One of the urgent problems in home heating for a long time remained the search for suitable heat sources. Natural resources are not always suitable for this purpose for many reasons, in particular, due to inaccessibility and economic inexpediency. However, the induction boiler, which operates on energy-saving technology, gave consumers a chance to take a fresh look at the possibilities of heating devices, not only in functional but also in operational terms.
Key Features
Induction boiler operates on the basis of electromagnetic induction. The role of the generator is assigned to the inductive coil, and the heat transfer rate becomes much higher due to the use of the pipe maze in the multi-layer structure of the boiler. Inside the case there is a core, which looks like a pair of ferromagnetic steel pipes inserted one into another, having rather thick walls. In the space between them is water that enters through the nozzles located in the lower part of the boiler. A toroidal winding is located in the inner tube, which creates a high-frequency magnetic field under the influence of an electric current. As a result of the increase in resistance, eddy currents arise, which heat the pipe body and the water washing it. The outer pipe serves as a heating element, and water is used as a coolant.
Induction heating: features
traits
Induction boiler for home heating first appeared on the market at the end of the last century. Despite the fact that not too much time has passed since that moment, such equipment is becoming more and more popular among consumers, displacing all others capable of electric heating. This is due, first of all, to the special effect that gives the use of such equipment. And the point here is not only that the coolant is heated almost instantly, but also in the highest efficiency of such devices, since the additional power received from the oscillating circuit reduces several times the required amount of energy in comparison with alternative modern heating methods.
That is why the induction boiler is good for use in residential premises, as well as in industrial and administrative buildings, in the territories of facilities where high demands are placed on environmental safety, as well as in technological systems where an intermediate liquid coolant is used.
Advantages
Despite the fact that a huge variety of technological solutions operating on different types of energy carriers are currently presented on the modern heating equipment market, it is worth exploring the described devices from a consumer point of view, that is, from the perspective of the relevance of their use. To begin, consider the reasons why it is recommended to buy induction heating boilers for purchase .
The very first argument is the complete absence of scale and other deposits. The magnetic field creates a high-frequency vibration, which displaces the induction energy to the inner surface of the boiler walls, where it interacts with the coolant. It turns out that regardless of the period of operation, a stable level of heat transfer is ensured. The induction boiler is characterized by a efficiency of 98-99% over the entire life cycle. This device is usually classified as energy-saving equipment. The device is economical due to the high level of power factor, characterized by the frequency of the current used. All this allows to reduce operational costs by 30%.
Induction-type heaters are characterized by minimal sensitivity to voltage indicators, therefore they are able to work stably in a direct or alternating current network. In terms of design, the induction boiler is a completely sealed enclosure, due to which leaks are completely eliminated.
Operation benefits
The boiler device does not have heating or moving elements that are in direct contact with the coolant, which eliminates the need for repair and maintenance work, both in the off-season and during heating. Namely, this cost item is quite significant for owners of other types of heating appliances. Induction equipment belongs to the second class of fire and electrical safety, so it can be installed in any room. Manufacturers set the life of such devices at least 25 years.
An induction boiler, the price of which is from 30 thousand rubles and higher depending on the required capacity, can use any liquid, that is, not only water, but also antifreeze, oil or another substance, if operating conditions in some certain temperature conditions. The liquid does not need preliminary preparation, and it can be replaced once every 10 years. Such equipment can be connected to any heating systems, while there are no restrictions.
The induction boiler is characterized by absolutely silent operation and a high level of environmental safety. Installation and subsequent operation of the device are not particularly difficult and do not require special skills or any conversion.
disadvantages
Despite the fact that this is a unique and versatile equipment, it cannot be considered perfect, since it also has certain disadvantages. As the main disadvantage, the solid weight of the boiler and its considerable dimensions can be noted. Depending on the model and device of the boiler, its weight can range from 20-80 kilograms. On the other hand, it is unlikely that the consumer who installed this equipment will be interested in its weight, because it will not be necessary to move it. Modern boiler models are characterized by compact dimensions and wall mounting options, which contributes to considerable space savings during installation. All this makes this drawback not so big.
Cons Factors
There is another negative characteristic that an induction boiler has. The price of such equipment is relatively high. Among all alternative electric heating devices, induction equipment can be classified as the most expensive. However, there is another side to the coin. While the purchase of such equipment can be a significant financial investment, it will be a one-time one. After all, when you purchase any other devices, the expenses do not end there, because their further maintenance will be required. In the case of the equipment in question, there is no need to worry about additional investments.
Another disadvantage of induction boilers is their ability to create wave interference. Despite the fact that their range is several meters, this factor may be too significant for people who are prone to perception of magnetic waves. In this case, solving the problem is quite simple: you need to install the device in a separate room.
Boiler selection
Induction boiler can be single-phase and three-phase. In the first case, it is a power of 2.5-7 kW, and in the second - 7-60 kW. For induction equipment, the indicator of the required power can be calculated according to the following principle: for each square meter of the area of the heated room 60 watts of power are required. In addition, you need to know about some rules for installing such devices.
Equipment of this type is intended for installation exclusively in closed heating systems, which are equipped with a pump that provides forced circulation. A mandatory element when installing such equipment is grounding. The boiler is mounted vertically to the wall.
Induction heaters will make heating any room simple, reliable and affordable. And minor disadvantages of such devices are compensated by the highest consumer characteristics: ease of maintenance, operational efficiency, minimal material costs and maximum safety.
Typical device
Similarly to equipment equipped with heating elements, induction boilers convert electrical energy into heat, necessary for space heating. And the design features of the device allows you to heat the coolant several times faster in comparison with analogues. The simplest design of the device is a transformer, including a primary and secondary short-circuited winding. The task of the internal component is the conversion of electric energy into eddy currents, after which the electromagnetic field is directed to the secondary short-circuited coil, which serves as a housing and a heating element at the same time. From the secondary winding, energy is transferred to the coolant, which can serve not only as untreated water, but also antifreeze, oil, as well as other media that conduct electricity. This is the simplest scheme of an induction boiler.
Features of functioning
The operation of the device is carried out without the release of negative fuel decomposition products, which ensures its complete safety. Two pipes extending from the boiler are designed to drain the heated fluid and enter the cold. If you want to make an induction boiler with your own hands, then you need to know that the lower pipe must be mounted on the inlet section of the pipeline, and the upper pipe on the supply section of the pipeline. The device converts electrical energy into heat, which is transferred to water, oil or antifreeze of any degree of purification. When eddy currents created by the winding hit the core, its outer surface is heated, and then the whole element as a whole. A home-made induction boiler generates heat, which is transferred to the coolant circulating in the system. Due to the pressure created by the pump, the coolant is supplied to the heating network.
DIY induction boiler
The circuit of the device is such that the heated liquid is constantly diverted from the pipe to the heating network, which completely eliminates the possibility of overheating of the equipment. The induction system constantly vibrates, which completely eliminates the formation of scale on the inner walls of the device.
Structurally, it is completely simple to build an induction boiler with your own hands. For starters, you can purchase a high-frequency welding inverter, equipped with a device for smooth adjustment of current. As a material that will be heated in a magnetic field, pieces of steel wire or wire rod can serve. The body can be made of thick-walled plastic pipe. To connect to the heating network, adapters are used, through which an induction boiler is connected.
Reviews
Most consumers who have become happy owners of these devices talk about their extreme efficiency, ease of use and other positive aspects. In cases where the installation of a gas boiler is completely impossible, such a solution becomes the best option.