Storage water heaters how they work

Storage gas boilers

By the principle of operation and structure, they resemble electric types of water heaters. The outer metal case, the inner tank also has a protective coating, only a gas burner acts as an energy source. Such equipment provides for operation on liquefied or main gas, including low flow, does not require connection to the electrical network.

It is worth noting that this type is less popular than its electric competitor. This is due to the high price, large dimensions and the possibility of installation not in all houses. But, according to experts, the high price of such equipment will pay off during its operation, since gas, as a source of energy, is much more economical than electricity.

Depending on the features of the structure, such equipment is divided into two types:

• with a closed combustion chamber;
• with an open combustion chamber.

As well as electric boilers, they can be:

• wall-mounted - from 10 to 100 liters (for example, Ariston SGA series models);
• floor-standing - from 120 liters or more (like Ariston models of the NHRE series).

The gas design also provides a control system with a choice of temperature, equipped with a thermostat to maintain the required temperature, shows how much hot water is left in the tank. Such equipment must be equipped with a security system.

Advantages and disadvantages in comparison

The pros and cons of each type of water heater, for objectivity, should be considered comprehensively, in accordance with the operating conditions. But first of all, you need to deal with the power consumption.

Flow type devices consume more power per unit of time. At first glance, this seems uneconomical. But the heated water in storage water heaters, with the best insulation, still cools down. This means that part of the energy is spent for "air heating".

For example, a 1.5 kW Ariston ABS SLV 30 V SLIM storage water heater heats 30 liters of water to 75 ˚C in about an hour and a half. If it is disconnected from the mains, and water is not used, then after about 48 hours, it will reach room temperature. If the device were connected to the network, then in two days, to maintain the set temperature, it would consume 2.25 kW / h of electricity. And in a month, 2.25 x 15 = 33.75 kW / h will run.

These are costs solely for the elimination of natural heat losses. Of course, they can be reduced if you independently carry out a small modernization. Let's wrap the tank with another layer of heat insulator. But losses will still remain.

In instantaneous water heaters, electricity consumption occurs exactly when the consumer needs hot water. Wash dishes - 3 minutes, wash hands - 1 minute, take a shower for 10 minutes. Overrun will only be observed if the user does not control water consumption and leave the tap open at a time when hot water is not being used. The fact of saving becomes obvious.

But this is where bandwidth limitations come into play. Already for a water heater with a power of 8 kW, the cross section of the copper wire should be 4 mm, and for aluminum, with the same cross section, the maximum load is 6 kW.

At the same time, in big cities the mains voltage is almost always 220V. In villages, small towns or summer cottages, it often falls much lower. That's where the water heater comes in.

Some accumulative type models, from a more expensive price category, are equipped with a block that provides operation in a “two-rate mode”.Heating is carried out at night, when electricity is cheaper. But the synchronization of the European and domestic time interval very often fails. Of these devices, we can note the Czech "Drazice OKCE 80" worth 21 tr. or the German "Stiebel Eltron DHB-E 11 Sli" at a price of 51 tr.

Optimum operating mode of the electric boiler

Setting the temperature to the minimum allowable is highly discouraged for the following reasons:

• Reducing the efficiency of water heating equipment;
• The temperature of the liquid is 30-40⁰ C - an ideal environment for the formation, reproduction of bacteria, mold fungus, which will certainly fall into the water;
• The rate of scale formation increases.

These devices are often equipped with the option of an economy mode, marked with the letter E. This mode of operation means heating the liquid inside the tank to a temperature of +55 ° C, which allows you to extend the period of use before maintenance. That is, at this temperature regime, scale is formed the slowest of all, respectively, it is less often necessary to clean the heating element. This does not apply to energy savings.

Shapes, dimensions and control type of boilers

The modern market of the equipment in question provides consumers with a huge selection of different types of electric boilers.

1. Different volume - most often they buy models from 10 to 100 liters.
2. Various shape: round, flat, square. Round water heaters with a volume of up to 30 liters are very popular; they are usually installed in the kitchen. If a larger model is required for the bathroom, then the flat version will take up less space. It can be easily mounted on a free wall or above a toilet.
3. Vertical and horizontal. Most often, consumers prefer the first option. Before choosing, you should decide on the installation location. Horizontal models are best installed above a door or other plumbing fixtures.
4. By type of control: mechanical and electronic. The second option has the ability to fine-tune settings, set automatic shutdown or on. Such models are often equipped with a small screen.

Electric storage water heaters

Storage-type electric boilers consist of: a body with thermal insulation, an electric heating element, an anode, a control unit, and supply lines. The principle of operation is simple: a tank filled with cold water heats water for a certain amount of time to a predetermined temperature.

The amount of electricity consumed by the boiler is 1.5-2 kW, which is not the limit for a household electrical network. Therefore, these devices can be installed in the apartment, in the country. A prerequisite is the presence of grounding.

The anode used inside the system prevents, slows down the corrosion of the heating element, the inner coating of the tank, taking on the main interaction with water during the oxidative reaction. However, regular maintenance, correct operation must be observed.

Electric boilers can be of various volumes (10-200 l) and productive capacity (1.2-2.5 kW). The optimal choice depends on the conditions of further use. It is better to equip country houses, summer cottages with powerful devices, with an average or large tank volume (if they live, several people constantly use water at once). It is quite enough to equip apartments with a low-power device of a small volume, since the temperature of cold city water is higher than that of country water, and less power will be required to heat it.

Nuances of operation

Flow-type water heaters attract many consumers because they have no restrictions on the use of hot water volume, it is especially convenient to install it in a shower stall - take water procedures as much as you like.

Not everyone knows that the installation of such a device requires responsibility, because the product belongs to high-power devices, it requires the obligatory laying of a separate connection line. Installation of the line and connection of the product can only be carried out by specialists; with self-installation, you can de-energize not only your apartment, but also an apartment building.

In order for the instantaneous water heater to serve for a long time and not upset you with frequent breakdowns, you must strictly follow the manufacturer's recommendations and pay attention to such points:

• installation of the product should be done near the place of use to reduce heat loss;
• if there is very hard water in your area, install special protective filters to protect internal parts from scale;
• in no case do not install the product in an unheated cottage;
• in the bathroom, position the device in such a way that splashes cannot get on the body;
• at low pressure, use the product at an average temperature - otherwise the automation simply will not turn on.

Please carefully follow these steps before starting for the first time.

1. Check the presence of water in the home plumbing and the level of its pressure - it should be sufficient. With a weak pressure, you will have to abandon use until better times.
2. With low heating of the water flow, set the required temperature using the buttons on the control panel.
3. After taking a shower, the tap must be closed, the product must be disconnected from the mains.

Before you go to the store for a long-awaited purchase, check the quality of the wiring in the house: old houses are designed for only 3 kW / h per apartment, so you will have to change all the wiring to the electrical distribution panel to connect. Users who live in new high-rise buildings, and even with electric stoves, are lucky: here the tolerance for an apartment is higher and starts from 10 kW / h, but this does not mean that you can turn on several electrical appliances at once.

In conclusion, a few words about the domestic electric instantaneous water heater Etalon Copper 350 of the combined type: a faucet and a shower hose with a nozzle. The weight of the structure is only 2 kg, dimensions - 240x160x95, power up to 3.5 kW, maximum heating temperature of the water flow - 65 0 C, productivity - 3.5 l / m. According to its characteristics, it is not inferior to foreign analogues and is inexpensive - 2440 rubles, and in case of replacement it will be much easier to find components.

How to use the Termex water heater correctly

The sequence of actions for starting the Termex water heating equipment is standard:

• Disconnect the equipment from the power supply;
• Shut off the hot water supply from the common riser in order to exclude the heating of the water of the central water supply system due to an unexpected malfunction (even with a check valve installed);
• Open the outlet for supplying hot water from the equipment;
• Open the hot water tap;
• Open the cold water inlet;
• Turn off the hot water tap after filling the tank (water starts flowing from the hot tap - the water heater tank is full);
• Make sure that there are no leaks, malfunctions;
• Connect the equipment to the electrical network;
• Make sure that the indication works properly;
• Set the required water heating mode;
• Measure the temperature of water from a hot tap;
• After 20-30 minutes of heating, the display of the device will show changes in the water temperature. If there is no display, you must again measure the temperature of the liquid from the hot tap.

With the correct connection, start-up, the sensors work properly, the temperature changes according to the instructions, corresponds to the specified mode.

The principle of operation of electric instantaneous water heaters

This equipment allows you to heat water directly at the moment of its passage through the device. Fast heating of water is promoted by the heating element of high power installed inside. And the larger it is, the higher the performance of the device. For example, the manufacturer's THERMEX model of the Stream series with a capacity of 3.5 heats about three liters of tap water every minute to 40 degrees.

It is worth paying attention to this indicator when buying: you can install and connect to a conventional power grid only equipment whose power does not exceed 12 kW (with modern wiring). From above, a three-phase power supply is already required

The main advantage of these types of water heaters is their compact dimensions and light weight, they are easy to install above the kitchen faucet or in the shower. The kit, as a rule, includes not only a faucet, but also a shower.

Rules for using the water heater Electrolux

The first start-up, switching on after a long downtime is carried out according to the standard scheme listed above: opening a warm water tap, filling the tank, inspecting for malfunctions and leaks, closing the tap after supplying an even jet without bubbles, heating. After a long period of non-use, it is necessary to thoroughly rinse the tank with a long drain of liquid.

Let's take a closer look at other operating features that the manufacturer indicates. The main among them is to carefully monitor the quality of water, which should be supplied without mechanical impurities, derivatives of petroleum products, harmful substances, etc. Compliance with these requirements excludes increased scale formation inside the tank, rapid wear of the anode rod.

In addition, it is necessary to carry out timely maintenance of water heating equipment to ensure reliable operation with the call of a specialist. Technical work includes:

• Checking the tightness of connections;
• Filter cleaning;
• Inspection, cleaning of the internal space of the water-heating tank, heating element, which depend on the degree of hardness of the heated liquid;
• Checking the pressure in the water supply system;
• Inspection of the condition of the hull, thermal insulation;
• Checking the operation of protective, emergency devices, if installed;
• Inspection, replacement of the magnesium anode if necessary.

Classification of boilers according to the method of heating water

In accordance with the method of heating water, all existing boilers can be classified into storage and flow.

Water heater models

Storage water heaters

The design of the storage boiler is a sealed tank. First, the container is filled with liquid, and only after that does it begin to heat up. The main characteristic of the storage boiler is its volume.

Technical characteristics of storage water heaters Ariston Shape Small

Storage water heaters, scheme

Energy consumption is average. All modern models of storage water heaters can operate in standard and accelerated modes. The standard mode is suitable for regular use, the accelerated mode is designed specifically for those situations when there is an unexpected need for a small amount of warm water.

Among the important advantages of the storage tank is the ease of installation and connection to the water supply system, ease of use, the ability to be included in an ordinary electrical network.

Gas storage water heater device

The main disadvantage of this kind of units is their size. Moreover, the larger the volume of the tank, the heavier it is. Not only will you have to figure out where to hang the barrel, but also make sure that the wall can support its weight.

Electric storage water heaters Ariston

Storage water heaters are best suited for installation in apartments and houses used for permanent residence.

Storage water heaters are best suited for installation in apartments and houses used for permanent residence.

Instantaneous water heaters

Scheme of the instantaneous water heater device

Choosing the right water heater

Such units are devoid of the key disadvantages of their accumulative "brothers". A flowing water heater is a compact unit that provides almost instantaneous heating of water. The liquid is heated as it passes through the boiler, which eliminates the need for its accumulation and saves space required for installing the device.

Instantaneous water heater

The main disadvantages of an instantaneous water heater are high power consumption and heavy loads on the network. At the same time, such units are demanding on electrical wiring - in most cases it is impossible to simply fix the device on the wall and plug it into a socket.

The device of an electric instantaneous water heater

Flow models are best suited for kitchens, cottages and houses that are not used for permanent residence.

Instantaneous water heater in the kitchen

Bulk water heater

Bulk electric water heaters

For areas without running water (gardens, cottages, etc.), a bulk water heater is perfect. The design is made in the form of a container with an average volume of 15-20 liters. The product is light in weight, which allows you to hang it almost anywhere.

Arrangement and installation of bulk electric water heater

The principle of using such a water heater is as follows:

• water is poured into the container;
• the heater is connected to the mains;
• after some time (depending on the power of the installed heating element), you can open the tap and use the heated water at your discretion.

Electrical diagram of bulk electric water heater

If necessary, a hose with a shower head is connected to the water heater.

Technical characteristics of bulk electric water heaters

Advantages and disadvantages

Today, many users, having tried storage water heaters, are inclined to purchase a flow-through option - this saves a lot of room space, since they are all quite compact in size, and reduces the heating time many times over.

Let's take a look at the benefits point by point.

1. Simple operation - turned on, washed or washed dishes and turned off.
2. They provide an unlimited amount of hot water for any need - it will take no more than 2 minutes to wait for heating.
3. Does not require periodic maintenance by specialists.
4. The compact size allows installation of the product even under the sink in the bathroom, so as not to disturb the established interior.
5. When a large volume of hot water is not required, such devices become quite economical (compared to the storage option).
6. Their initial price is lower than that of storage water heaters.
7. When heated, water does not lose its qualities, because it is consumed immediately. There is no possibility of reproduction of harmful bacteria - if desired, you can even drink it.

• this type of product heats water no higher than 40 0C;
• with a high power of the product, the power consumption increases;
• when a large amount of water is required, the device works for a long time and the electric meter will wind up a decent flow;
• this type of product imposes special requirements on the home electrical network - the voltage must always be a constant value;
• instantaneous water heaters provide only one point of water intake.

The conclusion from everything is simple: water heaters of the type described above are convenient for a family of two when the need for hot water is minimal, otherwise it is best to put a storage-type boiler with a large volume that satisfies all household needs.

Varieties

Today, a very large selection of electric water heaters of various types and types with a different price range is presented on the domestic market of Russia, while the build quality and individual parts can vary greatly. The electric instantaneous water heater has long enjoyed well-deserved popularity among users from different regions of the Russian Federation due to its simple operation. They are divided into two main types:

• pressure or closed type;
• non-pressure - open type.

The first option is able to supply several points with hot water at once: a washbasin, a shower cabin, a kitchen, but for this it is necessary to ensure a fairly high pressure in the home water supply line.

The second option functions normally at any pressure in the line with a direct connection to the water intake point.

The principle of operation of electric storage water heaters

This type of equipment has a second name - boilers. They are available in various shapes, volumes and differ from each other by the type of installation. But the basic principle of the structure and operation of this species is similar. They are a metal tank with a thermal insulation layer on the inside. A heating element (heater) and a thermostat (temperature sensor) are installed inside. Water enters it from the tap. Such equipment is connected to a regular outlet. When the heater heats the water to the temperature set by the user, the thermostat will work and the water heating will stop. If you leave the water heater on, it will maintain a certain thermal water level.

Instantaneous water heater

The device of a flowing water heater is completely different from the scheme of the principle of operation of storage equipment. This device does not have a tank for water accumulation, and its heating occurs with a constant flow of liquid through the heating module. As such a module, a structure made of pipes with heating elements is used, which can be located both outside and inside the structure. The best material for making a heating module is copper, but stainless steel or aluminum can be used in cheaper models.

In addition to the module for heating water, the device includes various additional devices. A water flow sensor is required to determine the minimum water pressure at which the water heater can be operated. Temperature sensor, temperature controller (thermostat) are designed to control operating modes. A thermal fuse switches off the system when the maximum possible water flow temperatures are exceeded. The picture below shows a classic sectional diagram of an electric instantaneous water heater.

How does an instantaneous water heater work? This process will be clear even to a schoolboy! From the presented diagram, it is clear that cold water enters the device through the pipe, and the pressure switch opens access to the heating module. If the pressure is low, the water heater will not function. The temperature controller controls the heating process. Water heated to the required temperature is brought outside and fed into the mixer for use by the consumer. The advantages of instantaneous electric water heaters include low cost and instant heating of water, and the disadvantages are high power consumption and special conditions for electrical wiring.

The main types of electric water heaters

According to the principle of operation, devices that use electric current to heat water can be divided into two categories.

Flow water heaters

In such units, the temperature of the water is increased by passing it through a heating element - a heating element or a spiral.Due to this, heating is carried out almost immediately after switching on, and the amount of hot liquid is not limited by anything.

The main disadvantage of such devices is the high rate of one-time electricity consumption. To ensure their operation, it is often necessary to lay a separate power cable, the cross section of which must correspond to the load.

The disadvantage of such an electric water heater can also be considered an insufficiently high efficiency.

Flow type devices look compact and aesthetically pleasing. On a plastic or metal case, which can have a different color and shape, there are keys that control the operating mode

Storage units for water heating

Devices of this type, also called boilers, are liquid containers with a heating element installed, due to which the temperature of the contents of the tank rises. Such units have a greater efficiency and require less energy consumption.

The disadvantages of cumulative models include:

• limited amount of heated water;
• the relatively long time required to raise the temperature of the liquid;
• bulkiness of the device.

Despite these shortcomings, boilers are now much more often used for domestic purposes than flow units. In our other article, we gave the criteria for choosing an electric storage boiler for heating water.

Cold water enters the working tank of the capacitive device through a fitting, and after heating it rises to the surface due to the action of natural convective currents

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