Storage water heaters: the principle of operation

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The problem of the lack of hot water supply is quite widespread in most of our cities. Even where it basically exists, there are times when hot water in the tap is simply missing. A storage water heater is an acceptable solution to this problem. There are other types of water-heating equipment, but in this article we will consider the water-storage heaters: the principle of operation of these devices, the features of operation, maintenance and repair. These devices can work from the combustion of gas, from electricity and even from solar energy, the main thing is that they meet the requirements for this type of appliances.

Requirements for storage water heater

To make sure that the storage water heater is exactly the device that you need, you need to consider its main distinctive features. Actually, it is:

  • The ability to provide an apartment or house with a sufficiently large volume( 10 to 1000 liters) of hot water, but not instantaneously, since it takes a certain amount of time to heat up to the required temperature, usually 20 minutes or more.
  • The ability to supply hot water at once to several points. For example, a tap with hot water can be simultaneously opened in the kitchen and in the bathroom, which will not affect the performance of the device. In the case of a flow-through water heater this is impossible. At the same time, the cost of storage devices is somewhat higher than flow rates.
  • The principle of operation of a water heater of the storage type is such that it is able to heat a large volume of water to sufficiently high temperatures( about 55-80 degrees).In the process of work, first the water is heated to the desired temperature, after which it is maintained by constant heating. For these purposes, a certain amount of energy is wasted, too.
  • It can be connected to an electrical network without any conditions, due to the fact that it does not have special requirements for either the power of the voltage or the reliability of the wiring. Can be connected to the water main, without requiring the presence of high pressure inside it. If natural gas is used as an energy source for heating water, then such a heater can be connected to gas supply sources by a conventional flexible gas supply.
  • For all this, water heaters of storage type may need frequent maintenance, and sometimes also in repair.
  • The storage water heater, as a rule, occupies a rather large useful volume, which is especially typical for models with a large tank.
  • Do not use water from a storage water heater as opposed to a flowing water heater.
The most common storage heater with electric heating

The most common storage heater with electric heating

What is the device of the

water heater So, as we have established, the principle of operation of the storage type water heater is that the water is first transferred to heat energy, which leads to its heating, and in the future the heat flow decreases and remainsat a level sufficient to maintain the required temperature. In a flowing device, water is heated when passing through the heating elements. Therefore, it has a much lower temperature at the outlet than the storage one, although the heating to it takes place very quickly.

The storage heaters have the following device:

  • A container that is filled with water from a pressurized water system. Its size varies from 10 to 100 liters.
  • External housing, under which there is a thick layer of thermal insulation.
  • Electric heating element( TEN) or magnesium anode. In the case of the gas version - chimneys and gas burners. This is the "heart" of the device, which actually provides the heating of water in the tank.
  • A branch pipe for supplying cold water from the system and a branch pipe for the outlet of hot water from the device. It is often equipped with a safety valve that opens when the pressure in the water heater is exceeded.
  • The electronic control unit, which receives signals from temperature sensors and regulates the operation of the entire device. It also has buttons for manually setting the heating parameters, among which the maximum temperature and the rate of water heating.

The principle of the storage water heater is based on the features of the thermos. A large tank with high-temperature water is enclosed in a cocoon of heat-insulating material, which provides a minimum loss of calories. As a result, cooling takes place very slowly. The full tank can cool down to room temperature after turning off the device after only 2 - 3 days. This allows you to use hot water even when the power is turned off.

The scheme of the device of the water heater of the storage type

Diagram of a storage water heater device

When the water cools to a certain temperature, the heating elements are switched on and it is reheated. To ensure that hot water does not mix with cold water and the temperature does not drop quickly, the following is always provided in the storage type water heater: cold water entering the tank from below, displaces hot water. Its fence from the tank is opposite to the top. Thus, the uniformity of the water temperature is guaranteed, which enters the tap from the water heater.

Rules for operating the water heater

Since electric water heating devices are much wider, we will consider them in more detail. It is clear that any equipment needs a careful attitude. Not an exception and storage water heaters. The principle of operation of this device is such that it is not necessary to make it work constantly at full power. This can lead to a fairly rapid failure of the TENs, or the operation of a protective relay, for inclusion which will have to be called by the master. The optimum sufficient temperature is 60 degrees. To achieve it you need to use all the heaters. This does not greatly increase the power consumption, but makes their wear more uniform.

Most models turn off automatically when heated to 85%, and the inclusion will occur only after it is somewhat cooled, if protection does not work. At night, there is a preferential tariff for the use of electricity, which saves money with the optimal choice of heating mode. After all, the device can be switched off during the day. Anyway, the water in it will not cool down until the evening. The heating of water at night will cost twice as cheap. Some modern models are already equipped with an economical heating function. Its essence lies in the fact that water is heated at night, and in the daytime only its temperature is maintained at the minimum acceptable level - i.e.55 degrees.

Scheme for connecting a storage water heater to an in-house water supply

Wiring diagram of a storage water heater to the internal water supply

In order for the device to be completely safe, several simple elements are necessary: ​​firstly, the usual earthing. Secondly, the protective gearbox, which is needed to compensate for increased pressure in the water supply network. Third, a safety valve that protects the water heater from too high a pressure inside. He, if necessary, simply drains the water. Fourth, the non-return valve that blocks the water outlet from the tank if its supply suddenly stops - this is necessary in order that the heating elements do not fail. The last three listed items are called the "security group" manufacturer and they do not necessarily come bundled with the main device. Often they need to be purchased separately. It happens that some manufacturers collect all three components in one unit, which allows for more convenient installation. The rate of water heating in the device directly depends on the power of the device itself, as well as the level of electricity consumption.

How to choose a storage water heater depending on the number of family members

How to choose a storage water heater depending on the number of family members

If you are using water from a storage water heater, then consider the following important points:

  • If the water in the tank stagnates, it can not be used for food in any case. This is especially dangerous when the water temperature drops to a level where various pathogenic bacteria could originate in it and begin to multiply.
  • If your storage water heater is installed outside the city and you are using ordinary water from the well, at least once a month, you need to heat the water to the maximum temperature for disinfection and prevention purposes.
  • The condition of the inner surface of the tank is very important. If there is sufficient finance, it is better to choose a model that has a special coating, for example, from glass-porcelain. It will ensure the purity of water in the tank, regardless of the time it is there.
  • If you are leaving for a long time, and the water heater of the storage type will not be used for a while, you must drain the water. This is especially important if you leave for the whole winter. Because the freezing of water inside the tank does not lead to anything good. This will simply disable the device completely and it will not be subject to repair.

Features of the repair of the storage water heater

The repair of the storage water heater is not very laborious, since there are no moving parts in it. However, it can be successfully avoided if the water heater is provided with regular and high-quality maintenance. Thanks to this, it is possible to significantly increase the lifetime of the tank and electric heaters. The magnesium anode is required to be changed annually. The maintenance of the technical service should be handled by an official technical center from the manufacturer that you purchased the water heater. Important point: when performing all routine maintenance and repair work to maintain the device functioning correctly, a stamp is required in its passport. Otherwise, you can suddenly refuse to replace the tank, in case of leakage. When buying a particular water heater, you need to make sure that you will have the full right to service in a certified service center and its availability in your city. Otherwise, you should choose another model and the device manufacturer.

Variety of instantaneous water heaters

The variety of

flow-water heaters Thus, the purchase of a storage water heater is more preferable than a flow-through heater, if the hot water consumption in a home is quite high. Stocks of hot water in it will allow not only to wash the dishes, but also to wash the whole family in the water with a comfortable temperature.

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