Electric boilers with heating elements are the most popular devices in their class. Over the past few years, in the language of marketers, their counterparts, working on the principle of induction, have been increasingly “untwisted”. Read our review of induction heating boilers, user reviews and make the right choice.
The issue of choosing a boiler for heating a house is often decided by the availability of a heating source. Electricity, of course, is not the cheapest fuel, but it is quite common. Industry offers 3 types:
1. Heating elements - a tubular element heats up the coolant in the tank. The main plus: performance up to 99%. The disadvantages are the short service life of the main part and the rapid appearance of scale, due to which the efficiency is reduced.
2. Electrode - as the name implies, electrodes act as heaters. As a result of the reaction with magnesium-calcium salts dissolved in water, a current is formed that heats the liquid. Efficiency - up to 98%, small size, but the thermal fluid must be diluted with electrolyte.
3. Induction (vortex) - a heat generator operating on the principle of induction. Let's consider them in more detail.
The device of an induction type electric boiler is not difficult. There is a system of steel pipes enclosed in a copper winding - a step-down induction transformer. In the process, an electromagnetic field is formed that heats the core with the coolant inside. According to the company, water reaches a temperature of +70 °C in 7 minutes.
The outer casing is made of durable steel with a heat-resistant powder coating. The kit also includes an inverter (a converter made of semiconductor material), a thermostat with an internal sensor, and a control unit. Mounted only in closed systems, regardless of the type of thermal fluid (water, antifreeze, antifreeze, oil).
Technical characteristics of the induction boiler for the heating system (household series):
On the Internet, you can often find recommendations from the folk "Kulibins" on how to build an induction heater with your own hands from tiles. Such designs do not stand up to scrutiny, are short-lived, often dangerous to the health of others, and the efficiency barely reaches 50%. Industrial models are more complex, safer to use, completely different materials are used in production.
Advantages and disadvantages
According to the assurances of the manufacturers, the use of induction heating boilers for heating a house is a solid advantage in the complete absence of disadvantages. Let's try to figure out where is the truth and where is the marketing ploy.
1. High efficiency. Efficiency up to 99% is typical for all types of electric boilers.
2. Maximum protection against scale. Since there is no direct contact between the induction winding and the coolant (unlike the heating element), scale can form only inside the pipes. But closed systems are characterized by a consistently low amount of salts. That is, there are no prerequisites for the formation of deposits.
3. Saving resources up to 35%. Before you buy an induction type boiler and install it, remember that its main task is to convert energy into heat. To generate 1 kW, according to the law of conservation of energy, it is also necessary to spend 1 kW of electricity. The only difference is in the heating rate - the induction unit operates faster by about 20-30%.
4. Complete absence detachable connections in the design, which eliminates the possibility of leakage. Not entirely true: the boiler includes 4-6 components connected in a block. The cost of the VIN induction heating system includes the boiler itself in a collapsible case, a control cabinet, a safety group (sensors and relays) and capacitors, pressure relief valves, a set of contacts for connecting external devices.
5. High degree of electrical and fire safety. This is true, but you need to ensure that there is no leakage, and the amount of thermal carrier remains constant. Otherwise, the device will heat up very quickly and there is a risk of explosion.
6. Does not have elements subject to mechanical wear, so the validity period is more than 30 years. Firstly, the core is durable, but the lacquer insulation on the primary winding (toroidal) is subject to aging. Its service life is 7-10 years. The result of the destruction will be an inter-turn circuit with the corresponding consequences. Secondly, induction boilers are a relatively new product that has not been tested by time, the statement about 30 years of operation is hardly true.
7. Compatibility with other systems. You can connect underfloor heating, gas or wood-burning boilers.
8. Do not require a separate room and ventilation.
9. Do not need preventive work. Boiler - in any case, equipment with many sensors, relays, terminals, which periodically need to be changed, tightened. Of course, compared to gas boilers, it is insignificant.
Thus, most of the positive qualities correspond to other types of electrical units. Now let's analyze the shortcomings identified over several years of operation.
1. Cost. The price of an induction boiler SAV 5 kW is 40,000 rubles. Whereas the heating element Protherm Skat 6 kW is 23,000.
2. Significant weight with small dimensions. Since even the smallest unit weighs from 20 kg, it is recommended to mount them on the floor or hang them on bearing wall with sturdy brackets.
3. The electromagnetic field generates strong interference in the long, medium and VHF bands. Although manufacturers claim that they do not affect the human body, health and medical officials claim the opposite. It is not for nothing that the SNiPs fix the standards and rules for the location of devices with a high level of radiation.
4. To work in the heating system in a house with 2-3 floors, a powerful circulation pump.
Installation of the induction device
The system with an induction boiler is equipped with a circulation pump, expansion tank, shut-off and adjustable equipment (ball valves and the like). In private houses, as a rule, it is used typical scheme connections.
Installation of induction boilers is carried out in accordance with the instructions or technical data sheet. The device is located strictly vertically, the lower inlet pipe is connected to the return pipe, the upper one - to the supply pipeline. Only metal or metal-plastic pipes are used.
If you decide to install an induction electric boiler with your own hands, do not forget about grounding. A security group, a control cabinet are installed in the immediate vicinity, filters, a circulation pump and a flow sensor are installed at the inlet.
Overview of induction boilers
On the Russian market, induction-type electric boilers are represented by CJSC NPK INERA (brand SAV), LLC alternative energy"(VIN brand), NPK Miratron (Miratron brand).
| Model | power, kWt | Heated room area | Dimensions, cm | Weight, kg | Price, rub |
| SAV5 | 5 | 50 | 64x45.5x18 | 43,5 | 40 000 |
| SAV 15 | 15 | 150 | 100x15.9x15.9 | 92 | 62 000 |
| VIN-5 | 5 | 50 | 67.5x13.3x13.3 | 27 | 30 000 |
| VIN-15 | 15 | 150 | 67.5x50x29.5 | 75 | 50 000 |
| Miratron A006 | 6 | 70 | 40x160x30 | 50 | 45 000 |
| Miratron A015 | 15 | 170 | 40x160x30 | 80 | 65 000 |
The constant increase in the cost of traditional energy carriers - natural gas, solid fuel, leads to the fact that the owners of private houses and cottages are trying to find new ways to heat the premises without excessive costs. And one of the options for obtaining the maximum effect at a minimum cost is an induction heating boiler.
Very often, such boilers are called the most economical type of heating. And this statement has good reasons - after all, such heating is suitable for any area of \u200b\u200bthe premises, and creating an induction boiler with your own hands is not so difficult task especially for craft lovers.
Functional features of induction boilers
First of all, it should be noted that the induction heating boiler does not require re-equipment of the heating system of the building, so it can be installed not only in country house medium size, but also applicable for heating large areas. This is very convenient, and also practical, because with traditional heating systems you would have to dismantle the old system, and for large areas it would also be costly.
The simplest design of a heat generator based on the principle of induction is as follows: it is a transformer, that is, an electric inductor, which consists of a primary and secondary winding.
The primary winding converts electrical energy into eddy currents, directs the created electromagnetic field to the secondary winding. The secondary winding transfers the received energy to the heat carrier, the role of which is played by water, antifreeze, oil, etc.
The body of the induction boiler includes an external contour, a core having a double wall and a layer of heat and electrical insulation. The weight of the boiler is not very large, but this increases its coefficient useful action. Thus, the heat carrier receives approximately 98% of the thermal energy, since in this case there are no losses.
What is the efficiency of an induction boiler?
The instruction that is attached to a device such as an induction electric boiler for heating tells users that such boilers are more profitable than traditional heating systems. And thanks to this equipment, you can get an excellent effect. The heat carrier undergoes double heating, and the time for this process is reduced by almost half, if we draw a parallel between such a system and boilers with heating elements. A similar effect is achieved thanks to more low level inertia. During the heating of the heat carrier, magnetic induction occurs, and as a result, scale will not appear in the pipelines.
In fact, this type of heating equipment is eternal. It does not require care, maintenance and cleaning.
The simplest induction boiler - available to everyone
It should be noted that creating devices such as budget-type induction heating boilers is very simple. You do not need any special education or deep knowledge in heating technology. However, you should prepare in advance a set of materials and tools that you will need for work.
Tip - in order to assemble your induction boiler quickly and easily, it is better to prepare immediately welding inverter. With this device, you will cook the body of the heat generator, as well as connect the supply and discharge pipelines.
For a material that will be heated in an electromagnetic field, it is best to choose segments steel wire or rolled wire. The diameter should not exceed 7 millimeters, and the length should not exceed 5 centimeters. To make the boiler body, which will also serve as a section of the pipeline for the heat carrier and the base of the induction coil, you can take an ordinary plastic pipe that has thick walls (the inside diameter should be no more than 5 centimeters).
An induction electric heating boiler will be connected to the heating system using special adapters. A cold carrier of heat will go through them, and it will come out already heated with the help of induction. It is worth noting that the first adapter is welded to the base of the device case. At the bottom of the plastic pipe, which is prepared in advance, a metal mesh is laid - it will be it that will act as a barrier for pieces of metal wire. Next, pieces of wire cut into 5 centimeters are poured, there should be enough of them to fill the entire space of the pipe inside. After that, close the upper part of the device.
The main heating component of such a heat generator is an induction coil.
It is made from enameled copper wire. 90 turns of wire are wound onto the body of a plastic pipe. But you need to make sure that everything is done carefully - that is, there should be the same distance between the sections. After such an inductor is ready, you can connect it to the heating system.
Electric induction heating boilers are compact devices, and in terms of design they are actually elementary. Such a device can be made in any section of the pipeline. It will only be necessary to cut a part of the pipe from the heating system, then install the inductor into this cut with adapters. Regarding the electrical network, the coil of the induction boiler is connected to a high-frequency inverter. But remember that you can turn on such a device only if there is a heat carrier in the system, since the case can simply melt from high temperatures.
Note that the cost of such a boiler is mere pennies. The only drawback is the relatively small size and appearance. However, by installing such an inductive heating boiler, you will feel a positive effect, increase the heating rate of the heat carrier.
Another option for an induction boiler
There is another option for creating an induction boiler with your own hands. Such inductive heating boilers, of course, will cost a little more, but their efficiency will be higher.
Making such a boiler will be a little more difficult than the previous version. You will need the skills to work with a welding machine, the presence of a three-phase inverter, which would preferably be fixed permanently, as well as some tools.
Note that the design of this version of the induction boiler will consist of two pipes that will be welded into each other. If you look from the side of the end, then this design will remind you of a bagel. At the same time, the device will be both a core that will create an electromagnetic field and a heating element.
The copper winding is wound directly on the boiler body. Thanks to this, increased performance will be achieved, while the relatively small size and weight of the device will remain. To supply and remove the heat carrier, special pipes are welded into the inductor.
When you assemble such induction boilers for home heating, there are several recommendations and installation requirements to consider:
- A device such as an induction boiler can only be installed in closed heating systems that are equipped with a circulation pump.
- The device can also be mounted in systems that use plastic pipes.
- Between the induction heating system and walls (or pieces of furniture, household appliances) must have at least 30 centimeters of free space. And from the ceiling and floor, such devices are placed at a distance of 80 centimeters.
Of course, you will have to work a little more and harder on this version of the boiler, but the effect that will be achieved in the future will please you. Such an induction boiler, as reviews show, is a really productive device that can not only provide you with high-quality home heating, but will also serve you for at least 25 years without maintenance.
The use of induction heating boilers provides users with many advantages. Several of them should be noted:
- First of all, it is the ability to work with alternating and direct current.
- In such a device, there are simply no such heating elements that will wear out.
- The design of the device is extremely simple.
- It is not required to take a separate room for installation. All induction boilers belong to the 2nd class, according to fire safety.
- The efficiency of both homemade and factory-made induction boilers is almost 100% (usually 98-99%). When compared with traditional heating systems, this is simply an excellent result.
- Several types of heat carriers can be used, while the induction boiler will not suffer any harm. So, you can use not only water, but also work with oil and antifreeze.
- Making an induction boiler yourself will not be difficult for you, and at a cost it will turn out very cheap.
Thus, modern induction boilers are devices that belong to a new generation of technology. These are not only practical devices, but also powerful, economical. They are able to heat not only ordinary country house, but also production room large area. With all this - you do not spend money on complex installation and maintenance of such devices.
Today we will talk with you about induction heating. Many people try to present induction boilers as something innovative that supposedly will save us money and ensure the existence of our heating system. But what really?
In fact, induction boilers are very expensive, bulky, inconvenient to use units and not endowed with a sufficient number of properties and qualities that are necessary for the normal operation of a modern electric heating boiler.
Those people who invent these boilers and try to sell them to you do not tell the consumer anything about these aspects of their products, but expose only positive qualities. Here we will display all the pros and cons of induction heating at home.
Most often, manufacturers compare induction heating boilers with traditional ones, and traditional ones make up 99% of all electric boilers on the market.
Boilers are always compared according to this scheme: imaginary flaws in heating boilers and the positive qualities of induction heating at home stand out.
For instance, such indicators:
- A lot of heating elements;
- That supposedly one or even several heating elements can fail;
- It is claimed that the boiler may lose its working capacity;
- They pay special attention to scale, which can appear as a deposit right on the very surface of the heating elements;
- The complexity and bulkiness of the design is due to a sufficiently large number of electrical contacts;
- The creators of induction boilers claim that their boilers last longer due to the fact that they can soften water;
- An absolutely unfounded and unfounded statement that periodic replacement of gaskets, heating elements and risters is required.
Criticism of the wrong heating boilers
They indicate that there are no heating elements in a high-quality induction heating boiler. Of course, this is not so, because without a heating element we would have nothing to heat water with, that is, it is always in any boiler!
In the vast majority of installed electric boilers, the heating element does not fail for almost the entire life of the boiler.
If the heating element still fails, then we can easily change it, since it is under the flange or on the thread. If suddenly for no reason the unit breaks down during induction heating, then it is almost impossible to replace it.
Now about scale . It exists in a kettle, but it does not exist in home heating systems, because water does not boil there at all, while deposits are always and everywhere, in any systems: on gas, diesel, wood-burning, electric, heating, electronic, induction boilers. It doesn't matter which boiler. Sediments will always be present as these are sediments that are always present in water. This is not a disadvantage or an advantage, but a given.
About electrical contacts. Manufacturers write that there are no electrical contacts in the induction heating boiler. But in fact, electrical contacts are always and everywhere. And if we talk about heating boilers, then the electrical contacts are stone terminals. have been missing for many years. There are electrical contacts located under the screw connections that do not require tightening, and there are spring clamps that are also not worth servicing.
Regarding the service life of the heating element and the figures arguing this period. It is not clear where these figures come from and how they are confirmed. In addition, here the authors confuse water supply and heating systems. There are not as many impurities in the heating system as there are in the water supply system. Water softening of the carrier heat heating system is required.
It should be noted that in an induction heating boiler, replacing nodes is practically not possible at all, because everything is in a sealed flask and it needs to be cut in order to pull something out of there.
We reveal the main myth of induction heating
Recently, they have already stopped saying that the efficiency at induction heating higher than the efficiency of a heating boiler 2-3 times. But supporters of the induction boiler claim that the heating element boiler quickly loses its properties and goes out of service, because scale grows on it!
They say that during the year the capacity of the heating element boiler is reduced by 15-20%. Is it really?
Yes, non-heating deposits are indeed present, but you should never confuse the heating system and the water supply system. For example, scale does form in the plumbing system, just as it forms in the kettle we see in the kitchen every morning. This never interferes with our work, we know, and there is no doubt that water boils in a kettle in any case.
On the contrary, in the heating system known to us, impurities rarely enter the water. The deposit layer is very thin and does not constitute any significant barrier to heat transfer.
If the energy has left the network somewhere, it does not completely disappear anywhere. It turns into absolute heat and heats up the coolant, which, in turn, heats up exactly with the same efficiency as it was heated before and how it will always be heated. If it were not so, then the ten would have been torn apart by excess energy.
As soon as scale appears, heat transfer takes place at more than high temperature. There can be no talk of any decrease in efficiency, no matter what the temperature in the heating element is.
The cost and maintenance of induction heating boilers
Induction heating boilers cost 2 times more than heating boilers. Despite the fact that they are qualitatively lower, as we have seen from the critical analysis of their so-called "advantages".
They also weigh 2 times more than heating boilers, have large bulky dimensions, and all the electronic filling is outside. While in heating boilers it is hidden in the boiler itself. And here there is an additional box, which sometimes has nowhere to place, especially when it comes to a very small room for a boiler room.
There is no automatic power selection in induction boilers, that is, only a heating element boiler itself can choose at what power it needs to work at the moment.
With induction heating at home, there will always be power surges and overload, and in heating boilers the relay works very quietly. And you can only notice it as quiet clicks, being next to a working boiler.
Even in induction boilers, there is completely no thermal protection for overheating and freezing, which is available in heating boilers.
There are no sensors in induction heating boilers low pressure water. There is no indication of errors that allow you to accurately determine the malfunction due to which it got up (the corresponding indicator will blink on the display of the boiler).
But the most important thing that is not in induction boilers is the ability to connect a boiler!
To buy or not to buy an induction heating boiler?
Of course, you yourself must decide for yourself which boiler you should buy: a high-quality heating element or a more bulky, less efficient and expensive induction boiler.
But you must consider the following: an induction boiler is not a unit for heating systems, especially if they are individual and do not require large capacities. Of course, it is impossible to do without induction heating in some industrial areas of technical production, but this applies to production tasks.
Still, there is nothing to drag a complex, heavy and expensive unit into your house. You can get by with a more elegant solution - a heating element boiler.
Manufacturers of induction heating boilers give deliberately incomplete information about their products, which misleads those who make a choice in the direction of one or another boiler. It is important here to tell the truth and show your product from all sides so that people know what they are buying.
Expert review of the induction heating boiler
One of the leading Russian experts in the field of installation and maintenance of boilers in Russia Vladimir Sukhorukov in one of his YouTube shows “Induction boiler - a big misunderstanding”, released on December 12, 2017, he proved in detail and in detail that induction heating boilers lose to traditional heating boilers.
Vladimir Sukhorukov did not find any reason to use an induction boiler in a boiler room. Moreover, he strongly advises under no circumstances to buy induction boilers when there are high-quality heating elements that work stably and smoothly.
Perhaps you should take the advice of an expert.
H Science does not stand still, and with the advent of new methods of obtaining thermal energy, engineers are working on their application in everyday life. They did not pass by the induction heating method, which was discovered by Michael Faraday back in 1831. Induction boilers have appeared on the market. With the creation of energy-saving induction heating boilers, consumers have a chance to take a fresh look at the capabilities of heating equipment, both in a functional and operational sense. That's what an induction heating boiler is and whether it is worth using it to heat a private house, we'll talk in this article.
How an induction heating boiler works
The induction heating boiler works on the principle of electromagnetic induction. In this case, the role of the generator is performed by an inductive coil, and the intensity of heat transfer is enhanced due to the interweaving of pipes and the multilayer structure of the boiler. To understand the essence of the process, it is enough to pass a large current through a coil of thick wire. There will definitely be a strong electromagnetic field around the device. And if you put any ferromagnet (a metal that is attracted) into it, then it will heat up pretty quickly. Heating occurs due to the occurrence of induction currents ( Foucault currents).
The simplest example of an induction heat source is a coil wound around a dielectric pipe. If a steel rod is placed inside the pipe and electric power is connected to the coil, the coil will heat the metal rod. Now it remains to connect the device to the line through which the coolant circulates, and the primitive induction boiler will begin to generate heat. The whole principle of operation can be described in a few sentences. Electric Energy generates an electromagnetic field.
Under the action of electromagnetic waves, the metal core is heated. Excess heat from the rod is transferred to the coolant, which can be: ethylene glycol, oil or water. Intensive heating of the liquid generates convection currents. The hot coolant tends to rise, and its strength is sufficient to operate a small circuit. In long lines it is necessary to install a circulation pump.
The design of the induction boiler
Now let's get back to the induction boiler. Its visible part is a body made of metal, the walls of which are covered from the inside with a heat-insulating and electrically insulating composition. Inside the case there is a core in the form of two, inserted into each other, ferromagnetic pipes made of steel with very thick walls. The space between the pipes is filled with water entering through the nozzle at the bottom of the boiler. Inner pipe equipped with a toroidal winding, which creates a high-frequency magnetic field under the influence of an electric current.
The eddy currents resulting from the increase in resistance contribute to the heating of the surface of the pipe body and the water washed by it. Thus, the outer pipe acts as a heating element, and the water acts as a heat carrier.
Advantages of induction boilers
The modern market for heating equipment offers a large number of types and types of devices for space heating, so it will not be superfluous to consider in detail the induction heating boiler from the point of view of its consumer properties. And so, what arguments can be given in favor of the purchase of induction boilers. I’ll make a reservation right away that the arguments are given by boiler manufacturers, I will give some comments from the point of view of physical processes and the realities of operation:
Complete absence of scale and other deposits. Due to the magnetic field, a high-frequency vibration is created, which displaces the inductive energy to the inner surface of the boiler walls, where it interacts with the coolant. Thus, the level of heat transfer remains stable, regardless of the period of operation. It is worth remembering that if you use ready-made antifreeze based on ethylene glycol, then it is made on the basis of distilled water, so there is simply nowhere to get scale from. Antifreeze decomposes over time, as a result of which some additives precipitate, so they can affect the operation of not only an induction boiler.
Should I Use an Induction Boiler?
The efficiency of an induction boiler is stable throughout the entire operational period and is approximately 98-99%.
Economy of an induction boiler
The induction heating boiler belongs to the class energy saving equipment. The efficiency of the device is ensured by a high level of power factor, which is characterized by the frequency of the current used. As a result, operating costs can be reduced by up to 30% (according to manufacturers of induction boilers). 30% is quite a decent figure, therefore, in order to achieve it, certain operating conditions for an induction boiler are required. It is worth remembering that part of the heat is still used at idle.
Heating devices of induction type are not sensitive to the voltage indicator and can fully work both in the DC and AC networks.
The design of the induction boiler is a completely sealed enclosure, which makes it impossible for any leaks to occur. Although leaks can be in the docking nodes of pipes and other equipment.
Maintenance of the induction boiler
The boiler device does not provide for moving and heating elements, in contact with the coolant, due to which there is no need for repair and maintenance work either in the off-season or during the heating season, which are so expensive for owners of other types of heaters. It is worth noting that other competitors of the induction boiler, especially electric ones, also do not require annual preventive maintenance.
Fire safety of the induction boiler
The degree of fire and electrical safety of induction equipment is classified as corresponding to the second class. This is a very high figure, allowing the installation of equipment in any room. It is worth noting here that in the event of a coolant leakage, the electromagnetic field will not automatically disappear, the heating of the core will continue, and if the supply of electricity is not interrupted, the coil will burn out very quickly, while there is a chance that the case itself will melt. Therefore, when installing an induction pump, it is necessary to provide for automatic shutdown of the boiler in case of an emergency. So the safety of the boiler is at the same level as in the heating element equipment.
The life of the induction boiler
The manufacturers themselves determine the operational capabilities of induction boilers for a period of 25 years or more. Here it is worth remembering that the boiler is controlled by an electronic control unit and rather, it, and not the boiler itself, will determine the period of trouble-free operation of the induction boiler.
Almost any liquid can be used as a heat carrier for induction boilers, that is, not only water, but also oil or antifreeze, which means that the operation of induction equipment is possible at any temperature regime. At the same time, the liquid does not need preliminary preparation, and it is enough to replace it once every ten years.
The connection of induction boilers with other heating systems is not limited in any way.
Absolutely silent operation.
High level of environmental safety.
Installation and operation of the induction boiler are simple, do not require special skills or re-equipment existing system heating, and provides absolutely autonomous receipt of both heat and hot water.
Disadvantages of induction boilers
Despite all the uniqueness and versatility, it would be wrong to assume that an induction heating boiler is a perfect piece of equipment. Like other heaters, it also has disadvantages.
One of the main disadvantages of induction boilers is their solid weight and significant dimensions. Indeed, the mass various models devices ranges from 20 to 80 kg. On the other hand, after installing the equipment, it is unlikely that any of the consumers will be worried about its mass - the operation of induction boilers does not require their movement.
Moreover, the use modern technologies allowed to establish the production of models compact dimensions, providing for the possibility of their installation on the wall, and thus contributing to a significant savings in installation space. The large weight of the induction boiler, if chosen as a heating device, implies careful preparation of the site in the house on which it will be installed.
The second, and rather serious drawback - an induction heating boiler is expensive. It is a fact that among alternative modern devices electric heating, induction equipment is on the list of the most expensive.
However, there is another side of the coin. While the purchase of an induction boiler is fraught with a high, but one-time financial investment, the acquisition of some other types of heating devices, such as gas, requires a lot of spending and effort. For example, such as obtaining the appropriate permit for their installation and laying of communications, as well as installation and annual maintenance.
In addition, the list of disadvantages of induction boilers includes their ability to create wave interference. And although the range of such interference is only a few meters, this factor can be of great importance for the well-being of people prone to the perception of magnetic waves. In such cases, the problem is solved if the induction equipment is installed in a separate room.
And finally, the biggest drawback is the power consumption of the boiler. To heat a private house of 200 square meters, you will need an induction boiler with a capacity of at least 12 kW. Many homeowners may not have such free capacity, since only 15 kW is allocated for individual housing construction. electricity.
How to choose an induction heating boiler
There are two types of induction type boilers: single-phase, whose power is 2.5-7 kW, and three-phase, whose power is from 7 to 60 kW. The indicator of the required power is determined according to the principle: for each square meter the heated area should account for 60 watts of boiler power. This parameter must be taken into account when choosing induction equipment.
Along with this, it is important to know some of the rules for its installation. The induction heating boiler is intended only for closed heating systems equipped with a forced circulation pump. The boiler requires good grounding. If the boiler is attached to the wall, then its position must be strictly vertical. I do not recommend installing an induction boiler with your own hands. It is better to turn to specialists.
In the next article I will talk about .
In the process of planning a heating system in a country house or in a country house, many are trying to solve the problem of excessive energy costs by installing an induction heating boiler. In addition to saving electricity, its device is such that it allows you to do without harmful emissions into the environment and does not pose any danger during use. An important argument in its favor is the possibility of its independent design. In this article, we will consider what an induction heating boiler is: everything about the principle of operation + 2 do-it-yourself device options. In addition, its advantages over conventional electric boilers and gas units.
The device of induction boilers
An inductor (transformer) is included in the basis of the internal device of such a boiler. Ordinary household induction boilers are slightly different from similar industrial boilers with a cylindrical winding system. In compact domestic boilers, a copper winding of a toroidal type is used.
The outer casing of the unit is made of painted metal, followed by a thick layer of thermal and electrical insulation, inside of which there is a double-walled core. It is made of special ferromagnetic steel and has a wall thickness of at least 10 mm. The toroidal winding that is wound on the core is the primary winding. It is in it that the energy of the electric field is converted into a magnetic one, which creates eddy currents. Already their energy is transferred to the secondary winding. The body of the circuit acts as a secondary winding, which, under the influence of this energy, releases a large amount of heat transferred to the coolant. Toroidal winding allows you to create units with low weight and dimensions.
The principle of operation of induction boilers
The standard package usually includes the boiler itself, an absolutely necessary semiconductor converter called an inverter, circuit breakers, and an electronic thermostat. The temperature sensor itself is located inside the boiler body.
The operation of induction boilers is based on the principle of electromagnetic induction. Its essence is that the electricity consumed from the network creates an electromagnetic field. The heat carrier is fed into the boiler through the water pipe, which is welded at the bottom. Alternating current with a frequency of 20 kHz is supplied to the boiler through an inverter. When this device is turned on, current flows through the toroidal winding of the boiler. At the same time, the steel core heats up to a temperature of 750 degrees in just 7 minutes.
The generated heat is transferred to the coolant circulating inside the circuit. Rapid heating of the liquid creates convection currents. This means that the heated coolant expands greatly and rushes up the boiler structure and further into the heating system itself. Often this is enough for the full-fledged operation of a domestic boiler with an average length of the heating circuit to take place. This method allows you to quickly heat the entire system, but for better circulation, you need to additionally install a conventional circulation pump.
Due to the application of the principle of magnetic induction, the heating of the coolant in such boilers is much faster than in units with heating elements, and heat losses are minimal. There is almost no scale on the core, no matter how hard and calcareous the water is.
This is because the eddy currents force the core to vibrate, preventing scale from forming. At the same time, bubbles boiling near his body clean the surface of the core. Due to the tightness of the entire system, the coolant takes the maximum (98%) amount of released thermal energy. Thus, these parameters greatly increase the efficiency of the boiler, which has a positive effect on its efficiency and service life.
Pros and cons of induction boilers
Induction boilers have a number of unconditional advantages over conventional boilers on heating elements:
- Stable efficiency up to 99% for almost the entire period of operation.
- The absence of heating elements, which significantly extends the life of the device.
- The absence of moving elements, which completely eliminates mechanical wear and the need to replace components.
- The absence of detachable internal connections does not give the possibility of leakage.
- Full availability of work even with direct current or low voltage in the network.
- Very fast heating up to the necessary temperature of the heat carrier (5 - 7 min.).
- A fairly high degree of electrical and fire safety, corresponding to class II due to the use of a core that is not directly connected to the inductor.
- No need to install a chimney and provide a separate room for the boiler. To install this system, there is no need to attract highly qualified specialists.
- The standard service life of the device is up to 25 years or even more. It directly depends on the tightness of the sealed outer seam and on the large thickness metal pipes for the core. He does not need any preventive work during the entire period of operation.
- The boiler can use all available liquid heat carriers: oil, water, antifreeze, ethylene glycol without any preliminary preparation.
- You can change the coolant outlet only once every 10 years.
- Good protection against overheating and various accidents, noiselessness during operation.
- The boilers are equipped with electronic automated systems management.
- There is no scale inside the circuit.
- Possibility of connection of a copper to any heating systems of the closed type.
- The minimum possible heating of the coolant is 35°С.
But induction boilers have disadvantages, both in front of other heating devices, and in terms of individual specific parameters.
- Such boilers can only be connected to a closed heating circuit, very often with forced circulation of the coolant.
- Sufficiently large weight of the boiler with a fairly small size. The weight of the 2.5 kW boiler is at least 23 kg with a total height of 45 cm and a diameter of 12 cm.
- The price is higher than that of other boilers, which is due to the presence of an expensive part - an inverter.
- Radio interference generated at a distance of several meters from the boiler in the long-wave, medium-wave and even VHF bands. They do not affect the human body, but they are well felt by pets and electronic equipment.
Installation of an induction boiler and a control system for it
Installation of such boilers is possible only in a closed heating system. This requires an expansion tank-expansion tank and a pump for forced circulation of the coolant.
According to the instructions, the induction boiler is set strictly vertically. After that, the return pipe of the heating circuit is connected to the lower inlet pipe. The outlet is located at the top of the device (side or top). The supply pipeline is looped onto it.
The weight of the mounted boiler is quite serious, so the most special attention should be paid to the fasteners. They must be very reliable, taking into account the fact that during the operation of the boiler, its weight will increase significantly due to the coolant entering inside. The lateral distance from the boiler to surrounding objects and walls is 300 mm. The distance to the floor and ceiling is 800 mm or less. An important and obligatory condition for the installation of such boilers is their grounding. With it, it is possible to use both metal and metal-plastic pipes.
A group of safety devices is built in next to the outlet pipe: a blast valve, a pressure gauge, an air vent. The expansion tank is installed in a convenient section of the return pipe of the system. Shut-off valves are mainly mounted after the safety group.
The installation of the entire control system, as well as the boiler itself, must be carried out in accordance with the existing rules and regulations of the PUE, the diagrams and conditions contained in the technical passport supplied with the kit.
Examples of homemade designs
If you are not going to use an induction boiler for main heating in a private house, but want to equip a summer house or garage with it, then you can try to design it yourself. There are two options for how to do this.
First option
To implement it, you will need pieces of plastic pipes and a welding inverter. Having elementary knowledge in the field of physics and knowing how to use wire cutters, you can independently make an elementary induction model. To do this, you need to purchase an already created high-frequency welding inverter with continuously adjustable current power up to 15 amperes or even higher. For heating a large area, it is better to choose a much more powerful device. You will also need stainless steel wire rod or ordinary pieces of steel wire. This is necessary to play the role of a heated element. Their length is about 50 mm, with a diameter of 7 mm.
An important component is copper wire, which can be easily purchased at any thematic store. Do not use winding from old coils. The body, which is the basis of the induction coil, is also part of the pipeline, so it can be made from plastic pipe with thick walls. Its inner diameter should be 50 mm. Two outlet pipes are attached to this body for the inflow of cold and the return of hot coolant. Everything inner space housings must be completely filled with pieces of wire and closed metal mesh so they don't fall asleep.
The induction coil is made as follows: around the previously prepared plastic pipe, an enameled copper wire. It will take about 90 turns. The resulting homemade device must be connected to the pipeline network. Cut out of the pipeline small plot pipes, and instead they install a home-made induction boiler. It is connected through an inverter and just run the water.
Second option
This option involves the use of a three-phase transformer with the possibility and fixation. In addition, you will also need welding machine. To make the device, you need to weld two pipes so that they look like a donut in a section. This design performs both conductive and heating functions. Then the winding is wound directly on the boiler body in order to make it work more efficiently, despite its small weight and size. Used here standard scheme heating the coolant: it receives a large amount of thermal energy in contact with the winding.
The manufacturing scheme of such a design is somewhat more complicated than in the first version. The boiler is equipped with two branch pipes, both for the inlet of the cold coolant and for the outlet of the heated one. If you come up with and independently build a protective casing, then you can minimize heat loss.
Features of self-installation and operation of home-made boilers
As in the case of factory-made boilers, only a closed-type heating system can be suitable for installing a home-made induction installation. It must include centrifugal pump, which creates a constant circulation of the coolant inside the heating system. The plastic pipelines common today are the best suited for installing a homemade induction boiler. All regulations relating to the installation of store boilers must be fully observed in this case as well. If you install controls and safety devices on the system, then your homemade installation will not be much inferior to their factory counterparts.
Although it is quite difficult to make such a device, and it is better not to take on this business without having “direct hands”, it is a pleasure to operate it. After all, along with ease of use, we also get serious energy savings.
