The content of the article:
Electric convector heaters are extremely common due to their low cost. Convector heaters have their pluses and minuses.
The principle of operation of electric convector heaters
Electric heaters of convector type, irrespective of a particular variety, operate on the same principle. It is based on the fact that the density of warm and cold matter is always different. As a result of this feature, the heated air always rises, as it is more sparse. That allows to optimally warm up the air in the room, as well as all surfaces located in the reach zone. Circulation occurs naturally, without human intervention or any adaptations (Fig. 1).
It is from the principle of work that all the advantages of convector heaters flow, as well as the disadvantages they have. An important role is played by the design features of this type of appliances for space heating.
The heater, which acts as a source of heat, consists of the following main parts (Fig. 2):
- 1 - shell melted from heat-resistant metal;
- 2 - a filler having a high resistance;
- 3 - a spiral made of tungsten or other material having a high heat dissipation and heat resistance;
- 5 - sealant;
- 6 - insulator, preventing contact between the spiral and the metal sheath;
- 7 - pin rod.
Advantages of convector heaters
Convector heaters for cottages and houses have a large number of various advantages. The most important are the following:
- The tubular body of the heating element has a temperature lower than the tungsten helix inside it;
- the service life of the heater, as well as other elements of the convector heater construction is very high;
- a heating element of the type in question can operate in rooms with high humidity, the protection class of most similar electrical appliances is IP.
The case of the heating element of the devices under consideration, even when heated to the maximum temperature, does not allow the palm to burn if accidentally touched. Also avoid injuries are the possibility of present special protective grilles, which are the body of the heater (Fig. 3).
Also, the important advantages of heaters of this type include their durability. Due to the simplicity of the design of the heating element and the lack of sophisticated electronics, this kind of product can serve for many years. In addition, many heaters are equipped with special temperature sensors, which helps to avoid overheating and the occurrence of a fire (Fig. 4).
Also in the design of many models there are additional options that allow to automate the process of heating the room, reduce the participation of a person in the heating process to a minimum.
Many heaters of convector type have a high class of protection against water. That is why they can be installed (in the presence of RCD) almost anywhere in the apartment, apartment house, villa. All current-carrying parts are usually well insulated, liquid is almost completely excluded from them (if the protective insulation is not damaged).
As a power source devices of this type is a household network with the standard voltage 220 (V) present in it. Therefore, with connection problems usually do not arise, in any electrified building there is a household single-phase outlet.
All electric convection heaters are extremely simple. That is why their repair is not anything complicated. For its implementation, you need minimal knowledge of electrical engineering, a pair of screwdrivers and pliers. What is one more important advantage of the device of this type.
Cons of convector heaters
They are significantly smaller than the pluses, but, nevertheless, they are quite significant:
- high power consumption;
- Reduction of efficiency over time;
- presence of noise during heating.
Most devices of this type consume a fairly large amount of electricity from the network, which is a consequence of high productivity. Virtually all models, even the most low-power ones, rarely consume less than 1.5-2 kW / h. Such operating parameters lead to the appearance of imposing bills for electricity. They often significantly hit their pockets, especially in the winter.
With the passage of time, the efficiency of the tubular electric heating element decreases. Since, as a result of constant exposure to temperature changes, the distance between the heating coil and the metal casing increases (Fig. 5), directly giving heat to the surrounding air.
Very many models make noise during heating or cooling. The reason for this is the thermal expansion and the reverse process following it. Such sounds are usually not audible, but if you leave the device to work at night, it can interfere with a calm sleep.
Also, the drawbacks can be attributed to the fact that when the TEN spiral burns out, it needs to be changed, it simply can not be repaired. Since at home, properly connect the tungsten filament and insulate the internal part of the tube is simply not possible, you need the availability of specialized and very sophisticated equipment (Fig. 6).
Reviews on convector heaters, in most, positive. They are popular among owners of dachas, as well as private houses that are not equipped with central or autonomous heating. Devices of this type have a lot of different advantages.
Convector heaters, of the pros and cons of which can easily be learned from the accompanying technical documentation is the best solution if the room can be heated only with the help of electricity. A high efficiency allows you to easily maintain the necessary temperature.
