Energy transition: when the boiler is still the most efficient solution for reducing consumption by up to 30%

The energy requalification of buildings starts from the heating plant and the energy transition does not necessarily imply replacing the boiler with a heat pump in every application context.

The choice of the most efficient technology must be based on the characteristics of the building, the existing system, and actual energy needs. In many retrofits, high-efficiency condensing boilers still represent a technically and economically advantageous solution, especially with high-temperature terminals or buildings with high heat loss. The energy transition therefore requires a design approach geared toward efficiency and sustainability, evaluating the most suitable technology on a case-by-case basis.

In this scenario, the boiler continues to play a strategic role, both as the main system and in hybrid configurations with heat pumps, contributing to the reduction of consumption and emissions while respecting system requirements and decarbonisation objectives.

Simply replacing old, traditional generators (often still diesel-powered) or inefficient ones with modern, highly modular condensing systems can save up to 30% on gas . This drastically reduces harmful emissions, providing a dual benefit: financial for the user and environmental for the area, in any climate.

Thanks to a modulation ratio of up to 12:1, the boiler adapts in real time to the actual thermal needs of the building, minimizing on-off cycles (hunting), fuel consumption and thermal stress on the components.

Nesta Chrome is the range of AIC wall-mounted condensing boilers with outputs from 60 to 150 kW , ideal for retrofitting existing heating systems in both residential (condominiums) and commercial sectors. It's the perfect solution for settings requiring high heating output, thanks also to its advanced standard electronics that allow for cascading control of up to 6 boilers.

The main strengths of Nesta Chrome are:

• High thermal efficiency : up to 108%.
• Wide modulation range : up to 12:1.
• Large water content : up to 28 litres, which ensures thermal stability.
• Compactness and lightness : maximum ease of movement and installation even in confined spaces.

The Nesta Chrome Cascade System: modular power up to 900 kW

The Nesta Chrome boiler is designed to operate in cascade, up to a maximum of 6 boilers for a total of 900 kW .

This modular system, easily installed thanks to the cascade hydraulic kits and the accessories provided by AIC, is particularly suitable for medium and large-sized environments where the maximum heating requirement is only a peak of the total expected one.

To manage the cascade, each Nesta Chrome must be equipped with the Cascade Communication Interface, without the need for additional control units.

In this way one generator works as “Principal” and the others as “Subsequent”, modulating to obtain the desired power, adjusting the parameters, rotation and operating sequence.

All the advantages of the Nesta Chrome waterfall

Energy savings and emissions reduction thanks to cascade regulation: how does it work?

To maintain the best seasonal efficiency with the lowest polluting emissions, it is necessary for all the Nesta Chrome boilers that make up the cascade to operate at the lowest possible thermal load regime, to obtain the maximum efficiency of each generator and minimize the on/off sequence.

It is possible to set the optimal maximum and minimum power values ​​within which the Nesta Chrome cascade system must operate, so as to exceed these limits only during peaks of maximum or minimum demand from the system.

EXAMPLE: Cascade #4 Nesta Chrome 100 - Total 400 kW
Boiler 1 starts up until it reaches 30% of its power. When heating demand increases, Boiler 1 increases to 60% to signal Boiler 2 to start, which reaches 30%, while Boiler 1 returns to 30%. The 60 kW required by the system are achieved with two generators running at 30% of their power. This sequence is repeated in the same way until all four boilers are running at 30% (120 kW total). As demand further increases, all four boilers modulate their power in parallel, up to the maximum power required.

When switching off, the sequence occurs in reverse in the same way.

It is possible to manage the periodic rotation of the generators, with adjustable delays, in order to ensure uniform wear of the individual boilers that make up the cascade.

Cascade In line or Back to Back

AIC offers a complete stainless steel cascade system that's easy to install and designed to accommodate multiple layout options. Multiple configurations are available for installing two to six Nesta Chrome boilers, including in-line, wall-mounted, freestanding, or back-to-back installations.

All the configurations proposed by AIC have obtained INAIL approval, which certifies the certification of the cascade of up to 6 boilers as a single heat generator, guaranteeing the interception of each individual boiler.

Quality guaranteed over time: Extend the warranty on AIC boilers for free

Based on proven and reliable technology, AIC designs and manufactures energy-efficient products, built to last and minimize maintenance. To further protect its customers' investments, AIC has developed a unique and cost-effective component warranty extension, the FULL LIFE Extension, applicable to its entire range of boilers.

Contact your local AIC representative to find out how to obtain it.