On one solution of the task for selecting the quantity and power of boilers in designing a boiler plant

Introduction. The problem of energy saving in the housing and communal services sector is the most urgent problem of the present time; its solution is possible, including through a rational choice of the technical composition of the boiler plant. Therefore, consideration of the boiler design issues is an important task. Objective. Consider the task of choosing the number and capacity of boilers for the designed heat supply source. Materials and methods. The methods for solving this problem, which are available in the literature, are analyzed. It is indicated that the task is very difficult, primarily because of its multicriteria, and that in the literature on its solution there are recommendations mainly of a qualitative nature. Results. A new formalized calculation method is proposed, which includes three options for solving this problem. It is established that the number of boilers in the boiler room in all three calculation options does not at all depend on the calculated heat load, but is determined only by the calculated and permissible internal air temperatures, as well as by the calculated and average outdoor temperatures for the heating period. A larger number of boilers is obtained when calculating according to the first option, and a smaller number when calculating according to the third option; therefore, the first option is preferable in the sense that when it is implemented, it is possible to have a nominal or close to nominal mode of operation of the boilers during the entire heating period. This is achieved by changing the number of boilers included in the operation. The second solution to the problem involves the installation of two types of boilers in the boiler room, and in the other two versions the boilers are of the same type. It is noteworthy that the rated power of the boilers calculated according to the first option is equal to the rated power of the boilers calculated according to the second option for operating conditions at an average outdoor temperature of the heating period. The rated power of the additional boiler for the second option is equal to the rated power of the boilers for the third calculation option. Conclusion. The developed technique allows to streamline the procedure for selecting possible options for the technical composition of a boiler room, reduces the number of such possible options, what subsequently (during the economic analysis, as well as, in general, when designing) helps to reduce the amount of computational work. The technique has been tested on a specific example and is recommended for use in solving design problems.