A radiant heating system is a principle of organizing heating with several circuits and individual connection of individual devices. In this case, the system can be controlled from one place.

Advantages and disadvantages

The advantages of the beam system include the following factors:

The radial wiring of the heating system is not without certain disadvantages:

1. The system can be exclusively two-pipe, which entails additional consumption of materials.
2. Installation work is more complex than in the case of a series circuit.
3. Only solid pipes without joints are allowed, since the pipeline is laid under the screed. The requirement is due to the increased risk of leaks at the joints.
4. It is necessary to purchase circulation pumps for each circuit.

DIY radiation system

First of all, you will need to draw a ray diagram on paper. Here you cannot do without at least minimal designer skills and an understanding of the basic principles of the functioning of the heating system. If you have no experience in design, you can order a drawing from a design organization.

For those who decide to do all the work themselves, it is recommended to divide the work into several successive parts:

1. Analysis of room characteristics. The basic rule for laying a pipeline is the absence of a fine surface finish, since the pipes are laid in a screed.
2. Locating batteries. Radiators should be installed on the walls under the windows.
3. Drawing up a floor plan. It indicates the initial data, namely: the places where the batteries and the boiler are installed.
4. The plan should also include pipe installation locations and the location of the central distribution manifold.
5. Indication of safety and shut-off valves. The necessary equipment includes pressure gauges, thermometers, Mayevsky taps, shutoff taps, etc. The plan must list all devices and indicate the order in which they will be installed. You will also need air vents - one for each circuit. Air vents have an important function - preventing the formation of air pockets.

Collector or radial pipe routing

A radiant heating system is based on the operation of a collector. This device is used to transfer coolant from the central main to local circuits. The collector (another name is the comb) looks like a hollow pipe with a pipe for the inlet (outlet) of the coolant. Also on the collector there are connecting elements separate for each circuit.

For the beam system to operate, two types of collectors are required:

1. Input. The kit includes a pump and a control valve (two- or three-way). The valve is equipped with a thermometer mounted in the manifold housing. After receiving information from the thermometer, the valve automatically mixes hot water into the cold coolant.
2. Day off. When the coolant has passed around the circuit, it must return to the boiler, where it will be heated again. An outlet manifold is provided to collect the coolant. Additional devices can be installed on the pipes - balancing flow controllers, which change the water temperature and the flow characteristics of the system.

To an untrained eye, it may seem that the collector is not so needed if the distribution is organized using tees. However, in this case it will not be possible to make the system stable: there will be periodic failures in the operation of the equipment.

Without the use of sediments, control and distribution valves, the risk of idle circuits increases in the absence of circulation of coolant in them.

Pipe selection

The radiant heating system of a two-story house has a number of features. First of all, we are talking about the installation location of the collectors. It is recommended to place the general distribution center immediately after the coolant exits the boiler. The entire complex of main equipment is usually installed in a specially designated room - a boiler room.

In large buildings, it is common to install several distribution manifolds at once. The equipment is locked in special boxes. Moreover, if necessary, there is free access to it. It is prohibited to install collectors in a screed or under permanent decorative panels.

To ensure that the operation of the beam circuit is controlled and uninterrupted, shut-off, protective and control valves are used:

1. Thermometers and pressure gauges. Such devices should be located at the outlet of the heated coolant from the boiler. In addition, it is desirable to have such devices in each collector. Measuring devices allow visual control of the temperature level of water in the radiant heating circuit.
2. Protective fittings. We are talking, first of all, about the Mayevsky tap and safety valves, the task of which is to stabilize the pressure in the system.
3. Shut-off valves. Devices in this group help with repairs and maintenance, since if they are available, work can be carried out without shutting down the system. It is only necessary to reduce the flow of coolant in one of the circuits. Shut-off valves are installed in front of the boiler inlet pipe, as well as on all collectors. The use of a radial system in a private home is considered the optimal way to organize a heating system. At the same time, an amendment must be made: the use of such a system is fully justified only if the standard heating scheme is ineffective. Therefore, at the planning stage, it is recommended to make calculations to select the best option.

The use of a radiant system in a private home is considered the optimal way to organize a heating system. At the same time, an amendment must be made: the use of such a system is fully justified only if the standard heating scheme is ineffective. Therefore, at the planning stage, it is recommended to make calculations to select the best option.

The installation of a heating system is the most expensive item in the budget for major repairs or construction. The operational characteristics and energy costs of the owners in the winter depend on the correct installation and the features of all the elements of this facility.

Gradually replacing outdated tee wiring. This is due to a number of its advantages. The master should learn how to arrange such a wiring independently, as well as what its main features are, before starting installation.

general characteristics

Can be done using various wiring. The beam system is also called the collector system. Each radiator in the building is supplied to a separate pipe. Each of them has its own pipe returning to the collector. Radiators with this connection are a separate element. They do not depend on other heating devices in the network and are supplied to the collector in parallel.

The collector is a large device. It is responsible for supplying coolant to each individual circuit. If it is necessary to repair one battery, the heating system continues to operate as before. Only one radiator is cut off.

according to the tee scheme, it involves a smaller number of pipes. However, installation costs are recouped during the operation of the system. The positive economic effect of using beam wiring in a large house or cottage with two or more floors is especially pronounced.

Advantages and disadvantages

Characterized by some features radial wiring of the heating system. Advantages and disadvantages such an organization must be considered before installation. The disadvantages include a larger number of pipes and fittings. This significantly increases the cost of repairs. The tee circuit is much cheaper to install. Also, a large number of connections, if connected incorrectly, can lead to frequent system breakdowns.

However, all these disadvantages pale against the background of the advantages of radiant heating. In this case, the system quickly pays for its installation cost. The ability to control the heating in each room significantly reduces energy costs. When organizing such a system, there are many joints and joints. The master has easy access to them. Therefore, when carrying out repairs, this factor greatly facilitates the work.

The beam system pipes can be hidden under the floor, in the thickness of the wall, or simply behind curtains. A properly planned scheme allows you to remove unattractive communications from view. The tee circuit does not provide such an opportunity to home owners.

System elements

Consists of several required elements. The main one is the boiler. When calculating its power, the area of ​​the premises, as well as the heat loss of the building, are taken into account.

The circuit includes a circulation pump. There are systems with natural coolant circulation. However, they are less effective. Today, almost all radiant heating schemes include a pump. It forces the heated liquid to move along the circuits at a certain speed. This makes it possible to maintain optimal heating conditions for the room.

The collector is a distribution unit. It is responsible for optimal nutrition of all circuits. This element may include various control and shut-off equipment. The presented devices are installed in a special cabinet. This allows you to protect your equipment and hide it from prying eyes.

Circulation type

Can use the principle of natural or forced circulation. In the first case, the coolant is distributed through pipes and radiators by gravity. This requires the installation of large diameter pipes. This is a simple but less effective system. It is suitable only for a small one-story house that does not have electricity.

In modern construction, beam systems are used in combination with a pump. It provides forced circulation of the coolant. The pump is installed on the supply or return circuit. It works with a certain power. Such a device is necessary for the heating system of a large or two-story cottage.

Thanks to the many advantages, as well as the reasonable cost of circulation pumps, today this installation option is used almost everywhere.

Design

Calculation of a radiant heating system carried out at the design stage. To do this, you need to draw a detailed diagram with dimensions on paper. All elements are indicated on it. If necessary, the drawing can be ordered from a special organization.

First you need to evaluate the existing features of the room. The rooms should not be decorated. It is best to hide the pipes in the floor under the screed. The plan also indicates radiators and their location (on the wall under the window). The number of sections and their internal volume depend on the material of the convector, as well as the thickness of its walls. In accordance with the parameters specified by the manufacturer, the required volume of coolant for each battery is calculated.

According to the radial scheme, it is characterized by some additional heat losses. The heated liquid is supplied to the batteries through pipes, the length of which will be greater than in a tee circuit. This feature must be taken into account when making calculations.

The plan indicates where the pipes will be laid. Pressure gauges, thermometers, shut-off valves are added to the equipment. Before installation, all elements of the main and additional equipment should be carefully considered. The sequence of their installation is also indicated in the diagram.

Manifold selection

Includes a collector (comb). This element has pipes for the inlet and outlet of the coolant. For a beam circuit, two types of collectors should be installed.

The first of these will be the input comb. A pump is connected to it, as well as a coolant distribution valve. It can be three- or two-way. The valve contains a thermometer. It is installed in the collector housing. The device transmits information to the valve. It opens or closes the valve, mixing hot liquid into the circuit.

The outlet manifold collects the cooled coolant, which returns to the boiler. The heating device heats it up again. Additionally, a balancing flow controller can be installed on this pipe. The collector group ensures the stability of the system. It is responsible for optimizing and balancing the heating of the coolant in the system.

Pipe selection

Which is mounted according to a beam pattern, requires the correct selection of pipes. Communications must be flexible enough to avoid installing a large number of connections. Pipes made of cross-linked polyethylene are best suited for these purposes. Such products are sold in coils.

Polyethylene pipes that are suitable for radiant heating systems must have an airtight layer. When using conventional varieties, air enters the system. It leads to the development of corrosion of metal elements and rapid failure of equipment.

To connect the collector to the boiler, ¾-inch pipes are used. Radiators can be connected to the comb using communications with a cross-section of ½ inch. This is possible if used in a pump. Otherwise, the diameter of the pipes may be larger.

Installation features

Can be installed by the owners of a private home. To do this, it is necessary to allocate a separate room for the arrangement of the boiler room.

After installing the heating device, the comb is installed immediately after it. The equipment must be kept in a protective box. The collector must be freely accessible. A pressure gauge and thermometer are installed at the coolant outlet. The Mayevsky valve and other safety devices allow you to stabilize the pressure in the system.

Shut-off valves allow, if necessary, to carry out preventive maintenance or repair of equipment. After installation, the equipment is checked. If everything is normal, the pipes are poured into the screed.

An individual approach is useful not only in the field of communication between people, but also in the topic of heating equipment. The radiant heating system uses an “individual approach” to each heating circuit or radiator.

It is characterized by the presence of each “consumer” of heat, a separate line: supply and return pipes. They all converge in the collector unit, connected to the corresponding “combs”. Such a collector heating system allows you to regulate the consumption of each radiator or circuit separately, achieving the correct distribution of temperature zones in the rooms.

A radiant heating system is especially relevant for multi-storey buildings, for which a collector unit is organized on each floor, differentially distributing heat to consumers - radiators or underfloor heating circuits.

Each collector unit of such a system consists of two comb collectors: supply and return. The supply manifold “receives” hot coolant from the boiler and distributes it through radiators and underfloor heating circuits. Return - collects the cooled coolant from the return pipes of the circuits and “sends” it to the boiler for heating.

The advantages of such a heating scheme

• high efficiency of coolant distribution;
• the possibility of differentiated regulation of the coolant flow through each circuit, up to the complete shutdown of individual circuits or radiators without negative impact on other heating circuits;
• the ability to automate the process of room temperature control, easy integration into Smart Home systems by installing programmable sensors in individual rooms;

• mandatory forced circulation of the coolant makes it possible to reduce the gap between the temperature of the coolant leaving the boiler and the “return” coolant;
• A well-performed calculation of such a radiant heating scheme using underfloor heating circuits allows you to even abandon the use of radiators.

Disadvantages of radial connection of consumers

• significant total length of pipelines, creating significant resistance to coolant flow;
• the need for large capital investments dictated by the high material intensity of the system (valves, valves, manifolds, sensors, thermal heads, pipes, etc.);
• the mandatory presence of competent professional craftsmen who can ensure not only beautiful installation of the collector-radial heating circuit, but also its normal functioning (a joke with a huge grain of truth!);
• We are not aware of other shortcomings...

A two-pipe radiant heating system assumes its installation only during the period of construction and repair work, since tens - hundreds of meters of pipes, manifold cabinets, circulation pumps and risers are difficult to “hide” in a completed repair.

Proper calculation of pipe diameters and their correct installation will allow you to avoid problems that “come to the surface” during the period of constant operation of the system. For example, if possible, it is necessary to make each “ring” of the heating line the same length as the others, and install air valves on each radiator. Heating circuits of uneven length must be equipped with their own circulation pumps.

The collector-beam heating circuit can also be used to connect single-pipe circuits (horizontal distributions).

With its versatility, it actually displaces the tee pipe routing system.

During the “non-heating season”, the boiler, thanks to such a wiring system, can only work on an indirect heating boiler, providing hot water supply to the house, which will undoubtedly affect energy savings.

Once again, we focus your attention on the obligatory consultation with a practical specialist if you still decide that you are “able to” install a radiant heating system.

When deciding how to heat his own home, the owner can choose from a variety of heating technologies. What they have in common is a similar set of structural elements, which includes a boiler, a pipe system and heating devices that directly heat the room.

There are differences in pipeline connection schemes; one of its options is a radiant heating system, the characteristics and construction rules of which will be discussed in the article. We described in detail the specifics of the collector wiring and provided options for its design. We outlined the criteria for choosing equipment for constructing circuits.

For a clear perception of the information presented, the text is supplemented with selections of photos, useful diagrams, and videos.

The main task of the heating system is to replace the heat that the building loses due to differences between the internal and external air temperatures, as well as due to the varying degrees of thermal conductivity of the external walls. Its solution largely depends on the wisely selected supply of coolant to the devices.

In practice, you can connect all heating devices together using the following methods:

• tee connection;
• radial(collector) connection, when a separate pair of pipes is supplied to each heating device using a collector for direct and reverse supply of coolant.

The tee or perimeter type of pipe connection is cheaper. But due to the fact that the devices are connected to each other and connected by a pipeline to a single riser, the system will need to be completely disconnected and freed from coolant to repair a separate radiator or section. Or equip it with bypasses and shut-off valves, which will significantly increase the cost of organizing heating.

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You need to choose a suitable heating scheme for your home so that it works reliably throughout the entire period of operation and is not unnecessarily expensive. The layout of the heating pipelines is selected for the specific layout of the building. The choice is influenced by the location of the boiler room relative to other rooms, the number of floors of the building, the heated area, the placement of rooms and their heat loss, etc.

To decide on the choice of a suitable heating scheme, we will consider what heating systems there are, their advantages and disadvantages and areas of application.

Let's start with the most popular schemes, which are used most often and are recommended by experts for creating heating in private houses and apartments. They provide for the installation of pumps for liquid circulation. We will consider the gravity system last.

Associated heating piping

“Poputka” is a universal two-pipe heating piping layout. The supply (hot pipeline) from the heating boiler is laid around the perimeter of the entire building and radiators are connected to it in series, and it ends at the last radiator in the direction of liquid flow.

The return flow starts from the first radiator, the remaining radiators are simultaneously connected to it and it returns the coolant back to the boiler.

It can be seen from the diagram that for each radiator the total length of the supply and return will be approximately the same, therefore all radiators operate under approximately the same hydraulic conditions.

The scheme is best suited for large heating areas, as it allows the entire wiring for a large building to be simplified as much as possible. There will be a slight decrease in the temperature of the liquid in the supply pipeline, but in this case this is not critical.

The diameter of the main pipes is required to be increased, depending on the thermal power connected to them, so that the coolant speed does not exceed the maximum recommended values ​​(0.7 m/s) at the highest load.

This circumstance significantly increases the cost of the system, because large fittings are more expensive, while a ride-on, although the most stable, is not the cheapest.

Dead-end circuit for connecting radiators

A dead-end circuit consists of two or several arms (branches, directions, dead ends...), approximately equal in length and in the connected power of the radiators. It can use thinner pipes, since the length of the arms is not long, it is limited in the number of radiators, which makes the system cheaper.

The supply in each arm is routed to the last radiator; parallel to it, the return flow to the boiler or to the riser on each floor is routed.

The wiring can be used in both small and large houses, it is universal and reliable, but it can best be implemented in small or medium-sized houses - up to 200 sq. m. If there were no more than 5 radiators in each arm, then there would be fewer problems with debugging them.

It is important to maintain an approximate equality of power and hydraulic resistance in each arm (5 and not 6 and 4). The difference in the length of two pipes (supply and return) between the arms should not exceed 20 meters.

Collector (radial) heating pipeline distribution

A collector is installed in the center of the house, to which all radiators are connected through pairs of thin pipelines (supply and return).

Here the pipes are often hidden under the floor and are inaccessible for maintenance, since otherwise it is not possible to install them. Disadvantages - the complexity of laying pipelines taking into account thermal insulation, the difficulty of adjusting the system.

There must be an approximate equality of hydraulic resistance of each branch extending from the collector, otherwise the system will have different temperatures.

The circuit is inherently difficult to balance and it is not advisable to change the system parameters “on your own,” since each branch affects all other connections in the collector. Therefore, if the adjustment is not correct, the heat may “disappear” from some room.

Advantages - lower cost, feasibility of installation with a thick subfloor, since the diameters of the pipes are not large. The absence of many pipes in the visible part of the interior.

Single-pipe heating - “Leningradka”

There is indeed a saving on the length of the pipeline, but it is not large. Also, one large-diameter pipeline laid near the floor (under the floor in a heat insulator) is less disruptive to the design compared to two-pipe systems.

Radiators are connected in series along the length of the pipeline. The circulation of liquid in them due to convection, due to resistance in the pipeline along the length of the connection, which is created artificially by reducing the diameter, etc.

Each of the radiators takes energy, cooling the liquid. As a result, the coolest coolant reaches the last radiator.

This phenomenon can be combated by reducing the length of the pipeline, as well as increasing the diameter of the pipes, and creating a higher speed of water movement in it, thus reducing the temperature difference between the supply and return (but the speed cannot exceed the permissible noise values ​​for a given diameter).

Also, as the fluid moves, it simply increases the power of the radiators to compensate for temperature losses. In fact, the scheme can be effectively used only in small areas up to 200 square meters. areas per ring.

The system is not used often, as it is inferior to others in terms of energy distribution, electricity consumption to create the jet speed, as well as due to the complexity of adjustment and instability of operation, since one radiator affects the operation of others. In addition, the system ends up being more expensive due to the large diameter of the pipe.

Gravity heating

The super advantage of the gravity circuit is that it does not require electricity to move the liquid. In addition, as a rule, the operation of the system is stable and trouble-free.

But it cannot be used over large areas, since the natural thermal pressure is not enough for the water to circulate at the proper speed, which is necessary to supply the required amount of heat to the radiators. The usual maximum area of ​​one floor, where a gravity flow scheme can be applied, is no more than 150 square meters per floor.
It is not possible to connect additional circuits with pumps, such as garage heating or heated floors.

But with the proper difference in the elevations of hot and cold water, as well as with large pipeline diameters, the area can be larger, which is verified by calculation.

Also, a gravity flow system usually costs twice as much as a pump system:

• A large diameter of pipelines and their fittings is required to reduce hydraulic resistance.
• As a rule, steel pipelines are used that provide this largest internal diameter, which rust and are difficult to install.
• The boiler is installed in a pit (in a heated basement) so that it is lower than the radiators, which creates pressure from the temperature difference.
• In addition, the presence of many thick pipes, which must have a certain starting and ending elevation, can significantly spoil the interior interior.

The scheme is in demand at remote dachas, in places with unstable power supplies, and is popular “out of habit”, as people are afraid of power outages, etc.

Which heating scheme do you prefer?

• For a large house, they often design a parallel heating pipeline layout that is stable and simple.
• In smaller houses, they often try to save money and create a cheaper, more stable, but somewhat more complex shoulder wiring diagram. In this case, the shoulders are created with approximately the same characteristics.
• Radiant heating distribution is finding more and more supporters due to the use of high windows, heated floors, and in-floor convectors. This creates a spacious floor base in which it is sometimes cheaper to lay thin pipes to each heater from a single collector on the floor.
• Experts are not enthusiastic about the Leningradka because of its unstable operation and the complexity of design and installation. You shouldn’t complicate things and look for problems out of the blue; this also applies to heating.

If power outages are possible, then for a private home you need to purchase and connect an electric generator, which must be in working order all winter. And if it is not possible to ensure the operation of the system, then it is necessary to fill it with antifreeze liquid.

For solid fuel boilers that do not stop operating during a power outage, the heating system pump must be connected to an uninterruptible power supply to ensure fluid circulation for several hours in an emergency.

And if you don’t want to do all this, and the electricity is not stable, then a gravity system with its own wiring diagram will help out. True, it will only be suitable for a small house; when creating it, you will have to work hard and spend a lot of money.