On Sun, 14 Dec 2003 16:15:04 -0000, "IMM" wrote:


"Steven Briggs" wrote in message
news
In message , Andy Hall
writes

[snip praise of technology way beyond the comprehension of most
Plumbers!]

Andy, I didn't realise your MAN Micromat boiler was so clever.
If only the UK industry would drag itself into the 21 century with some
decent control technology. The cost of implementation is next to FA, a
mid-range PIC or similar could do the job for a few quid. Even I could
knock something together in a week or so's work, and I only dabble with
PIC's and software occasionally.

Very few condensing boiler now do not have load compensation control, at
modulates the burner. The problems is that when you want full output at all
times, as when heating a thermals tore or quick recovery cylinder, most
can't do it. Some boilers do have terminals that when switched the
modulation is turned on or off. Some boilers, the Baxi is one and see
current thread on this, can either be full power or modulate, by only be
removing 3 jumpers from the control board.

All of which is very disappointing. If the boiler is going to have
a board of electronics with a microprocessor to read the temperatures
and control the modulation, then with virtually zero extra cost it
could directly monitor the cylinder temperature or cylinder stat and
operate the motorised valve. Given that, the boiler could be wound
up to full power for the hot water/thermal store cycle and back down
to modulating for the heating circuit when this is complete. All of
this can be accomplished with the controls available today, and simple
ones at that. In an existing property, there is almost certainly
wiring that will handle it all as well.





Mind, can you imagine your average Corgi optimising the PID parameters
of the controller

Not in a million years. They need idiot proof controls. This is where well
specced combi's score well. They thinking is done for them and they just
connect up the pipes.

No thought not.



---

..andy

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