Smart electric boilers for heating: device and principle

“Smart” electric heating boilers can optimize the operation of equipment and reduce the cost of maintaining a comfortable temperature in the house.

The devices are safe and highly efficient. This method of organizing space heating is often the only solution in areas where there is no possibility of installing gas generators.

Electric energy-saving heating boilers

Units operating on AC power can be used separately or in combination with other types of installations - a wood stove, a diesel generator. In the latter case, it is optimal to use low-capacity boilers with a power of 2-5 kW. Such characteristics are sufficient to maintain the thermal balance of a house with an area of up to 120 square meters. m for 2-3 days.

Optimal results are shown by the use of electrical installations for heating a cottage or summer house, in which the owners live only during vacation or on weekends. In this case, the low cost of the products compensates for the higher maintenance costs compared to gas equipment.

Basic operating modes

There are several control modes; by choosing one of them you decide at what time and what information you will receive about the operation of the boiler:

Auto. In this mode, the system operates according to the specified parameters. A complete analysis of the situation in the house and separately heated rooms takes place. At the specified time, you will receive a full report on the operation of the equipment.
Manual (feedback from the user to the system). The essence of this mode is that users receive SMS messages with a code word to change a particular mode or adjust settings.
Anxious. In the event of a power failure, smoke, leakage, unstable boiler operation and other emergency situations, you receive an instant notification.

Types of devices

Electric boilers used in everyday life are divided into 3 groups depending on the design features of the heating element:

Heating elements - equipped with a tubular heat exchanger. The most common type, characterized by ease of maintenance.
Electrode or ionic - the water in them is heated by thermal energy released when electricity is passed through a liquid medium. The devices are characterized by high efficiency and small size.
Induction - the operating principle of such devices is based on increasing the temperature of a metal core placed inside a multi-turn coil through which current is passed. Features of the devices are reliability and safety in operation.

Design and principle of operation of the equipment

Electric boilers have a simpler design compared to their gas counterparts. The heating element is housed in a steel casing. There are 2 pipes - one flows cold liquid, the other is used to remove hot liquid. The system can be filled with prepared water with the required physical and chemical characteristics or antifreeze. On the body of the device there are terminals for connecting to the electrical network.

Models are available that provide single-phase and three-phase power. The device is controlled by an automation unit. Inexpensive units use mechanical adjustment of parameters. The coolant circulates naturally or forcedly using a pump.

In “smart” boilers that provide optimal energy consumption, induction or ion heating blocks are most often used. Such units are economical and demonstrate high reliability.

Heating element installations operate by heating a tungsten or nichrome conductor when current is passed through it. Due to the high resistivity, the temperature of the metal increases. The thermal energy is then transferred to the circulating fluid.

Induction boilers for heating a private house consist of 2 blocks - a control unit and a heating tank. Using control sensors, the user adjusts the operation of the unit. The tank consists of a cylindrical body, inside of which there is a multi-turn inductor and a hollow core made of a ferromagnetic alloy.

When connected to the network, eddy currents are formed around the rod, which heat the metal. Water flows through the core. Heat is transferred to the fluid, which enters the heating circuit. When the temperature reaches the set value, the automation turns off the heating element.

Ionic plants operate by electrolysis of a liquid. An alternating current is passed through the coolant. As a result, charged particles begin to move randomly, causing the liquid to heat up. Such units are made in the form of a cylinder, inside of which a rod is placed.

Voltage is supplied to the housing and electrode. Water flows into the heating unit, reaches the set temperature and enters the heating system.

GSM module functions

Each specific module has a different number of functions, which depend on:

the number of channels, and accordingly, sensors that can be connected;
features of remote control and monitoring;
ability to adjust heating parameters.

A standard set of sensors scans temperature, pressure, and the presence of carbon monoxide. When setting up auxiliary ones, you will immediately receive expanded functionality. Such sensors can be digital or analog.

Let's look at the main functions that ensure uninterrupted control of the heating system:

turning on/off the entire heating system;
the ability to turn the boiler on or off, reboot the device itself or auxiliary devices;
receiving information about the condition of the boiler daily, information comes in the form of mobile messages. The messages will contain the following data: temperature, equipment operating parameters; in the event of abnormal and emergency situations, they will be immediately displayed;
remotely changing the settings for the operation of an electric boiler, the temperature intensity in the whole house or in a separate room;
to avoid connecting third parties to the SIM card, you can set a PIN code;
control of electrical voltage stability (your unit will be protected from sudden changes in energy);
The controller operates in autonomous mode (this is provided by the battery). In the event of a power outage, the module will continue to operate on battery power.

Users set the maximum and minimum permissible values of various indicators (for example, temperature). If the parameters go beyond the specified limits, the user will receive an SMS message.

In addition to the main functions of the modules, there are a number of auxiliary ones:

If desired, the user can connect an additional relay.
Turn on the emergency siren.
Launching auxiliary equipment and the ability to control it remotely using a gadget.

Room thermostat Protherm ZONT H-1V

Advantages and disadvantages

The advantages of energy-saving boilers are:

low cost;
ease of installation and maintenance;
high efficiency;
silent operation;
environmental friendliness;
no need to install ventilation and chimney.

Among the main disadvantages of the devices are:

electricity costs;
strict requirements for coolant quality;
danger of electric shock.

Brands

Today, the most well-known manufacturers of such remote monitoring systems are the following companies:

Vaillant;
Buderus;
Protherm;
Viessmann;
Evan;
Xital.

Installation and connection of the system are not too complicated, so you can do it yourself

At the same time, VIESSMANN offers heat generators already equipped with special units and compatible controllers. Devices from . They are quite functional and the gsm heating control “Xital” provides, for example, the possibility of using 2 SIM cards and the presence of a reliable algorithm that guarantees their smooth operation.

The video instructions cover how to install the Xital system yourself.

Criterias of choice

When purchasing a heating installation, you should pay attention to the following characteristics of the equipment:

power - depends on the area and heat loss of the room;
type of power supply – units can operate from a three- or single-phase network;
possibility of installing a second circuit for heating water;
dimensions;
the presence of additional functions, such as connecting external temperature sensors, GSM modules.

If you need to heat a room with an area of 20-30 sq.m., a 2 kW electric boiler will do the job perfectly. For a large production area, an electric industrial boiler is used.

Advantages of remote control systems

First, you need to determine the method of future remote control of the heating boiler by choosing one of two options. In the first case, the boiler is controlled via the Internet, for which you must have an Internet connection. In the second case, this mission is performed by cellular communications, which is more suitable for a home located at a distance from city communications.

Internet control

If you install remote control of a gas boiler using the Internet, you can get a series of additional benefits.

After installing the necessary control elements into the heating system, the following options open up:

remote control of various functions of the heating boiler, including operating modes of the circulation pump;
by installing the required number of sensors, you can determine different temperature conditions for several zones;
remote coordination of hot water supply, in case of installing a double-circuit boiler;
24-hour monitoring of the current state of the operating heating system;
the most economical fuel consumption, because during a long absence there is no need to maintain the usual microclimate.

The indicated advantages constitute only a basic set of possibilities provided for an individual heating system. If desired, control over the internal temperature of the house can be taken to the next level by using a more versatile version that uses an Internet gateway and an automated heating control unit.

In this case, it will be possible to additionally control heating elements, oil radiators or electric convectors. Among other things, the list of systems for remote control of the boiler may include a fire alarm, which will not be superfluous if the house is built of wood.

Cellular control

An alternative to the control unit for the heating system of a country house is a GSM module operating from a cellular network. Remote activation via SMS messages in order to transfer information to the control panel of the water heating boiler has personal advantages:

small dimensions of the device that interacts with a smartphone;
mobility – easy to install in any suitable location;
ease of operation;
For insurance, you can use two communication lines at once; the device is designed to install an additional SIM card.

This device is used when it is not possible to connect to the Internet. This quality allows the use of a remote control unit for a gas boiler even in remote areas.

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Rating of the best models

An electric boiler must demonstrate high performance characteristics, be reliable and have reduced energy consumption. The models presented in the rating received positive feedback from their owners and have proven themselves to be effective heating devices.

"Protherm Skat Ray 12KE/14"

A single-circuit boiler for wall mounting is capable of heating a room of up to 68 square meters. m. Connects to a single-phase network. Installation of an external boiler for hot water preparation is provided. The efficiency of the device is 99.5%. The control panel is equipped with an LCD display.

"Evan Next 5"

The mini-electric boiler is designed for heating a room up to 50 square meters. m. Mechanical control, 3 power levels are provided. Efficiency is 99%. There is a single-phase electric boiler and a three-phase one. The device is equipped with an overheat protection function.

Bosch Tronic Heat 3000 9

The boiler of the German company is suitable for heating a cottage or summer house with an area of up to 90 square meters. m. The product is equipped with a powerful autodiagnostic system and protective functions. Connection is possible to a 220/380 V network. Electronic control. Mounting type: wall-mounted.

Kospel EKCO.L2 12

A 12 kW single-circuit electric boiler can cope with heating a room up to 120 sq. m. m. Connects to a 380 V network. The device is designed for wall mounting. Control is electronic, there are 6 power levels. There is overheating protection, a programmer, and an auto-diagnosis function.

Also popular among users is a 15 kW electric boiler from this manufacturer, which has established itself as a high-quality and reliable unit.

"Evan EPO-18" (18 kW)

The unit is intended for heating houses, dachas, and cottages with an area of up to 180 square meters. m. The product is installed on the floor and connected to a three-phase network. Overheating protection is provided. Management is electronic.

This brand produces models of different capacities. For example, there is an 8 kW electric boiler that heats up to 75 sq.m.

"Evan WARMOS-IV-18" (18 kW)

The 18 kW single-circuit electric boiler is designed for wall mounting and is suitable for heating a house with an area of up to 180 sq. m. m. The generator efficiency is 99%. The Evan Warmos boiler operates from a 380 V mains voltage. There is an auto-diagnosis function, protection against overheating and freezing. There is a 3-stage power adjustment.

"Evan Next 9" (9 kW)

A single-circuit electric boiler for wall mounting is suitable for heating a room up to 90 square meters. m. Control – mechanical. The efficiency of the installation is 99%. The unit can be connected to a network of 220 and 380 V. There is protection against overheating and the ability to work with the “warm floor” system.

ZOTA 9 Lux

The 9 kW electric boiler is intended for wall mounting. The device can cope with heating a house or cottage with an area of up to 90 square meters. m. Operates from a 220/380 V network. There is protection against overheating and freezing, an outdoor temperature sensor, and three-stage power adjustment. It is possible to connect external control.

To heat rooms with an area of about 240 sq.m., this manufacturer produces “Zota 24 Lux” - a 24 kW single-circuit electric boiler with electronic control.

REKO-6P

A single-circuit heating system can be used to heat a room up to 60 square meters. m. It is possible to connect to a single- and three-phase network. Mounting type: wall mounted. The device is equipped with overheating protection, three-stage power control and a programmer.

This manufacturer also has other models, for example, a 30 kW electric boiler “Reco 30P”.

"RusNIT 209M"

An inexpensive 9 kW electric boiler is designed for wall mounting. Suitable for heating a room up to 90 square meters. m. Connects to 220/380 V AC mains. There is protection against overheating. Management is electronic.

The manufacturer also produces a fully automated 36 kW boiler - “RusNIT M”.

ELECTRIC BOILER WITH REMOTE CONTROL

When choosing an energy source for heating, many factors must be taken into account. In the absence of gas, it is solid, liquid fuel or electricity. When gas is available, the choice of this fuel is not so clear. Under specific conditions, the calorific value of the gas (yellow flame) may not meet the standards.

If you need to remotely control the boiler, a worthy alternative is electricity. Such boilers are relatively cheap, installation does not require additional costs. Simple design, durability, safety - all this attracts the consumer.

If the unit is equipped with automation, then the principle of remote control of an electric boiler using a GSM module is similar to that described above. The entire family of electric boilers consists of three types. The coolant heats up:

heating element;
electrode;
or electromagnetic induction.

The choice depends on personal preference.

Remote control of an electric boiler is simpler than a gas one, but has its own nuances. The electric heating system includes a circulation pump, which cannot be turned off at the same time as the heater, since water will instantly boil from direct contact with it.

Therefore, when choosing a controller, you should choose a model where this problem is solved by installing an additional relay or in another way. In advanced foreign boilers, the pump is part of the boiler; remote control does not work specifically with it.

Remote control of an electric boiler will allow you to organize its operation so that maximum energy consumption occurs at the time when the most economical tariff is in effect. This also applies to the hot water supply system, if it is a separate circuit.

Along with this, the high efficiency of electric boilers, inexpensive equipment, lack of permits, and the ability to install them in any room without a chimney in the long term make them quite competitive with gas boilers.

When designing an electric heating system, you should include a control system. This does not mean that all elements of such a system require installation when installing the boiler: many of them can be introduced if necessary.

Regardless of the type of boiler, an uninterruptible power supply will be useful: in case of problems with the power supply, it will allow operation to continue during short-term outages or to shut it down correctly.

Despite the simplicity of organizing remote heating control, each boiler model still has its own characteristics. Consultation with a specialist is highly recommended.

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