How to adjust a heat meter. Trust, but check: heat meters for heating in an apartment building, the principle of operation of the devices

The heat meter is multifunctional microprocessor a device programmed to calculate the amount of heat.

According to energy saving standards, such devices should be located not only at central thermal power plants, but also in every home with central heating.

What is a heat meter needed for and how does it work in an apartment building?

To control the quality of heating services heat meters are used. If the radiators were not hot enough, then you will not have to pay the full price for heating your home.

Taking into account the constant increase in utility tariffs, an individual meter will help you save a lot of money. Such devices have long been installed at heating stations to monitor the quality of services.

Apartment buildings were also required to acquire heat meters to encourage them to take energy saving measures. Installing a heat meter allows you to check How correctly is the coolant supplied? into the house, detect and eliminate possible losses from incorrect installation and wear of the heating main.

Types of heat meters based on operating principle

General heat meters that are installed on houses with centralized heating is large-sized expensive devices. They have a wide diameter for pipe inlet and outlet ( from 32 to 300 mm), since they pass a large amount of coolant through themselves. The purchase and installation is carried out at the expense of the residents of the house, and the readings are monitored either by a responsible person appointed by the residents themselves, or by a representative of the utility company.

For individual counters the price is much lower. They are designed for less bandwidth(no more 3 cubic meters per hour) and therefore much more compact.

Such devices can be mounted both for the entire apartment (if the heating system is horizontal) and for each battery separately (if there are several vertical risers).

In new residential complexes, apartment heat meters are often installed at the construction stage.

Any heat meter is equipped computing module, temperature and flow sensors. But according to the principle of measuring the amount of coolant consumed, the meter can be next type:

• electromagnetic;
• mechanical;
• ultrasonic;
• vortex.

For each type of device has its advantages and disadvantages related to design features.

Electromagnetic

The measuring principle is based on electromagnetic induction. The device is hydrodynamic generator. An electric current is excited from the influence of a magnetic field in water; the amount of heat is determined by the field strength and the potential difference at the oppositely charged electrodes. Because of high sensitivity heat meter requires very high quality installation and regular maintenance. Without periodic cleaning, an error in the readings appears in the direction of increase.

Photo 1. Electromagnetic heat meter Fort-04 with 2 flanged flow meters from the manufacturer Thermo-Fort.

The heat meter can respond to electronic devices nearby. Possesses great accuracy accounting for many parameters. Works both from mains and batteries. Most compact type of heat meter. Recommended for installation at high pressure in the system. Installation is possible at any angle, but subject to the constant presence of coolant in the installation area.

Reference. If pipe diameter heating and meter flange does not match, then it is allowed to use adapters.

Mechanical

Flow meter in such a device rotary type(vane, turbine or screw). The principle of operation is similar to that of a water meter, only in addition to the quantity, the temperature of the water passing through the mechanism is also taken into account. Advantages of this type devices as follows:

• low cost;
• non-volatile (powered by batteries);
• lack of electrical elements (allows installation in unfavorable conditions);
• possibility of vertical installation.

A little increases cost device mandatory installation of a strainer, without which the internal mechanism quickly clogs and wears out. Due to the impossibility of use in conditions of high hardness and contamination of the coolant with rust, mechanical meters are allowed to be installed only as individual ones.

To the essential shortcomings also applies lack of information storage per day, and also impossibility of remote reading data. In addition, the device is very sensitive to water hammer, and its pressure loss in the heating system is higher than that of other types of models.

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Ultrasonic: can measure and adjust

The measurement is carried out using ultrasound. Depending on the flow rate of the coolant, the travel time of the ultrasonic wave from the transmitter, installed on one side of the pipe, to the receiver, located opposite, changes. Device does not affect the hydraulic pressure in the system. If the coolant is clean, then measurement accuracy is very high, A service life is almost endless. If the water or pipes are contaminated, the error in the heat meter data increases.

Photo 2. Ultrasonic heat meter ENCONT with a primary flow transducer made of stainless steel, manufactured by AC Electronics LLC.

Great information content such a counter, and the readings of the device can also be read remotely. But you will have to spend money on a UPS, since the device only works from the mains. Models available with additional regulation function water supply via two different channels. This allows you to change the speed of the coolant and the degree of heating of the radiators. Due to their reliability, ultrasonic devices have become widespread, despite their high cost.

Vortex

The operating principle is determined by a physical phenomenon vortex formation when water meets an obstacle. Involved permanent magnet, which is placed outside the pipe, triangular prism, mounted vertically into a pipe and measuring electrode, a little further along the flow of the coolant.

Water flowing around a prism forms vortices(pulsating changes in flow pressure). Based on the frequency of their formation, information about the volume of coolant passing through the pipe is displayed.

The advantage of this type of heat meters is independence from pollution pipes and water. This allows you to accurately measure temperature in old houses with worn-out iron heating pipes.

Installed on both vertical and horizontal pipe sections. The operation of the device is affected only by sudden changes in the coolant supply rate and large particles of debris or air in the system. Energy consumption device minimum and one battery will last for several years. Indications and Fault signals are transmitted remotely via radio communication.

Accounting for the required amount of heat in the apartment

The amount of heat is calculated using a heat calculator. The program works according to an algorithm based on the following factors influence:

• type of coolant in the system (steam or liquid);
• type heating systems(closed or open);
• structure system through which heat is released.

The calculation is relative, as it is formed from many individual quantities and at each stage inevitably arise errors (normal up to ±4%). The measurement principle is based on the fact that when passing through the heating system, the coolant transfers heat to the premises, and it is this heat that is considered consumed by the consumer.

The quantity is measured heat in Gcal/h (gigacalories per hour), when the mass of the coolant passing through the device is taken for the product, or in kW/h (kilowatts per hour), if the volume was recorded. According to the following formulas:

Q=Qm×k×(t1-t2)×t (Gcal/h) or Q=V×k×(t1-t2) (in kW/h).

Qm- weight in tons,

t1— temperature at entrance,

t2— outlet temperature,

V- volume in cubic meters,

T- time in hours,

K— thermal coefficient according to GOST,

Q- the amount of heat released into the premises.

Basic requirements for apartment appliances

The main requirements for heat metering devices are: legislative norms. The brand of the device must be included in the register of acceptable devices in commerce. An opinion from the civil service is required metrology. Installation of heat meters is carried out only by licensed companies.

Nowadays, payment for consumed heat often turns out to be the most expensive item in the budget. But there is a way out of this situation: you need to buy a heat meter, which is a separate measuring device or a set of devices designed to account for consumed thermal energy and determine the mass and characteristics of the coolant in systems with water heat supply. If the heat meter is installed correctly, heating bills will be much lower (up to 25-50% depending on the characteristics of the building in which it is installed).

Operating principle of heat meters

Any thermal energy meter includes the following elements:

• Resistance thermal converter.
• Calculator for the amount of thermal energy.
• Power supplies for pressure sensors and flow meters (if necessary).
• Primary flow transducer.
• Excess pressure converter (custom order).

Using such a device, a large number of parameters are determined, including:

• The time period of operation of devices installed at a specific metering station.
• Average daily and average hourly temperatures of the coolant in the cold water pipelines required for make-up, as well as supply and return pipelines.
• The amount of thermal energy consumed: both total and for each hour.
• The volume of coolant at the inlet and outlet of the heating system of a building or individual apartment.
• The volume of coolant that is consumed to constantly replenish the system.

Heat meters are necessary to record the amount of heat, for which data obtained from the temperature and coolant flow sensors included in the device are used. The total amount of thermal energy consumed by the heating system per hour is calculated as the product of the temperature difference between the coolant at the inlet and outlet and the coolant flow rate for the same time period. This value is determined by a special computer, which receives information about the flow rate and temperature difference. Flow sensors and two temperature sensors are responsible for their supply, one of which is mounted in the supply pipeline of the water supply system, and the other in the return pipeline. The calculator processes the information they provide and produces an accurate value of the amount of heat consumed, which is displayed on the LCD screen or read using a traditional optical interface. The measurement error is determined by the error in measuring the temperature difference and in high-quality instruments does not exceed 3-6%.

Types of heat meters

Today, before installing a heat meter, it is worth understanding its main types. Based on the principle of operation, these heat metering devices are divided into the following types:

• Electromagnetic heat meters. They are based on the phenomenon of excitation of an electric current in a liquid, which is a coolant, under the influence of a magnetic field. That is, electromagnetic induction occurs, which makes it possible to relate the average speed, and therefore the volumetric flow rate of the coolant, with the field strength in it and the potential difference that arises at the electrodes with the opposite charge. Since determining the amount of heat here depends on measuring very small current values, electromagnetic meters require special operating conditions and high-quality installation. The error in readings increases significantly if additional resistance occurs at the connections, poor wire connections and the presence of iron compounds and other impurities in the water. Nevertheless, metrological verification of such devices usually demonstrates good results.

• Mechanical heat meters will delight the consumer with their simplicity. In them, the translational movement of the coolant flow is converted into a rotational movement of the measuring element of the device to determine the amount of heat energy. Such models consist of mechanical-type vane or rotary water meters and a heat calculator. They have an affordable price, but to increase their service life it is necessary to install special filters in front of them. In addition, it is not recommended to use mechanical heat meters in systems where the coolant is water with high hardness. Small particles of rust and scale get stuck in filters and other parts of the device, causing it to fail. Also, such flow meters are responsible for a fairly significant reduction in water pressure compared to heat meters of other types.
• Ultrasonic heat meters, the price of which will be slightly higher than other models, determine the amount of heat consumed by changing the time interval during which ultrasound travels from the source of a given signal to its receiver. This parameter depends on the speed of the fluid flowing in the heating system. When installing such a metering device, the receiver and emitter of the ultrasonic signal are installed on the pipe opposite each other. The emitter emits a signal that travels through the water column and reaches the receiver. The time during which this occurs is directly related to the flow rate in the pipe, so the liquid flow rate is accurately determined by its value. Ultrasonic heat meters show good results only in the case of clean water flowing through pipes that are completely free of rust. If a liquid containing scale, sand, scale is used as a coolant, and its flow rate is not stable, the readings of such devices are considered accurate only with great stretch. A special feature of such devices is the ability to regulate the flow of liquid through two separate channels.

• Vortex heat meters operate due to the well-known physical phenomenon of the formation of vortices behind an obstacle located in the flow path. They consist of a permanent magnet installed outside the pipe, a triangular prism mounted vertically into the pipe, and a measuring electrode, also located in the pipeline, but a little further in the direction of the coolant flow. The flow of liquid around a prism leads to pulsating changes in flow pressure, which makes it possible to determine the volume of liquid flowing through the pipes of the system. The frequency of vortex formation is directly proportional to the flow speed inside the pipeline. Vortex heat meters have significant advantages. They are affected by a sharp change in the speed of the coolant and large foreign inclusions in it, but lime deposits on the surface of the pipes or a high concentration of iron in the water do not in any way affect the operation of such a measuring device. The quality of measurements is also not affected by whether the vortex heat meter is installed on a horizontal or vertical section of the system.

According to the method of use, the following thermal energy metering devices are distinguished:

• General building heat meters, which are usually installed at the entrance to multi-storey buildings and occasionally in production. Such devices easily fit pipelines with a diameter of 32 to 150 mm, and some models are designed for a diameter of up to 300 mm.
• Heat meters for individual apartments. They are installed at the entrance to the heating system of an apartment or private cottage. Such models are used on pipes with a diameter of 15-20 mm and include two elements. This is a heat calculator, which is equipped with two sensors that record the water temperature both in the supply and in the pipeline leaving the apartment, and a hot water meter, thanks to which apartment heat meters are able to determine not only the amount of heat, but also register the volume of water entering your home.
• Heating cost allocators. These are electronic devices for determining the relative share of a given apartment in the general building heat energy consumption, which is determined by means of a collective (general building) heat meter. The principle of its operation is based on the difference between the temperatures of the heating radiator indoors and the air temperature in the room, constantly recorded over time. The heating cost distributor is installed directly on the surface of the radiator and does not require intervention in the heating system.

Features of installation of apartment heat meters

If you decide to reduce the amount of your bill for consumed heat, and the installation of heat meters becomes a reality, it is not at all necessary to contact specialized organizations. It is enough to obtain a package of permits for installation, prepare the heat meter itself, a connecting kit with a check valve, a filter, collets, special taps equipped with heat sensors, heat-conducting paste, a wrench for metal pipes or welding for a metal-plastic heating system. After this, you need to perform the following operations:

• Flush the pipeline on which the heat meter will be installed. This will avoid blockages and reduce the error in the calculations of the device. In this case, you should ensure that the flow part of the device contains water, and the direction of the arrow on its body corresponds to the direction of water flow. Installation of modern models is possible both on vertical and horizontal sections of the system pipeline.

• Before installing the measuring unit, make sure that there is no pressure and coolant in the system. After this, proceed with the installation of ball valves with heat sensors before and after the heat meter. They make it possible not only to determine the temperature difference, but also to instantly shut off the pipes in the event of an emergency. Be careful when connecting the heat meter measurement unit to the system: since it is located in the flow part, it is very easy to damage it.
• The device kit includes two thermal converters, one of which is mounted in the measuring cartridge, and the other in the sleeve, treated with a special heat-conducting paste. A correctly installed heat converter should cover the pipe by two-thirds. Then these elements are subject to sealing.

Heat meters in the modern market of measuring instruments

Now the installation of a heat meter is becoming truly relevant. But the range of such devices on the market is very large, so let’s look at the features of several popular models:

• Heat meters Elf. These devices allow you to remotely read information and connect additional devices equipped with pulse outputs (for example, gas and water meters). But they are of the mechanical type, which means they are sensitive to impurities in the coolant, and must be replaced after 4-5 years. Their cost ranges from 160-190 dollars.
• Heat meter ST-10. Designed to take into account not only thermal, but also electrical energy, as well as the volume of cold and hot water consumed. The device is capable of working with both electromagnetic and mechanical water meters. However, not all models in this series have a built-in controller. Moreover, their prices start at $250.

• The ENCONT (RF) heat meter can serve up to four pipelines simultaneously and take into account heat energy in two independent exchange circuits. It is of the ultrasonic type, so the accuracy of its readings is greatly affected by the contamination of the water in the pipes. Depending on the complexity, such a device will cost $1500-3200.
• Heat meter MAGIKA (RF). The device belongs to the category of electromagnetic devices, is complemented by a digital interface, and allows you to connect several flow meters and thermal converters. It also requires particularly good quality installation and costs from $600.

The most optimal choice, both in terms of performance quality and price, is the thermal energy recording device ST-10.

Who has the right to change the settings of the heat meter (heat meter). All our answers will be based on the new “thermal energy, coolant” dated November 18, 2013 N 1034. First, an answer for those who are always in a hurry. The right to make changes to the heat meter , and correctly speaking, the heat meter has:

• representative of the heat supply organization;
• representative of the organization that carried out the installation and commissioning of the input. There is only one reason for this - the configuration database entered into your heat meter and agreed upon at the design stage of the heat metering unit.

As you can see, a new term has appeared here - heat calculator. Let's explain what it is.

Heat meter calculator or simply heat calculator- a component of a heat meter that receives signals from its sensors and provides calculations of data on the amount of thermal energy (exactly those Gcal for which you pay) and coolant parameters.

Accordingly, the heat metering rules state that a heat meter is a device designed to measure thermal energy and is either a single whole or consisting of individual elements included in its composition in accordance with the design. These elements are flow converters (flow meters, water meters), temperature and pressure sensors, and also a heat calculator.

Let us explain - there are two options for installing heat meters.

Heat meter - as a single device, fully factory assembled and configured, and a heat meter consisting of individual elements, the composition of which is selected.

Representatives of fully factory-assembled heat meters are ESKO-T, Karat-compact, Elf, Multikal and some others. Block TSK7 (VKT7 computer), Vzlet, TMK-N, etc. For the consumer there is no difference between them. Block heat meters are selected at the design stage, due to the fact that the circuit on them is more flexible, and the components can be selected to suit, they are more widespread. For offices and apartments, heat meters are mainly used that are fully pre-assembled, monoblock, they require virtually no adjustment (changes in the configuration database) and can even be operated without it with high measurement accuracy.

To understand the principle of setting the heat meter to the specified parameters, we will describe the main parameters that are programmed before commissioning.

The first and main thing is the weight or price of the impulse in m3/imp. The pulse price is indicated in the passport of the flow meter, water meter or flow converter. An equally important parameter is the type of water meter and the duration of its pulse.

The next parameter is the measurement scheme or algorithm by which the heat meter’s heat calculator will calculate the data received from the primary converters - temperature, flow and pressure sensors. Roughly speaking, this is the heat formula by which the heat calculator calculates and it is this that is selected from the options already programmed at the factory by the manufacturer.

It is these two parameters that are already programmed at the manufacturer into fully factory-assembled heat meters.

All other parameters are additional, these include primarily:

• The coolant pressure, if it is not measured, and it should be measured only at metering units, is above 0.5. Of course, you have the right to install sensors that transmit readings to the heat meter yourself (I mean stipulate in the design specifications), but this is extra money during installation (about 15 thousand rubles and subsequent maintenance and state verification). They will not affect the measurement accuracy much, approximately 0.01%.
• Then there are the maximum and minimum measurement limits (in fully factory-assembled heat meters, they are programmed at the manufacturer).
• The time the report was generated in the heat meter or the reporting date and hour.
• And lastly, the so-called contractual values ​​are the payment parameters for heat specified in the heat supply contract. These also include cold water temperature at the heat source (boiler room), it is entered into the computer as a constant and, in accordance with the contract, the amount of thermal energy consumed by you must be periodically recalculated taking into account the actual cold water temperature. The above applies to open hot water supply systems, this is when you take hot water directly from the heating system.

And the last note to the answer -. She does not have the right to make changes to the heat meter of the heat metering unit, but it is better to entrust control of any changes in the heat computer database to her. In fact, specialists from service organizations are often more knowledgeable than representatives of heating networks, and are able to tell you how to properly challenge, and most importantly, whether to challenge certain actions of the heat energy supplier to reprogram the heat meter, especially if it led to a visible increase in heat payments .

Paramonov Yu.O. Rostov-on-Don. 2014 Energostrom LLC

Setting up the heat meter parameters for a specific metering unit diagram is carried out in the order of the points in this section. The heat meter can simultaneously work with several independent metering units (up to 4). All parameters must be configured separately for each metering unit.

7.3.1 Accounting scheme settings.

To select an accounting scheme you must:

1. Select accounting scheme type from the list:

− Absent;

− Flow meters;

− Dead end;

− Closed;

− Open;

− Source.

2. Indicate which coolant flow rates are involved in the formula for calculating the amount of thermal energy. Possible options for each type of metering scheme are given above in Table 10 “Formula for calculating thermal energy”.

These parameters (“type of accounting scheme” and “participation of consumption in the formula”) in the MKTS menu are designated “ SchemeUch" And " G1 account in Q», « G2 account in Q», « G3 account in Q"respectively. The heat meter menu structure is described in detail below.

The features of all accounting schemes are given in the previous sections, except for the “Absent” type. This type can be set for an accounting unit that has become unnecessary if this control unit is not the last one. For example, if it is necessary to turn off the 1st control unit from operation, leaving the second one to work. To disable the last metering node from operation, it is preferable to simply reduce the number of metering nodes (see below).

For metering nodes of the “Absent” type, no parameters will be measured or recorded.

7.3.2 Control settings for measuring modules.

For each of the four measuring modules (IM1...IM4), the following parameters must be set:

1. Select measuring module type(menu title: " Type") from the list:

“No”, “M121”, “M021”, “M021+PRI”, “PRI”.

Possible selection options for each type of accounting scheme and IM number are presented in Table 11 “Selection of IM type for different accounting schemes.”

2. Enter network address(menu title: " Address"), coinciding with the serial number of the MM (except for the PR type MM).

3. Enter nominal diameter(menu title: " Du"") in millimeters (only for MI with a flow converter).

4. Specify pulse input type MI: active or passive (menu title:

« Act.Imp"). For PRIs with a passive output (“turntable”), an active input should be used (setting "Yes"), otherwise – passive input (setting "No"). If the MI pulse input is not used, parameter setting is not necessary.

7.3.3 Control parameters when calculating thermal energy

To control the conditions for calculating thermal energy, you should enter the following parameters:

1. Enable or disable synchronization mode of integrators M and Q(menu title: " Sync. M and Q») . If the integrators are synchronized, then when the integration of thermal energy Q is stopped for any reason, the mass integrators of the pipelines also stop, the coolant flow through which is involved in calculating the amount of heat (for additional pipelines, the synchronization mode does not matter). If the integrators are not synchronized, then when the Q integrator stops, the mass integrators can continue to accumulate (in the absence of errors). The synchronization mode should be enabled if, for example, when preparing reports it will be necessary to recalculate heat consumption parameters based on the actual cold water temperature.

2. Select a reaction to the situation Δt< Δtmin (menu title: " dt ""), where Δt = t1 – t2, (Δt = t1 – tхв – for a dead-end metering scheme); Δtmin – minimum permissible temperature difference, from the options: “ERROR”, “No error”.

3. Enter Δtmin value(menu title: " dtmin") - only if the reaction to Δt< Δtmin – ОШИБКА.

4. Choose a reaction to the situation W< 0 ( menu title: " W<0 » ), where W is the thermal power, from the options: “ERROR”, “No error”.

If any of the listed situations occurs during the operation of the heat meter and the reaction to it is set as “ERROR,” then the accumulation of the heat amount integrator and the corresponding operating time are stopped. In this case, an error message is written to the event archive.

If a situation arises, the response to which is set as “No error,” then the integrator accumulation continues, and the corresponding event is not recorded.

7.3.4 Settings for metering node channels.

For each of the channels of the metering unit (GV1, t1, P1, GV2, ... tхв, Pхв) it is necessary to set the following parameters (of the complete list of parameters given below, only a part is configured for a specific channel, depending on the type of metering unit, the type of measuring channel and method of measuring it):

1. Select measuring channel(menu title: " Channel"). For more details, see

section “Configuring metering node channels”. In addition to the valid measuring channels, the selection list contains the “Programs” option. It should be used in cases where a corresponding transducer, for example a pressure sensor, is not available. With this choice, a programmable value (constant) is accepted as the measurement result in this channel.

2. For the case when the value in the channel of the metering unit is programmed (the “Program” option is selected for the measuring channel), it is necessary enter This programmable value(menu title: " Meant"), which will be used as the measurement result in this channel.

3. For the “Flowmeters” metering unit it is necessary select the type of medium being measured(menu title: " Environment type) from the options: “Water”, “Liquid”, “Gas”, “Electricity”, “Other”. (For electromagnetic flowmeters, the choice is limited to “Water” and “Liquid”).

4. For the case when the type of the selected measuring channel is “Gi”, and the type of the measured medium is “Water”, “Liquid” or “Gas”, it is necessary enter the impulse weight in liters per impulse (menu title: " Liter/imp"). For the measured medium “Elenergy” it is necessary to enter the number of pulses per kWh (heading in the menu:

« Imp/kWh"). For other types of measured medium, it is necessary to enter the pulse weight (menu title: " Weight imp»).

5. For the “Liquid” medium type it is necessary enter its density in kilograms per cubic meter (menu heading: “ Density, kg/m3"). If the type of the selected measuring channel is “Gi”, the setup of such a channel ends here.

6. Enter a contractual value for a hardware error measurements (fault in the measuring circuits, or lack of communication with the measuring module).

Corresponding title in the menu: " DgvError" If such a value is not entered (the menu indicates “ No"), then when this error occurs, the measurement result in the channel is considered uncertain and an error is recorded in the event archive. The value of all calculated parameters that depend on a given channel (mass flow and thermal power) also becomes uncertain, and the corresponding integrators and operating times are stopped for the period until this error is eliminated. If the contractual value is specified (the menu indicates “ Yes" and a number called the contractual value is entered), then, if a hardware measurement error occurs, the entered contractual value will be used as the measurement result in this channel, and the calculation of all parameters of the metering unit will continue as if there was no measurement error.

It is recommended to use the contractual value in the event of a hardware error for the pressure measurement channels, so that in the event of their failure, the heat meter continues to calculate and accumulate thermal energy (the effect of pressure on the calculation of heat consumption parameters is very small).

7. Enter the minimum allowed valueMinimum»).

8. Enter a contractual value if the measurement result is less than the minimum acceptable value(for a flow channel with reverse allowed - if the measurement result in absolute value is less than the minimum permissible value, see the figure below). Menu title: " DgvMin» . The effect of this parameter is similar to the contractual value in the event of a hardware measurement error.

9. Enter the maximum allowed value for the measurement result (title in the menu: “ Max»).

10. Enter a contractual value if the measurement result is greater than the maximum permissible value(menu title: " DgvMax») . The effect of this parameter is the same as the previous contractual values.

11. Enter limit(maximum in absolute value) permissible reverse value for the measurement result (title in the menu: “ PreRev»).

If this value is zero, then flow reversal is prohibited and the value of the measurement result is compared only with the minimum and maximum allowable values. If a negative permissible reverse value is entered, then flow reversal is allowed and the flow rate will be controlled to exceed this value (see figure below). The parameter can only be configured for the flow channel.

12. Enter a contractual value if the measurement result is less than the maximum permissible reverse value(menu title: " DgvRev») . The effect of this parameter is the same as the previous contractual values. The parameter can only be configured for a flow channel with flow reverse enabled .

13. Enable or disable the empty pipe sensor(menu title: " DBT»).

It may be necessary to turn off the empty pipe sensor (EPS) if it malfunctions. The parameter can only be configured for the flow channel.

14. Enter a reaction to the empty pipe sensor readings(only for the flow measurement channel with DPT enabled; menu title: " EmptyTr") from the list:

"ERROR", "No error".

If during operation of the heat meter the empty pipe sensor is triggered, and the reaction to this situation is set as “ERROR”, then the accumulation of integrators of mass, amount of heat and the corresponding operating times are stopped. An error message is also written to the event archive. Otherwise, when the empty pipe sensor is triggered, the flow measurement channel in the corresponding pipeline is reset to zero.

If there are contractual minimum and maximum values, for any channel of the metering unit (including the flow channel with prohibited reverse), the reading of this channel (the value used for all calculations and for display on the display), depending on the measured value, has the form:

Fig27. Dependence of the channel reading on the measured value with the entered minimum and maximum contractual values.

where − Xmeas – the result of measurement in the channel, obtained from the measuring transducer of flow, pressure, temperature;

− Xcalc – value used for further calculations and display on the display (heat meter reading for a given channel);

− Min, Max – permissible minimum and maximum values ​​for the channel;

− Dgv.min, Dgv.max – contractual values ​​applied when the measured value exceeds the minimum and maximum values.

For a flow channel with reverse allowed, the relationship between the measured value and the heat meter reading will be as follows:

Fig28. Dependence of the flow channel reading with allowed reverse on the measured value with entered contractual values.

7.3.5 Starting an integrator account.

At the moment of changing the values ​​of any settings of the metering unit, in order to exclude cases of working with obviously incorrect settings, the heat meter goes into the “Stop integrator counting” mode for this metering unit. In this case, the readings in all channels of the metering unit continue to be calculated, but the summation of the integrators of mass, volume, thermal energy and operating time stops. Therefore, after completing all the settings, it is necessary to start the integrator account (see the command " Let the account go!" in the description of the heat meter menu).

When the heat meter is turned on, it automatically restores the integrators' account status.

The lack of stable heat supplies to apartment buildings gives rise to many problems. Users do not want to pay for cold pipes, quarreling with utility services. And this is quite understandable, since there is no point in paying for missing services. Heat meters for heating solve this eternal problem for our country. A common house or individual heat meter will reduce utility costs, since it will only take into account the actual amount of heat supplied.

In this review we will look at:

• The need to use heat meters;
• Operating principle of heat meters;
• Main types of heat meters and popular models;
• Costs for equipment and installation work;
• How to install a heat meter in an apartment building or in your apartment.

Read the review and find out how you can save on utility consumption.

Why are heat meters needed?

Cold batteries are an eternal Russian problem. It would seem that utility workers are constantly working to improve boiler houses, carry out preparatory work for the heating season, change pipes and carry out other procedures to maintain their facilities in working order. But with the onset of winter, everything repeats itself - the pipes are cold, people complain, utility workers either shrug their shoulders or pretend that this does not concern them.

Agree, it’s a shame when you pay a lot of money every month for heating, but the temperature in the apartment remains below normal.

The problem itself is not even cold pipes or their insufficient temperature (not corresponding to the norm), but the fact that utility companies charge subscription fees “to the fullest.” At the same time, they do not care about the temperature in the apartments, but people suffer. Appeals to regulatory authorities often do not help - oddly enough, according to the documents of the utility companies, everything is normal.

The problem with cold pipes and unfair collection of subscription fees is solved by thermal energy metering devices. When installed for heating in an apartment, they will provide an accurate accounting of the amount of heat consumed. If the pipes are cold, the volume of services consumed will be minimal. If the temperature is normal, utility workers will receive money for their work - everything is fair and just.

By installing a heat meter for heating, we will not be able to solve only one problem - if the boiler room does not work, then there will be no heat in the apartment, even with a meter, even without a meter.

Let's see what benefits we get by installing a heat meter in the apartment:

• Reduced utility costs - if utility companies are “sloppy”, then the payment for heat will be minimal;
• We will receive a tool to influence the service provider - he will be interested in supplying heat in the amount determined by the current standards and the current weather outside;
• Savings on monthly fees even with warm pipes - in some cases it reaches 20-30%.

But the main thing is that if there is no heat, we can pay nothing - even if the case goes to court, we will be right.

When installing a heat meter for heating, care should be taken to reduce heat losses. To do this, it is necessary to replace the front door and install three-layer double-glazed windows.

Principle of operation

Apartment heat meters for heating take into account the amount of heat consumed. The hotter the coolant and the greater the volume of flowing coolant, the larger the numbers on the control panel. This is also convenient when thermostats are installed on the batteries - it becomes possible to save on heating when certain rooms are simply not used.

The thermal energy meter takes into account the following factors:

• The amount of coolant flowing - for measurement, a module is used that is somewhat similar to a regular water meter;
• Inlet coolant temperature - for this, the heat meter is equipped with a sensor installed on the heating inlet pipe;
• The temperature of the coolant at the outlet of the system is set on the outlet pipe.

The received data is sent to the accounting unit, which performs all the necessary calculations. Some heat meters for heating are equipped with mechanical metering units, but in general their essence remains the same.

The accounting unit, displaying the final results, displays them on a mechanical or electronic display. The received data is transferred to the heat supplier, and payment is made in accordance with current tariffs. If the heat energy meter detects that the coolant is too cold, it will reduce the reading. And in this case, the utility companies simply cannot get away with it - they will receive less money than if the accounting was carried out without a heating heat meter.

Types of heat meters for heating

When purchasing heat meters, you need to decide on the choice of the most suitable model. The industry produces a large number of heat meters for heating systems, differing in throughput, operating accuracy, type of measuring unit and many other parameters. In stores we can purchase:

House-wide heat meters are larger than their apartment counterparts and have greater throughput.

• A house-to-house heating meter is a heat meter for house-to-house heat metering. This device takes into account the total amount of thermal energy consumed, after which the obtained values ​​are distributed to all apartments (in accordance with the heated area);
• Apartment heat meters for heating are designed for strictly individual recording of the amount of thermal energy consumed.

A house-wide heat energy meter (or a house-wide heat meter) is a high-performance device designed for installation at the entrance to a residential building. It carries out general heat accounting, and the data obtained can be taken both by the responsible person and by the utilities themselves. The characteristic features of this device are the large diameter of the inlet and outlet pipes, since a fairly large amount of coolant flows through the equipment.

A heat meter per apartment is smaller than a common house heat meter. The maximum throughput is up to 2-3 cubic meters. m/hour, depending on model. Apartment heating meter is purchased individually. In new residential complexes, these devices can be installed by the developer.

A heat meter for a battery is approximately the same heat meter as for the entire apartment. This equipment is installed separately on each battery, which will be discussed in the next section.

Apartment heat meters (as well as general ones for a house) are further divided into several categories, depending on the principle of operation. Here is their list:

Ultrasonic devices are very sensitive to the quality of the coolant.

• Mechanical - in their design, these heat meters resemble hot water meters, but they are able to take into account the temperature of the coolant. Their main advantage is resistance to poor quality coolant (relevant for residential areas with old boiler houses);
• Ultrasonic is the leader in accuracy. They are equipped with ultrasonic sensors that measure the level of coolant flow in the heating system. In addition to them, heat meters are equipped with temperature sensors. The main disadvantage is that they don’t like dirty coolant.;
• Electromagnetic – they work in any conditions and have a fairly decent level of accuracy.

When choosing heat meters, choose electromagnetic or ultrasonic models - they are extremely accurate and easy to install.

Installation of heating meters in an apartment

With vertical heating distribution, installing heat meters will cost a pretty penny.

The process of installing a heat meter in an apartment is complicated by the fact that heating in it can be horizontal or vertical. The easiest way is to install the meter in a horizontal system - in this case, all heating radiators in the rooms are connected to one single riser. Accordingly, here we need one heat meter - it will analyze the total heat consumption throughout the entire apartment.

The worst thing is if there are several vertical risers in the apartment - in the kitchen, living room and bedroom. And if the apartment is three- or four-room, then the costs of equipment will be huge. The thing is that we need one heat meter for each battery or group of batteries to calculate the total heat consumption of all heating devices. Accordingly, having installed a meter on the heating radiator in the kitchen, you will have to install another device in the bedroom.

Installation of communal heat meters

The easiest way is to install common house heat meters for heating - they work for the whole house at once. In this case, you will need one device or one for each entrance. Installation of building-type heat meters at the request of residents often involves the need to purchase equipment at their own expense. The consent of all residents will also be required, so the documentation procedure may be delayed.

Installation of heat meters - step-by-step instructions

The installation of heat meters in apartments must be carried out by licensed organizations.

Installing a heat meter in an apartment will put an end to the arbitrariness of public utilities and force them to work not only for their own benefit, but also for the benefit of consumers. Let's see how to install heating meters in an apartment and what is needed for this. Let us immediately note the fact that installation work must be carried out by specialists, since independent installation of heat meters is prohibited.

First you need to obtain and carefully study the technical specifications. Here the characteristics of the heating system used in the home are prescribed - coolant pressure, its temperature, pipe diameter and much more. In accordance with the data presented, a heat meter of a suitable model is purchased - its characteristics must comply with the technical conditions.

Please note that along with the heating meter you must be given all the necessary documentation for the equipment.

The process of installing a heat meter in an apartment continues by contacting the design organization - it will draw up a project and carry out installation work. The choice of a design and installation company must be taken with full responsibility. If she does not have a license and permission to carry out installation work, the installation of a heat meter on heating may be refused - they simply will not accept your documents.

At the final stage, the heat meter is accepted, its functionality is checked, and the next stack of papers is signed. From this moment on, payment for heating will be made not in accordance with the area of ​​the apartment, but in accordance with the data received from the meter. If the meter in the apartment registers a low coolant temperature, the heating bill will be small.

Let's see how much it costs to install heat meters and how much you will have to pay for the equipment itself. An apartment appliance will cost you 6-9 thousand rubles. The cost of installation work will be from 10,000 rubles - the estimate is drawn up on an individual basis. Remember that if your heating system has several heat meters, the initial costs will be huge.

If there is one heat meter in the apartment, it will pay for itself quickly enough. For several devices, the payback period can be up to 3-4 years. The calibration interval for all heat meters is 4 years.

Installation of a common house appliance

The installation of a common house heat meter must be agreed upon with all owners.

Let's see how to install a common house heating meter. The procedure here is approximately the same as with apartment metering devices - we get technical specifications, make a project, invite installers, sign all the necessary papers. But before this, you need to hold a house-wide meeting, collect funds, purchase suitable equipment, and make payment calculations according to the heated area.

You can find out whether it is possible to install a communal heating meter from the management company or the design organization. But you need to remember that installing such heating is fraught with difficulty in solving organizational issues - the owners of some apartments may not agree to additional costs.

Sometimes building-wide heat meters for heating are installed for general control of heat consumption if there are individual metering devices in each apartment. Thus, consumers pay not only for their own heat consumption, but also for heat in common areas (for example, in entrances).

The installation of common metering devices often solves the problem of deception of individual meters by residential consumers - as a result, the entire house pays for the theft.

Popular models

Installing a heat meter in an apartment promises certain benefits - if you have a heat meter, you will have to pay less for heating. True, you will have to spend money on installation work. We recommend the following models as apartment appliances.