Autonomous hot water supply of a private house and apartment is one of the most pressing domestic issues of our time. Depending on the principle of operation of the water heater, they are divided into several types. Among them are electrical storage units, indirect heating devices, gas models, flow options. The most popular modification is considered a storage boiler. Consider its device, features of functioning, as well as existing analogues and customer reviews.
Device
To understand the principle of operation of a water heater, we will study its device. It is quite simple and straightforward. Moreover, they are considered economical and reliable units. The functionality of the boiler is based on two main elements: a tank and a heating element (TENE).
Particular attention in the manufacture of the devices for heating water under consideration is given to the inner coating. The material for the manufacture of tanks is mainly special stabilized steel. It is durable and corrosion resistant. The inside of the tanks is coated with glass porcelain, which has a wide range of advantages and belongs to the group of elements with maximum chemical neutrality. This is due to the special crystalline structure of the material. In tanks with this design, the water even after prolonged use remains clean and transparent.
The principle of operation of the storage water heater
In the inside of the boiler there are special tubes that are responsible for the intake of cold and the selection of hot water. Liquid is supplied to the tank from below. Then it is evenly distributed over the entire volume using the provided jet divider. This design causes the gradual displacement of heated water in the upper part, where it is taken.
The principle of operation of a water heater is close to the operation of a thermos with heating, while the layers of liquid of different temperatures do not mix, which allows to obtain uniformly heated water. The following elements located on a steel flange also participate in the boiler:
- a nichrome alloy heating element in the form of a spiral with a copper body;
- temperature controller (thermostat);
- Magnesium alloy anode , which reduces the effect of corrosion on the inside of the tank.
The flange is removable, fixed on the case individually.
Security
The main points of the principle of operation of a water heater are related to its safety, since it is aggregated with an electric network. The dual thermostat is responsible for this aspect. It allows you to smoothly adjust temperature indicators, and also performs a protective function, turning off the device in the presence of critical overheating. If the temperature in the tank reaches the limit, a protective device is triggered, which deactivates the heating elements instantly. In normal mode, with a decrease in water temperature by 2-3 degrees, the built-in elements heat the liquid to a predetermined value. Another safety element is a non-return valve, which prevents overpressure in the tank.
Indirect heating units
These heating devices are not intended for the production of autonomous heat energy. Some modifications can be equipped with a built-in heater, which is responsible for maintaining a certain temperature of the liquid. In normal mode, the unit heats the water using a coil equipped with an internal liquid coolant. Below is a diagram and principle of operation of an indirect heating boiler.
A coil is built into the insulated cylindrical tank of large volume, to which the coolant from the boiler is connected. The cold water is supplied, as in the electric version, from below, the intake of hot liquid is from above. As a rule, such a water heater is used in homes with a large number of consumers, since it is able to provide a significant amount of hot water.
Features of indirect heaters
The principle of operation of an indirect type water heater is the exchange between compartments with different temperatures. It should be borne in mind that in order to get water from a tap of 50 degrees, the temperature of the coolant must be at least 75 °. This is a definite drawback of the boiler. Another minus is that it takes a long time to fully load a large tank, which is not very convenient for intensive use of hot water.
Indirect heaters in the design have a magnesium anode, and more complex and expensive modifications are equipped with a pair of coils, one of which can be used in a standard way, and the second is connected to a backup source. This can be a solar collector, an additional heater or a second boiler.
The device and the principle of operation of indirect type water heaters allow them to be produced in the wall and floor form, aggregated with any energy sources. Often, these units come with double-circuit boilers. This allows you to maintain a given temperature using a heat generator, switching between systems if you need to load the tank.
Gas models
These devices externally and in design resemble electrical storage analogues. The system includes a metal tank with insulation, suspended on the wall. Instead of heating elements, heating is carried out from a burner installed in the lower part, and a chimney outlet is provided at the top. The principle of operation of the storage water heater is to heat the water after igniting the burner. The rest of the process is identical to that which occurs in the electrical sample.
Additional heating of the liquid occurs through the selection of heat from the combustion elements. This is facilitated by the dividers in the steel duct, which pass through the tank and give off heat to the water. For the operation of the burner meets the electronic unit that controls the flame depending on the required temperature. A magnesium anode is provided to protect the inside of the case. Such units are not in great demand, because they require special permission from the relevant services and equipment of a separate chimney.
Flow Modifications
The device and the principle of operation of a boiler for heating flowing water are radically different from storage models. The unit is designed to quickly warm running water as needed.
There are two power supplies for such equipment. The first option includes gas burners, the inclusion of which occurs synchronously with the opening of the water supply tap. The second type is flow- type electric heaters . As the working elements are used heating elements, activated also with the inclusion of the crane.
It is worth noting that the gas column has a complex structure and requires the participation of an experienced specialist when connecting. In an electrical analogue, running water is heated with the help of a powerful heater, which transfers thermal energy to water. It consumes quite a lot of energy, as a result of which it has a limited scope. The advantage of this unit is its compact dimensions and ease of installation.
There is a plate boiler like a water heat exchanger. To supply hot water supply, it acts on the principle of a boiler with indirect heating, it only transfers heat to the fluid in flow mode.
Criterias of choice
When choosing a particular modification, pay attention to the inner cover of the tank. It can be made of stainless steel, titanium or glass porcelain. It is worth noting that despite the low price and other advantages of the latter material, it has several disadvantages, namely:
- short warranty period (less than three years);
- susceptibility to deformation and cracking due to temperature changes.
Boilers, the inner coating of which is made of steel or titanium, have a warranty of 7 to 10 years.
In addition, the average rate of hot water consumption should be taken into account, choosing a model of the corresponding power and volume.
Reviews
According to consumer feedback, the principle of operation of a storage electric water heater is the most optimal. The pros include the following factors:
- the ability to select a tank of the required volume;
- long period of maintaining water temperature;
- reasonable price;
- simplicity in connection and operation;
- long service life.
The disadvantages of the users include decent dimensions of the boiler, not always a convenient regulator, the need for annual preventive maintenance.