Induction boiler: prices and reviews. Can I make an induction heating boiler myself?

One of the burning problems in heating homes for a long time was the search for suitable sources of heat. Natural resources are not always suitable for this purpose for a variety of reasons, in particular, because of inaccessibility and economic inexpediency. However, the induction boiler, which operates on energy-saving technology, gave consumers a chance to look at the possibilities of heating devices in a new way, not only in a functional but also in an operational way.

Key Features

The induction boiler operates on the basis of electromagnetic induction. The role of the generator is placed on the inductive coil, and the heat exchange rate becomes significantly higher due to the use of the labyrinth of pipes in the multi-layer boiler structure. Inside the case is a core, which looks like a pair of ferromagnetic interconnected steel pipes, which have rather thick walls. In the space between them there is water, which flows through the pipes located in the lower part of the boiler. In the inner tube is located toroidal winding, under the influence of an electric current creating a high-frequency magnetic field. As a result of the increase in resistance, eddy currents arise which heat the pipe body and water that is washing it. The outer pipe serves as a heating element, and water is used as a coolant.

Induction heating: characteristic features

Traits

The induction boiler for heating the house first appeared on the market at the end of the last century. Despite the fact that not much time has passed since then, such equipment is becoming more and more popular among consumers, displacing all the others capable of electric heating. This is due, first of all, to the special effect that the use of such equipment gives. And the point here is not only that the coolant heats up almost instantaneously, but also in the highest efficiency of such devices, since the additional power received from the oscillatory circuit reduces several times the required amount of energy in comparison with alternative modern heating methods.

That is why the induction boiler is good for use in residential premises, as well as in industrial and administrative buildings, in the areas of facilities where environmental requirements are raised, as well as in technological systems where an intermediate liquid coolant is used.

Advantages

Despite the fact that in the modern market of heating equipment at the moment there is a huge variety of technological solutions working on different types of energy carriers, it is worthwhile to investigate the described devices from a consumer point of view, that is, from the point of view of the urgency of their use. First, let's look at the reasons why you can recommend buying induction heating boilers.

The very first argument is the complete absence of scale and other deposits. The magnetic field creates a high frequency vibration that displaces induction energy to the inner surface of the boiler walls, where interaction with the coolant occurs. It turns out that regardless of the period of operation, a stable level of heat transfer is ensured. The induction boiler is characterized by an efficiency factor of 98-99% throughout its life. This device is usually referred to the class of energy-saving equipment. The device is economical due to the high level of the power factor, characterized by the frequency of the current used. All this allows you to reduce operating costs by 30%.

Induction heaters differ in their sensitivity to voltage levels, so they can work stably in a DC or AC network. In the constructive plan, the induction boiler is a perfectly sealed enclosure, so that leaks are completely eliminated.

Benefits of operation

In the boiler device there are no heating or moving elements that are in direct contact with the coolant, which eliminates the need for maintenance and preventive works, both during the off-season and during heating operation. Namely, this cost item is quite significant for owners of other types of heating appliances. Induction equipment belongs to the second class of fire and electrical safety, so it can be installed in any premises. Manufacturers establish a life of such devices for at least 25 years.

Induction boiler, the price of which is from 30 thousand rubles and higher depending on the required capacity, can use as a coolant any liquid, that is not only water, but also antifreeze, oil or other substance, if the operating conditions in some Certain temperature conditions. The liquid does not need any preliminary preparation, and it can be replaced every 10 years. Such equipment can be connected to any heating systems, and there are no restrictions.

Induction boiler is characterized by absolutely silent operation and a high level of ecological safety. Installation and subsequent operation of the device do not represent special complexity and do not require special skills or any re-equipment.

disadvantages

While this unique and versatile equipment, it can not be considered perfect, since it also has certain shortcomings. As the most important disadvantage is the solid weight of the boiler and its considerable dimensions. Depending on the model and device of the boiler, its mass can fluctuate within 20-80 kilograms. On the other hand, it is unlikely that the consumer who installed this equipment will be interested in its weight, since it will not be necessary to move it. Modern models of boilers are characterized by compact dimensions and the possibilities of wall mounting, which contributes to considerable space saving during installation. All this makes this drawback not so great.

Factors "against"

There is another negative characteristic that an induction boiler has. The price of such equipment is relatively high. Among all alternative electric heating devices, induction equipment can be classified as the most expensive. However, there is another side of the coin. While the purchase of such equipment can become a significant financial investment, it will be one-time. After all, when you purchase any other devices, spending does not end there, because they will require their further maintenance. In the case of the equipment in question, additional investments are not necessary.

Another disadvantage of induction boilers is their ability to create wave interference. Given that their range is several meters, this factor may be too significant for people who are prone to perceiving magnetic waves. In this case, it is quite simple to solve the problem: it is required to install the device in a separate room.

Boiler selection

The induction boiler can be single-phase and three-phase. In the first case we are talking about a power of 2.5-7 kW, and in the second - 7-60 kW. For induction equipment, the required power figure can be calculated according to the following principle: for each square meter of the heated space, 60 watts of power are required. In addition, you need to know about some rules for installing such devices.

Equipment of this type is intended for installation only in closed heating systems, which are equipped with a pump providing forced circulation. A mandatory element in the installation of such equipment is grounding. The boiler is fixed to the wall strictly vertically.

Induction heaters will make the heating of any room simple, reliable and affordable. And minor disadvantages of such devices are compensated by the highest consumer characteristics: ease of maintenance, efficiency, minimal material costs and maximum safety.

A typical device

Similar to equipment equipped with electric heaters, induction boilers convert electrical energy into heat necessary for heating the premises. And the design features of the device allow heating the coolant many times faster in comparison with analogues. The simplest design of the device is a transformer, which includes a primary and secondary short-circuited winding. The task of the internal component is the conversion of electric power into eddy currents, after which the electromagnetic field is directed to a secondary short-circuited coil serving as a casing and a heating element simultaneously. From the secondary winding energy is transferred to the heat carrier, which can serve not only untreated water, but also antifreeze, oil, as well as other media that conduct electricity. This is the simplest scheme of an induction boiler.

Features of functioning

The device is operated without the isolation of negative products of fuel decomposition, which ensures its full safety. The two branch pipes, which depart from the boiler, are designed to remove heated liquid and introduce cold. If you want to make an induction boiler with your own hands, then you need to know that the lower branch pipe should be mounted on the opening section of the main line, and the upper one - on the pipeline supply section. The device converts electrical energy into heat, which is transferred to water, oil or antifreeze of any degree of purification. When the eddy currents generated by the winding are applied to the core, the external surface of the core is heated, and then of the entire element as a whole. A homemade induction boiler generates heat, which is transferred to the heat carrier circulating in the system. Due to the pump generated by the pump, the heating medium is supplied to the heating network.

Induction boiler with own hands

The scheme of the device is such that the heated liquid is constantly diverted from the pipe to the heating network, which completely eliminates the possibility of equipment overheating. The induction system constantly vibrates, which completely eliminates the formation of scale on the internal walls of the device.

Constructively, it is quite easy to construct an induction boiler with your own hands. First you can buy a high-frequency welding inverter, equipped with a device for smooth current regulation. As a material, which will be heated in a magnetic field, can serve as pieces of steel wire or wire rod. The body can be made of a thick-walled plastic pipe. To connect to the heating network, adapters are used, through which an induction boiler is connected.

Reviews

The majority of consumers who have become happy owners of these devices speak of their extreme efficiency, ease of operation and other positive aspects. In those cases where the installation of a gas boiler is completely impossible, such a solution becomes the best option.