The principle of operation of the electric convector

Advantages and disadvantages of electric convectors

Positive points:

1. Easy installation and use. It is enough to hang it on the wall or install it on legs, connect the cord to the outlet, and the device is ready for use.
2. The service life is calculated for a period of more than 15 years. The unit does not require maintenance, except for periodic dust removal.
3. The cost of the apparatus is relatively low.
4. No human supervision is required to maintain the required temperature. All this will be done by automation and electronics.
5. No noise. Unless, mechanically controlled heaters can make a soft click when the thermostat is turned on and off. Devices with an electronic module operate silently.
6. The electric convector has a simple principle of operation.
7. The efficiency of heaters can reach 95%.

Negative points:

• significant consumption of electricity;
• heating large areas using only electric convectors is inefficient; in large rooms they can only be used as additional heating;
• Devices with open (needle) heating elements can emit an unpleasant odor when turned on from combustible dust deposited on the heater.

It should be remembered that electric heating units are a technique that does not tolerate violations of safety rules. Do not cover the appliance or dry laundry on it. The device will overheat, and, at best, the protection will work.

Only with the correct operation of the convector can a comfortable and cozy atmosphere in the house be guaranteed.

Safety

Electric convectors require a careful attitude, like any electrical appliances. When using them, you need to remember the technique for the safe use of such units. For example, drying clothes directly on the case is considered a big mistake.

The best outcome is to overheat the device and turn it off if the protection works. The worst case scenario is a fire.

For example, drying laundry directly on the cabinet is considered a big mistake. The best outcome is to overheat the device and turn it off if the protection works.The worst case scenario is a fire.

The electrical outlet into which the convector is connected must be located on the side of the appliance, at a distance of 10 cm and further. The location of the outlet on top is strictly prohibited.

If you take into account all these points, the operation will be safe, the device will last a long time, and thanks to it the room will be warm and cozy.

Heating with air - the principle of operation

Heating with the use of air mass entering the premises is based on the principle of thermoregulation. In other words, air heated or cooled to a certain temperature is supplied directly into the premises. Those. thus, heating of internal spaces and conditioning can be carried out.

The main element of the system is a heater - a channel-type furnace equipped with a gas burner. In the process of gas combustion, heat is generated, which enters the heat exchanger, and after that, the masses heated to a certain temperature enter the air space of the heated room. The air heating system must be equipped with a network of air ducts and a channel for the release of toxic combustion products to the outside.

Due to the constant supply of fresh air, the furnace receives an influx of oxygen, which is one of the main components of the fuel mass. Mixing in the combustion chamber with combustible gas, oxygen increases the intensity of combustion, thereby increasing the temperature of the fuel mass. In the old systems used by the ancient Romans, the main problem was the entry of harmful combustion products into the heated rooms along with the warm air.

Autonomous heating structures, built on the principle of heating air masses, have found their application in the heating system of large industrial buildings and facilities. With the advent of compact and easy-to-use air heaters that use gas, solid or liquid fuel, it has become possible to use such heating systems in everyday life. An ordinary, traditional air heater, which is commonly called a heat generator, has a combustion chamber, a heat exchanger of a recuperative type, a burner and a pressure group.

Installation of air heating furnaces in private and country houses is quite justified and cost-effective. This heating scheme is not suitable for an apartment, due to the need to lay a large number of bulky air ducts, the presence of technical noise and a high fire hazard.

The products of combustion in this case go through the chimney. Well-established operation of the hood and a clean chimney ensure the safety of the entire heating system of this type during operation.

Advantages and disadvantages of electric convectors

One of the most significant advantages of electric convectors is that they are ready to work immediately upon purchase. That is, you will not need to work on a heating system project for a long time, lay pipes, purchase additional equipment in the form of heating boilers or circulation pumps. It is enough just to put the convector anywhere in the room, plug the plug into the power socket - and after a few minutes you will feel waves of warm air coming from the device.The speed of heating the room can also be called a great advantage - after all, in other heating systems, it may take a significant amount of time to heat the coolant itself.

You can place electric heating converters anywhere - the main thing is that there is access to an outlet. Some models can be both installed on the floor and hung on the wall - which is especially convenient if there are small children in the house.

Wall mounted electric convector

Floor electric convector

Another important advantage of electric convectors is their quite affordable cost. Even if you decide to use exclusively electric heating convectors, their purchase will cost you much less than the design and installation of, say, a water heating system. In addition, electronic convectors do not require maintenance (cleaning of scale, removal of fuel combustion residues) - and this also saves money.

Primarily, electric heating convectors, the technical characteristics of which are acceptable, do not dry out the air, do not burn oxygen. In addition, the device itself practically does not heat up - and, accordingly, neither you nor your loved ones will be able to get burned about it.

A significant advantage of a convector over a conventional radiator is the presence of a heating regulator. This will create the most comfortable temperature in the room. Moreover, even with continuous operation of the convector, it will not rise.

Electric convector with thermostat

All modern models of convectors are equipped with an electronic control unit.You can set a certain program for heating the air in the room in accordance with the time of day - and it will always work.

Many users call the obvious advantage of the convector its noiselessness. The only sounds that electric heating can make. convectors - barely audible clicks at the time of heating or cooling. But they are really quiet.

Another problem that makes it difficult to constantly use convectors is the rather high cost of electricity. And its consumption by this device is quite high. But it should be borne in mind that you will regularly have to spend money on the operation of any other heating system - after all, it needs fuel

Therefore, if we take into account a significant number of advantages of electronic convectors, high electricity bills do not seem to be such a big minus.

How to calculate power correctly

Before purchasing a convector, you need to find out how much power will be enough to heat the room. If the power is not calculated, then the energy consumption will be wasted. You can use two types of calculations: by area or by volume.

The convector power is calculated as follows:

1. The calculation by area is approximate and it must be borne in mind that corrections are necessary. But it is done quickly and easily. The following norm is taken for calculation: 0.1 kW / h per 1 sq. m of the area of ​​​​the room, which conditionally has one door and one window with a ceiling height of 2.5 m. So, for example, you need to calculate the power characteristics of a convector for a room of 18 sq. m.We get the result: 18x0.1 \u003d 1.8 kW. If the room is angular, then a coefficient of 1.1 is applied. It may also be that the room has good thermal insulation and a high-quality plastic window (with energy-saving double-glazed windows), then a coefficient of 0.8 can be applied.
2. The calculation by volume is more accurate, but the coefficients must also be applied. The following dimensions are taken for calculation: width, length of the room and ceiling height. It should also be taken into account that 0.04 kW of thermal power is used to heat 1 sq. m of premises. The length, width and height are multiplied and the resulting figure is multiplied by 0.04. So, for a room where the area is 15 square meters. m with a ceiling height of 2.5 meters requires a heater with a power of 1.5 kW.

The calculation of the convector power is somewhat different if the device is used in extreme cold as an auxiliary heat source. Here such a parameter is taken as 30-50 W per 1 sq. meter, if the calculation is based on the area, and 0.015-002 kW per 1 cubic meter. meter when calculating by volume.

Types of gas convectors

To choose a suitable convector, you should learn about the main differences between existing equipment, the pros and cons of modifications.

How can heaters be classified?

• Installation method - there are wall and floor models. The former take up less space, are lightweight and efficient, and are limited in performance (maximum power 10 kW). For heating a garage, rooms with a large area, it is better to choose a floor model. The heaters are heavy due to the increased heat exchanger. The performance of floor convectors reaches several mW (industrial versions).
• Removal of exhaust gases.In a conventional convector, an open gas combustion chamber is installed. The principle of operation of the device is somewhat reminiscent of a simple wood-burning stove. The design has several drawbacks - it burns oxygen, requires good ventilation of the room, as well as the manufacture of a complex smoke exhaust system. New generation convectors use a closed combustion chamber. Instead of a chimney, a coaxial pipe is used. The air intake is carried out from the street, therefore, in the process of work, oxygen in the room is not burned. Systems with a closed combustion chamber have only one drawback - the cost is 30-50% more than that of classic models.
• heat exchanger material. The principle of operation of the convector is associated with a constant thermal effect. One of the most common causes of heater failure is the burning of the chamber walls. The heat exchanger is made of steel or cast iron. The crystal structure of the latter metal provides a long service life (about 50 years) and high heat transfer. The steel chamber will work for about 10-15 years.
• Fan. High power convectors are equipped with a forced air circulation system. Budget household models may not have a fan.
• Gas type. Models are designed to work on any type of "blue" fuel. A natural gas convector can also run on propane. A special adapter kit is required for conversion.
• Control automation. Budget models are equipped with conventional thermostats. The programmable control unit allows you to control the temperature in the room and set the required heating mode.

The cost of a gas convector depends on the material of the heat exchanger, the availability of an adapter kit, as well as the characteristics of the control unit.

Top Models

We have compiled a rating of the seven best convectors. Mostly electric heaters are presented here, but there are also two gas ones. When compiling the list, we were guided by the quality of the convector and its price. The rating includes both budget convectors for small rooms and heaters with high power and advanced electronics.

Ballu heating BEC/EVU-1500

A high-quality medium-power electric convector that can heat rooms up to twenty square meters in size. There are two operating modes (1500W and 750W). Equipped with a thermostat. Protected from moisture, so it can be used in bathrooms. There is smart electronics that automatically regulates the heating temperature. Automatically turns off when overheated. Wall bracket.

Power	1500/750W
Room size	20 sq.m.
Additional functions	thermostat, timer, overheating protection, Wi-Fi control
Price	5 000 rubles

• Advantages: many additional functions, two power modes, moisture resistance.
• Cons: Not the most powerful for the price, wall mount only.

Ballu BEC/EVU-2000

Another electric convector from the same manufacturer. High power budget heater that can heat fairly large rooms. Unlike the previous model, this convector is not equipped with "smart" electronics, but it is more powerful. On the one hand, this reduced its cost, and on the other hand, it somewhat affected the ease of use. The waterproof case allows you to use it in the bathroom or in the kitchen.Universal mount, can be placed on the floor or hung on the wall.

Power	2000 W
Room size	25 sq.m.
Additional functions	Missing
Price	4 000 rubles

• Advantages: high power, budget.
• Cons: No smart electronics.

Electrolux ECH/AG2-1500T

Budget powerful convector with two modes of operation. You can choose between wall or floor mounting. Has moisture protection. Automatically shuts off when tip over to protect against fire. A feature of the model is the ability to choose a special air filter. For example, you can buy an antiseptic filter that will disinfect the air.

Power	1500/750W
Room size	20 sq.m.
Additional functions	Missing
Price	2 500 rubles

• Advantages: power, cost, automatic shutdown in case of rollover, choice of mounting, compactness.
• Cons: No extra features.

Wester EK 1000

Compact minimalist convector with low power. It is intended for heating of small rooms. It has protection against overheating and moisture protection. Has a thermostat. Wall and floor mounting options.

Power	1000/500W
Room size	15 sq.m.
Additional functions	overheat protection
Price	2 000 rubles

• Advantages: budget and compactness, two modes of operation.
• Disadvantages: small heating area, no additional functions.

Thermex Pronto 2000M

Ultra-budget convector with high power. At its price of 1500 rubles, it is able to heat a room up to 25 square meters in size. Rated power - 2000 W. There is a thermostat and overheating protection.

Power	2000 W
Room size	25 sq.m.
Additional functions	Overheating protection, thermostat
Price	1 500 rubles

• Advantages: high power, low price.
• Disadvantages: one mode of operation, lack of moisture protection, no "smart" modes and options.

Gas Alpine Air NGS-50F 4.9 kW

One of the best gas convectors on the market. It has an electronic control system and high heat output. The closed combustion chamber and fan eliminate the problem of odor and gas leaks. Equipped with a thermostat. Wall mount.

Power	4.9 kW
Room size	50 sq.m.
Additional functions	thermostat, electronic control
Price	25 000 rubles

• Advantages: electronic control, fan and closed combustion chamber, high power.
• Disadvantages: heavy weight (30 kg), partial dependence on the mains.

Gas Atem ZHYTOMYR-5 KNS-3 3 kW

Budget gas convector with a closed combustion chamber. Nothing remarkable - an ordinary gas convector with a minimum of functions and mechanical control.

Power	3 kW
Room size	30 sq.m.
Additional functions	Not
Price	13 000 rubles

• Advantages: price, low weight, closed combustion chamber;
• Cons: no fan, no extra features.

Advantages and disadvantages of the convector

The device has a number of advantages:

• ease of installation and operation;
• long service life without the need for special maintenance;
• low cost;
• the possibility of autonomous operation without the constant presence and control of a person;
• high efficiency (up to 90–95%);
• no noise during operation;
• not demanding on the quality of the electrical network - they are able to work flawlessly at a voltage in the range from 150 to 240 V;
• does not dry out the surrounding air;
• allows splashes and splashes and can be used in high humidity conditions;
• the case does not heat up to high temperatures, as a result of which the possibility of getting burned is excluded;
• high maintainability;
• the possibility of flexible adjustment of the temperature in the room;
• high level of security.

Unfortunately, the device is not without some shortcomings, among which are:

• significant power consumption;
• can be a source of an unpleasant odor if dust gets on an open heating element;
• limited scope - effective only in small rooms (up to 30 square meters) with low ceilings.

2 Main types of convectors

There are many modifications of convector heaters. They are flat panels with a large side surface and low thickness. Various body color options (shades of gray and white, designer finds of jet black variations) make the device fit into any interior.

Convectors may differ in design, dimensions, configuration, installation methods, but the main thing is the type of heat source. All devices belong to three main groups:

1. 1. Water. They are connected to heating mains, where hot water is supplied from a thermal power plant or boiler house. Inside the convector there is a copper pipe with plates made of copper, brass or aluminum, and the greater the distance between the fins, the higher the heat transfer. The pipe is packed into the protective casing closed by a special lattice.To regulate the temperature, the water convector has a valve and a thermostat, to remove air - a valve. Available in wall-mounted, floor-mounted and in-floor recessed versions. There is a version in the form of a warm skirting board or additional reinforcement of convection with a fan.
2. 2. Gas. Natural or liquefied gas is used as an energy source. Under the removable cover are: burner, combustion chamber, heat exchanger. For installation, a coaxial chimney is required, which is led out through the back panel of the convector. It takes in fresh air that supports combustion and removes exhaust gases. There is no need for water supply, which is convenient in places of temporary residence.
3. 3. Electrical. The most common option is easy to install and maintain. Convectors have an electric heating element, and their efficiency reaches 95%. Almost all the energy received immediately enters the room.

Description of electric convectors

Convector heaters are a modern development that combines a well-thought-out design, simple operation and installation, universal or exclusive design.

The operation of the convector is simple: in the lower part of the rectangular body of the device there are structural holes through which cold air enters the device. Under the influence of the heating element, the air masses warm up and, according to the law of physics, rise, making room for the cold. Thus, there is a natural movement, or convection, of air masses.

Electric convectors (there are also water and gas convectors) are completely ready for use and quite easy to operate.In order for the device to start working, it is enough to install it and connect it to the mains. The advantages of these heating devices include:

• simple installation;
• easy use;
• functionality;
• reliability;
• environmental friendliness and safety for the human body.

Environmental friendliness is ensured by the relatively low temperatures of the heating elements. Unlike classic heating radiators, convectors do not burn through oxygen or dust, do not dry the air (more about the scheme of action - how an electric convector works).

Advantages and disadvantages of convector heating

Let's take a look at what the main advantages of convector heating are, and try to present all the advantages in the form of a list:

Installing electric convectors is one of the fastest ways to organize permanent heating of a private house.

• Possibility of heating premises for any purpose;
• No impact on the air (convector heating does not burn oxygen);
• Weak impact on air humidity;
• Ease of installation of equipment (typical for electrical appliances);
• The absence of a negative impact on well-being (this is what the convector compares favorably with the IR heater);
• Large selection of equipment for the organization of heating.

There are also certain disadvantages:

• Convector heating has little effect on air humidity. However, this is typical for many heating devices;
• Some people don't like the feeling of overheated air;
• Low efficiency in rooms with high ceilings;
• High temperature difference in the lower and upper parts of the rooms.

If we take into account electric convector heating, then it is characterized by another drawback - high cost. But if there is no gas main in the house, and you want the heating system to be inexpensive and easy to install, then you can’t do without convectors

We recommend the installation of electric convector heating in country houses with a small area. In this case, you can get rid of unreasonable costs for laying pipes and installing a heating boiler.

Varieties of heaters

Convectors are divided into types depending on the type of heating element:

• electrical;
• gas;
• water.

In the design of an electric convector, the heat source is a heating element mounted in the middle of the heat exchanger. It converts electrical energy into thermal energy and transfers it to the plates, and those to the passing air.

In the most modern electric heaters, there is no traditional heating element; a tungsten or nichrome spiral is located directly inside the heat exchanger. A heater powered by electricity is the most efficient, its efficiency reaches 99%.

The operation of the electric convector is controlled by an automatic thermostat that maintains the set air temperature in the room. It stops and resumes the supply of electricity to the spiral according to the signals of the temperature sensor. In floor-standing models of devices, an additional safety sensor is installed that fixes the position of the case. If the device is accidentally overturned, the sensor will break the electrical circuit and short circuit, and a fire will not occur.

In gas convectors, the air heat exchanger is heated by a burner powered by mains or liquefied gas.It also has a built-in thermostat, as well as a gas safety valve, which reacts to the attenuation of the burner, the disappearance of draft in the chimney or a decrease in pressure in the fuel supply pipe. These devices are quite bulky and need to be connected to the chimney. Due to heat losses with flue gases, the efficiency of such a convector does not exceed 85%.

Water convectors are the simplest and most reliable units. The finned heat exchanger in this case is just a pipe with plates mounted on it. A coolant with a certain temperature flows through the pipe, supplied from the boiler plant, and it heats the plates. There is no need to talk about efficiency here, since the unit itself does not produce heat, and does not lose it anywhere in the process of transmission. That part of the thermal energy that did not have time to be transferred to the air of the room is returned together with the coolant to the boiler.

inverter heater

Operating principle

The inverter, which is equipped with this type of device, converts alternating current into direct current, while changing the voltage and frequency. This physical process is called inversion. The inverter looks like a generator with periodic voltage. In form, it is similar to a discrete signal. Inverting has a strong influence on the power of the device, and also all electrical appliances with it become less noisy and more economical.

Advantages and disadvantages

This type of device has many advantages:

• Economical. When the inverter system of the device reaches the desired temperature level, the mechanism of the device does not turn off, but continues to work at low speeds. This leads to maintaining a favorable climate in the room.The heater does not require electricity to switch on and off. During the use of the inverter, there is no such thing as "high current" for starting. When starting the device, the current is not more than the rated current, which has a positive effect on the life of the entire device. The device does not need to be constantly on and off. After all, these cycles significantly reduce the life of the device. Compared to conventional appliances, the energy saving is about 40%.
• Practical and productive. This device is able to heat even at very low temperatures, while the beneficial effect is expressed by a high coefficient. The heater during operation shows the ratio of the released heat to the energy expended, denoted as EER. This indicator of the device is equal to four. For example, at a flow rate of 250 W, you get more than 1 kW of heat. This is a good indicator.
• The heater during operation has high characteristics of safety and environmental friendliness.
• The operation is carried out with a low noise level, this is due to a decrease in the rotation speed at partial load. Without a doubt, this indicator has a positive impact on the life of the consumer.

A large number of advantages of the device does not deprive it of disadvantages, but it is only one. This is a considerable cost of the heater compared to other similar devices.

Use in heating systems

A conventional gas boiler these days is easily replaced by an inverter heater. Then the operation of the heating system with an embedded inverter device will be as follows: passing through the heater, electricity enters the boiler.In this case, the inverter boiler constantly generates induction current. If a power outage situation occurs, the boiler will continue to operate on battery power. The heater includes a magnetic part and a heat exchanger.

Device and principle of operation

The electric convector finds very wide application both in premises, and at offices, and on industrial, building objects. But even the great popularity of this type of heater does not mean that people are well aware of their features and nuances. Convector heating uses the effect of the natural rise of heated air. In most cases, devices for such heating resemble a rectangle. The heating element is placed inside the case. Special openings are provided for the release of thermal energy together with air streams and for the intake of new portions of cold air.

Usually, the air mass passes into the electric convector through the lower and side faces. After passing air through the heating block, it is discharged through the openings on the front panel. A convector heater differs from an electric heater in its increased heating rate and its uniformity. A convector electric heater has a low-temperature heating block that heats up faster than a traditional "tube".

The increased area of ​​the heating element helps to compensate for the low heating temperature. Therefore, the device is able to provide heating of a sufficiently large room. Almost all electric convectors are equipped with thermostats that allow you to more or less accurately set the desired temperature level.

Types of heating electric convectors

When choosing climate technology, it is important to consider that electric convectors may differ from each other in the following characteristics:

1. Attachment type.
2. The heating element used.

You should also pay attention to the manufacturer of the product and the cost of electricity.

Types of electric convectors, according to installation features

Heating appliances operating on the principle of air convection can be divided into three categories.

Wall mounted. Wall type convectors are the most efficient. Location on the wall facilitates the process of convection and increases the efficiency and heat transfer of heaters.

Floor version - used as an additional source of heat. Models with a built-in fan differ in performance. A convector with forced air circulation cannot boast of quiet operation, but warms up the air well.
Universal models - can be installed on the floor and mounted on the wall, using special fasteners

When choosing, you should pay attention to the presence of wheels in the kit. By installing the wheels on the body, you can easily move the heater to any place in the room.

The main advantage of the convector is the low heating of the device body. This allows you to install a heater for heating a wooden house.

Classification of convectors according to the heating element used

In total, three types of heating elements are used. The design of the heating element affects the possibility of using the heater.

• Needle heating element - a simple design, is a chromium-nickel heating filament located in a dielectric plate.It is covered with a special insulating varnish on top. A heater with a needle heating element is not suitable for wet rooms, since the heating element has absolutely no protection against the ingress of water, steam, condensate and other liquids. As a rule, budget models are equipped with a needle heating element.
• Tubular heating element - is made in a waterproof design. The design consists of a steel tube filled with a heat-conducting backfill, which at the same time is an insulator. To increase heat transfer, heat-distributing ribs are fixed on the sides of the heating element, which increase convection. The heaters are equipped with protection against overheating. The disadvantages of a tubular heating element are that the electric convector heats up for a long time. The operation of the device may be accompanied by sounds resembling the crackling of burning wood.
• Monolithic heater - the most economical electric convectors for heating a private house use a monolithic heating element. The body of the heating element has no seams, the work does not accompany extraneous noise. If you plan to make the electric heating of the apartment with convectors the main one, then models with a monolithic heating element are the best solution. During operation, minimal heat loss is observed. The heater efficiently and quickly heats the room. The only noticed drawback of a monolithic heating element is the high cost of the device.

For space heating using an electric convector, it is better to choose devices that have a tubular or monolithic heating element and are equipped with a built-in electronic or programmable thermostat.