Many advantages and few disadvantages: characteristics of a mini electric boiler

Problems with heating a private home, cottage or garage can be easily solved with the help of a device such as an electric boiler.

The equipment is easy to install, has many advantages and helps to create comfortable indoor conditions.

Electric boilers come in different sizes: from large ones that require a separate structure to compact ones. wall models, which do not take up much space.

There is also such a modification as a mini-boiler. It is compact module, which can be mounted into any closed system heating.

Types of electric mini boilers

Actually an electric boiler is installed wherever there is electricity.

It is important that the electric boiler is connected to existing heating systems (gas, solid fuel), reducing the load on them.

Installation will not require special permission. Mini electric boilers are divided into two types by modification type.

Heating elements

Heating of the water in the system is carried out using the heating element of the electric boiler: TEN. Inside it is located a spiral of tungsten or nichrome wire, which heats up and transfers heat to the environment. The shell is made of steel, titanium or aluminum. Between the shell and the spiral is placed dielectric. More often this role is performed by quartz sand.

Main elements of the heating element mini-automatic machine:

• heating element;
• heat exchanger;
• insulation;
• control unit;
• circulation pump.

The device has circuit breaker, which switches off the device when the required temperature is reached or in case of overheating.

Photo 1. Heating element mini electric boiler for a heating system with an automatic switch from the manufacturer Galan.

Advantages:

• The power is constant and adjustable.
• The temperature of the liquid does not affect the heating element.
• If there are several heating elements, then if one breaks, the device will still work.
• Various liquids are used as a coolant.: water, antifreeze, antifreeze.

Flaws:

• If the heating element fails, it is replaced.
• Scale formation on the heating element — the main disadvantage of this device. Because of this, the boiler breaks down or heats up poorly.

Ionic

The operating principle of the new generation of ion electric boilers is different. They do not have a heating element, and the energy conductor is water or a special liquid.

Electrodes are placed here, and the current passes through them, heating the liquid. Ion boilers are also called electrodeThey heat up quickly, unlike heating elements.

The ion electric boiler has the following elements:

• frame;
• electrodes;
• body insulation;
• control unit;
• heat conductor.

Some models of electric boilers are equipped with temperature sensor.

The system has a built-in electronic control: when cooling down, the boiler will turn on itself, and when the desired temperature is reached, it will turn off. It works even with unstable voltage without turning off. Compared to a heating element boiler, an ion boiler uses twice as little electricity.

Advantages:

• reliability;
• fast heating;
• compactness;
• economy.

Photo 2. Small ion boilers with electronic control from the manufacturer Galan, consume a minimum of electricity.

Flaws:

• For filling you need a special liquid or prepared water.
• Maintaining continuous circulation of fluid.

Advantages and disadvantages of small horizontal electric boilers

Electric horizontal boilers are a great option heating for cottages, summer houses, private houses. They have their pros and cons.

Pros:

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  Ease of use: Installation is possible anywhere there is electricity. No special skills or abilities, no complicated calculations are required to perform installation.
• Safety: In this system there is no risk of gas leakage or explosion, as, for example, in gas equipment.
• Small dimensions: The mini-boiler is compact, no special boiler rooms are needed for installation. Sometimes it is even difficult for an uninitiated person to understand where the boiler is located.
• Environmentally friendly: The important thing is that when the system is operating, no harmful emissions occur into the atmosphere, since no fuel is used.
• Silence: The device works very quietly and is installed in the kitchen or another room.
• Wide range of applications: in any buildings and structures - in the country, in houses, greenhouses, garages, orangeries, production facilities. The boiler is used not only for heating, but also for other purposes: drying wood, water supply structures, wells with a pump, "warm floor", heating water in boilers.
• Possibility of installation together with any heating system: An electric boiler is installed in parallel with a gas or solid fuel boiler.

Cons:

• Energy dependence: it is impossible to install the device away from the power grid. If there are interruptions in the power supply, there will be problems, since the equipment will simply fail.
• Expenses: Higher electricity consumption also leads to higher costs.
• Scale formation: On models with a heating element, scale from water forms over time, and the heating element must be replaced.

Recommendations for choosing a new generation mini-machine

In addition to the characteristics considered, it is worth paying attention to some features:

• Power — is calculated individually for each type of boiler. The power determines whether the room will be heated sufficiently.
• Efficiency — for electric boilers the efficiency factor is high - 95–98%.
• Power adjustment — can be stepped or smooth. In models with an independent heating element, stepped regulation is used. Smooth regulation is only possible in devices with a rheostat.
• Price — depends on many factors: type of electric boiler (heating element, ion), power, manufacturer, additional functions.

Useful video

Video review of a range of modern mini electric boilers produced by Gradient.

Brief instructions for use

These models do not have complex automation, which greatly simplifies installation and operation:

• boiler do not overheat;
• in case of prolonged discontinuation of use it is better turn off equipment;
• apply for repairs only original parts;
• commissioning and repairs are carried out by a specialist;

Maintenance the devices are carried out at least once a year! Following these simple rules - guarantee of long-term trouble-free operation equipment.