The Boiler Energy Manager (BEM) is an electronic controller which can be added to almost any central heating system to eliminate unnecessary boiler cycling and improve boiler seasonal efficiency.
The BEM 4000 consists of an electronic controller, an outdoor temperature sensor and a strapon flow temperature sensor. It can be used in conjunction with a room thermostat (utilized as a frost stat) and TRVs. Boiler performance is improved when the flow temperature is varied according to the outside temperature. The outside temperature sensor should be mounted on the coldest elevation of the building away from opening windows and the boiler flue.The flow sensor should be fitted within 6 inches of the boiler outlet on the flow pipe, or on low-water content boilers it can additionally be fitted between the boiler and the bypass. A cylinder thermostat should be fitted as normal. All diagrams show Danfoss programmer and thermostats, but others can be used. In all cases, if a room thermostat is to be utilized as a frost or lowlimit thermostat, connect to terminals 3 and 11.
In Figures 11.2 and 11.3 two boilers are shown – one with pump overrun and one without. Select diagram as appropriate, remembering to insert Link 2–4 when using boiler without pump overrun.
Figure 11.1 Gravity hot water, pumped central heating
Figure 11.2 Fully pumped system with two motorized zone valves
Figure 11.3 Fully pumped system with mid-position valve