These type of boilers combine high-efficiency water heater and central heating boiler in compact unit.

 

Boiler is a closed vessel that is used to produce steam. Thermal energy released by combustion of fuel is utilised to make steam at desired pressure and temperature.

 

According to Indian Boiler Regulations (IRB), boiler is a steam producing vessel having capacity more than 5 gallons (25 liters). IBR boilers mean any closed vessel exceeding 25 liters in capacity and which is used expressively for generating steam under pressure and includes any mounting or other fitting attached to such vessel which is wholly or partly under pressure when the steam is shut off.

 

Combi boiler 

 

A combination boiler (combi boiler), the most commonly used boiler in India, is a unique membrane design water wall type boiler which combines the advantages of both water tube & smoke tube steam boilers. A combination type of steam boiler is the one which has the operational characteristics of both smoke tube and water tube steam boiler respectively. Unlike the packaged type boilers, here the furnace is external to the boiler shell.

 

“During its operation, the combustion takes place in the water wall so the flue gases from here travel in this membrane (as in a water tube boiler) and enter the boiler shell. Now, the flue gases travel in the smoke tubes (as in a smoke tube boiler),” according to Thermodyne Engineering Systems. 

 

Combi boilers offer the high degree of reliability and trouble free operation. They effectively operate at moderately high pressures and steam flow capacities, unlike packaged type smoke tube boilers.

 

Conventional or combination boiler?

 

While conventional boilers (also called open vent or regular boilers) have both a cylinder and a tank, combi boilers provide heat and hot water without a water tank or cylinder. A combi boiler is the combination of high-efficiency water heater and central heating boiler in compact unit.

 

Conventional boilers mean one can get hot water from multiple taps at the same time. But the hot water can run out and the user will have to wait for it to reheat. One also needs to have room for both the cylinder (for example in a large cupboard) and the tank (like a loft or attic).

 

“Combi boilers mean you get unlimited heat and hot water whenever you need it. There’s no need for a tank in your loft and they don’t take up much space. But if you need hot water from more than one tap at a time the water pressure might be reduced,” according to EDF Energy, UK

 

Market trends

 

The latest trend gaining momentum in the combi boiler market is advent of smart thermostats. Smart thermostats are gaining traction in both the residential and commercial sectors as they exhibit advanced firmware and technology that enhances the energy-efficiency of the buildings. Smart thermostats enable significant savings and provide consumers with information regarding the amount of energy use and optimum temperature requirements. Additionally, these thermostats have inbuilt Wi-Fi technology that enable major operations to be controlled from a remote location.

 

According to a ReportsnReports report, one of the major drivers for the combi boilers market is steady growth in single-family and detached homes. The global combi boilers market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.72% during the period 2018-2022.

 

Combi boilers are best suited for small-sized homes and find their application in single-family homes. The demand for combi boilers will increase due to the growing number of single-family homes or detached housing. Single-family housing concept is gaining traction due to the shortage of existing available homes for sale. In the US, the size of single-family homes is reducing and boosting the popularity of this trend.