Induction heating boilers: types, an overview of the advantages and disadvantages of how to choose a good model

Induction heating boiler remains a novelty in the home appliance market, although the popularity of such an innovative solution is growing rapidly. Among electric okotl induction models account for about 30%. What is the difference between this unit and its competitors with conventional heating elements or electrodes?

We will tell you all about the principle of operation and the unique advantages of equipment whose operation is based on the use of induction. In our proposed article, its varieties are given and described in detail. Our installation tips will help you to easily equip or upgrade the heating system of the cottage, store or warehouse.

Features of construction and operation

An induction boiler is capable of generating heat and heating rooms thanks to electromagnetic induction. This physical phenomenon was discovered by Faraday during his experiments with a cylindrical magnetic bar around which a copper wire was wound in a spiral.

Induction unit design

A modern induction heating boiler also includes an inductor and a core. When an alternating electric current passes through a coil, an electromagnetic field arises.

The field generates eddy electric currents heating the core, the heat from which is transferred to the coolant. The amount of this heat is determined by the Joule-Lenz formula.

Induction heating boiler is a complex multi-component unit. To better understand the principle of operation of an induction device, it is worth recalling a school physics course

The induction heating boiler consists of two main parts. In one of them, consisting of a coil and a core, a magnetic field forms. The second part is a heat exchanger with a working fluid (coolant).

The coolant function is ordinary water or a mixture of water with ethylene glycol.You can use other fluids, the choice of which depends on the specific model of the boiler.

The heating system with an induction boiler is always switched on closed loop. The mounting scheme also includes a membrane tank, which is necessary to receive the excess water that occurs due to its thermal expansion. If such a tank is not provided with a complete set, it is purchased separately.

Specificity of use in heating circuits

Induction boilers are designed to operate in a forced circulation system. Therefore, the connection diagram must be present circulation pump, stimulating the movement of the working fluid along the heating circuit.

This need is due to the relatively small volumes of heat exchangers. – due to rapid heating, the water boils in them faster than gravitational circulation occurs.

Induction boilers are supplied complete with a remote control unit designed to automate the operation of heating equipment

In multi-circuit systems, circulation pumps are installed on each circuit. If the house has a heated floor system, then the complete set must have a distribution manifold and an additional pump.

The boiler control system includes, in addition to the thermostat and temperature sensors, the so-called security group, which is designed to prevent overheating, overpressure and tensile strength of parts.

The safety group usually includes a pressure gauge, air vents and safety valves. Surge protection is implemented using automatic components. The treatment of individual parts with a compound increases their security. Thanks to the protection components, safe and uninterrupted operation of the boiler is ensured.

The expansion circuit of the heating system with an induction boiler must include an expansion tank and a safety group that prevents overpressure in the closed circuit

Domestic induction boilers, depending on the rated power, operate on 220 V or 380 V at a current frequency of 50 Hz. To electric boiler to connect to the network, you will need to notify the local energy company (electricity supplier) and get its approval.

Connection can be single and three phase. The wires used to connect the power supply must have a suitable cross-section.

In an induction appliance, heating is controlled by cycling it on and off. This process is helped temperature sensors (thermocouple) included in the control system.

Induction boiler in the context of indicating the direction of movement of the coolant. In the cold state, the coolant enters through the lower pipe and after heating is fed through the upper pipe to the heating system.

The user sets the optimum temperature regime and the boiler automatically turns off after heating the coolant to a certain temperature, and turns it back on after cooling down.

Thanks to the continuous cycle of heating the coolant in heated rooms, a comfortable microclimate is maintained. In many models, data on temperature and other operating parameters are displayed, which facilitates control over the operation of the equipment.

Optional induction heating boilers are equipped with GSM modules for monitoring the temperature in the room and controlling via a smartphone from anywhere in the world where the Internet is available. Returning from a vacation or business trip, you can turn on the heating system in advance and prepare the house for arrival

Varieties of induction boilers

All models of induction boilers work on the same principle, but there are differences in their design. According to this criterion, they are conditionally divided into several species, which will be considered later.

Shell boilers. The casing of the boiler has a cylindrical shape. In the casing is an inductor.A heat exchanger passes both inside and outside the coil.

The working fluid entering the inlet pipe passes through a heat exchanger, heats up and enters the heating circuit through the upper pipe. Boilers casing type in Russia produces NPK «INERA". In the market, they are known under the brand name. Sav.

Boilers with volumetric heat exchangers. This type of boiler is also called inductiveconductive. The unit has a metal casing in the form of a cylinder.

An induction coil with a ferromagnetic rod, which serves as a heat exchanger, is placed in the housing. Inductively-conductive boilers on the market are represented by the VIN series. Manufacturer – Thermal Equipment Plant "Alternative Energy".

Boilers with tubular heat exchanger. Classical induction boilers have a heat exchanger in the form of a set of pipes enveloping the inductor. The first on the market was just such an aggregate.

Induction boilers with inverters. The induction boiler can be supplemented with an inverter, in which the constant electric current of the batteries is converted to an alternating high-frequency one and only then enters the inductor.

This solution helps to obtain the necessary eddy currents for heat generation in the absence of main power supply.

Using an inverter in a circuit with induction boilers allows you to stabilize the power supply to electrical equipment and protect it from power surges

What you need to know about installation?

The delivery set of electrical equipment includes a technical passport with a detailed description of the characteristics and instructions that specify the rules for installation and operation. The installation of boilers must be carried out in accordance with the attached manual.

In case of defects, for example, if the system does not have a pump for forced circulation, the boiler can be removed from warranty service. Therefore, manufacturers recommend involving experienced plumbers or trained employees of the organization that sold electrical equipment for installation.

The induction boiler can be integrated into an existing heating system as either the main or backup with a parallel connection. As for the installation site, it is imperative to adhere to the rules standard for all electric heating appliances.

The heater should be at least 80 cm from the ceiling and floor. The gap with the wall should be at least 30 cm. Like any powerful power equipment, the induction boiler must be grounded in accordance with GOST 12.2.007.0.

The cross section of the cable used to connect the induction boiler is calculated based on the power of the equipment. Wiring is laid in cable channels or in corrugation

Advantages of induction heating boilers

Induction boilers have many absolute and comparative advantages, including the following:

• highest efficiency among all electric boilers;
• invariance of energy characteristics;
• minimum requirements for coolant;
• increased reliability;
• record long service life;
• ability to work autonomously;
• simple installation without ventilation system;
• automatic control system;
• no need for fuel delivery and storage:
• heat carrier heating up to 95 degrees;
• high level of security.

The device converts electrical energy into heat with a efficiency of 98-99%. It takes 7-10 minutes to heat the coolant. A simple design, in which there are no moving mechanical parts, steel alloys used as materials of manufacture, make induction boilers record long life.

Such damage can only be damaged. electrical insulation. But as the practice of operating transformers, which in their design are very similar to induction boilers, shows that they are really able to last for many decades.

According to the assurances of manufacturers, units operating due to the effect of electromagnetic induction provide uninterrupted heating of premises for 100 thousand hours, that is, 30 heating seasons. At the same time, their power does not decrease over time, which cannot be said about electrode and conventional heating elements boilers.

Induction boilers can be used both as primary and as additional equipment. For example, to prepare a coolant for an irregularly used warm floor system

The same reasons that determine the durability and increased reliability of induction heaters, at the same time reduce the cost of operation. The induction boiler does not need regular maintenance and repair, which saves money.

Compared to many other types of fuel, the use of electricity to heat homes remains the most profitable. Especially it concerns non-gasified settlements.

Certified induction boiler design prevents short circuits. Manufacturers claim that any model has the highest class. electrical safety. The induction boiler should not be confused with the microwave oven, since a different frequency of electric current is used for its operation.

Heating of the coolant in the induction boiler occurs evenly – the temperature difference in the system is not more than 30 ° C. That is, local overheating that can lead to fire is absent, which makes such units fireproof.

Due to the magnetization of the coolant, small vibration, invisible to others and turbulent turbulence, practically no mineral deposits are formed in induction boilers, which favorably affects the efficiency. Recall that a thick layer of scale slows down the speed and efficiency of heating the coolant.

To increase capacity, it can use a cascade of three or more induction boilers with a common control cabinet. Such a solution will help to warm the two-story mansion.

If you observe the operating rules specified in the instructions, then after installation and installation of the temperature regime the boiler can not be remembered throughout the heating season. Unlike solid fuel "brothers"Induction devices do not require regular loading of firewood and coal and ash removal. No pipe cleaning required, which distinguishes them from other types electric boilers.

The boiler itself and additional equipment to it takes up little space and can be installed in a small area. The components of the control system allow the use of induction boilers in one bundle with other climatic equipment.

Induction boilers can be integrated into an intelligent home control system called “Smart Home”

Disadvantages of induction models

Ideal technical solutions do not exist yet. Even the most advanced equipment has its drawbacks and an induction heating boiler is no exception.

It is characterized by:

• high price;
• heavy weight;
• noise.

In the manufacture of induction boilers, expensive materials are used, including ferromagnets that react to a magnetic field.

In order for the boiler to fulfill its function, engineers must accurately calculate the diameter of the coil wire, the number of its turns, the size of the core and other parameters. Then all these calculations should be implemented in the finished product.

Thus, the production of induction devices is a labor-intensive and metal-intensive process, which leads to high production costs. At the same time, this drawback is leveled due to the long service life and minimal operating costs.

The compact dimensions of the boiler are combined with its considerable weight, which is explained by a large number of steel parts. Some models weigh 40 kg. The induction boiler makes a slight noise during operation, but this disadvantage is easily eliminated by sound absorbing gaskets recommended for installation.

Rules for the selection of equipment

When choosing a model of an induction boiler, the main criteria are its power and the characteristics of the heated room. It is assumed that for heating 10 square meters. m. with a ceiling height of up to 3 meters, 1 kW is required.

Thus, it is enough to divide the area of ​​the heated room by 10 and as a result the required rated power will be obtained electric boiler. For example, for a house of 100 square meters. m. an induction heater of 10 kW is required.

If there is no desire to calculate the necessary boiler power with high accuracy, you can use the simplified option. According to it, induction boilers with a capacity of only 3-4 kW are able to heat a room with an area of ​​30-40 m²

In order not to overpay for unnecessary power and not to freeze if it is insufficient, it is necessary to evaluate the specific characteristics of a house or other object, including wall materials, window area, the presence of insulation, etc., and choose heating equipment based on these data.

It does not hurt to ask the seller and the power factor, that is, the ratio of active and full power of the selected model. This indicator is called the cosine phi (Cos φ) and measured in volt-amperes. It helps to determine how much of the consumed electricity is spent directly on heating the coolant, and which is on generating a magnetic field.

Power factor values ​​range from 0 to 1. For induction boilers with a well-designed designCos φ is 0.97-0.98 kVA, which is considered an excellent indicator, since almost all the consumed electricity is spent on heating the working fluid.

A variety of models allows you to choose an option for use as a primary or backup heat source. Powerful boilers operating from a voltage of 380 V are able to independently heat homes, commercial and industrial facilities of large quadrature.

For operation in the country or in the garage effective induction boiler You can make it yourself. The following article will familiarize you with the detailed manual for assembling useful homemade products.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

The roller will clearly demonstrate the principle of operation of the induction unit:

Expert opinion on the safety of operation of the induction boiler:

Video presentations of induction boilers from ZSTM (Plant of the Siberian Technological Engineering):

Induction heating boilers have many advantages and competitive advantages with minor or easily eliminated disadvantages. How beneficial this option is for heating a particular house can only be decided by weighing all the pros and cons.

An indisputable fact remains the constant growth in demand for such equipment, and this trend is likely to continue in the future.

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