Wood Log boilers
Modern log boilers offer clean and efficient heating, while utilizing one of the most cost-effective fuel sources. They are well-suited for domestic use and smaller commercial applications, such as country homes or small industrial buildings. However, for larger-scale applications, careful consideration is needed, as the process of splitting and manually loading the fuel can become labor-intensive and time-consuming.
Small domestic heating and light commercial |
HDG R SeriesThe R range of log boilers are ideally suited to the smaller domestic dwelling. Purpose designed for simple and easy operation. Most commonly used linked with a fossil fuel (oil or gas) boiler. Ideal entry level boiler for 2-3 bedroom property or highly insulated 3-4 bedroom house. 130 litre fuel chamber capacity (R20-30). HDG F SeriesAdvanced commercially constructed log boiler. HDG F Series 20,25,30Suitable for a well insulated 3-4 bedroom house with average hot water demand. Ideal as the primary energy source. HDG F Series 40-45-50Suitable for an averagely insulated 3-4 bedroom house or well insulated 4-6 bedroom property with above average hot water demand. Ideal as the primary energy source for medium commercial application such as offices, larger shop or industrial unit. 195 litre fuel chamber capacity. |
Larger domestic heating and commercial |
HDG EuroCommercially constructed log boiler designed for both domestic and commercial applications. Scale liner is an option, 220 litre fuel chamber capacity. Lambda controlled for excellent efficiency. As a guide the Euro 30- 40-50 range of boilers might suit: HDG Euro 30- 40Well insulated 3-4 bedroom house with average hot water demand. Ideal as the primary energy source. Small to medium commercial application such as small shop specialist business unit. HDG Euro 45-50Averagely insulated 3-4 bedroom house or well insulated 4-6 bedroom property with above average hot water demand. Ideal as the primary energy source. HDG TurbotecCommercially constructed log boiler for heavier load applications. Suitable for 1 meter logs with large fueling chamber. Lambda controlled for excellent efficiency: Suitable for larger country or urban properties. Large guest house or small hotel. |
Benefits of a log burning boiler;
- Simple to operate
- Burns logs and clean waste wood, resulting in very low heating costs
- Eligible for both the Domestic and Non-Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Schemes
- Requires only once or twice a day fuelling (if sized correctly)
- Lambda controllers ensure high reallife efficiencies up to 93%
- Wood logs can be stored locally to the boiler house to reduce time and labour
- The boiler house can be located remotely to the property to be heated
- Can be easily linked with an alternative heating source
- Can have automatic ignition
- Can have on board fuel calculator which advises how much fuel to load into boiler
Nominal output and fuel chamber size
When choosing a log boiler, it’s essential to consider both its nominal output and fuel chamber size to ensure it meets your heating needs. The nominal output refers to the rate at which the energy stored in the wood is converted into heated water. To maintain adequate heating, the boiler's nominal output should match or exceed the property's heat loss rate, ensuring it can effectively keep up with demand.
Additionally, to minimize the need for frequent reloading and ignition, especially in average winter temperatures, the fuel chamber should be large enough to hold a sufficient amount of wood, allowing for once-daily loading and ignition.
Electronic combustion control
To burn wood efficiently, it's crucial to manage two stages of combustion: the burning of volatile gases and the burning of fixed carbon (charcoal). The initial release of wood gases occurs during gasification, where the wood is partially burned in the fueling chamber, releasing gas. This gas is then drawn into a separate combustion chamber, where it mixes with secondary air for complete combustion under optimal conditions.
To effectively control this two-stage burning process, modern boilers are equipped with intelligent combustion controllers, commonly known as Lambda sensors. These sensors are located in the flue of the boiler and continuously monitor flue gases. They adjust the primary and secondary air supply to ensure the boiler operates at maximum efficiency, leading to improved performance and reduced emissions.
Accumulators
During the combustion process, log boilers often produce more energy in the form of heated water than is immediately needed by the heating system. This excess heated water is transferred and stored in a highly insulated water tank known as an accumulator. The high insulation levels of these accumulators allow the energy to be stored for extended periods, ensuring it’s available for heating or hot water when required.
Options for Convenience
Several features can enhance the ease of using a log boiler:
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Automatic Ignition Systems: These systems allow the boiler to be loaded with fuel at a convenient time. The boiler ignites automatically using an electrical ignition fan only when additional energy is needed by the heating system.
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Fuel Loading Sensors: These sensors help users determine the appropriate amount of fuel to load into the boiler, taking into account outside temperature and forecasted energy needs. This ensures optimal performance and efficiency, making operation simpler and more efficient.