MICROTherm
energy-saving device
for commercial sized
gas or oil fired boilers
|
1. What is
MicroTherm and how does it work? What is MicroTherm and how does it work? MicroTherm is a microprocessor-based computer energy-saving device for hot water or steam boilers and heaters. It constantly monitors the demand on the boiler by assimilating all factors affecting a building’s heating requirements, including occupancy, climate, wind-chill, solar gain, type of building, and many other elements. With this information, MicroTherm’s computer then calculates the optimum time between off and on-cycles and controls burner ignitions accordingly. The principles behind MicroTherm are based on the following facts: 1. All boilers are inherently oversized. Boilers are initially designed to accommodate the coldest days of the year (about 5%). During these periods of maximum demand, the burner is constantly running and the boiler is operating at its maximum. At other times, the burner turns on and off (cycling) to maintain the set temperature and pressure. It is during these periods of lesser demand, about 95% of the year; that MicroTherm saves energy. 2. Hot water and Steam lose energy much faster at a higher temperature than at a lower temperature. MicroTherm extends the off-cycle of the boiler by a factor that is determined by its computer. Each boiler has its own characteristics that MicroTherm analyzes and sets in order to run at peak efficiency. By extending the off-cycle, the temperature of the hot water/steam will drop a couple of degrees and that will not affect the overall temperature of the building. If there is a sudden drop in temperature MicroTherm immediately cancels any extended off-cycle, allowing the burner to ignite. 3. Burners are most effective after the boiler vessel has reached its highest temperature. MicroTherm utilizes this fact. The two or three degree differential in the hot water/steam temperature will be easily made up by running the boiler a bit longer. 4. The length of the burner’s off-cycle is the best measure of the total heating demand or load. The load is directly related to the time it takes for water (or steam) in the boiler to drop from its high-limit temperature (or pressure) to its low-limit or “call” setting. When demand is high, the off-cycles are short and the on-cycles are longer. When demand is lower, off-cycles are longer and on-cycles are reduced. MicroTherm constantly monitors the off-cycles and adjusts their duration. MicroTherm decreases fuel usage by extending the off-cycles and creating longer, more efficient, but less frequent on-cycles. The result of this patented process is a reduction in the number of ignitions and total operating time. The less time the burner is operating the less fuel it uses. Back to TopHow does MicroTherm affect the environment? MicroTherm reduces the number of ignitions and total operating time of the burner/heater, providing a healthier environment. Back to TopDoes MicroTherm affect my boiler/heater? No. MicroTherm does not change or improve the burning efficiency of your boiler/heater. MicroTherm merely calculates the optimum time between off and on-cycles and controls burner ignitions accordingly, thus extending the off-cycles and creating longer more efficient, but less frequent on-cycles. With less burner ignitions a boiler has a longer life and less maintenance. Back to TopWhat happens in the event of a power failure or if MicroTherm malfunctions or breaks down? MicroTherm is manufactured in a United States ISO 9002 plant and is a UL Listed Energy Management Device. It complies with limits for a class A Digital Device. MicroTherm is designed with a watchdog technology that immediately shuts itself down in the event of power interruption, and will restart itself at its last programmed setting when correct power is restored. In the unlikely event of product failure, a magnetic relay closes, returning the boiler system to its preinstalled condition. Back to TopDo I have to lower my thermostat to achieve the promised saving? You don’t have to trade temperature for dollars. You can save money without sacrificing heat or hot water by using MicroTherm. Back to TopWill I save the most fuel by using MicroTherm in the coldest months when the boiler is constantly running? No. MicroTherm only saves you money when the boiler is in an on-off cycling mode. That means the demand is lower than the capacity of the boiler. Back to TopWhat if I already have an energy saving control system installed? MicroTherm is fully compatible with existing set-back or any other energy-saving control systems. You still enjoy the 10%-20% fuel savings regardless of your present energy-saving device (Heattimer/OAS/Compuserve/Honeywell/Tour-Anderson etc...) Back to TopDoes it matter what kind of fuel the boiler/heater uses? As long as the boiler/heater is running off and on-cycles to maintain the temperature of hot water or steam MicroTherm will reduce the fuel consumption regardless of what type of fuel your boiler/heater uses. Back to TopWhat happens if there is a sudden increase in demand? If there is a sudden increase in demand, in a situation that everybody uses hot water at the same time, the temperature of the water drops to a programmable low limit. MicroTherm immediately cancels any extended off-cycle, allowing the burner to ignite. Back to TopDoes MicroTherm require regular maintenance? MicroTherm consists of no mechanical parts, and hence requires no maintenance or service. It also comes with a five year defect-free warranty. Back to TopIs MicroTherm approved by any Government Agency? MicroTherm has the following government recognition:
Department of Energy Award How can I get a MicroTherm? Contact Sandler Energy for ordering information Back to Top |