How does a thermal head for a warm water floor work?

How is the regulation of underfloor heating

If the house or apartment is not large, the region of residence is southern, warm floors can be left as the main source of heating. In other cases, it is made as a nice addition to make life more comfortable. For example, in the children's room, in the bathroom or in the kitchen, in the work area. The thing is that it is impossible to make the floor very hot for obvious reason. If it is minus 40 degrees outside the window, the heating system should be more powerful.

It is very convenient to have floors whose heating level is controlled. There are many devices for adjusting the temperature of the warm floor. Their work is based on a single principle.

Heating circuits are controlled individually, through the arrangement of special collectors that bring together the inputs and outputs of the heating system:

The temperature sensor for a water heated floor signals the thermostat that the temperature in the room (or on the floor surface) has increased. The chain includes a servo drive that controls the valves. Having received the appropriate signal from the thermostat, it admits a new batch of hot water into the system. Or, on the contrary, it will block its movement if the thermostat gives a signal that the room has become hot. A thermal valve for a water-heated floor helps to regulate the flow of the heat carrier. Such a thermostatic valve for underfloor heating allows you to effectively regulate the flow temperature of the heating medium. To pump water, a pump must be installed.

So, to control the temperature indicators of warm floors, you need:

• collector, where all circuits are reduced;
• thermostat;
• thermal sensor;
• a servo drive that controls valves;
• pump for pumping water.

All this together makes it possible to make the heating system automated. This is not a simple convenience, but energy savings. The thermostats can be set so that in the absence of people, the heating of the room will be reduced. The machines allow you to save 30 to 40 percent of the volume of energy carriers. Moreover, this will not affect the living conditions of people, on the contrary, it will make it more comfortable to stay in an apartment or house.

In order to increase the safety of the devices operation, the installation of safety valves and protective fittings against voltage surges in the electrical network and overheating of electrical equipment is provided.

Thermostat setting rules

The initial setting of thermostats of any kind consists in checking the overall performance of the entire underfloor heating system.

To do this, it is necessary to turn on the heating, set the necessary parameters on all measuring devices and completely warm up all the rooms of the house or apartment. Set the optimal heating mode for the boiler to 60 ° C.

In case of frequent switching on of the boiler and going to start, set a lower power and check the system again. You will have to choose the right temperature in each separate room during the operation of the underfloor heating system.

Similar posts
• How to install underfloor heating Q-Term?
• How to install a warm floor in the country?
• How can you make underfloor heating?
• How to install an electric underfloor heating?
• How to install Energy underfloor heating?
• How is the length of the underfloor heating pipe calculated?

What thermostats can control

Modern thermostats for a water heated floor can control the following indicators:

• indoor air temperature;
• floor heating level;
• combine air and floor temperature control.

To control the air temperature in the room, sensors are built into the thermostat housing. They configure it specifically to take into account the level of indicators in a controlled room. This control is only effective inside buildings that are well insulated and heat losses are minimized. If this condition is not met, it is not cost-effective to install a room temperature control sensor.

If it is necessary to control the heating of the surface of the floor covering, the temperature sensor of the water underfloor heating is installed as close as possible to the heating circuit. Such a system is effective when the warm floor serves as an additional heating of the room. The temperature regime of the air is established by the main sources of heat.

A thermostat for a water-heated floor with a combined control system is rarely used, in separate modern heating circuits. It can simultaneously control the level of heating of the floor and the air, or, by choice, one thing.

Device and principle of operation

The convenience of staying in the premises largely depends on the heating system used. Control over the temperature of the heated water floor is carried out using special devices - thermostats.

Many designs of such systems are used, but in most cases they use only a few fundamentally different methods of adjustment.

Watch video - setup process

But, before considering the principle of operation and the device of thermostats, you need to understand the object of regulation.

What is heating wiring

Heating a room with a water floor can be carried out in various ways. One of them is the use of the heat of heated water, which acts as a heat carrier. The transmission is done through pipes. Previously, steel pipes were mainly used in heating, now they are replaced by modern ones made of plastic materials.

The heating circuit can be located along the walls in the form of radiators, or it can be located under the floor surface, heating it and the air in the room.

Hot water or antifreeze is heated in the boiler, after which, using a circulation pump, it is supplied to the heating circuit of the water floor.

Passing through its pipes, the coolant gives off heat to the closed surrounding space, heating the surface. The cooled liquid is returned to the boiler room system. Depending on the temperature of the "return" in the mixing unit, it is heated or cooled by mixing in colder water from the tank.

And here the thermostat is installed, which responds to the amount of heating of the return flow and gives a command to perform this or that action.

In circuits with underfloor heating, which are connected by a separate circuit, a thermostat is installed for each of them, since they all have their own thermal regime. And the radiator heating circuits are heated to a temperature that is almost twice as high as for a warm floor.

How does the temperature control principle work?

The main elements of heating control are servo drives, temperature sensors and thermostats. This composition of the equipment allows you to adjust the temperature of the water-heated floor continuously in a continuous automatic mode. It happens as follows:

1. If a signal about insufficient temperature comes from the temperature sensor, the servo drive opens the valve and more hot water enters the heating circuit.
2. When the coolant overheats, the chilled water mixing valve opens, reducing the degree of heating in the circuit.
3. However, adjustment is also possible in manual mode by setting the valve to a certain position.But this method requires constant visual control, since the factors on which the heating mode depends change repeatedly during the day. With the relative cheapness of such devices, they are very inconvenient to operate, since for each condition in the room, intervention in the operation of heating is required.

Adjustment parameters

Watch the video - adjusting the power of the temperature sensor unit

Thermostats in the heating system can regulate the following parameters:

1. The degree of heating of the floor covering. In this case, the heating sensor is installed in the immediate vicinity of it. Such an underfloor heating device is best suited for small rooms and low-power heating circuits that are used only as auxiliary ones, in particular for underfloor heating.
2. Room air temperature - with this control scheme, sensors are used that are mounted directly in the thermostat housing. The correct operation of such a device can only be achieved if all the requirements for the insulation of the heated building are met. Otherwise, it is difficult to achieve efficient heating operation - significant energy losses are inevitable. A properly built house with an extensive heating system and thermostat can save up to 30% of resources.
3. Combined control systems, in which temperature sensors for a water-heated floor are installed both in the heated room and on the mixing unit system. The parameters are adjusted for the most comfortable temperature in the house. Such equipment with a thermostat is used in large rooms. For control, both sensors can be used simultaneously or one of them.

Types of thermostats by design and installation method

When the question arises of how to regulate the temperature of a water-heated floor, in the variety of different types of thermostats, you need to orient yourself correctly. Despite the fact that they perform the same function, the additional features are different, and, accordingly, the price.

Devices that are produced by manufacturers can be divided into five groups according to the complexity of the design:

1. mechanical;
2. remote sensory;
3. ordinary electronic;
4. programmable thermostats;
5. radio controlled.

The reliability of the models does not depend on the design, but on the conscientiousness of the manufacturer and operating conditions.

According to the method of installation, thermostats are:

• conventional wall-mounted, which are mounted in every room and are suitable for small apartments;
• panel, allowing from one point to control the process in a large building.

Each of these methods makes it possible to conveniently operate the temperature control system.

Mechanical type

Mechanical thermostats for a water-heated floor are the simplest models, reminiscent of devices for regulating the cold in refrigerators. They are inexpensive and easy to maintain. The temperature regime is selected by turning the thermometer head. A special mark is aligned with the desired number on the gradation scale. If something is set incorrectly, everything can be easily corrected. There are models where a toggle switch is installed to turn off / on the system. There are mechanical thermostats with a timer. It allows you to set a certain period of time during which the heated floors will be turned on.

The only drawback is the need for constant temperature control, changing the indicators is possible only manually. They do not have any electronics that can distribute the temperature level over time.

You should be aware that there are low-quality specimens that do not accurately reflect the temperature. This, in principle, is not so scary.It is recommended to check its readings with a room thermometer immediately after starting the device. Then carry out control taking into account the difference.

Sensor thermo valves with control panel

Temperature control of water heated floors can be carried out using sensor models that are controlled remotely using a remote control.

The devices have a modern, easy-to-use touch panel. It displays all the current information about the temperature regime, including a warning about the presence of some kind of failure in the system.

The attractiveness of such structures is not only in their "remote" maintenance, but also in the fact that they can regulate several circuits at once. It is for such complex systems that sensor models controlled by a remote control are most often used. A thermostat from a reliable manufacturer will last a long time.

Equipment characteristics

The coolant from the boiler passes through the pipe line to the collector. From it, the liquid enters the floor pipeline. Giving off heat, it returns back to the collector, which has a separate return outlet for the cooled heat carrier. The circulation pump pumps water back into the boiler.

With manual control of the temperature regime, valves are installed on the circuit with cold water and a high temperature coolant. If the room has warmed up well enough, then the hot water valve is closed. If the room is cold, then the valve is opened.

For automatic regulation of the heating mode, a three-way mixer with a thermostat and an external temperature sensor is installed. This system forms a thermostatic valve. It is installed at the inlet to the manifold. The equipment is made of brass or bronze.

• The three-way valve has 3 outlets for hot and cold water and for the heating medium, which is supplied to the floor line. On the case, markers indicate the direction of flows of different temperatures.
• A mixing chamber is provided for mixing liquids of different temperatures.
• A thermostat with a temperature controller is located on the body.
• The temperature sensor is located on the thermostat.
• The valves close off the cold and hot flow outlets. They can be disc-shaped or needle-shaped. Their work depends on the thermostat.
• The thermostat is a system that consists of a liquid capsule and a spring-loaded stem. Valves are attached to it.
• The temperature sensor has a digital panel on which the heating modes are indicated.

We recommend: How is the installation of a warm floor Lavita carried out?

The thermostat can be located in the thermal head or in the actuator. The devices have a different circuit, but the same principle of operation. The thermal head is a thermostat, which works with the help of a liquid: it is sensitive to temperature changes.

The servos are powered by the electrical network. The liquid is contained in a container. It contains a heating plate. The servo is installed on the manifold.

The three-way mixer is designed for heating systems of large areas. In separate rooms or in country houses, a two-way valve is connected to the collector. It is installed on a circuit with a high temperature coolant. Water flows through it in only one direction.

Conventional electronic thermostats for water floor heating

Some consumers prefer to install conventional electronic thermostats in their home. They practically do not differ from touchscreens with remote control. An electronic board and buttons are located on the plastic panel. With their help, the required temperature regime is set, which can change several times per day.

It is not difficult to figure out the settings of such a device yourself. The design is an order of magnitude higher than that of a mechanical type thermostat for a warm water floor.

"Smart" programmable thermostats

Devices that themselves can change the temperature level in the room in the absence of people are much more complex, but the savings from their use are enormous. The costs of their purchase and installation will pay off in the very first winter season. We are talking about programmable thermostats. They can serve several circuits at the same time. It is possible to connect to the "smart home" system.

The programmable thermostat solves many problems with heating, provides a comfortable stay in the room. Allows you to set specific days, hours and weeks to a given temperature. Therefore, even in the absence of the owners, he himself will transfer the heating system to economy mode. All information about its work is shown on the display.

Only a specially trained technician can install them. This equipment is expensive, requires careful attitude to itself, but it fully justifies itself.

The principle of operation of the thermostat

Thermostats are special devices for adjusting the thermal regime in a room depending on weather conditions. They are reliable, easy to operate, as a rule, they serve for many years without breakdowns and failures of adjustment modes.

The devices are designed for use by people of any level of knowledge. That is, their management is available, including for adolescents and the elderly.

Thermostats are designed to set the minimum temperature for each room in the house individually. This is especially advantageous for models with programming the operating mode of the device in the interval of the whole day.

The working tool is a remote thermostat of the "warm floor" system (STP). Its purpose: upon reaching the temperature set on the device, open or, conversely, close the electrical circuit.

As a result of this action, the system stops or resumes heating. Thermostats are divided into the following types:

Mechanical structures

The temperature sensor is a bimetallic plate that closes the contacts of the heating mats. When the temperature in the room rises, the plate bends and opens the electrical circuit, as a result of which the supply of electrical energy is cut off.

After cooling and straightening, the plate closes the contacts again, resuming the cycle.

The temperature in the room is changed by rotating a special wheel. Despite the primitive design, minimal functionality, the impossibility of installing a remote control, the mechanical thermostat continues to be used, due to its features:

• simplicity of settings during operation;
• low cost;
• reliability of the structure during operation of high and low temperatures;
• independence from energy interference;
• the device automatically turns on with power supply after it is turned off.

We recommend: Pros and cons of underfloor heating

Electronic thermostats

Thermistors are used as temperature sensors in relay (electronic) temperature controllers. Thermistors, when the environment heats up, change the resistance to the electric current, which is fixed by the control microcircuit, which transmits the relay signal.

The relay coil opens the contacts, breaking the circuit, the power circuit is de-energized.

The ambient temperature decreases by 1 degree, no more, the circuit is closed, resuming the heating of the "warm floor" system.

There are models of electronic thermostats, to which other isolated areas of the underfloor heating, equipped with their own sensors, can be connected.

Electronic or relay thermal designs are more advanced in comparison with mechanical counterparts and have the following advantages:

• the sensor, a remote element of the thermostat, can be installed in any convenient place in the room;
• the set temperature and the recorded current data are shown on the display;
• the ability to control the temperature in several zones of the "warm floor";
• the temperature sensor registers the temperature and displays it on the display with an accuracy of several fractions of a degree;
• there is a possibility of completing with an external control unit.

The electronic circuits of thermostats largely depend on the state of the voltage in the electrical network.

With voltage drops and short-term power outages, there are failures in the stable operation and settings of the electronic device microcircuit. When calculating the cost, electrical structures are priced much higher than mechanical counterparts.

Wireless radio controlled thermostats

Even more expensive than electronic programmable thermostats, radio thermostats are rarely installed. Used in homes where it is decided not to use electrical cables.

Servo commands are sent using radio signals. It happens in the following way. The signal from the sensors for the water underfloor heating goes to the radio thermostat. He redirects them to the radio controller. The radio signal chain leads to the hot water dispenser. The price of such equipment is high due to the fact that receivers and transmitters are installed at each stage of radio signal transmission.

Repairing such a system if it fails is costly.

How to decide on the choice of thermostat for regulation

The first thing that pays attention to when it comes to a comfortable stay in an apartment or house is the air temperature in the room. Whatever the interior, the heating method and all the associated consequences are more important. If the room is evenly heated, there are no damp floors, corners and nooks with cold drafts, it is pleasant to be in the room. Thermostat for underfloor heating with a remote sensor allows you to achieve a comfortable temperature level in each room separately. However, it is not advisable to buy a mechanical thermostat for such purposes. He does not have the ability to control the temperature regime in several rooms at the same time.

Before buying a thermostat, you need to think about what kind of temperature control problems this device will solve. If there is a need to regulate the heat in the absence of the owners, a programmable thermostat will perfectly cope with this task.

When family members cannot decide on the general temperature regime in the house, a multi-channel electronic thermostat will help, which, using sensors installed in different rooms, will regulate the heat level.

The most inexpensive and easy-to-use mechanical thermostat will help maintain the desired temperature level in a small apartment.

When choosing a thermostat, it is imperative to know its power. It must match the capacity of the underfloor heating system.

Different types of room thermostats for water underfloor heating are designed for heating systems with certain technical characteristics and heat-saving characteristics of buildings, the climate of a given region. The wishes of the consumer are taken into account. So, for example, different models and manufacturers have different interfaces, with the help of which it is convenient to monitor the operation of the device.

Tips for installing thermostats

Before performing the installation, you need to familiarize yourself with the instructions and the connection diagram so that the installation of the underfloor heating sensor is performed correctly. It is shown on the back of the case. If the connection order is violated, the device will be damaged. Therefore, at this stage, the correct connection is very important, which determines how effectively the entire self-regulatory system will work. Of course, it is also important how competently the installation of the contours of the warm floor was made.

Note that the servo has a double-rotating motor.It rotates clockwise or in the opposite direction depending on the signal that the thermostat gives it. In this case, the valve increases or makes less clearance in the pipe through which the coolant flows.

The thermostats should be located close to electrical outlets, at a height of 0.5 to 1 meter from the floor. If the family has a small child, then the device must be fixed higher. This is especially true of programmable electronic models that can be easily disabled by inept handling.

The equipment operates on a 220 V network (except for radio-controlled ones).

All devices must be connected to the mains in accordance with the rules for electrical installations.

How does automation work?

The thermostatic three-way valve for underfloor heating is connected in front of the manifold. A certain temperature mode of heating is set on the sensor. The device starts working when the parameters are changed.

1. The device consists of a semiconductor that has the temperature of the coolant entering the line. Energy is transferred to the thermostat fluid.
2. With an increase in heating, the liquid expands and presses on the stem, which is lowered.
3. This closes the outlet from the hot pipe and opens the outlet from the return circuit.
4. The cooled heat carrier enters the chamber of the three-way mixer, where it is connected with hot water from the boiler. The mixing process can take place according to a T-shaped scheme: the hot and cold flow of the heat carrier enter the thermostatic mixing valve symmetrically from both sides. The liquid exits into the main line at an angle of 900. In the L-shaped scheme, hot water enters the mixing chamber from the side.
5. The temperature of the heating medium decreases. It enters the floor line cooled down. Heating mode tends to reach the set rate.
6. As the temperature drops, the liquid in the thermostat narrows. The spring-loaded stem is straightened, the outlet of cold water is closed, which goes through the return pipe. The hot coolant again enters the line.

When using servo drives, a device that works from the mains is connected to the mixing valve for the underfloor heating. The sensor heats up, closes the electrical circuit. The plate heats up, which in turn transfers heat to the thermal fluid. It expands, presses on the stem, which makes the poppet valves work.

We recommend: What are the characteristics of Warmstad underfloor heating?

When using a servo drive, the heating system changes the operating mode within 3 minutes. If a thermal head is used as an automatic device, then it will take up to 15 minutes to heat the liquid in the thermostat.

The principle of operation of a two-way valve for underfloor heating is somewhat different. When the temperature in the line rises, the thermostat makes the poppet valves or a ball device work, which completely blocks the outlet for hot water. The cooled heat carrier from the return pipe returns to the floor circuit.

When the temperature drops, the valve opens hot water and shuts off the return line. There is no mixing of the liquid. The principle of operation of a two-way thermostatic valve for underfloor heating is identical to manual switching of valves, but the system works in automatic mode.

A three-way thermostatic valve for underfloor heating is installed in the heating system for a large heating area. The equipment is necessary for a boiler that heats water to a high temperature. The two-way valve is connected to the system as an additional heating control for individual rooms.

Equipment for automatic control of heating mode can be installed in a single-circuit or double-circuit heating system. This is convenient when using various types of heating, with radiator and floor heating.The mixer is connected upstream of the circulation pump. I recommend installing a water filter beforehand. When connecting, use the threaded mounting method.