Electrode boiler for a private house. Electrode boiler for heating a house: operation diagram and how to do it yourself. Installation of electrode heating boilers
Electrode-type boilers, which are gaining popularity, are a conversion product. In the navy they were installed (and are still installed) on ships and submarines. Back in the days Soviet Union there were two factories that produced these.
One plant in Ukraine, one in Russia. Both countries now issue them to the public. The Russian electrode boiler is called “Galan”, the Ukrainian one is “Obriy”. Today, other companies producing boilers of this type have appeared on the market. For example, the “Ion” and “Luch” models.
Operating principle
The operation of an electrode boiler is based on purely physical laws. The coolant in it is heated not due to some heating element, but due to the breakdown of water molecules into differently charged ions.
Two electrodes are installed in the container where the coolant is located, and the electric current supply is turned on. Water molecules under the influence of a current with a frequency of 50 Hz (this is the number of vibrations per second) are divided into positive and negative ions. It is during the separation process that it turns out thermal energy. Each ion with its own charge moves towards a specific electrode.
The surprising thing is that heating is instantaneous due to the high resistance of the water. Plus, in such a system there is no electrolysis process, which contributes to the formation of scale on the metal walls of the heating boiler. This means that an electrode boiler is an almost always running unit.
The design of the device is quite simple. Firstly, this is a device of small overall dimensions.
Secondly, the boiler is a pipe that simply cuts into the pipe junction system by means of a threaded connection using American fittings. Thirdly, electrodes are inserted from one of the ends of the device. The coolant enters through the side pipe, and exits through the free end.
The dimensions of the unit depend on its power. For example, “single-phase has a length of 30 cm (diameter 6 cm), three-phase - 40 cm. For a small private suitable for home first option. If the house is large enough, multi-story, then it is better to install a three-phase device.
Coolant requirements
Unfortunately, simple tap water cannot be used as a coolant in a system where an electrode boiler is installed. In order for ionization of the coolant to occur, a certain salt content in it is necessary.
Therefore, manufacturers recommend pouring antifreeze into the heating system of a private home or adding special inhibitors to the water. The Galan company produces special solutions called “Potok”, which can be added to water or used as a coolant.
Advantages and disadvantages
Like any electric unit for heating a private home, an electrode device has its own positive aspects, and negative.
Pros
The positive side is the high efficiency - 98% with small dimensions. At the same time, due to the ionization of the coolant, energy consumption is saved. If we compare, for example, with heating element heating boilers, electrode boilers consume 40% less electricity.
Voltage fluctuations are a natural state of electrical Russian networks in suburban villages. So here it is energy saving boilers Electrode-type heating systems do not respond to these changes. In addition, there is no need to coordinate the installation and connection of the boiler with the boiler inspection.
Cons
The negative aspects of using an electrode heater include the impossibility of using it in a heating system where steel pipes and cast iron radiators. In the first case, there is a high probability of scale formation on the walls.
In the second, there is a large volume of coolant, which the electrode boiler may not warm up. Here we add the filling of antifreeze and inhibitors, as well as the high cost of electricity.
Characteristics
To understand the characteristics of the electrode boiler, it is necessary to consider domestic models of the Galan device. The company today offers four modifications:
- "Hearth";
- "Standard";
- "Geyser";
- "Volcano".
For private houses
The “Ochag” and “Standard” models are for private homes. Their power is 2, 3, 5, 6 kW. Accordingly, with their help you can heat houses with a volume of: 80, 120, 180, 200 m³.
These devices work from the network AC voltage 220 volts. For connection, it is recommended to use a cable with a cross section of 4-6 mm².
For large buildings
“Geyser” and “Vulcan” can be used for heating large buildings: residential and non-residential. The power of these devices is: Geyser - 9, 15 kW, Vulcan - 25, 36, 50 kW. Both models are three-phase analogues.
Non-freezing liquids such as “Tosol” and “Arctic” are not intended for electrode boilers.
Control and management
All models are equipped temperature sensors and settings devices temperature regime. The electronic control unit is installed next to the boiler, usually on the wall.
Controversial issues
There is a misconception that electrode-type heating devices are divided into cathode and anode. The thing is that the cathode and anode can only be present when exposed to direct current. Electrode boilers use alternating current.
One could call electrode heating units operating on a single-phase circuit cathode, because two tubular rods are installed inside the boiler. One is supplied with electric current, the second is the zero phase. In this case, the movement of electric current (negatively charged particles, that is, electrodes) occurs from the first rod to the second.
But it would be more correct to call the boilers ionic. It's all about the principle of obtaining thermal energy. This has already been discussed above.
The smaller the volume of coolant in the heating system of a private house, the more efficiently the electrode-type boiler operates. Therefore, it is recommended to use bimetallic or aluminum radiators and contour wiring made of polyethylene pipes to construct the heating system.
Please note that it is best to create your own new heating for an electrode heating unit. It is not worth embedding it into an old one, where another type of heating device was used.
Thermal insulation and connection
Experts recommend thermal insulation of all circuits. It is best to make the connection using a separate cable from the distribution panel with the installation of a separate machine. IN electrical diagram connection, an RCD (residual current device) cannot be installed.
The installation must be grounded, as is the case with other models of electric heating units.
Increased heating efficiency
If the power of one boiler is not enough to heat a large house, then several devices can be installed in a single system. They can be connected to each other in parallel or in series.
And one last thing. Heating boilers This type is installed only in a closed system where a circulation pump is installed. The latter provides additional coolant resistance, which affects the quality of heat generation.
This is what an electrode electric boiler looks like.
Such a boiler is also called an ion boiler. This is due to the principle of converting electrical energy into thermal energy. The electrode boiler itself is quite small. An electrode electric boiler for heating is installed on a pipe and does not even need to be additionally attached to the walls. He is supported by the American women with whom he is assigned, this is quite enough.
Frame electrode electric boiler for heating, it looks like a piece of pipe, about 40 cm long. It is screwed into one of the ends metal rod. The second end is either sealed, or a pipe for coolant circulation is welded into it. In total, the heater body has two pipes for supply and return. They can be located:
- one at the end, the second perpendicular to the side;
- both in the side part are perpendicular to the body and parallel to each other.
The operating principle of an electric heating boiler is that ions move between the cathode (positively charged electrode) and the anode (negatively charged electrode). They, in turn, can also be either positively or negatively charged. In this case, their polarity constantly changes; the same ion changes plus to minus 50 times per second. Because of this, the movement of ions is chaotic, because plus attracts minus, and when a constant change in polarity occurs, the particles, accordingly, change the vector of movement.
As a result of fast, chaotic movements of ions, friction occurs, due to which the coolant for electric heating boilers quickly heats up. The reaction speed is so high that a segment of 40 cm is enough to heat the liquid circulating in the boiler. The cathode is a metal rod to which the phase, that is, plus, is supplied. Zero, also known as minus, is connected to the body, while the rod has no contact with the body except through the coolant. They are isolated from each other. If there is no coolant in the electrode electric heating boiler, the reaction stops.
Disadvantages of this heating method:
- the coolant is under voltage;
- salt preparation of the liquid is required;
- cannot be used .
Heating of the coolant occurs due to contact of the liquid with electrical charges. Water is the best conductor and, due to its resistance, boils quickly. Therefore, it is necessary to change the composition of the coolant in such a way as to reduce its resistivity. In this case, the operating current level in amperes must be observed. For each heater, the starting and maximum current values are indicated in technical documentation. To achieve the required current strength, add table salt to the liquid, the same one used in everyday life.
An electrode electric heating boiler works only with specially prepared coolant.
The amount of salt in the water should be appropriate state standard No. 2874–72. In practice, everything happens by measuring current strength. If its value is insufficient, more table salt is added to the liquid, but if the value exceeds acceptable standards, then distilled water is added to the coolant. There are practically no metal and salt impurities in distilled water, while tap water contains a lot of such impurities, especially in water from a well or borehole. The coolant temperature is controlled by special sensors. When the set temperature is reached, they turn off the boiler and turn it on when the water cools down.
Operating principle of an induction electric boiler
Induction heating electric wall-mounted boilers heat the coolant with a magnetic field that is created electric shock. Electric heating boiler design:
- sleeve (body);
- insulation;
- coil;
- the core through which the coolant circulates.
The coil in induction electric boilers for home heating is isolated from the liquid, that is, the current does not penetrate the coolant.
The copper winding is connected to the network through the control unit. Due to this, a magnetic field is created inside the coil. It contains the core (roughly speaking, the pipe through which the liquid flows). The magnetic field heats the pipe, which, in turn, gives off heat to the water. The heater body remains cool, as it is protected by a layer of insulation. This method is good because the coolant is not energized, so it will not shock you.
To increase the residence time of the coolant inside the boiler, the core (pipe) is not made straight, but has a labyrinth design, as shown in the figure:
A visual diagram of the design and principle of circulation in an induction boiler.
As you can see, first the liquid enters induction electric boilers for heating a house through the return pipe, goes through several 180-degree turns and tends to exit. In this case, heating begins from the first second of coolant entering the unit. The design of an electric heating boiler does not have any movable elements, scale does not accumulate on the windings, and, in fact, there is nothing to break. Unless the inner walls of the heat exchanger in which the coolant is heated may rust over time. But due to the fact that fairly thick metal is used for production, this process stretches for more than a quarter of a century.
The operating principle of a heating element electric boiler for heating
Tens come in different shapes and sizes, but the principle of operation remains the same.
A wall-mounted electric boiler for heating a private home is cheaper than all its counterparts operating from the network, and replacing the heating element costs mere pennies. Heating water with heating elements is practiced not only in boilers. This method is widely used:
- in boilers;
- in baseboard water heating.
In modern electric heating boilers, the coolant is heated using heating elements. They are completely immersed in liquid and this is a prerequisite for their operation. The fact is that if the heating element does not come into contact with the liquid, it will burn out. Water cools it, taking away heat. If the heating reaches a critical level, the material cannot withstand it and burns out.
The heating element consists of a metal tube bent in any shape. These can be round or oblong spirals with different amounts turns. Inside the tube is quartz sand. It is an intermediary between the heating element body and its heating element. All the heating work is done by a thin tungsten filament twisted into a spiral. In essence, there is nothing complicated. Let's summarize how an electric heating boiler with heating elements works:
- current is supplied to the tungsten filament;
- the thread heats up itself and transfers heat to the quartz sand;
- sand conducts heat to the heating element body (metal tube);
- the tube comes into contact with the coolant and heats it.
In this case, voltage should not enter the coolant. If the liquid produces an electric current, this may be the result of a heating element failure, or problems with grounding. Due to the fact that the heating elements are constantly in contact with liquid, and hot liquid at that, scale appears on them. This is where particles of metal, salts and minerals settle, which are found in any water, except distilled water, of course. Therefore, in order for heating element electric boilers to serve longer, it is better to pour distilled water into the circuit. You can buy it or get it yourself.
There are several ways. You can collect rainwater or use a chainsaw to cut ice on a river and melt it. As a last resort, you can stand with ordinary water so that everything unnecessary settles, and then use a hose to drain a third of the liquid from the bottom. But even if you don’t use distilled water, you shouldn’t worry too much about replacing heating elements. They are inexpensive and you can find them in many places, there are no problems with these.
Another advantage of heating element electric boilers is a wide range of models. There are floor-mounted electric heating boilers and wall models, which can be connected to a 220 and 380 volt network. Some copies are equipped with a switch and are universal. And there is no difference in the design of the 220 and 380 volt heater, it’s all about the connection sequence heating elements. Two independent connection schemes are made in the control unit, and the user selects the one he needs.
The operating principle of all types of electric boilers
Simple control unit with display for an electric boiler.
It is clear that manually controlling the operation of the heater is nonsense; after all, we live in a time of high technology. Therefore, almost all types of electric heating boilers are equipped with electronic controls with a different number of options. The “brains” of the device may not be provided by the manufacturer. Some models have the simplest and most necessary sensors; in expensive devices the number of functions is much wider. What should be in the control unit of all types of electric heating boilers:
- temperature sensor;
- separate fuses;
- time relay;
- load relay;
- two-tariff meter.
It is better to install a temperature sensor to control the air in the room than to control the coolant.
Depending on the temperature outside the window, with the same heating of the coolant, the house will be either warmer or colder. It is more convenient when the room temperature is kept at the same level by increasing or decreasing the heating of the liquid in the circuit.
The load relay will prevent the heater from turning on when the home network is overloaded. For example, when the washing machine is running. Thus, the wiring will not be overloaded and will not burn out. To save on electricity bills in houses that are heated by electrical appliances, you need to install double tariff meters.
They calculate how much energy is spent during the day and night, and divide the cost per kilowatt used. Electricity is cheaper at night. The installed time relay will turn on the heater when it is more profitable, that is, at night. While during the day the boiler will work as little as possible.
If production models heaters do not suit you in terms of their functions or are too expensive, then you can buy the simplest boiler and assemble the control unit yourself. This is convenient because you can determine for yourself which features you need and which you don’t. In addition, everything can be done in stages, so you don’t need to shell out a decent amount right away.
Electrode heating structures are part of autonomous heating systems. Such devices are characterized by the presence of a specific type of heater consisting of several electrodes. An electrode boiler for heating a private house is used in conjunction with innovative types of automatic control. This allows you to increase the efficiency of the heating system and make it more economical.
Operating principle
In order for the thermal fluid used to heat up, it is necessary to split the water molecules. The result this process is the formation of constantly moving positive and negative ions. In this case, a large amount of energy is released. The heating device heats the liquid without using heating elements.
As the temperature of the coolant increases, its electrical resistance decreases. Electrical arcing may occur. To prevent this situation, table salt is added to the liquid. The required proportions can be found in technical passport to the heating device. The power of the electrode unit increases when the coolant is heated. The result of a decrease in value electrical resistance there is an increase in current strength.
Design features
The thermal fluid used is heated during the movement of multidirectionally charged ions between the electrode contacts. The design of such a heater is quite simple. It consists of: a metal rod and a hollow steel pipe.
The device is hermetically sealed on both sides. Special pipes are welded to its sides. With their help, the heater is connected to the heating system.
The phase wire is attached to the inner rod, and the neutral wire is attached to the surface of the housing. A three-phase network is used to power powerful heat generators.
Under the influence of alternating current, the ions contained in the thermal fluid constantly change the direction of their movement. Electrolysis is not carried out fully. During the heating process, there is no transfer of substance between the two electrodes.
The heating device has the following characteristic features:
- small overall size;
- simple design;
- ease of installation;
- high level of efficiency;
- long service life;
- reliability of operation - there are no contacting parts;
- low cost.
Advantages
Electrode heating boilers make it possible to regulate the indoor microclimate and save electrical energy. If we compare their efficiency with the efficiency of induction devices and heaters, which include heating elements, we should note the advantages of the electrode design:
- the water entering the boiler is heated very quickly;
- efficiency level approaches 100%;
- long service life. The design features of the device cause rapidly changing polarity. Ions constantly change the direction of their movement. Therefore, despite the presence constant contact electrode surfaces with liquid, scale does not form on them;
- the electric electrode boiler has small dimensions;
- it is easy to install in any room;
- there is automatic control of the operation of the heating device;
- the heater has a high level fire safety. If the system depressurizes, the risk of electric shock is eliminated. The device will simply stop working;
- there are no extraneous noises during operation of the heating system;
- electrode electric boilers for heating a private home do not have a harmful effect on the environment;
- chimneys are not used during their operation;
- devices are not afraid of voltage surges
Flaws
Despite the high quality performance of electrode heating systems, certain disadvantages should be taken into account:
- for high-quality functioning of the heater, pre-prepared water is required, which has a given resistivity;
- Distilled water, antifreeze or oil cannot be used as a heat carrier;
- An electrode electric boiler for heating can operate effectively only with continuous circulation of liquid. If the movement speed decreases, the likelihood of the system boiling increases. If it increases, difficulties may arise with starting the heating unit;
- Over time, the substance that makes up the electrodes dissolves in water. They have to be replaced periodically;
- the heating system must have a grounding circuit;
- when the temperature of the coolant increases above 75 degrees, the consumption of electrical energy increases sharply;
- in single-circuit devices, the liquid cannot be used for domestic needs.
Carrying out installation work
When installing electrode heating systems, air vents must be used. They work automatically. They include safety valve and a pressure gauge. Design shut-off valves should be located next to the expansion tank.
The heating device is installed in a vertical plane. The installation kit usually includes special mount. The electrode structure must be connected to metal pipes. The remaining sections of the heating system may consist of a different material.
It is best to entrust the process of installation and installation of climate control sensors and temperature control devices to specialists. Before installation work the system is flushed with water. Special cleaning agents are added to the liquid.
When choosing a radiator, take into account the total volume of circulating coolant. 8 liters of liquid must correspond to 1 kW of heating device power. As this indicator increases, the consumption of electrical energy will increase.
The operating efficiency of boilers with an electrode design increases as the volume of liquid used in the system decreases. Wiring heating device It is best to use bimetallic or aluminum radiators and pipes made of polyethylene material.
All heating circuits are pre-insulated. A separate cable is used to connect the heater. It, in turn, is connected to the distribution panel and a separate circuit breaker.
A grounding circuit must be installed. To increase the power of the heating system, in some cases several heating devices are used at once. When installing them, a serial or parallel connection is used.
Electrode-type heating devices can only be used in closed systems with built-in circulation pump. They represent reliable equipment, which has a number of undeniable advantages. The systems are successfully used for heating individual buildings.
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 automation made it possible to improve traditional heating devices and create on their basis modern boilers electrode. Feedback from experienced users and the opinion of independent experts will help us get to know each other better. technical characteristics, varieties and prices for the most famous models.
Operating principle of electrode boilers
Heating of the coolant in the heating system occurs due to the splitting of water molecules. The differently charged ions resulting from this process actively move, rushing towards the positive and negative electrodes, releasing a large amount of energy. The result is that an electric electrode boiler increases 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 may lead to dangerous situation- electric arc breakdown. To prevent this undesirable phenomenon, a certain amount of table salt should be added to the coolant. The size of the proportions is always indicated in the boiler passport. The increase in power in the electrode units occurs simultaneously with heating of the coolant. The increase in current is directly proportional to the decrease in electrical resistance.
Features of use in everyday life
Ion boilers can be integrated into existing heating systems. But before doing this, it is necessary to take a number of preventive actions to prevent rapid wear of the device. Required condition 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 units can be connected in parallel to the system.
Advantages of electrode heating devices
The operation of an autonomous heat source allows you to control not only the microclimate and thermoregulation in the house, but also heat costs. At the same time, electrode boilers have a number of obvious advantages compared to heating elements and induction devices.
Efficiency
All 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, the design achieves a very high level of efficiency - up to 98%.
Durability
Constant contact of the electrodes with the coolant liquid does not lead to the formation of a layer of scale. And, accordingly, rapid failure of the heater. This is due to the fact that in the design of the device there is a constant change in polarity - alternating movement of ions in different directions at a speed of 50 times per second.
Compactness
The principle of electrode heating of liquid makes it possible to reduce the volume of the heat generator several times compared to heating elements of similar power. Small sizes and low weight of the equipment are very advantageous features that mark electrode boilers. Reviews from experienced users confirm ease of use household appliances, ease of installation and the possibility of their location in any room.
Automation of control
Availability on external panel block devices digital settings allows you to intelligently regulate the intensity of the boiler operation. Operation in a given mode helps save up to 40% of electrical energy in the house.
Fire safety
In case of depressurization of the system or water leakage, there is no fear of electric shock. Without coolant, there will be no current flow, so the boiler simply stops working.
Silence
The absence of sound vibrations ensures quiet operation.
Ecological perfection
The operating principle of an electrode boiler implies the complete absence of combustion products or other types of waste. There is also no need for a reserve of fuel resources.
Negative aspects in the operation of ion heat generators
As most users emphasize in their reviews, for all their attractiveness, electrode electric heating boilers have certain disadvantages in design and operation:
- the need to use only prepared water with the specified parameters resistivity creates difficulties in achieving compliance with regulations;
- the impossibility of using 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, when the speed of movement decreases, the water may boil, and if the flow increases, starting the boiler will be impossible;
- stainless electrodes are capable for a long time work without failures, but gradually they still 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 your area of residence it is not possible to organize a gas or solid fuel heating circuit, then an electrode heating system can become the only reliable source of heat in the house.
What ensures the efficiency and reliability of ion heating devices?
In any case, electrode boilers for a private home are a profitable purchase. High efficiency in their work consists of a combination of several indicators:
- reduced heating inertia;
- uniform increase in temperature of the entire coolant volume;
- construction two-pipe system closed type;
- use of automation to control the temperature of the coolant and ambient air in the room;
- simple design using innovative materials;
- high efficiency of the boiler.
What other savings occur in the operation of electrical appliances?
Regular maintenance and technical work are services that electrode boilers practically do not need. User reviews also note the lower cost of ionic aggregates compared to other types electric heating.
Electrode boilers "Galan" are worthy representatives of domestic heating engineering
Among large number ionic electrical units produced in Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus, devices assembled according to standards stand out noticeably military equipment. Practical implementation is based on conversion developments of industrial enterprises producing for naval vessels.
Structurally, the Galan brand electrode heating boiler for a home is a housing cylindrical made of rolled pipe with a diameter of 6 cm and a length of 31 cm. Inside there are concentric tubular electrodes through which current is supplied to the coolant. Well-heated water is intensively distributed through pipes and radiators using forced circulation. Once the optimal fluid flow rate has been reached, the pump can be turned off.
Advantages of ion devices:
Electrode boilers "Galan" are capable of independently adjusting to power consumption and turning off if the specified temperature parameters are exceeded. Protective automation also triggered when short circuit, overheating of supply wires or coolant leakage.
For the harsh climatic conditions Western Siberia is the most best choice individual heating - electrode boiler "Galan". The price of the device is significantly affordable - in comparison with other types of electrical analogues - and does not exceed 20 thousand rubles.
Several years ago, a special coolant was developed specifically for Galan boiler models - 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.
The younger brother of the ion boiler
The Galan family of electrical units includes several varieties heating devices. These include the electrode boiler "Ochag". It has the smallest dimensions compared to other models. The weight of the device is only five hundred grams. The coolant volume in the system is 70 liters. At the same time, the “baby” is capable of developing a power of up to 5 kW, which allows you to effectively heat a room with a volume of up to two hundred cubic meters.
The Geyser and Vulcan devices with operating power from 9 to 50 kW are known on the market. The basis for their development was also the Galan electrode boiler. 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 EOU electrode boiler?
A flow-type installation differs from similar electrode devices in its increased level of reliability and durability. Excellent EOU performance is achieved thanks to the main material - thick-walled pipes. For the production of electrodes, more reliable material is also used, which allows creating a heat flow inside the boiler at an increased speed. Large diameter rods also helps to improve the performance of the heating device.
Unlike other types of ion heat generators, the EOU electrode boiler offers a wide range of model range, which arouses additional buyer interest. It is noteworthy that the units can operate in closed heating systems without involving circulation pump. The ionization chamber is small in size, so the coolant is rapidly heated and, accordingly, the pressure increases to two atmospheres.
The temperature sensor connected to the relay provides a certain operating mode for which the electrode boilers are configured. Reviews from experienced owners confirm that the active operation time of the EOU boiler is only from two to nine hours a day. Without a doubt, such indicators are among the undoubted advantages of the heating device.
Do-it-yourself production of an electric ion heat generator
Possessing basic repair and electrical work, and also having studied the thermal heating circuit, it is quite possible to make an electrode boiler yourself. The price of such an installation will be significantly different when compared with a factory unit. In addition, this work will be an invaluable experience.
First of all, you need to decide how you will be included in common system electrode boiler diagram. Several options are usually considered:
- single-phase connection;
- three-phase connection;
- parallel ligament;
- 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 supply or underfloor heating.
Materials that will be needed for work:
- pipe from stainless steel length 250 mm and diameter 80-100 mm;
- welder;
- 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 several important points:
- the boiler body must be grounded;
- on outer pipe Only the neutral wire comes out of the network;
- the phase must be supplied exclusively to the electrode.
Installation work
The main stages of constructing an ion boiler.
1. A scheme of operation of the heating network is planned. There is a choice:
- single-circuit - intended only for heating;
- double-circuit - provides heating and water heating for household needs.
2. Installation and grounding of the electrode boiler successfully neutralizes static electricity.
3. Selection and installation heating radiators, the material of which interacts normally with water.
4. Construction of automatic adjustment devices.
Process
The steel pipe serves as the base of the boiler. A block of electrodes is placed in its middle using a tee. On the other side of the pipe, a coupling is attached, which serves as a connection to the pipe.
An insulating layer must be placed between the tee and the electrodes. Its role is thermal protection and sealing of the housing. For this purpose, heat-resistant plastic is used, at the ends of which there must be a thread connecting to the electrode and tee.
WITH outside boiler, a screw is welded to which the zero terminal and grounding will be attached. For greater reliability, it is recommended to attach one or two more bolts. Appearance The resulting design looks unattractive. To hide it from view, you can arrange decorative finishing, which has electrical protection properties. In addition, the facade covering will limit unwanted access to the device.
Thus, you can easily assemble an electrode boiler with your own hands. All that remains is to insert the resulting device into the heating system, fill it with water and turn on the heating.
Let's summarize
Having understood in detail the structure and operating principle of electrode boilers, several important conclusions can be drawn.
Possibility of cost-effective achievement high level power and rapid heating of large volumes of water has a great impact on overall dimensions heat generators. Compact devices with minimal weight can be easily installed anywhere in the house.
If there is a need to heat the room with large area(500 or more square meters), it is quite possible to create a circuit for connecting several electrode boilers. Another positive point should be noted - when installing ion electric heating, permission and control from the boiler inspectorate are not required.
Of all the heating devices existing today, the electrode boiler seems to be the most acceptable solution. Simple and economical equipment can give warmth to our home and heat hot water for domestic needs.
Today there are three types of electric heating boilers on the market: induction, based on heating elements and electrode. Electrode boilers are also called ion or ion exchange boilers, but these are the same devices.
Operating principle
This equipment differs from other electric boilers in the presence of open electrodes, to which current is supplied from the network (alternating with a frequency of 50 Hz). The electrodes are placed in water of a certain chemical composition. When a potential difference occurs in the electrolyte, which is water, the ions begin to move. Due to the constant change of potentials on the electrodes, the movement of charged particles is chaotic. When the ions move, a large amount of heat is released, which heats the coolant (water in this case).
Advantages and disadvantages
Is it convenient to use this type of boiler for heating? In principle, yes. It is especially good in places where the network voltage is unstable: even when the voltage drops to 180 V, the electrode boiler continues to operate. Its power drops, but it continues to work. What else is convenient about such a system: if you have competent automation and the correct connection of the boiler, the system is autonomous and can maintain the set temperature independently. Another positive point: if for some reason water disappears from the system, the equipment will simply stop working. It won’t burn, won’t deteriorate, but simply won’t work, since water, in this case, is work environment. Without it, there is no current.
Now about the disadvantages. From the principle of operation of the electrode boiler, their main drawback emerges: they are demanding on the composition of the water. Not just any water is suitable, but with certain characteristics. When starting the system, it is necessary to prepare the coolant according to the recommendations of the boiler manufacturer. Usually this is a few teaspoons of salt or soda per liter of water in the system. That's all. You can also use special liquids that are produced by the same manufacturers. But this is for those who don’t want to bother at all.
On the other hand, by changing the composition of the water, you can “adjust” the boiler’s power to your needs: in principle, you can make it work with both more and less power relative to what is stated in the passport. All you need to do is change chemical composition coolant-electrolyte. Here it is important not to overdo it, otherwise you can “modify” the composition until the boiler completely and instantly fails. Therefore, stay within the limits specified by the manufacturer (as usual, “from” and “to” are indicated).
Another unpleasant moment. Even very much so. The current spreads in the water, and the water circulates in the system. And, in principle, it is not impossible to touch the radiator and receive a considerable electric shock. One more thing follows from this an indispensable condition safe operation when using electrode boilers for water heating: high-quality and reliable separate grounding is required. It will just help avoid such a situation.
Not the most pleasant moment is the need to periodically clean the system and replace the electrodes - they gradually become thinner and the heating efficiency decreases. In this regard, electrode boilers do not have any advantages over traditional ones. electric boilers with heating elements.
How economical are electrode boilers?
There is constant debate about the energy consumption of electrode boilers. Sellers and manufacturers claim that these boilers are more economical than heating elements. They even name a figure – 30%. Their opponents say that if the boiler is 6 kW, then it will consume 6 kW. No more, no less.
That's true. But owners of operating systems claim that they pay less for heating (some previously had heating elements, and some compare their bills with the bills of friends). Note that negative messages are written only by theorists who advocate the use of good old, well-known heating elements. There is not a single negative review from the owners (5 forums viewed).
There is one conditionally negative one: after 2.5 years of “excellent” operation, the efficiency of the system dropped significantly, and it was only possible to increase it partially, but not sufficiently, through careful preparation of the coolant. At first glance, a significant reduction in the power of the heating unit is possible for two reasons: the electrodes are worn out and need to be changed, or something is wrong with the automation. In any case, you need to contact a specialist service center.
How can an electrode boiler for water heating at home benefit? Due to the low inertia of the system: there are no intermediate carriers, and all the energy is immediately transferred to the coolant. This is important not only during system startup, but also to maintain the set temperature. As soon as the air temperature in the room (for greater comfort you need to monitor this indicator, not the temperature of the coolant) becomes lower, the system turns on. Heating begins instantly, without delays for heating the same heating element.
The situation is the same with the shutdown: the power supply is turned off, the heating stops. And again, there is no inertia, and the temperature remains stable, and there is no excessive wastage of electricity. That's true. But in order for everything to be as described, high-quality automation is necessary, and this, as we know, is not cheap.
Practitioners say that electrode and induction boilers are more suitable for the device than boilers using heating elements. They have more advanced automation and the temperature is maintained more accurately. But modern multi-stage boilers using heating elements can also regulate their power, although this transition is abrupt - turning on/off one or more heating elements gives a power jump. So, if you have to choose, preference for organizing water heated floors can be given to electrode ones. They are also good in this area, but they are much more expensive.
The advantages of using electrode boilers for water heating include their small size, low cost (even in relation to boilers using heating elements) and noiselessness during use (unlike induction boilers, which are sometimes very noisy). But here you need to take into account that in addition to the need for a separate power line, you will also need to build a separate grounding circuit, and this is also a cost.
In general, it is impossible to say unequivocally whether electrode boilers are good or bad. There are some positive aspects, but there are also a fair number of negative ones. Actually, you need to decide in each specific case: as always, when there are several options, the problem of choice arises. But everyone makes their own choice. We are trying to present the situation as fully as possible, but it’s still up to you to decide.
Galan electrode boilers: table of characteristics and reviews
Therefore, it is quite difficult to suspect them of bias, and they persistently promote electrode boilers. They produce flow-type equipment. This is good because the installation of such a unit does not require approval from the boiler inspection department. Another positive point: electrode boilers from this manufacturer can be used in conjunction with another hot water boiler.
Now about the characteristics and prices. The data was taken from the official website, prices there are displayed in rubles, but due to the instability of the situation, we converted them to dollars at the current rate. Therefore, some errors are possible.
| Power consumption/voltage | Room volume m 3 / m 2 | Coolant volume | Price | Dimensions | |||
| Length | Diameter | Weight | |||||
| Galan Hearth 3 | 2 and 3 kW/220 V | 80-120 m 3 /25-40 m 2 | 20-50 l | 67 $ | 275 mm | 35 mm | 0.9 kg |
| Galan Hearth5 | 5 kW/220 V | 200 m 3 /65 m 2 | 30-60 l | 69 $ | 320 mm | 35 mm | 1.05 kg |
| Galan Hearth 6 | 5 and 6 kW/220 V | 250 m 3 /150 m 2 | 35-70 l | 71 $ | 335 mm | 35 mm | 1.1 kg |
| Galan Geyser 9 | 9k W/220 or 380 V | 340 m 3 /110 m 2 | 50-100 l | 130 $ | 360 mm | 130 mm | 5 kg |
| Galan Geyser 15 | 15 kW/380 V | 550 m 3 /180 m 2 | 100-200 l | 136 $ | 410 mm | 130 mm | 5.3 kg |
| Galan Vulcan 25 | 25 kW/380 V | 850 m 3 /285 m 2 | 150-300 l | 142 $ | 450 mm | 130 mm | 5.7 kg |
Important! The table shows the price only for the boiler itself. You also need automation, which, depending on the functionality and capabilities, costs from $50 to $150; you will need sensors (each about $15) as well as a circulation pump.
Of the entire range, mini-electrode heating boilers “Galan Ochag 3” are probably more suitable for heating a dacha. They will also be good for studio apartment. Available in 2 kW and 3 kW capacities. Boilers with a lower power of 1 kW have not yet been found anywhere. Reviews about all Galan electrode boilers are positive. But almost all of them indicate: you need to follow the rules for installing and preparing the system: check the water and bring its composition to the required levels, or fill in a specialized solution produced by the same company. Important role properly selected automation plays. There is an announcement on the manufacturer’s website: “We are not responsible for the operation of boilers with non-recommended automation.”
Galan produces both electrode and heating element boilers
The most reviews come from owners of Galan Geyser 9 boilers. There are no dissatisfied people. Here are some facts that relate to the issue of electricity consumption by these boilers:
- House 135 m2 in Kharkov region. Galan Geyser 15 is heated. During the heating season 2012-2013, the meter showed 2750 kW.
- Room 120m2 in Dnepropetrovsk region. Galan Ochag 5 installed. The owner says that he “missed the mark” a little - he needs Hearth 6.
- House 150 m2 in Energodar (which is not specified). The cost of “Galan Geyser 15” for the 2013-2014 season in frosts down to -25°C per month on the meter is up to 1300 kW.
The reviews do not indicate the materials from which the house is built, how it is insulated and many other nuances, but certain conclusions can be drawn. Almost every review indicates that you need to monitor what kind of fluid is poured into the system. In one of the messages, a person repairing heating systems responded to a call: the electrode boiler had stopped heating completely. All due to the fact that the system was filled with ordinary, unprepared tap water. After working for a couple of weeks, the boiler stopped heating. After flushing the system and cleaning the electrodes, the coolant temperature still did not rise above 35 o C. The owner bought new electrodes and fluid for these systems, and after installation and repeated flushing, everything works.
In general, it turns out like this: electrode boilers are simple in design, but demanding to operate. Coolant parameters and high-quality automation are important.
