To improve the microclimate in residential and industrial premises, special devices are installed that heat or cool the air masses coming from the street. This group also includes a water heater, which is built into the channels of the supply ventilation of the serviced objects. It is useful for many users to learn the principle of operation and the nuances of the design of devices of this class, the questions of installing and connecting a heater yourself.
Types and characteristics
The devices in question operate on ordinary water and other types of energy. In accordance with the type of energy source used, the following types of air-heating units are distinguished:
- water;
- steam;
- electric.
The water heater belongs to the widespread variety of devices, characterized by safety, efficiency and ease of maintenance. The function of the coolant in it is performed by hot water coming from the local DHW network or from the boiler. Water heaters for fresh air ventilation - a very profitable option, characterized by minimal maintenance and operation costs. The only problematic place for the water heater is the installation complexity associated with the piping of centralized or local heating. Such a binding does not allow to quickly transfer the device to a new place.
Steam air heater - a complete analogue of water models, differing from them only in the type of coolant used. The structural difference is manifested in the greater wall thickness of copper tubes (2 mm versus 1.5 mm in water samples). This is due to significant pressure in the system, forcing to strengthen the structure of the outlet channels.
A characteristic feature of steam units is the rapid heating of water to the desired temperature. They are in demand at industrial facilities; use them for private needs is impractical.
The electric air heater does not need a coolant, since the source of energy in it is a network voltage of 220 volts with a frequency of 50 hertz. Ease of connecting electrical units provides mobility and ease of use. Their disadvantage is a significant energy consumption, limiting the use of devices. They are in demand in situations where local heating is required during one-time operations (as emergency or temporary heat sources).
The main characteristics of air heaters include:
- water temperature at the inlet and outlet of the device;
- the speed of movement of the medium along the heating channels
- air temperature at the outlet of the unit;
- working pressure in the system.
When describing the devices, the maximum operating temperature of the liquid circulating in the nozzles and the service life of the product are also indicated.
The principle of operation and design features
Water heaters are installed in areas with a well-functioning heat supply system. High efficiency and simplicity of the design solution guarantee rapid heating of the air to temperatures of + 70–100 ° C. Such devices are in demand at the following civilian facilities:
- hangars and gyms;
- shopping centers and supermarkets;
- greenhouse constructions and storage facilities, as well as large pavilions.
The majority of premises of a considerable volume, requiring additional heating, belong to this category.
To understand the principle of operation of the device is easiest if you imagine a conventional heater. The air heater heats the environment in the same way, but instead of an electric spiral, it uses a set of metal tubes with a hot coolant circulating through them.
Heating process:
- Heated water from the heating system enters a heat exchanger drawn from copper, steel or bimetal tubes.
- Due to this, they heat the air currents passing through the device.
- The fan integrated in the system accelerates the heated air through the surrounding area.
The design features of water channel heaters allow you to do without heating the carrier, which in the finished form comes from the hot water supply network. Due to this, it is possible to save significant funds.
A typical scheme of a water heater is the combination of a heat exchanger, a built-in fan and a simple convector. With a correctly selected harness, it is suitable for cottages with a streamlined air ventilation system.
Installation Recommendations
It’s not difficult to master the installation technique of air intake heaters. You will need to carefully study the assembly instructions, and then strictly follow its instructions. Before starting work, it is taken into account that household models of even relatively small weight are hung on a base, the strength of which is checked in advance. Strong concrete or brick walls are suitable for this; moreover, wooden and plasterboard partitions are immediately rejected. Further, it is determined with the need to use a thermostat for protection against freezing of the supply ventilation channels. If in this place it is possible to lower the temperature below normal - the installation of a thermal stabilizer is considered mandatory.
Installation procedure:
- A metal frame is installed in the chosen place in the form of a bracket with holes for attaching the case (mounting console).
- The air heater case is suspended, to which pipes with a set of valves are then connected in the sequence indicated in the instructions.
- The mixing unit is also mounted here, if they did not have time to install it before the start of installation work.
Crashing into the heating system is allowed in two ways. In the first case, connecting fittings or couplings with gaskets are used, and in the second approach, welding is used. The latter option is more reliable, but its use is unacceptable in the presence of flexible connections.
One of the weaknesses of the mounted structure is heat transfer pipes, which undergo constant deformation. Replacing the reliability of the system in the area of their location will help replace rigid steel tubes with flexible hoses. This technique will reduce the load on the nozzles, which at the joints are additionally sealed by means of a hermetic composition.
If the air heater case is fixed on a fixed and solid base, connection by means of rigid pipes is allowed. If during operation it is supposed to transfer or move the device from the workplace, it is necessary to use a flexible eyeliner. At the final stage of installation, the device is checked for operability.
Immediately prior to testing, it will be necessary to remove the exhaust air from the exhaust ducts, as well as check the condition of the valves and guide louvers.
Basics of operating water units
In order for the air heater to serve for a long time and properly perform its functions, it is necessary to adhere to the following rules:
- monitor the quality of the air in the serviced room - the requirements for this indicator can be found in GOST 12.1.005-88;
- installation of the system is carried out in strict accordance with the attached instructions and taking into account the recommendations of the manufacturer;
- do not increase the temperature of the coolant above the limit value (+ 190 ° C);
- during operation, do not exceed permissible pressure standards (about 1.2 MPa);
- after prolonged cooling of the serviced room, warm it up gradually (at about 30 ° C per hour);
- make sure that the ambient temperature does not fall below 0 ° C, which can lead to breakthrough of the heat exchanger tubes.
If the air heater is supposed to be used in a room with a high level of humidity, the degree of dust and moisture protection of the device should not be less than IP66.
It is not recommended to engage in self-repair of the device in case of breakdown. You need to contact the service center and entrust the restoration of an expensive device to professionals.
Before buying, it is advisable to determine the power consumed by the network.
Advantages and disadvantages of using a water heater
Advantages of heaters connected to a centralized hot water supply system:
- simplicity of installation, comparable with the same operations for heating pipes;
- high speed heating of rooms of arbitrary size;
- operational safety;
- the ability to adjust the flow of heated air;
- verified and strict design.
Its main advantage in comparison with other models is the absence of additional financial investments (in addition to expenses when buying a new unit).
A significant disadvantage of water heaters is the inability to use in a domestic environment. In this case, they are replaced with electrical devices that require strict control of electricity consumption. Another disadvantage of the devices is the inadmissibility of operation in unheated rooms, where the temperature drops below 0 ° C.
