The management of heating equipment in modern schemes is implemented through thermostats. These are devices with which the owner can adjust the working base to a certain mode of operation. The most technologically advanced models of thermostats require adjustment according to several parameters and even their automatic correction. There are various approaches to the organization of interaction between equipment and control equipment. Ample opportunities for the formation of this bundle are provided by a thermostat with an external air temperature sensor, which can be installed away from the heater.
Features of thermostats with a remote sensor
The simplest models of temperature controllers are equipped with built-in sensors. Their task is to determine the current temperature regime directly in the room where the heating system works. Devices with a remote type sensor are used in cases where it is necessary to determine the temperature outside the room in which the control equipment is located. But the controller’s task remains the same - on the basis of the received indicators to regulate the functioning parameters of the target equipment. For example, a thermostat with an external air temperature sensor can be installed next to the boiler, and in this case the sensing element will be located in the room to which the heating function is oriented. Another approach to the use of a remote sensor is also being practiced. Sometimes it is installed on the street so that the operating parameters of the same boiler are set in accordance with external climatic conditions. But in such systems, standard room sensors are also used, and street analogues act as a complementary indicator.
What equipment are thermostats used for?
A classic example of using thermostats is a floor heating system. Also, regulators can be used as part of the mentioned boiler units, radiators and other types of home heaters. The function of the sensors remains common for the entire group of equipment of this type - to monitor temperature indicators. Outside of home use, it is worth highlighting areas in which water supply systems, freezers, cooling units, etc. are used. As part of such an infrastructure, complex temperature relays are used, which can combine several sensors in one system. At industrial enterprises, the use of remote sensors is due to the need to control several operating zones, the heating of which is carried out by one heating unit.
Varieties
There are several signs of classifying appliances. This is primarily a way of presenting data. There are electronic and mechanical temperature controllers, which are distinguished by accuracy and reliability. Models of the first type, as a rule, have a small error coefficient, but at the same time they are less resistant to physical influences. Mechanics are considered an outdated technical foundation, so devices of this type are found less and less on the market.
Another sign of separation is based on the installation method. Both the thermostat itself and the sensors can assume floor, air and wall mounting. Also, the principles for connecting components vary. For example, a thermostat in a socket with a remote sensor eliminates the need for a separate power line. And if a wireless sensor is used, then the installation operations will be completely limited to the physical installation of the device without electrical operations.
Instrument Specifications
A key performance indicator is the power of the regulator. This parameter is determined by the requirements for the load with which the device will work. Typically, household-type models have a potential of 3-3.6 kW. This is enough to service a productive boiler or a group of small heaters. By the way, in order to be able to work with several units at the same time, manufacturers provide for multi-channel control. Even medium-sized devices often allow the integration of a temperature switch that can cover 5-10 zones at a time. The temperature range over which the readings will be monitored also matters. A typical appliance typically ranges from 5 to 45 ° C. For special purposes, modifications are offered that work with ranges up to 90 ° C.
Technological additions
Functional innovations are rarely found in such devices, since they focus on the clear implementation of a specific task. Unless individual versions, along with temperature, can also record moisture readings. The main direction of technological development of temperature regulators is ergonomic management. To increase comfort, Wi-Fi modules are introduced into the sensors, and the control panels themselves receive touch control panels and LCD screens. Also popular is a digital thermostat with an external sensor that supports programming. Unlike standard electronic models, such devices are designed to process complex algorithms, the source data for which can be readings from several temperature indicators.
Manufacturers
In the domestic market, quality models of temperature controllers are offered by Teplolux, Caleo, Honeywell, Electrolux, etc. Grand Mayer and Thermo offer interesting models for specialized or industrial use. As for the cost, a budget thermostat with a remote air temperature sensor is available on average for 1-1.5 thousand rubles. Digital devices with wireless sensors are estimated at 2-3 thousand.
How to choose a suitable model?
If we are talking about controlling multi-component heating equipment or a wide group of appliances, then the choice should be made on the basis of the project. The technical plan should indicate the permissible characteristics for specific points of regulation. In home use, critical areas can be trusted in 5-10-zone controllers, whose power is about 3.6 kW. If a model is selected to control the floor heating system or a small boiler, then an electronic thermostat with an external dual-zone temperature sensor is suitable. In this choice, you can safely focus on the ergonomic and stylistic advantages of the model.
Conclusion
Only in rare cases, modern heating equipment is available without control panels in the basic configuration. That is, the possibility of direct regulation is often provided by default. In this regard, the question may arise as to whether a thermostat with an external air temperature sensor is needed. Of course, regulation can also be carried out in a direct way - moreover, wireless control capabilities are also provided in the same basic configurations. However, a special thermostat with sensors can completely save the owner from the need to control the heating system. The device will automatically adjust the operating parameters, which will provide not only ease of use, but also energy savings.