessary to use the following equation (formula): P=Q, where P indicates the boiler’s flow rate per unit of time, and Q is the value which indicates the heating system’s fluid power. Therefore, it becomes clear that a radiator with a heating output of 10kW is capable of letting through 10 litres of hot water (coolant) per one minute of the central heating system operation.
Important to remember: It is important to take into account the central heating pipes diameter since this value directly impacts upon the speed with which the system’s fluid is pushed through. On average, the system’s standard flow rate should be in the range of 1.5m/s (when the central heating system is turned on).
It should be noted that the central heating pump’s power indicators are directly proportional to the length of the pipeline.
Central Heating Pump Types
Currently, there are two types of pumping equipment available on the market, that are used for pressurising the central heating network of pipes and subsequently, ensuring a proper water circulation within the system.
- A rotor or ‘dry’ type pump, which is installed in a way that ensures that there is no direct contact with the heat carrier - hot water.
- Submersible pumps - that have direct contact with the water that is pumped throughout the system. Thus, it is important for the central heating system design to allow for the complete immersion of the circulation pump into the water.
Experts note that for high rise apartment buildings the rotor type pump will be best, as this kind of equipment is designed for high-pressure pumping capacity. The second option - the submersible one, is optimal for low profile buildings, like private houses, since it will ensure an efficient water circulation, while in direct contact with the water.
Important to remember: Running a rotor turns out to be a noisy experience, so it is a bad idea to install it in a house, as it will create a persistent discomfort for the homeowner. Instead, these types of pumps are mostly installed in the basements of high rise buildings, that have proper sound insulation.
The growing popularity of submersible pumps in the private house sector is subject to their low-noise operation and to less frequent maintenance works compared to rotors.
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