This is what an electric boiler looks like.

Such a boiler is also called ionic. This is due to the principle of converting electrical energy into thermal energy. By itself, the electrode boiler is quite small. An electrode electric boiler for heating is installed on a pipe and does not even need to be additionally attached to the walls. He keeps himself at the expense of the American women to whom he is planted, this is quite enough.

The body of the electrode electric boiler for heating is similar to a piece of pipe, about 40 cm long. A metal rod is screwed into one of the ends. The second end is either sealed, or a branch pipe is welded into it for the circulation of the coolant. In total, there are two branch pipes for supply and return in the heater body. They may be located:

• one at the end, the second perpendicular to the side;
• both in the lateral part are perpendicular to the body and parallel to each other.

The principle of operation of an electric heating boiler is that ions move between the cathode (positively charged electrode) and the anode (negatively charged electrode). They, in turn, can also be both positively and negatively charged. At the same time, their polarity constantly changes, the same ion changes plus by minus 50 times per second. Because of this, the movement of ions is chaotic, because the plus attracts the minus, and when there is a constant change in polarity, the particles, accordingly, change the motion vector.

As a result of fast, chaotic movements of ions, friction occurs, due to which the coolant for electric heating boilers quickly heats up. The reaction rate is so high that a length of 40 cm is enough to heat the liquid circulating in the boiler. A metal rod acts as a cathode, to which a phase is supplied, that is, a plus. Zero, which is minus, is connected to the body, while the rod does not contact the body, except through the coolant. They are isolated from each other. If there is no coolant in the electrode electric heating boiler, the reaction stops.

Disadvantages of this heating method:

• the coolant is energized;
• salt preparation of the liquid is needed;
• can not use .

Heating of the coolant occurs due to the contact of the liquid with electric charges. Water is the best conductor and, due to its resistance, boils quickly. Therefore, it is necessary to change the composition of the coolant in such a way as to reduce its resistivity. In this case, the level of operating current in amperes must be observed. For each heater, the starting and maximum current values ​​are indicated in the technical documentation. To achieve the required current strength, table salt is added to the liquid, the one that is used in everyday life.

The electrode electric heating boiler works only with a specially prepared coolant.

The amount of salt in the water must comply with the state standard No. 2874–72. In practice, everything happens by measuring the current strength. If its value is insufficient, table salt is added to the liquid, but if the value exceeds the permissible norms, then distilled water is added to the coolant. There are practically no metal and salt impurities in distilled water, while there are many such impurities in tap water, especially in water from a well or well. The coolant temperature is controlled by special sensors. When the set temperature is reached, they turn off the boiler and turn it on when the water cools down.

The principle of operation of an induction electric boiler

Induction heating electric wall-mounted boilers heat the coolant with a magnetic field, which is created by an electric current. Electric heating boiler device:

• sleeve (body);
• insulation;
• coil;
• core through which the coolant circulates.

The coil in induction electric boilers for home heating is isolated from the liquid, that is, the current does not penetrate the coolant.

The copper winding is connected to the network through the control unit. This creates a magnetic field inside the coil. It just contains the core (roughly speaking, the pipe through which the liquid flows). The magnetic field heats the pipe, and that, in turn, gives off heat to the water. The body of the heater remains cold, as it is protected by a layer of insulation. This method is good because the coolant is not energized, so it will not shock you.

To increase the residence time of the coolant inside the boiler, the core (pipe) is not made straight, but has the design of a kind of labyrinth, as shown in the figure:

A visual diagram of the design and principle of circulation in an induction boiler.

As you can see, first the liquid enters the induction electric boilers for heating the house through the return pipe, goes through several 180-degree turns and tends to the exit. In this case, heating begins from the first second of the coolant entering the unit. The device of the heating electric boiler does not have any movable elements, scale does not accumulate on the winding, in fact, there is nothing to break. Unless the inner walls of the heat exchanger, in which the coolant is heated, can rust over time. But due to the fact that a sufficiently thick metal is used for production, this process stretches for more than a quarter of a century.

The principle of operation of a heating element electric boiler for heating

The heaters come in different shapes and sizes, but the principle of operation remains the same.

A wall-mounted electric boiler for heating a private house is cheaper than all its fellows working from the network, and replacing a heating element costs mere pennies. Heating water with heating elements is practiced not only in boilers. This method is widely used:

• in boilers;
• in baseboard water heating.

In modern electric boilers for heating, the heat carrier is heated by means of heating elements. They are completely immersed in liquid and this is a prerequisite for their operation. The fact is that if the heating element does not come into contact with the liquid, it will burn out. The water cools it down by taking heat away. If the heating reaches a critical level, then the material does not withstand and burns out.

The heater consists of a metal tube, bent in any shape. It can be round or oblong spirals with a different number of turns. Inside the tube is quartz sand. He is an intermediary between the body of the heating element and its heating element. All the heating work is done by a thin tungsten filament twisted into a spiral. In fact, there is nothing complicated. Let's summarize how an electric heating boiler with heating elements works:

• current is applied to the tungsten filament;
• the thread heats up itself and gives off heat to quartz sand;
• sand conducts heat to the body of the heating element (metal tube);
• the tube is in contact with the coolant and heats it.

In this case, the voltage should not fall into the coolant. If the liquid is energized, then this may be the result of a failure of the heating element, or problems with grounding. Due to the fact that the heating elements are constantly in contact with the liquid, besides hot, scale appears on them. This precipitates particles of metal, salts and minerals that are in any water, except for distilled, of course. Therefore, in order for heating electric boilers for heating to last longer, it is better to pour distilled water into the circuit. You can buy it, or you can get it yourself.

There are several ways. You can collect rainwater or cut ice with a chainsaw on the river and melt it. In extreme cases, you can defend ordinary water so that everything unnecessary settles, and then drain a third of the liquid from the bottom with a hose. But even if you don't use distilled water, don't worry too much about replacing the heaters. They are inexpensive and you can find them in many places, there are no problems with these.

Another advantage of electric heating elements is a wide range of models. There are floor electric heating boilers and wall models that can be connected to a 220 and 380 volt network. Some instances are equipped with a switch and are universal. Yes, and there is no difference in the design of the heater for 220 and 380 volts, it's all about the sequence of connecting the heating elements. Two independent connection schemes are made in the control unit, and the user selects the one that he needs.

The principle of controlling the operation of all types of electric boilers

A simple control unit with a display for an electric boiler.

It is clear that manually controlling the operation of the heater is nonsense, after all, we live in a time of high technology. Therefore, almost all types of electric heating boilers are equipped with electronic control with a different number of options. The "brains" of the device may not be provided by the manufacturer. In some models, the simplest and most necessary sensors are installed; in expensive devices, the number of functions is much wider. What should be in the control unit of all types of electric heating boilers:

• temperature sensor;
• separate fuses;
• time relay;
• load relay;
• double meter.

It is better to put the temperature sensor on the air control in the room than on the coolant.

Depending on the temperature outside the window, with the same heating of the coolant in the house, it will be either warmer or colder. It is more convenient when the temperature in the room is kept at the same level by increasing or decreasing the heating of the liquid in the circuit.

The load relay will not allow the heater to turn on when the home network is overloaded. For example, when the washing machine is running. Thus, the wiring will not experience overloads and will not burn out. To save on electricity bills in homes that are heated by electrical appliances, you need to install dual-rate meters.

They consider how much energy is spent during the day and at night, and share the cost per kilowatt used. Electricity is cheaper at night. The installed time relay will turn on the heater when it is more profitable, that is, at night. While during the day the boiler will work as little as possible.

If serial models of heaters do not suit you in terms of their functions or are too expensive, then you can buy the simplest boiler and assemble the control unit yourself. This is convenient, as you yourself determine which features you need and which you don't. In addition, everything can be done in stages, respectively, you do not need to immediately lay out a decent amount.

When conducting heating in a private house, or upgrading an existing system, the owners are faced with the problem of choosing a boiler. A wide range of products gives rise to many questions and doubts. If with devices operating on a water heating element it’s still somehow clear, then few people are familiar with the electrode heating principle.

Boilers of the electrode type belong to the electric type of heating. Through the work of engineers, inefficient heating elements were replaced by blocks of electrodes that act as heating elements.

Areas of use

- Living spaces;

- industrial building;

- for underfloor heating system;

- to create a thermal curtain;

- in double-circuit systems, the use of hot water supply is permissible.

The principle of operation of the electrode boiler

The principle of distribution of the coolant depends on the type of ion boiler system:

In closed ones, it is planned to install a circulation pump for the forced movement of the coolant and an expansion tank for the initial stage of heating;

Read also: Do-it-yourself water meter installation

In open systems, the movement of the coolant is carried out in a natural way.

Heating of the coolant occurs due to the movement of ions between the electrodes. The process of randomly moving positive and negative particles is accompanied by the release of thermal energy, which is used to heat water or antifreeze liquid in the system.

The electrodes perform the function of a generator of an electric field of alternating action.

Advantages of the electrode boiler

High power (single-phase and three-phase from 2 kW to 50 kW);

Small dimensions;

Fast heating;

Does not have a chimney in the design;

High efficiency (95-97%);

Regulates the pressure in the system;

Safe operation;

Ability to connect automation;

Resistant to voltage fluctuations;

It is permissible to use several boilers in one room;

Ecological type of heating.

Cons of the boiler

Only alternating current is applied;

Scale formation on the electrodes;

Mandatory grounding work during installation;

Coolant temperature control (over 75 ° there is an overexpenditure of electricity).

Requirements for the installation and operation of the boiler

For the efficient and safe operation of the equipment, a specialist is involved in the installation and configuration of the boiler. Installed in accordance with the requirements of the device will last a long time without breakdowns. A competent master will acquaint you with the rules of operation.

Read also: Sewerage device in a private house: external sewerage

The temperature range that ensures the operation of the boiler ranges from 10 to 40 degrees.

Humidity in the room should not exceed 75%.

The installation site of the equipment must have a separate room with sufficient space for basic maintenance. Automation and control devices are also located there.

The presence of grounding is an integral part of the installation.

When buying a boiler, you need to make sure that it is complete.

The device is installed low in relation to the radiators for pressure regulation.

The junction of the boiler with the system is complemented by fixing it to the wall.

During operation, electrode equipment is subject to technical control and maintenance.

How to choose an electrode boiler

Compliance with the power of the boiler and the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe heated room;

Complete set of the heating device;

Economical operation;

manufacturer's reputation;

Ability to connect other devices;

Use of cellular communication for remote control;

Connection features.

If the installation is envisaged in a two-story house, two boilers should be used for each group of radiators.

For efficient heating and rational consumption of electricity, it is recommended to equip the system with a circulation pump, battery thermostats and temperature sensors.

Electrode electric boilers or they are also called ion boilers are very popular for heating premises for various purposes.

Using electrode boilers, you can heat the premises of private houses, cottages, townhouses, summer cottages, cafes, restaurants, public facilities, warehouses, greenhouses, etc.

In addition, special double-circuit boilers of this type allow not only to heat the room, but also to provide it with hot water.

Principle of operation

The essence of the operation of such a boiler lies in its structure and the processes that occur during its operation. The main parts of the boiler are:

• body made of metal;
• block of electrodes (anode and cathode);
• branch pipes used for input and output of the coolant;
• terminals (power and ground).

The block of electrodes is the main heating element. Water is used as a heat carrier, which is an element of an electrical circuit. Special requirements are imposed on its quality (it must have a certain conductivity).

note

When passing email current through the block of electrodes, water molecules are split, which leads to heating of the coolant.

The voltage that is applied to the electrodes allows you to ionize the water, but the phenomenon of electrolysis does not occur, because the cathode and anode change places with the frequency of the electrical network, while the amount of heat that is released in this case is proportional to the current strength and water resistance.

The water heated to a certain temperature enters the heating system and thus the room is heated.

To control the heating process, the boiler is equipped with special devices (regulators, temperature sensors), which allow you to set and regulate the heating temperature.

More complex boiler systems are equipped with a special start-up unit, surge protection, and remote control.

Classification of ion electric boilers

The main features by which devices are classified are as follows:

• power;
• the principle of heat carrier distribution;
• power supply method (single- or three-phase);
• number of circuits (single or double circuit).

In terms of power, electrode heating boilers are produced from 2 to 50 kW, while boilers with a power of up to 6 kW can be powered from a single-phase network and used for space heating in a volume of not more than 80 m 3.

note

Boilers of higher power (more than 9 kW) must be powered by a three-phase network and can heat rooms up to 1600 m 3 in volume.

The coolant temperature should not exceed 75 0 C, because when the water heating temperature rises above the specified figure, the power consumption of the boiler also increases.

The lower the temperature of the coolant, the lower the energy consumption due to the fact that it (the coolant) has a lower electrical conductivity.

Electrode boilers according to the principle of distribution of the coolant are divided into closed and open. Closed systems are necessarily equipped with an expansion tank and a circulation pump so that water constantly circulates through the heating system.

In open system boilers, this coolant moves naturally without the use of a circulation pump.

Advantages and disadvantages

The main benefits include:

• high efficiency (approaching 100%);
• not the possibility of emergency situations;
• heating the system to the required temperature occurs very quickly;
• withstands sudden voltage drops;
• easy to mount;
• small dimensions and weight;
• does not require special skills for its maintenance;
• environmental friendliness.

The disadvantages include the following factors:

• demanding on water quality;
• powered only by an alternating current source;
• must be grounded for electrical safety.

Choice of electrode boiler

When choosing the power of an electrode boiler, it is necessary to know the parameters of the room (area and volume) that are supposed to be heated, the amount of coolant in the system and the electrical parameters of the network.

In a practical way, it has been established that 1 kW of boiler power can heat a room with an area of ​​\u200b\u200bno more than 20 m 2, volume - up to 60 m 3 and 40 liters of water in the system.

note

If it is necessary to heat rooms with large areas, then in this case several boilers are installed, connecting them in parallel.

Power increases by 25% in the case of double-circuit boilers.

Ion boiler manufacturers

Electrode boilers are produced by both domestic and foreign manufacturers.

Among Russian manufacturers, TM boilers of the Galan brand are especially popular.

In second place in popularity are boilers supplied from Latvia by the Stafor EKO company, and in third place are EOU boilers from Ukraine.

Galan

Do-it-yourself electrode boiler

When making a device with your own hands, you must perform the following work:

1. Make a body from a pipe Ø 5 ÷ 10 cm, 25 cm long, cutting a thread at its ends (at least 7 threads) and welding an M8 screw or bolt in the middle;

2. Insert the block of electrodes from one side of the pipe using a tee;

3. On the other side of the pipe, use a coupling to connect the heating pipe;

4. Ensure tightness with an insulator made of heat-resistant plastic;

5. Connect the neutral wire to the ground bolt and connect the ground;

6. Test the device in operation, not forgetting to check the ohmic resistance of water.

As you can see from the step-by-step instructions, it is not difficult to make an ion boiler with your own hands, but it is better to use ready-made boilers made using the latest technologies and which will be safe and reliable during operation. Necessarily.

Energy-saving technologies remain a priority in all areas. They show the greatest efficiency in the field of heating. This approach is associated with a constant rise in the cost of fuel. Equipment manufacturers offer various versions of heating devices. One of them are anode heating boilers.

Design features

In order to understand what is at stake, let us recall the student and / or army past of many of those who are now reading this article. We are talking about a method of boiling water, for which someone used a boiler, and someone - the simplest handicraft design. These are two blades fixed at a small distance from each other and connected by a 220V mains wire. When this “boiler” was placed in water, it heated up literally within 2-3 seconds and began to boil violently. It is precisely on this principle that the anode heating boiler works.

Please note that conducting experiments with heating water is dangerous to life and health. On the one hand, a short circuit may occur, on the other hand, a person risks electrical injury (electric shock).

The convenience of using such devices lies in the fact that parallel installation of electrode heating boilers is allowed in an existing heating system that works, for example, with a gas boiler. The coolant remains the same in both cases. But manufacturing companies produce not quite standard heaters, in which water is simultaneously used as both a heat carrier and a heating element.

The main elements of the module are:

• steel tube;
• inlet/outlet pipes;
• terminal for connecting wiring;
• heating electrodes;
• quality insulation.

Cathodic heating boilers outside have a powerful steel body. The walls are made of sheet metal up to 4 mm thick. Inside the household structure there are several electrodes up to 20 mm. They are made of refractory alloy, which has a long service life.

Modern electrode ion boilers do not have an intermediary material between the anode and cathode. Heating from both terminals occurs directly to the coolant itself, water. Accordingly, there is practically nothing to “burn out” inside the cavity. The scale that appears after long-term operation on the tubes in electric electrode boilers is cleaned with ordinary sandpaper.

What is the difference between electrode and heating elements boilers

The individual characteristics that electrode boilers for heating are endowed with allow them to be distinguished from heating elements:

• in heating elements, at the initial stage of launch, the working tubes are heated, and electrode boilers, made with their own hands or bought in a specialized store, begin to heat the water immediately after the start, which reduces inertia;
• ion heating boilers have positive reviews, as they have an efficiency of 20-0% more than devices with heating elements;
• thanks to alternating current with a frequency of 50 Hz, the electrodes move between the terminals and create a chaotic movement that promotes heating, this feature reduces the starting current for the electrode heating boiler, reducing the load on the electrical network

The difference between electrode boilers and heating elements

• do-it-yourself electrode boiler made or produced at the factory has smaller overall parameters than other household counterparts.

Such features provide a significant distribution of this heating system.

What are the advantages of using

It is not necessary for homeowners to completely refuse gas if the wiring from radiators and mains is already installed in the room. Often such ion heating boilers perform a backup role in finished systems. Although, if the cost of gas grows faster, then they can be used as the main source of heating.

Their positive properties include:

• high degree of reliability;
• temperature is controlled automatically;
• real efficiency reaches 99%;
• installation of additional equipment may not be carried out;
• start-up and operation in systems designed to operate on gas;
• increased economy.

The electric electrode boiler operates exclusively on alternating current. Switching to DC voltage is not allowed.

Thanks to the built-in automation, the set optimum temperature is maintained for a predetermined time. You can improve economic usage by programming the system to lower the temperature on weekdays when no one is home and to increase the temperature in the evenings and weekends.

According to reviews, electrode boilers have a good emergency shutdown system. If a possible leakage of the coolant is detected, the device will automatically turn off. Also in these heating devices there is no short circuit.

The coolant for such equipment can be purchased directly from the manufacturer, which will provide the proper quality composition.

What are the disadvantages of using

In addition to the pros, each system has its cons. Ionic electrode boilers have the following disadvantages:

• increased requirements for the electrolytic quality of water;
• it is necessary to carry out mandatory grounding of the device in order to reduce the possible risks of working with an electrical appliance;
• it is desirable to maintain the water temperature in the system no higher than 70-75 0 C in order to reduce energy consumption;
• the cathode and anode need periodic descaling to ensure greater efficiency for the ionization process;
• the system needs mandatory circulation of the coolant, so a water pump must be installed in it.

Voltage drops for the boiler itself are not terrible, but they are necessary for the associated automation. To avoid damage from an unstable network, a UPS or, at a minimum, a surge protector will help.

Rules for safe operation

Optimal for operation is the water temperature at the level of 50-75ºС. This information is indicated in the device passport. Expansion tanks must be used in closed and open systems.

The outlet from the boiler to the expansion tank in an open system must not have any shut-off valves.

Do-it-yourself installation of an electrode boiler into the system must be accompanied by the installation at the highest point of the system of an automatic air valve, a pressure gauge for measuring the working pressure and an explosive safety valve.

It is possible to install it in the heating circuit as an additional source of heating, but in this case it is necessary to bring the quality and type of the heat carrier into the proper state.

Not all radiators can work with ion boilers, and the quality of the coolant suits the units. With very big reservations, cast iron radiators can be used.

During installation, one and a half meters of supply pipes to the boiler must be made of non-galvanized metal. After this section, the use of metal-plastic is allowed.

Grounding according to PUE standards is mandatory. The cable should be with a cross section of 4-6 mm. Its minimum electrical resistance must be no higher than 4 ohms.

If possible, the entire piping system and consumers must be flushed with clean water before installation. It is allowed to use special chemicals to help clean the lines.

After the coolant has been used up, it must be properly disposed of. It is not allowed to drain it into sewers, waterways or into the ground.

When calculating, they are guided by this parameter: 8 liters of coolant must correspond to 1 kW. To operate in the 10 l per 1 kW mode, the device will turn on almost constantly, which may adversely affect its performance.

Let's make a brief review of the most popular models of electrode boilers for heating, which consumers have already appreciated, have identified their strengths and weaknesses. In the choice of such equipment, the name of the brand in itself means little. Only in work you can understand how the boiler copes with the task, how often it breaks down, what problems there are in operation. The purpose of this rating is to name the best Russian and European brands.

The best Russian electrode heating boilers

A big plus of domestic technology is that it is perfectly adapted to the operating conditions in real life - with voltage drops, unstable current, etc. At the same time, in terms of price, maintenance costs, unpretentiousness and reliability, it will give odds to most competitors.

The Galan company was one of the first to start developing such a family of heating devices, using the achievements of the military space industry and patented engineering solutions. For a quarter of a century, even the first line of devices has not failed and continues to function.

The power of the model is 36 kW, suitable only for a three-phase network. The maximum current strength for three phases is 27.3 A. Mechanical control, the boiler is installed only on the floor.

This model "Volcano" 36 has many advantages, we highlight the main ones:

• ease of maintenance and operation.
• safety and reliability - in the event of a short circuit of electric current, overheating of the current-carrying wires, exceeding the set temperature, leakage of the coolant, the boiler is turned off.
• the volume of the coolant is 600 liters, the volume of the heated room is 1700 cubic meters.
• affordable cost - the average price is 11,000 rubles.

A safe and productive single-circuit electrode boiler, which is often preferred by owners of suburban real estate. The power of the equipment is 15 kW, suitable only for a three-phase network. The maximum current strength for three phases is 22.7 A. Mechanical control, the boiler is installed only on the floor. As an additional option, it is possible to connect an external control.

It is bought due to such advantages:

• simplicity and ease of use - even a beginner can deal with the device.
• low weight of the structure and compact dimensions - only 5.3 kg.
• large heating area - up to 180 sq.m.
• electronic automatic control - the presence of a control unit that allows you to create an interval for heating the coolant.
• the ability to connect to a room temperature indicator.
• the average price of the device will be 7800-8000 rubles.

Producer OOO Zavod RusNIT, Ryazan. It can be used as a main or backup source of heat in a house or household premises up to 80 sq.m. Power 8000 W.

Specifications:

• three-stage power adjustment - 30%, 60% or 100%;
• heat exchanger and heating element are made of stainless steel;
• antifreeze or distilled water can be used as a coolant in the system;
• the presence of a thermal switch that excludes the heating of the coolant above 90 ° C;
• can be connected to a circulation pump;
• manufacturer's warranty - 2 years.

Among the minuses, we note the manual choice of power, connection difficulties that require certain skills.

The cost of the unit is from 15,000 rubles.

The best European electrode heating boilers

It so happened that European brands deserve more trust with us. Objectively, some models are indeed an order of magnitude better than domestic ones, but the lack of adaptation to our conditions disables them very quickly, and it is not always profitable to repair.

A model from a well-known German brand, which is traditionally distinguished by impeccable workmanship, high quality, reliability and durability. Power 9.9 kW, recommended for connection to a three-phase network with a maximum current strength of 15 A for three phases. Wall-mounted installation. The package includes a circulation pump and an expansion tank.

Let's highlight the main advantages of this device:

• light weight and compact size.
• Easy installation - brackets included.
• steel body with excellent thermal insulation.
• Efficiency 99%.
• The kit includes a 7-liter expansion tank, a circulation pump, a safety valve, a pressure control sensor, a blocking sensor that protects the housing from overheating.

Minus - Buderus Logamax E213-10, like all German equipment, is designed for a stable voltage in the mains. Therefore, for the long-term operation of the device, it is necessary to take care of the purchase of a stabilizer.

The cost of the unit will cost an average of 38,000 rubles.

One of the best electrode boilers of the Czech brand, with a power of 24 kW. The single-circuit model for wall placement is distinguished by functionality, safety in operation and durability. It can be connected to the "warm floor" system, a boiler for heating hot water. The package includes 4 heating elements, a circulation pump and a 7-liter expansion tank.

Let's highlight a few more advantages of the unit:

• electronic control with power-on indication, display and thermometer;
• 4 power levels;
• Possibility of temperature control in the range of 30-85°C;
• overheating safety system;
• high efficiency - 99%;
• soft start function;
• the presence of a safety valve and an air vent.

Of the minuses, it is worth noting that the boiler is too noisy and the need to connect through a voltage stabilizer.

The cost is from 43,000 rubles.

One of the best domestic electrode boilers, which some users call a mini-boiler room - one device contains heating elements, a membrane tank, and a circulation pump.

We note the strengths of the device:

• LCD display at the bottom of the case;
• convenient control panel, which is hidden behind a special door;
• the work is controlled by a microprocessor, but you can transfer the boiler to manual control;
• suitable for heating residential and industrial facilities;
• silent operation;
• emergency condition indication;
• pressure sensor and coolant level.

Like any other device, Evan Warmos QX-18 also has disadvantages - heavy weight, large dimensions, frequent capacitor failures, mandatory connection through a voltage stabilizer.

The cost of the device is from 49,000 rubles.

Polish-made electrode boiler with a capacity of 12 kW, capable of heating a room of 120 sq.m. The device has a stylish design, compact size. Only suitable for a three-phase network with a maximum current strength of 20 A for three phases. A circulation pump is included in the package. Permissible coolant temperature 20-85°C, maximum pressure 3 bar.

We note the advantages of the model:

1. Electronic microprocessor control system of the device.
2. Light weight - 18 kg.
3. High-quality protection system - from overheating, safety valve, air vent.
4. Self-diagnosis system - in case of any malfunctions, an error code appears on the display, which can be decoded according to the instructions.
5. Affordable cost - from 39,000 rubles.

Cons - no expansion tank included.

The manufacturer's warranty is 1 year.

VIDEO: Is it possible to save on an electrode boiler

There are many ways to heat your home with electrical energy. However, usually such an option as a boiler running on a water heating element comes to mind. The principle of operation here is that the nichrome thread inside has a high resistance, it heats up and transfers heat to the pipe filler, then to the metal sheath and water. But why not make this process even easier? After all, it is possible, without an intermediary, with the help of primitive electrodes from two razor blades, to attach wires to them and connect electrical power. This is how electrode heating boilers arose.

How did electrode boilers appear

Devices such as electrode heating boilers were created in the middle of the last century by enterprises of the defense complex for the submarine fleet of the Soviet Union. In particular, it was in order to heat the compartments of submarines that had diesel engines. Such a device at that time fully complied with all the conditions for ordering the submarine fleet. After all, the devices were quite small in size when compared with conventional boilers. They did not need an exhaust hood; during operation, such devices did not make noise. With all their advantages, they effectively heated the heat carrier, and it is worth noting that sea water was used for this. Further, by the 90s, orders for the defense complex decreased in volume, and the needs of the navy for such boilers ceased.

The very first so-called civilian version of the electrode heating boiler was created by engineers - A.P. Ilyin and D.N. Kunkov. The engineers received a patent for their invention in 1995.

Thus, we see that electrode boilers of a modern type are devices that have been brought to perfection relatively recently. In modern times, such devices are popular in domestic conditions, as reviews about them show.

What is the working principle

Ion heating boilers operate on the basis of direct interaction of the coolant, which occupies the space between the anode and cathode, and electric current. After the electric current passes through the heat carrier, positive and negative ions begin to move randomly. The positive ones move towards the negatively charged electrode, and the negative ones move towards the positively charged one. Due to the fact that the ions are constantly moving in this medium and encounter resistance, the coolant heats up quickly. This is facilitated by the fact that the electrodes constantly change roles - every second their polarity changes 50 times: for example, each electrode will be the anode 25 times and the cathode 25 times for 1 second. They are connected to alternating current with a frequency of 50 Hz.

Note the fact that it is precisely due to such a frequent charge change at the electrodes that water does not decompose into oxygen and hydrogen - electrolysis requires direct current. As the temperature in the boiler rises, the pressure rises. It is it that causes such a process as the circulation of a heat carrier along the heating circuit. Thus, the electrodes in the boiler tank are not directly involved in heating the water and do not heat up themselves.

We also note that an important condition for the correct operation of the boiler is the ohmic resistance of water at a level that does not exceed 3000 ohms with a temperature of 15 degrees.

To do this, the heat carrier must contain a certain amount of salts, because you should not forget that initially such boilers used sea water. So, if you pour distilled water there, then it will not be possible to heat it, since there will simply be no electrical circuit between the electrodes.

Characteristics of electrode heating boilers

Electric electrode heating boilers have some positive properties:

• First of all, this is a high efficiency, tending to 100%.
• Quite small in size with high power when compared with other types of boilers.
• It does not require the presence of such an element as a chimney.
• The boiler itself can raise the pressure in the heating system.

• There is no danger of an accident when there is not enough coolant in the boiler. It will simply stop its work, since there will be no electrical circuit between the electrodes.
• Due to the low inertia, it is possible to effectively control temperature conditions while the boiler is operating with automatic equipment. As a result, the operation of the boiler becomes less expensive, since the temperature in the rooms will always be at the level set by the controller.
• Voltage fluctuations are not terrible for an ion boiler - its power will simply change.
• It is also beneficial and practical - ion heating boilers, their technical characteristics allow them to be installed as an additional source of thermal energy, and it is also possible to install several of these boilers at the same time.
• Such boilers are environmentally friendly.

But it is worth highlighting several disadvantages of electrode boilers:

• An electrode heating boiler consumes only alternating current, and with a constant one there will be electrolysis of water.
• It is necessary to comply with high requirements for the electrolytic characteristics of the heat carrier. If they change, the quality of the boiler, that is, heat generation, will be reduced.
• Such a boiler requires mandatory grounding, in fact, like any boiler with a heating element.
• The heating temperature of the heat carrier should not exceed 75 degrees, as the energy consumption of the boiler will increase significantly.
• Scale may form on the electrodes, as a result of which the boiler power may decrease.

• The heating system must be equipped with a circulation pump.
• Because of the alternating current, the electrodes wear out, so you have to change them.
• If the heating circuit becomes airy, the corrosion process will only accelerate.
• If your system is single-circuit, then the heated water cannot be used for domestic purposes.
• Work on the device and adjustment of such boilers requires the involvement of specialists.
• The coolant for electrode heating boilers during operation will have different electrical conductivity, which will need to be controlled. This will require knowledge and equipment.

What you should know

When you create a heating system that will use cathodic heating boilers, there are several aspects to pay attention to:

• The electrical energy consumption of such a boiler will be much higher if you install the boiler in a previously used system. It is best to put the electrode boiler in a system that is designed specifically for it.
• If you use antifreeze as a coolant, then you need to pay special attention to detachable connections, since antifreeze has a higher fluidity than water.
• All pipes in the system should be wrapped with a heat-insulating layer - so anode heating boilers will work more efficiently.
• If the radiators are located on different floors in the building, then it would be more efficient to install independent ion boilers for each group.

For lovers of non-traditional systems, we note that do-it-yourself or factory-made electrode heating boilers are not suitable for Underfloor heating and Warm baseboard systems. The temperature in such systems should not be more than 45 degrees - so the boiler will not be able to give full return.