Gas generator for a gas boiler: specifics of choice and features of connection

It is very important for residents of the private sector to take care of high-quality and uninterrupted heating of their homes. The gas boiler, which needs an uninterrupted power supply, perfectly copes with this function. Unfortunately, problems with electricity in the private sector are not uncommon. Do you agree?

By purchasing a gas generator for a gas boiler, you will ensure stable operation of the equipment during a lack of electricity. Precious heat will be preserved under any circumstances.

We will tell you what to look for when choosing a device, how to connect it to equipment and what problems you may encounter during operation.

How is a gas generator designed for a gas boiler?

In the event of an accident in the mains, the boiler automation switches off the burner. The design of the gas valve is arranged in such a way that due to the current passing through the coil, it is pressed. If there is no current, the valve closes.

In our country, turning off the light is not uncommon, therefore, even if there is gas in the mains, the owners of gas boilers have to sit in a cold house. The gas generator, which transforms thermal energy into electricity, will help to solve the problem.

The indisputable advantage of a gas generator is its economical fuel consumption, which makes it much more often chosen as a backup energy source for autonomous heating circuits

The equipment runs on liquid fuel (gasoline). The generator supports the smooth operation of electrical appliances, in particular the electronics of a gas boiler. Its capacity is enough to provide electricity to a small one-story house.

The unit can be equipped with an automatic start system. Since household gas boiler consumes a small amount of electricity, there is no need to purchase a powerful generator.

Such equipment is compact and weighs up to 50 kg.Depending on the design, in emergency situations, the device is able to generate energy up to 4-8 hours.

Classification of gasoline generators

The gas generator can operate on a synchronous or asynchronous circuit. In a synchronous type generator, the rotation of the magnetic field of the starter is identical to the rotor.

Such a unit responds faster to voltage surges, provides smooth power thanks to inductive coils on the rotor (fluctuations do not exceed 5%). Such generators have a higher cost. The equipment is moisture sensitive.

The rotor of the asynchronous generator is hidden in a sealed enclosure. Unlike a synchronous device, it is more protected from adverse environmental factors. Rotation of the rotor and starter in asynchronous installations does not match.

The rotor is ahead of the starter. When the load changes, the voltage sags, which is unacceptable in the gas boiler. Equipment is not recommended for powering precision instruments.

The automation unit will allow you to start the generator on time without human intervention. Even if there are no hosts at the time of turning off the light, the heating will not freeze

The equipment also differs in the way of inclusion. The unit is started manually. After resuming the supply of electricity, you need to turn off the device yourself. Automatic models respond spontaneously to power outages. Shutdown also occurs autonomously.

The device for providing uninterrupted power can be frame and inverter. Most widely used in everyday life are frame models. They differ in large dimensions (from 60 cm) and a solid weight (from 40 kg).

Frame petrol generators are recommended to be used stationary. Due to its impressive weight, it is unreasonable to move this type of equipment for a single meal

Inverter models are more compact than frame ones. They are recommended to be used for energy supply of complex electronic devices, the operation of which depends on voltage stability.

Inverter gas generators are compact and lightweight. They are easier and more convenient to connect to the heating unit as needed and used to solve various problems.

Equipment is divided by phase. Voltage in a single-phase generator up to 400 watts. They are used to power several household appliances at the same time.

Three-phase generators cannot be operated at low temperatures due to the fact that the oil in them instantly freezes. Under suitable conditions, the equipment can work up to 10 hours.

The benefits of a gasoline generator

This device is equipped with two- and four-stroke internal combustion engines, which in turn differs in the arrangement of valves: upper and lower. The most reliable are four-stroke engines with valves located at the top. The station uses liquid cooling.

A four-cycle gasoline generator will last longer than the rest of the varieties. This type is most reliably protected from overheating and overloads.

Advantages of a gas generator in comparison with other models:

• simplicity of operation at low temperatures (long-term warming up is not required);
• high-quality gasoline for a generator is easier to find than diesel;
• simplicity of operation;
• insignificant weight in comparison with diesel analogues;
• low noise level.

Along with the advantages, the equipment also has disadvantages, including:

• maximum working time - up to 8 hours;
• high cost of fuel;
• insignificant resource;
• if water gets into it, it may malfunction (it is necessary to cover it in bad weather).

During a power outage, do not connect other electrical appliances to the network. Overloading can result in damage to the generator.

Features of connecting the generator

It is important to remember: since the device operates as a result of fuel combustion, care must be taken to extract the processed gases. Around the generator, you need to leave at least a meter of free space in order to have access to the device for refueling, repair and manual start.

Before connecting the generator to gas boiler, you should read the instructions. Connection to the network is made in the switchboard, which is equipped with an automatic fuse.

Both networks should not be mixed. For connection, it is recommended to use a copper cable, the cross section of which depends on the power of the gasoline generator.

A prerequisite is to ground the boiler and generator. The scheme of connecting the boiler with grounding presented by us

Grounding is done for safety reasons and for the appearance of "zero", without which the flame recognition system will not function and the boiler will not turn on. If the generator is installed on the whole house, its grounding is carried out through a common network.

In order for the boiler operation from the generator to be correct, the sine wave of the output current is 50 hertz. Deviation from this value may cause problems with starting the boiler. The voltage stabilizer will help to cope with this difficulty.

The sequence of connecting the gas generator to the gas boiler:

• find the necessary contacts in the generator set and boiler automation (use the diagram in the instructions);
• connect the wires and isolate them;
• ground devices.

Despite the simplicity of actions, it is better to entrust the connection to specialists.

What to do if the boiler does not work from the generator

If after connecting the gas generator to gas boiler the equipment does not start, you should perform several actions:

• crank the plug;
• make sure there is a "zero";
• check voltage level;
• Find out which device is the problem by connecting the generator to other equipment.

There are several main reasons why the boiler may not start.

The connection diagram of the generator to the house network, necessary for the correct operation of the flame sensors of heating boilers

Possible problems and let them be resolved:

1. For normal operation of the boiler, the voltage in the network should be 190-250 watts. For voltage equalization, it is recommended to install stabilizer. The generators already have an automatic voltage regulator. If an external stabilizer is connected immediately after the generator, then both systems may conflict. Solution: do not connect the stabilizer immediately after the generator.
2. For the flame sensors to work, you need to connect "zero" to the ground. If the boiler body is connected to the ground exclusively through a 220 V plug, then during installation of the resonant filter it is necessary to ground it with a separate wire.
3. Due to the automatic regulation of the output voltage, the gas generators do not give out a sinusoidal voltage. As a result, the automation of the gas boiler blocks the operation of the generator.

To restore the sinusoidal voltage, a 50Hz resonant filter is used. In addition, the use of uninterruptible power supplies (UPS). But sometimes the uninterruptible does not detect the generator.

In this case, it is recommended to use a resonant filter or purchase another uninterruptible power supply. The frequency in the mains must be exactly 50Hz. The resonance filter and the digital tester will allow you to adjust the frequency.

Summarize. The reasons why the boiler does not work and how to fix the situation.

In order for the gas boiler to work without power surges and interruptions, it is important to choose the right generator model

First thing malfunctions in the flame sensor. The solution is to ground the generator output.

Second, there is no sinusoidal voltage at the output (sign: unstable operation and strong hum). The solution is to install a resonant filter or UPS.

Third - the frequency is not 50Hz. The solution is to adjust the resonance filter.

What kind of problems can occur after connecting?

After the boiler is successfully connected to the generator, incorrect equipment operation can be observed. The reason is that most boilers are phase-dependent. Problems may arise in the electronic control unit of the gas boiler. In this case, the voltage deviates from the norm.

To prevent problems with the control unit, the boiler must be connected after the pumps. Disable it first. If the boiler does not work even with a stable voltage, check the frequency output by the generator.

For their functioning in the network there must be a phase and a neutral. Both wires of the gas generator are phase. If the device is synchronous type, then one of the outputs must be grounded.

How to choose a gas generator?

Before choosing a generator for a gas heating boiler, you need to understand how long it is necessary to reserve electricity.

Situations in which uninterrupted power supply of a gas boiler may be required:

1. Regular short-term (up to 2 hours) power outages. They can be associated with a worn out network or an excess of the consumption limit.
2. During the liquidation of minor accidents, scheduled activities, connecting new consumers. Electricity can be absent for up to six hours.
3. Emergency shutdown after short circuits or breakdown in KTP. The term for solving the problem is up to 24 hours.
4. Outages due to difficult weather conditions. Quick response of repair crews is not possible. The term is up to three days.

The next step is to choose a specific model.

The main criteria for choosing a gas generator are:

• cost;
• power;
• noise level;
• maximum duration of work;
• output current quality.

To determine which generator is needed for a modern gas boiler, each item should be analyzed in detail.

Power - to select this parameter, you need to know the power of the gas boiler. If you plan to connect other devices, their total power is taken into account. To the obtained value should be added 20-30%.

Lack of active generated power in the power system can lead to a drop in the frequency of the supply voltage

Determining the dimensions, you need to evaluate the area of ​​the room. The more compact the model, the higher its cost. Imported gas boilers are demanding on the quality of the supplied current.

In this case, you need a device that can generate a stable voltage of the required parameters. The noise level of most generators during operation is up to 80 decibels. In inverter models, this figure is lower.

Recommendations: do not choose cheap generators. This is a dubious saving, because low-quality equipment is guaranteed to lead to the fact that the gas boiler will quickly fail.

When choosing a generator, all factors should be considered. The more often and for a longer period, a power outage occurs, the more work the generator will have to do.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

Connection of the generator to the gas boiler:

Possible problems with the generator and stabilizer and ways to solve them:

To keep the house warm during the cold season during a power outage, it is recommended to purchase a gasoline generator. When choosing a model, technical characteristics and economic factors must be taken into account.

If you have experience connecting a gas generator to a gas boiler or you have additional information, leave your comment in the comments. If you have questions after reading the article, you can ask their experts.