Water heater for fresh air: types, device, model overview

To solve the problems of air exchange in private homes and industrial buildings, along with fans, appliances are used that heat or cool the air that comes from the street. This helps to improve indoor microclimate characteristics and increase comfort level.

One of the economical and affordable devices is a water heater for fresh air ventilation, more familiar to residents of the northern regions. From our material you will learn about the operating principles and design features of this type of equipment. We will also talk in detail about several popular models of air heaters for ventilation.

Types of water heaters for ventilation

Just note that the devices used to heat the air in ventilation and air heating systems can work not only on water.

Four types of heaters are distinguished, differing in the way of heating the coolant:

• fire;
• water;
• steam;
• electric.

Water jets are the most popular due to the budget cost and minimal maintenance costs. The only difficulty concerns installation, in which it is necessary to bring water pipes.

For this reason, it is impossible to install the device in urban apartments, but in large buildings (for example, in storage rooms, garages, catering establishments), a system with the correct air heater strapping is quite effective.

Installation for heating air in large areas, consisting of a water heater and a radial type fan. It is used to create thermal curtains and air ventilation in office buildings, shops, workshops

A distinctive feature of steam appliances is the high speed at which they reach the required temperature. They are relevant for industrial enterprises, where it is easy to install and maintain steam pipelines; for private housing, their use is impractical.

If you need quick installation, not complicated by the connection of communications, use models of electric heaters for supply ventilation. A protected power supply point is sufficient for their operation. There is no coolant as such at all, TENY serve as heating elements. Like any electrical appliances, they are disadvantageous from a material point of view.

The water heating equipment used in ventilation systems is the most economical and productive option that can quickly heat a large space with minimal cost.

Principle of work and design features

Universal devices running on water are installed in places with a well-established heat supply system. A simple but quite effective design solution allows you to heat the air in the range from + 70 ° С to + 100 ° С and is relevant for hangars, gyms, supermarkets, greenhouses, warehouses, large pavilions - that is, voluminous rooms that require additional heating.

An example of using a VOLCANO air heater in a greenhouse. Heating is carried out due to the distribution of warm air (water temperature - + 90º С) using a fan and adjustable blinds

If you have ever used a household heat heater, you will easily understand the principle of operation of a water device. It also heats the air, but the role of an electric spiral enclosed in a small casing is played by a set of metal tubes through which the heated coolant circulates.

The heating process is as follows:

• hot water heated to the desired temperature (on average from + 80 ° С to + 180 ° С) is supplied from heating pipes to a heat exchanger consisting of small aluminum, steel, bimetallic or copper pipes;
• the tubes heat the air passing through the device;
• the built-in fan distributes the heated air around the room and stimulates its movement in the opposite direction - to the device.

Water does not have to be specially heated, since it is part of the heating system, therefore, significant cost savings are achieved.

Design of a water channel heater of type 60-35-2 made of galvanized steel, designed for ventilation and air conditioning systems. Typical duct size - 60 cm x 35 cm, row size - 2, maximum working pressure - 1.5 MPa, maximum coolant temperature - + 170 ºС

The scheme of a standard water heater is a hybrid of a heat exchanger, fan and convector. It is effective for heating large industrial premises, and when choosing the right harness - for cottages with a well-established ventilation system.

Pros and Cons of Using

If the company has its own heat supply system, the use of air heaters for the supply ventilation of industrial premises It is as cost-effective as possible.

A set of water fan heaters for warehouse maintenance. Heaters with an air flow rate of 5200 m³ / h and a coolant temperature of + 130 ºС heat the air and maintain the set temperature

Advantages of devices connected to a centralized system:

• simple installation, no different in complexity from the installation of heating pipes;
• fast heating of a room;
• safety of all nodes;
• the ability to adjust the flow of heated air;
• strict industrial design.

But the main advantage is the lack of regular financial investments - payment occurs only when buying new equipment.

Actual prices for water bimetallic air heaters KSK produced by the Novosibirsk company "T.S.T", manufacturing thermal equipment. The final price depends on the basic configuration and technical specifications.

The main drawback is the inability to use water models in everyday life, especially in urban housing. An alternative is the use of electrical appliances.

Another nuance concerns negative temperatures: equipment must be installed in rooms where the minimum threshold does not fall below 0 ° C.

In the design of the water heater, there are practically no wearing parts. They rarely fail and require serious repairs, which should also be attributed to the "piggy bank" of the advantages of equipment

Water equipment application

The heater is an active unit of supply ventilation and has its own characteristics of installation, operation and maintenance. To figure out the connection and operation of the device will help strapping schemes and installation instructions.

Schemes of binding units

The location of the nodes depends on the installation location, air exchange pattern and equipment specifications. Several mounting options are possible, among which the most popular is mixing recirculated air with supply air.

A closed system involving only recirculation of air masses indoors is less commonly used.

More room for installation of the device arises if natural ventilation is well established. The heater can be connected to the heating system right at the air intake point, which is usually located in the basement.

In the presence of forced ventilation installation of the heating device can be carried out in any convenient place.

The layout of the nodes of the heater for fresh air. Ball valves installed at the inlet and at the outlet allow water to be shut off, and a thermomanometer - to control temperature and pressure

The demand for air exchange systems has led some enterprises to produce ready-made models of strapping units in various designs.

These are kits intended for assembly and include the following parts:

• balancing and check valves;
• Pumps
• bypasses, ball valves;
• two-three-way valves;
• manometers;
• purification filters.

An example of integrated production of nodes is the products of the Integration company (St. Petersburg).

Schematic diagram of the binding of a ventilation installation of the SOLID type, which allows controlling the operation of the heating device and maintaining a certain temperature in the room

Based on the technical conditions of installation and the needs of the user, there are several common combinations of parts in assemblies.

The following diagrams show four popular designs:

Designations for the four presented tying schemes are common: 1 - ball valve; 2 - filter; 3 - three-way valve; 4 - circulation pump type; 5 - check valve; 6 - thermomanometer

In 1 and 3 versions, the nodes are connected in a rigid way, in 2 and 4 - with the help of flexible metal hoses.

Heating adjustment

To regulate the thermal power of air-heating devices, mixing units with three way valve. Thanks to the principle of mixing, you can significantly reduce the cost of heating the room.

A three-way valve allows you to reduce the temperature of the coolant by mixing in the hot water entering the air heater, a certain amount of chilled fluid discharged from the heat exchanger.

Installation circulation pump increases system performance. It is preferable to mount it at the outlet, since chilled water (or an alternative option - glycol solution) extends the life of the device.

There are several important operating conditions for mixing equipment:

• maximum proximity to the heater;
• availability for maintenance;
• filtered coolant without chemical inclusions;
• the room temperature is above 0 ° C.

Technical characteristics of the devices may vary, but on average the recommended coolant temperature is from + 2 ° C to + 150 ° C. For regular monitoring of performance, it is recommended to install two thermomanometers near the heat exchanger.

Sample mixing unit for a water heater. In fact, this is one of the tying options with the ability to adjust the temperature and control over its change

The three-way valve is adjusted using the actuator and controller. Measuring instruments allow you to most accurately set the desired temperature and change the pressure.

Features of installation and connection

A team of specialists is invited to install air heaters in production shops or other industrial facilities. Household devices can be connected independently if you carefully follow the instructions and have the skills to work with electric and heating appliances.

For those who do it yourself in the house heating systemInstalling an air heater will seem like fun for children.

Household models differ in small volumes and relatively light weight, but before hanging them on a wall (or ceiling), you should check the strength of the base. The strongest are concrete and brick walls, moderately suitable - wooden, the weakest - plasterboard.

First of all, they fix a metal frame - a bracket with holes for fixing the case. For some manufacturers, the frame is called the mounting console.

The installation site of the duct heater for fresh air ventilation in the air exchange system. If it is possible to lower the temperature below normal, a frost protection thermostat must be installed.

Suspend the air heater case and connect the pipes with a set of shutoff valves or a mixing unit, which can be partially installed even before the installation of the device.

Insertion into the heating system is carried out in two ways: by using connecting fittings (couplings with gaskets) or by welding metal pipes. The second method is considered the most reliable, but it is not possible with a flexible connection.

One of the weakest areas is the heat exchanger tubes, which need to ensure stability.If there is a risk of changing the position of the device, it is better to replace the rigid tubes with flexible elements. In any case, the load on the nozzles should be excluded. To insulate the system and prevent leaks, the joints are treated with sealant.

If the water heater is installed on an ongoing basis, it is connected by rigid pipes. If you plan to transfer or offset, it is better to use a flexible eyeliner

Before the testing process, it is necessary to remove air from the channels, check the operation of the valves and the guide blinds.

Rules of operation and the possibility of repair

In order for the equipment to work flawlessly and fully perform its functions, the following rules should be considered:

• monitor the composition of the air in the room (compliance requirements can be found in GOST 12.1.005-88);
• make installation strictly according to the instructions and based on the manufacturer's recommendations;
• do not increase the temperature of the coolant above + 190 ° C;
• comply with pressure standards - about 1.2 MPa;
• after cooling the room, heat smoothly, at about 30 ° C per hour;
• make sure that the air temperature does not fall below 0 ° C, otherwise the heat exchanger tubes will burst.

If the air heater is installed in a room with high humidity, the degree of dust and moisture protection should be IP66 or higher.

We do not recommend to make repairs on our own, since one breakdown most often leads to the next, and in the end you will just have to replace some parts. It is better to contact the service center and entrust the work to professionals. In addition, do not ignore before buying Calorifier power calculationotherwise there is a chance to waste money.

Short review of modern models

To make an impression of the brands and models of water heaters, consider several devices from different manufacturers.

No. 1 - KSK heaters

KSK-3 heaters manufactured at the company T.T.T.

The range of domestic water heaters KSK includes 2/3/4-row devices, characterized by performance and size

Specifications:

• coolant temperature at the inlet (outlet) - +150 ° С (+70 ° С);
• inlet air temperature - from -20 ° С;
• working pressure - 1.2 MPa;
• maximum temperature - +190 ° C;
• service life - 11 years;
• working life - 13,200 hours

External parts are made of carbon steel, heating elements are made of aluminum.

No. 2 - Volcano fan heaters

The Volcano mini water heater is a compact device of the Polish brand Volcano, it is distinguished by practicality and ergonomic design. The airflow direction is controlled by controlled blinds.

One Volcano mini fan heater is capable of generating as much heat as a dozen conventional bimetallic radiators, made up of ten sections, produce

Specifications:

• power within the borders - 3-20 kW;
• maximum productivity - 2000 m³ / h;
• heat exchanger type - double row;
• protection class - IP 44;
• maximum heat carrier temperature - 120 ° С;
• maximum working pressure - 1.6 MPa;
• the internal volume of the heat exchanger is 1.12 l;
• guide blinds.

Volcano water heaters are designed for heating air in domestic and industrial premises using a water coolant.

No. 3 - Galletti AREO air heaters

Air heater Galletti AREO Italian production.

Galletti AREO water heaters are able to work both on heating the processed rooms and on cooling the space in hot weather

Models are equipped with a fan, a copper-aluminum heat exchanger and a drainage tray.

Specifications:

• power in heating mode - from 8 kW to 130 kW;
• power in cooling mode - from 3 kW to 40 kW;
• water temperature - + 7 ° C +95 ° C;
• air temperature - from 10 ° C to + 40 ° C;
• working pressure - 10 bar;
• number of fan speeds - 2/3;
• electrical safety class - IP 55;
• motor protection.

In addition to the devices of the listed brands, models of the following brands can be found on the market of air heaters and water heaters: Teplomash, 2VV, Fraccaro, Yahtec, Tecnoclima, Kroll, Pakole, Innovent, Remko, Zilon.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

Overview of the Volkano brand water heater:

In detail about technical characteristics of the Ballu BHP-W-60 model:

A simple design and installation available for independent execution are the reasons why water-type heaters are chosen. The correct choice of the device and proper installation of the harness will increase the efficiency of ventilation and improve the heating system of industrial and residential premises.

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