A heating element (12 volts) is used to heat local zones or areas. Devices are divided into several types, each of which has its advantages and disadvantages. Consider their features and characteristics, as well as the scope.
Infrared heating element
This device is a device for heating specific areas where an additional temperature increase or constant additional heating is required. Unit configuration: a polyester film in which heating elements of an alloy of iron and magnesium are placed, as well as an aluminum conductor of up to four microns, conducting electricity.
Heat is generated in the form of infrared radiation. A heating element (12 volts) of this type is operated in production and in everyday life. The abbreviated name of the unit is INE, it allows you to quickly get rid of fogging of mirrors and other equipment in rooms with high humidity, and will also provide heating for parts of the vehicle, hives, incubators, seedlings and much more.
Infrared rays, in fact, are heat that spreads directly to a specific object. Such devices are popular in medicine for heating equipment and treating certain diseases.
Features of INE
The infrared heating element operates with a voltage of 12 volts, which makes it possible to ensure the aggregation of the device with variable and permanent networks, including car circuits. The unit under consideration significantly simplifies the operation of the vehicle in the winter, providing heated mirrors, seats and other auto components. An additional extension of functionality is available through the use of a transformer.
When using this device, it is important to choose the correct operating temperature. The maximum mode for INE is 60-75 degrees Celsius, depending on the modification of the heater.
Characteristics of the heating element (12 volts, infrared):
- Dimensions - 200 * 300 mm.
- Supply voltage - 12 V.
- Power indicator - 24 watts.
- The working temperature on the surface is 60 degrees.
- Maximum weight - 15 g.
- The temperature range is from –40 to +50 ° C.
Infrared heaters are used to dry products in both domestic and industrial volumes. The test results confirmed the feasibility of this method, due to the preservation of the useful properties of the product during its quick drying.
Flexible heaters
Such an element of 12 volts is used in heating systems for areas to which the mains voltage is not available. Devices can connect to the car network or battery. The length of ribbon type heaters is from 1 to 4 meters. A larger range is not provided due to design features and limitations. The cost of such a device is affected by the shell material and length. At low temperatures, it is recommended to use the ENGL-1 type variant, the specific power of which is 32 W / m.
Application options
The tape heating element (12 volts) is used for the following purposes:
- Carburetor heating.
- Heating diesel fuel, which eliminates the formation of paraffin sediment.
- Raising the temperature of the internal components of the vehicle.
Such devices are actively used in the northern regions to adapt the machine to critically low temperatures.
Below are the characteristics of flexible heaters of the ENGL-1 type (in brackets are the parameters of the ENGL-2 and ENGLU-400 models):
- The limit of the temperature index of the shell is 180 (60/400) degrees Celsius.
- The minimum bending radius is 10 (20/15) mm.
- Power at face value - 4.8 (1.76 / 5) kW.
- Shell - silicone (polyethylene / fiberglass).
All models are waterproof, have high flexibility and ease of installation.
As practice shows, one at a time they heat normally, and with a serial connection - a little worse. A parallel type connection causes a decrease in power and problems with turning on the device. The device is characterized by rapid heating and stable maintenance of temperature at the required level.
Ceramic samples
The ceramic heating element (12 volts) is a pulse unit consisting of a pair of working parts. Voltage is measured with a standard multimeter. The exact characteristics are indicated in the passport, and the nominal indicator is 12 volts with the possibility of an open circuit after reaching a temperature limit of 230 degrees. The thermal fuse provided for in the design is responsible for this position.
A miniature heating element (12 volts) can be made independently. To do this, you need nichrome with a diameter of up to 0.1 mm, a steel wire of slightly larger sizes and an asbestos thread with a thin sewing needle. First, the wire winding of steel and nichrome is securely fixed by twisting.
Next, a circuit is assembled that serves as a determinant of the number of coils of the heating coil. After connecting, the voltage gradually increases, according to the voltmeter and ammeter. With a value of 12 volts, the approximate power of the device will be 5.5 watts. You can use this invention for the operation of an electric soldering iron or similar tools.
Useful Modifications
A heating element for an incubator (12 volts) can be made in several ways. The first one is heating with a carbon cord. Below are its features:
- Possible connection is 12-24 V.
- The device provides fast heating and active cooling.
- Temperature differences are eliminated due to the lack of inertia.
- With proper maintenance and braiding, the device will last for many years.
- There is the possibility of direct connection to the thermostat without fear of failure of the relay.
- Scope - floor or wall heating in household, residential premises, incubator, evidence, maintaining the microclimate in greenhouses and in beds.
Winding is done carefully using non-conductive parts made of textolite, ceramic or similar materials. The cord is connected to crimp sleeves to which a copper wire is connected. The heating level depends directly on the voltage in the network, which suggests the inclusion of a stabilizer in the design.
TENY
A similar device has a number of pros and cons. Let's start with the benefits:
- Fast heating at the capacity specified by the manufacturer.
- Simple installation and the ability to directly connect to the thermostat.
- Stable load resistance.
Of the minuses, there is a susceptibility to deformation due to mechanical stress, as well as connecting only to a 220 V network. Another significant drawback of this method of heating incubators is inertia.
Incandescent and film version
A film-type flat heater acts on the interior elements of the room, which subsequently heat the air. To further maintain heat, a reflective substrate is placed under the film. Distinctive features of this model:
- High price.
- Work from a network of 220 V, for other possibilities of operation the inverter is required.
- The package includes a thermal regulator.
- The size and power of the device is fixed - 150 or 220 watts per square meter.
An incandescent lamp provides fast heating, is sold in any hardware store, connects to circuits from 12 to 220 V. The heater is as simple as possible to install and maintain. The main disadvantage is a sharp change in the resistance of the tungsten filament when the device is turned on.
Total
If you plan to build a large incubator, the heating element is best made of nichrome, incandescent lamps or a heating cable. In the case of connecting to a source with an output of 12 volts, it is recommended to use flexible types of heaters. It is advisable to take care of the purchase of a generator, since possible interruptions in electricity can lead to egg damage.