The Izhevsk Research and Technological Institute "Progress" (managed by "RT-Capital" of the Rostec Group) has created new unique equipment that assesses the water flow in radiators and convectors and allows measuring the heat flow with high accuracy. If calculated correctly, it is possible to minimize the costs of operating heating systems and reduce capital costs during its installation.
The nominal heat flow, also known as power or heat transfer, is important for the radiator to pass mandatory certification. It also helps to calculate what size of equipment is needed to heat a particular room area, and what the costs of operating the heating system will be.
Currently, the electrical method of measuring heat transfer is most commonly used in Russia. With this method, calculations are carried out based on the electrical power supplied to the heating circuit. However, it is not possible to avoid large errors.
The water method, which determines the heat flow rate by the level of water consumption, is considered more accurate and efficient. However, it is rarely used in Russia: the technology requires technically complex and expensive equipment. And the key element of the installation operating on the water method - the weighing device - is not produced by anyone in Russia.
Now the situation will change. At NITI "Progress", they not only mastered the technology of the water method, but also developed their own measuring device.
More accurate measurement of heat transfer will minimize the costs of operating heating systems. Thus, the annually introduced capacity of heating devices in Russia amounts to about 20,000 MW. At the same time, the power reserve laid down by the designer is 8-10%. Improving the accuracy of catalog and certification tests by 1% will potentially save the equivalent of the cost of heating devices for 200 MW. With an enlarged cost of heating devices of 6,000 rubles/kW, this saving will amount to 1.2 billion rubles per year on a national scale.
Currently, this device is undergoing the first stage of testing, after which it will be tested as part of a test bench and sent to the first facilities.