Buffer Tanks / Buffer Vessels
The buffer tank is an appliance for storing more heat produced for later use. It is an ideal addition to any heating or solar system. Serves to compensate for the difference between generated and consumed energy. When there is no need to use all the heat produced, it is stored and accumulated in this buffer vessel. This determines the low energy costs and high thermal comfort, which increase the efficiency of the heating system of the home. This is an investment that pays off over time because it also increases the life of the heating system. The buffer tank can be combined with several energy sources, ensuring quality separation of the heat generated by them and its redistribution, so as to obtain an optimal mode of operation of the heating system.
The hot water supply to the buffer tank can be provided by a boiler, solar collector, gas boiler, heat pumps or other sources that are part of the household heating system.
Depending on the number of alternative energy sources - solar collector, heat pump or boiler, buffer vessels can be equipped with one or two heat exchanger or without heat exchanger. The heat exchanges have the advantage that they allow free heat exchange and simultaneous operation of two different installations without mixing the heat carriers.
The main purpose of the buffer vessels is to meet the high needs of domestic hot water, so the market offers models with different capacities from 300 to 2000 liters.
Combined hot water cylinders can be considered as a variant of a buffer vessel. They are a combination of a hot water boiler and a buffer tank, and the hot water is heated by a built-in heat exchanger.
The coating of the buffer vessel can be Enamel or Chrome-Nickel. Thermal insulation is very important to be able to perform their functions in the best way, otherwise energy consumption would increase. The energy efficiency class of the product according to the European Directive (2010/30 / EU) and Regulation 2015/1185 also depends on the type of insulation.
Depending on the method of installation, the buffer vessels can be wall-mounted or free-standing (vertical or horizontal). They have many technological vents (couplings) that provide a convenient way of connecting. These vents are located at different heights and this allows them to be combined with different appliances and mounted on the floor, wall and even in the corners of the room.
Advantages of buffer tanks
- Efficiency. The connection to the installation eliminates heat losses by ensuring maximum use of the potential of the respective heating system;
- Versatility. It can be used both for heating the home and for heating and storing water;
- Environmental friendliness. Helps to make optimal use of renewable energy sources. This is due to the fact that standard boilers are large consumers of electricity, and the use of a buffer tank in systems with renewable sources leads to high energy efficiency;
- Economy. The initial investment for the purchase is one-time, but on the other hand, heating costs are significantly reduced;
- Durability. Its use increases the life of the installation. This is achieved through its higher productivity.
Why use a buffer tank
The buffer tank offers the possibility to combine several energy sources. This is a guarantee that the system will always work optimally and that the heat produced by the various sources is distributed as evenly as possible.
They are extremely useful and mandatory as a supplement to a system that integrates energy from renewable sources - solar panels.
To increase the efficiency of pellet boilers, it is also recommended to use a buffer tank, which will ensure smoother operation of the boiler and a significant reduction in fuel consumption by up to 30%. The heat generated is stored and used when the boiler cools down. It is especially effective during the months when it is not too cold and the boiler does not work at optimal power.
In heat pump systems, the buffer tanks acts simultaneously as an accumulator and equalizer, which compensates for the difference between the energy obtained and consumed. This prevents the heat pump from being switched on and off frequently, as well as the hydraulic overload between the individual circuits of the system.
In our quest for better energy efficiency and the development of technology, the buffer tank is becoming an integral part of the modern heating system of every home.
BalkanEnergy.CO.UK offers you a wide variety of models from the Sunsystem and Eldom brands with a water tank capacity of 80 to 5,000 liters.