How a Heating System Works
Energy produced for a building is converted at a heat generating plant into a form that can be used in heating. In some cases heat is stored in order to balance cost savings or the heating output needs. Heat energy is transferred and delivered to the utility points for the heating distribution system.Adjustment and control apparatus ensures that the right amount of heat is produced and that heating conditions remain as required. In addition, they can be used to schedule energy use for the most advantageous times.
Heat generating apparatus
Energy needed for heating a building is produced in a heat generating apparatus, which in a small house converts heating energy produced for a building to a source for usable heating. Heating sources include wood, light fuel oil, district heating or thermal energy stored in the ground. Heat generating apparatures include wood or oil burning boilers, a district heating exchange and a ground source heat pump. In an electric heating system electricity is converted into thermal energy for the heating apparatus in an electrical resistor.Heat storage
Heat is stored either for reasons of cost or because the output of heat production and the output required vary. Heat is stored most commonly in a hot water accumulator or in the structure of the house, usually in concrete slabs. Savings can be made, for instance, when concrete slabs are heated by underfloor heating cables at night when electricity is cheaper.For example, a wood fired boiler and a heat pump with an accumulator will prolong the running time of the boiler and improve the burning efficiency of the boiler. An accumulator also improves the utilization of heat from solar collectors.
Heat distribution system
The job of the heat distribution system is to move thermal energy within apartments to where it is needed and to convey it to sources of use (hot water or room air). The water or air in the heat distribution system is used as the means of transferring heat. The heat distribution system comprises conveyance pipes or ducts and heating apparatus in rooms and for incoming air.An essential part of the heat distribution system is also heat conveyance. Heat distribution systems include a network of radiators in which water circulates, electric radiators, underfloor heating pipes or cables and air ducts.
