Electrode boiler by own hands

Electrode( another name - ion) boiler is one of the variations of electrical heating appliances. It is used mainly in suburban homes and is characterized by the fact that instead of the usual TEN is equipped with a set of electrodes, which, in fact, are engaged in heating the working fluid. This innovation has allowed to get rid of the drawbacks, characteristic for electrical equipment - low productivity and a short operating period. Due to the simplicity of the design, it is possible to make the electrode boiler by yourself .But before you start building, you should familiarize yourself with the features of its work.

Design features

From a constructive point of view, such a boiler is a small all-metal pipe with polyamide sputtering( it serves as an insulator).The body is connected to the input and output of the coolant, as well as the power terminals. On one side a set of isolated electrodes is inserted into the tube, while the other is hermetically sealed.

Consider the technical parameters of the factory models.

1. The length is up to 60 cm, the diameter is not more than 32 cm.
2. The power can vary between 2 and 50 kW, in other words, the boilers are able to heat a room of up to 1500 m².
3. They can also be single- and three-phase. In the first case, low-power devices used in private houses are meant, in the second - boilers with high capacity, intended for industrial-type objects.
4. The optimal value of energy consumption is achieved at a working fluid temperature of 75 ° C.If the indicator is higher, then energy consumption increases, and if lower, it, respectively, decreases( at subzero temperatures, the thermal conductivity of the liquid deteriorates).
   

   Principle of operation of the electrode boiler. Comparison of electrode and tenon boilers

According to the method of supplying the coolant ion devices can be of two types:

• open systems are characterized by the fact that the heated liquid moves naturally, transfers heat and is sent back to the heat generator;
• in closed there is a special pump and expansion tank - they are necessary for the initial stage of heating the working fluid.
  

  Boiler piping

Video - How the

boiler works About the advantages of

1. The main advantage of ion boilers is high efficiency( up to 98%), which is explained by the relative simplicity of the device.
2. Small sizes allow to use them even in small houses.
3. The electrode boilers do not have a dry run. The liquid is a full "participant" of the working process, so its absence will not cause overheating of the system - only the circuit will open.
4. Voltage drops in this case are not terrible - if it decreases, the device will not shut down, it will just work with less power.
5. Cost-effectiveness is another advantage of electrode boilers.
6. Finally, they quickly reach the set temperature and just as quickly cool down, which allows more efficient use of automatic control.
   

   Principle of operation

   

   Drawing of the ionic electric boiler

On the shortcomings of

But there are also disadvantages, among them:

• impossibility to work from emergency power supply systems;
• high requirements for the conductivity of the coolant;
• the need for grounding due to the high risk of electric shock;
• need for specialized knowledge to monitor the operation of the instrument.

Also note that getting air into the casing can lead to a fairly rapid formation of corrosion.

Manufacturing technology. Instruction

After acquaintance with the device of the boiler, you can try to make a similar device at home. This process is not as difficult as it may seem, but requires utmost care and attention. Otherwise, the finished product may be unsafe.

Stage 1. Preparation of all the necessary

For work you will need such equipment:

• welding machine;
• electrodes;
• iron tee;
• electrode insulation( made of polyamide);
• zero wire;
• coupling;
• earth terminal;
• pipe of the appropriate dimensions of steel;
• insulation for terminals.

Please note! At the preparatory stage, the scheme of operation of such equipment should be studied.

Step 2. Assembling the ion boiler

boiler First, we will clarify several important aspects. So, the ion boiler needs grounding, as mentioned above, and still the zero cable should be fed exclusively to the outer pipe. Also it is worth remembering that the phase should be fed only to the electrodes.

boiler With proper preparation, the assembly procedure should not cause any difficulties.

boiler Step 1. First we take the pre-prepared pipe( the optimal dimensions are 25 cm in length, 8-10 cm in diameter).On the one hand, a set of electrodes is placed in the pipe, and on the other hand a coupling is installed to connect to the heating main.

Please note! To mount the electrodes, a tee is required, through which the input / output of the coolant will occur.

Step 2. An insulator is installed near the electrode, which, in addition to its direct function, will simultaneously serve to further seal the boiler.

Step 3. High-quality heat-resistant plastic is used to make the insulator. But for the device it is important not only tightness, but also the possibility of threaded connection of the electrode with a tee. That is why it is recommended to entrust the manufacture of the insulator to an experienced specialist who will make the part in accordance with the required dimensions.

boiler Step 4. A large bolt is welded to the body. Next, a zero cable and grounding terminals are attached to the bolt.

Please note! For greater reliability, you can attach a second bolt, similar to the first.

Step 5. After connecting to the heating system( this is done using a coupling), it remains only to hide the finished boiler by means of a decorative coating. Such a coating is necessary not so much for the purposes of aesthetics, as for safety, protection against electric shock. Do not neglect this, because it is necessary to limit the access to the heat generator as much as possible.

Step 3. Installation work

boiler At this stage, installation of the following system components is mandatory:

• air vent;
• manometer;
• fuse.

In this case, the shut-off valve is installed after the expansion tank. In more detail with the features of the connection, you can see the above diagram.

Video - Ionic boiler by myself

Other important installation moments.

1. The boiler is installed exclusively vertically, which is explained only by the features of the operation. Fasteners must be separate.
2. Before installing the appliance, the entire heating system is thoroughly rinsed. To do this, take clean water, diluted with a suitable means( such, for example, as Rothenberger).If a contaminated heating medium is used or the pipeline has been poorly cleaned, the productivity of the ion boiler will be significantly reduced.
   

   System flushing

   

   Cleaning agent

3. For earthing, only a copper cable ø4 mm( or larger) with a resistance of no higher than 4 Ω can be used. The cable is connected to the terminal-zero, which, accordingly, is located in the lower part of the housing of the unit.
4. Heating devices( batteries) are selected in accordance with the volume of the system. The optimum option - a kilowatt of power of the device corresponds to 8 liters of the total volume. If this parameter is exceeded, the boiler will function longer than required, thereby increasing the cost of electricity.
5. In addition, in the arrangement of the heating system, preference should be given to bimetallic alloys or aluminum. It is unacceptable to use other alloys because they contain many different impurities that affect the electrical conductivity of the working fluid.
6. If an open system is installed, the batteries used must in any case have a polymeric coating on the inner surface, which will prevent air access and, as a consequence, prevent corrosion. Systems of a closed type do not have such a drawback.
7. From cast iron products should be discarded altogether, because the impurities contained in them in large quantities will reduce the productivity of the ion boiler. Also, these batteries have too much volume, which will increase power consumption.
   

   Installed boiler

Video - Connection of the boiler "Galagan"

About the coolant used

Electrode boilers do not need a specially prepared coolant, ordinary water can be used for this( provided that its specific resistance does not exceed 1.3 kΩ / cm).In this regard, water still needs some training. So, if you pour just distilled water, then no success will not bring it, because it does not conduct electricity.

The preparation process consists in carrying out experiments, due to which the resistance increases( for this, baking soda is used, for aluminum appliances - ASO-1) or decreases( thawed or rainwater is added).

As a conclusion

Now you know what the principle of the electrode boiler and how you can assemble a similar unit at home, saving a lot of money. The main thing in the work is to strictly follow the instructions and observe the safety requirements. In this case, there will be no problems.

Characteristics of electrode electric boilers	Hearth-2	Hearth-3	Hearth-5	Hearth-6	Geyser-9	Geyser-15	Volcano-25
Volume of heated room( m3)	75	120	175	200	340	550	850
Rated power input( kW)	2	3	5	6	9	15	25
Rated voltage( V)	220	220	220	220	380	380	380
Approximate half-year power consumption( kW / h)( with the correct insulation of the room)	0,5	0,75	1,25	1,5	3	4	6,5
Maximum electric current for each phase( A), frequency 50 Hz	9.1	13.7	22.7	27.3	13.7	22,7	37,5
Rated current of automation. Electromechanical version( A)	20	26	25	32	3x16	3x25	3x40
Wire cross section, copper( mm) 220 V	4 ( 220V)	4 ( 220V)	6 ( 220V)	6 ( 220V)	4( 380V)	4( 380V)	6( 380V)
Recommended volume of heating medium in the heating system( l)	20-40	25-50	30-60	35-70	50-100	100-200	150-300
Diameter of branch pipes "Input" and "Output" of an electrode electric boiler( mm)	25	25	25	25	32	32	32
Protection class against electric shock	1	1	1	1	1	1	1
Length( mm)	315	315	315	355	360	410	460
Weight( kg)	1,1	1,1	1,1	1,1	5, 0	5.3	5, 7