Electric ion (electrode) boilers are designed to work in autonomous heating systems. The fundamental difference between the devices and models with heating elements is a special type of heater, which is a block of electrodes. Innovative types of automation have made it possible to improve traditional heating devices and create modern electrode boilers on their basis. Feedback from experienced users and the opinion of independent experts will help us get to know the technical characteristics, varieties and prices of the most famous models.
The principle of operation of electrode boilers
Heating of the coolant in the heating system occurs due to the splitting of water molecules. The differently charged ions obtained as a result of this process actively move, rushing to the positive and negative electrodes, while releasing a large amount of energy. As a result, it turns out thatan electric electrode boiler raises the temperature of the liquid without the use of heating elements.
The heating process is accompanied by a decrease in the electrical resistance of the conductor. This can lead to a dangerous situation - arc flashover. To prevent an undesirable phenomenon, a certain amount of table s alt should be added to the coolant. The size of the proportions is always indicated in the passport for the boilers. The increase in power in the electrode units occurs simultaneously with the heating of the coolant. The increase in current is directly proportional to the decrease in electrical resistance.
Features of application in everyday life
Ionic boilers can be integrated into existing heating systems. But before doing this, it is necessary to take a number of preventive actions that prevent the rapid wear of the device. A prerequisite should be flushing the system and filtering the coolant.
As practice shows, it is possible to connect electrode heating boilers in combination with other types of heating devices (solid fuel or gas appliances). If necessary, several ion aggregates can be connected in parallel to the system.
Priority indicators of electrode heaters
Operation of an autonomous heat source allows you to manage not only the microclimate and thermoregulation in the house, but also the cost of heat. At the same time, electrode boilers have a number of obvious advantages in terms ofcompared to heating elements and induction devices.
Efficiency
All the water that enters the electric electrode boiler is heated almost instantly and in full. Due to the absence of uncontrolled inertia of heating the coolant in the design, a very high level of efficiency is achieved - up to 98%.
Durability
Constant contact of the electrodes with the liquid heat carrier does not lead to the formation of a scale layer. And, accordingly, the rapid failure of the heater. This is due to the fact that in the design of the device there is a constant change of polarity - the alternate movement of ions in different directions at a speed of 50 times per second.
Compact
The principle of electrode heating of the liquid allows to reduce the volume of the heat generator by several times compared to heating elements of similar power. The small size and light weight of the equipment are very advantageous features that mark electrode boilers. Reviews from experienced users confirm the convenience of using household appliances, ease of installation and the possibility of their location in any room.
Control automation
The presence of a digital setting unit on the external panel of the apparatus allows you to reasonably regulate the intensity of the boiler. Functioning in a given mode helps to save up to 40% of electrical energy in the house.
Fire safety
In the event of a system depressurization or water leakage, you can not be afraid of electric shock. Without a coolant, there will be no current movement, so the boiler simply stops working.
Quiet
No vibration for quiet operation.
Sustainable
The principle of operation of the electrode boiler implies the complete absence of combustion products or other types of waste. It also does not require a supply of fuel resources.
Negative moments in the operation of ion heat generators
As most users emphasize in their reviews, for all their attractiveness, electric heating electrode boilers have certain drawbacks in their design and operation:
- necessity to use only treated water with specified resistivity parameters makes it difficult to achieve compliance;
- impossibility to use alternative types of coolants - antifreeze, distilled water or oil;
- for normal operation of the boiler, it is necessary to ensure constant circulation of the coolant in the system, otherwise, if the speed of movement decreases, the water may boil, and with an increased increase in flow, the boiler will not start;
- stainless electrodes can work without failure for a long time, but they gradually dissolve in water, so it is very important to monitor their condition and replace them in a timely manner.
In addition, the high cost of electrical energy can also be considered a significant drawback. However, if in the area of \u200b\u200bresidence it is not possible to organize a gas or solid fuel heating scheme, then the electrode heating system can becomethe only reliable source of heat in the house.
What ensures the efficiency and reliability of ion heaters
Electrode boilers for a private house in any case are a bargain. High profitability in their work consists of a combination of several indicators:
- reduced heating inertia;
- single increase in temperature of the entire volume of the coolant;
- building a closed-type two-pipe system;
- use of automation to control the temperature of the coolant and ambient air in the room;
- simple construction with innovative materials;
- high boiler efficiency.
Due to what else is there savings in the operation of electrical appliances?
Regular maintenance and technical work are those services that electrode boilers practically do not need. User reviews also note the lower cost of ionic units compared to other types of electric heating.
Electrode boilers "Galan" - worthy representatives of domestic heat engineering
Among the large number of ionic electrical units produced in the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus, devices assembled according to military equipment standards stand out noticeably. Practical implementation is based on conversion developments of industrial enterprises producing heating units for naval vessels.
Structurally electrodethe heating boiler for the house of the Galan brand is a cylindrical body made of rolled pipe with a diameter of 6 cm and a length of 31 cm. Concentric tubular electrodes are located inside, through which current is supplied to the coolant. Well-heated water is intensively carried through pipes and batteries with the help of forced circulation. Once the optimum fluid flow rate has been reached, the pump can be switched off.
The benefits of ion devices:
Electrode boilers "Galan" are able to independently adjust to the power consumption and turn off in case of exceeding the specified temperature parameters. Protective automation also works in the event of a short circuit, overheating of the supply wires or leakage of coolant.
For the harsh climatic conditions of Western Siberia, the best choice for individual heating is the Galan electrode boiler. The price of the device is quite affordable - in comparison with other types of electrical analogues - and does not exceed 20 thousand rubles.
Specially for the Galan boiler models, a special coolant was developed several years ago - Potok antifreeze. The distinctive qualities of the innovative liquid are enriched with additives that prevent the formation of scale on the walls of the heat generator. For ordinary water, a mixture has been developed for flushing the system, which successfully dissolves rust, scale and protects internal surfaces from possible corrosion.
Ionic's younger brotherboiler
The family of electric units "Galan" includes several types of heating devices. Among them is the electrode boiler "Ochag". It has the smallest dimensions compared to other models. The mass of the device is only five hundred grams. The volume of the coolant in the system is 70 liters. At the same time, the "baby" is able to develop power up to 5 kW, which allows you to effectively heat a room up to two hundred cubic meters.
The devices "Geyser" and "Volcano" are known on the market with an operating power of 9 to 50 kW. The electrode boiler "Galan" also became the basis for their development. The price of the units, depending on the power, is in the range of 3,500-14,000 rubles, which cannot but be attractive to potential buyers.
What is an EOS electrode boiler?
An energy-saving flow type heating installation differs from similar electrode devices in an increased level of reliability and durability. Excellent EOC performance is achieved due to the main material - thick-walled pipe. For the production of electrodes, a more reliable material is also used, which allows creating a heat flow inside the boiler at an increased speed. The large diameter of the rods also improves the performance of the heating device.
Unlike other types of ionic heat generators, the EOU electrode boiler represents a wide range of models, which is of additional interest to buyers. It is noteworthy that the units can operate inclosed heating systems without the use of a circulation pump. The ionization chamber has small dimensions, so the coolant is rapidly heated in it and, accordingly, the pressure rises to two atmospheres.
The temperature sensor connected to the relay provides a certain mode of operation for which electrode boilers are configured. Feedback from experienced owners confirms that the active operation of the EOU boiler is only two to nine hours a day. Without a doubt, such indicators are among the undoubted advantages of the heater.
In-house production of electric ionic heat generator
Having the basic skills of repair and electrical work, as well as having studied the thermal scheme of heating, it is quite possible to make an electrode boiler on your own. The price of such an installation will be an order of magnitude different when compared with the factory unit. In addition, this work will be an invaluable experience.
First of all, you need to decide how the electrode boiler circuit will be included in the overall system. Usually several options are considered:
- single-phase connection;
- three-phase connection;
- parallel link;
- integration of automatic control and adjustment units.
You can also make an electrode boiler with your own hands, and then use it for hot water or floor heating.
Materials that will be needed in the work:
- stainless steel pipe 250 mm long and 80-100 mm in diameter;
- welding unit;
- electrodes;
- neutral wire and ground terminals;
- insulators for electrodes and terminals;
- metal tee and coupling.
Before you start creating an electrode device, you should understand a few important points for yourself:
- boiler body must be grounded;
- only the neutral wire goes out of the network to the outer pipe;
- phase must be applied exclusively to the electrode.
Installation work
The main stages of the ion boiler.
1. The scheme of the heating network is planned. There is a choice:
- single-circuit - designed for heating only;
- two-circuit - provides heating and water heating for household needs.
2. Installing and grounding the electrode boiler successfully neutralizes static electricity.
3. Selection and installation of heating radiators, the material of which normally interacts with water.
4. Device for automatic adjustment devices.
Technological process
The steel pipe serves as the core of the boiler. A block of electrodes is placed in its middle with the help of a tee. On the other side of the pipe, a coupling is attached, which serves as a connection to the pipe.
Between the tee and the electrodes you need to place an insulating layer. Its role is thermal protection and tightness of the case. For this purpose, heat-resistant plastic is used, at the ends of which shouldbe threaded, connecting with the electrode and the tee.
From the outside of the boiler, a screw is welded to which the zero terminal and ground will be attached. For greater reliability, it is recommended to attach one or two more bolts. The appearance of the resulting structure looks unattractive. To hide it from the eyes, you can decorate it with a decorative finish that has electrical protection properties. In addition, the front cover will restrict unwanted access to the device.
Thus, you can easily assemble the electrode boiler with your own hands. Then it remains to embed the resulting device into the heating system, fill it with water and turn on the heating.
Summarizing
Having de alt with the device and principle of operation of electrode boilers in detail, we can draw several important conclusions.
The ability to economically achieve a high level of power and quickly heat large volumes of water has a great influence on the overall dimensions of heat generators. Compact units with minimal weight can be easily installed anywhere in the home.
If it becomes necessary to heat a room with a large area (500 or more square meters), it is quite possible to create a connection scheme for several electrode boilers. One more positive point should be noted - when installing ionic electric heating, permission and control of the boiler supervision inspection are not required.
Of all the heating devices that exist today, the electrode boiler seems to bethe most acceptable solution. Simple and economical equipment can give warmth to our home and heat domestic hot water.
