Steam-drip heaters: principle of operation, pros and cons, operating features


Design and principle of operation of steam-drip heaters

This type of heater belongs to the group of “electric convectors”, that is, to heating devices, the operation of which initiates convective air flows in the heated room - the air in contact with the body of the unit heats up and rises, being replaced by a colder one.

Steam-drip heaters: principle of operation, pros and cons, operating features
Movement of convective currents initiated by a wall heater

The basis of the design of steam-drip heaters is a needle-type heating element. The tubular heater is mounted in the lower part of a sealed cast iron, steel or aluminum tank with water, ethanol or methanol, filled above the level of the heating element, the needle-shaped design of which does not require a large amount of liquid.

Steam-drip heaters: principle of operation, pros and cons, operating features
Schematic cross-sectional representation of the operation of a vapor-drip heater

The container in the PKN body is installed at an angle - the deviation of the plane of its base from the horizontal is approximately 20 degrees.

When the device is turned on, the water is heated by the heating element to boiling temperature within a few minutes and begins to evaporate, filling the free volume of the container with steam.

Hot steam under pressure, contacting the metal walls at the top of the tank, condenses on them, releasing thermal energy. Due to the high thermal conductivity of the metal, heat is transferred to the layers of air closest to the heater, initiating convection in the room, and the condensate in the tank flows along the inclined walls to its lower part and, again heated by the heating element, evaporates again.

Steam-drip heaters: principle of operation, pros and cons, operating features
Scheme of coolant circulation in a vapor-drip heater

Thus, two coolants are involved in the heat transfer process - water and steam, but the temperature of the liquid does not exceed 100 degrees, and the steam in the tank can heat up to 120, so the upper part of the PKN is always hotter during operation.

To increase the intensity of heat transfer in most PKN models, the upper part of the liquid reservoir is made in the form of multi-section blocks of narrow sections with additional external fins, which significantly increases the heat transfer area.

Important! The volume of the vapor-drip heater tank, free of liquid, is filled with technical vacuum, so the transition of the coolant from liquid to steam when heated occurs without boiling, that is, silently.

Pros and cons of equipment

Steam-drip heating devices are technically simple products. They are characterized by the following positive features:

Air drip heater

  1. No components requiring expensive repairs or replacement.
  2. Long service life. For some models it is up to 30 years.
  3. Environmentally friendly work. The equipment does not dry out the air, has no odor, does not emit harmful substances and does not burn oxygen.
  4. Despite working under pressure, automation guarantees safety in using the equipment.
  5. The materials from which the PKN are made are not subject to corrosion.
  6. The units do not freeze or burst in winter due to the limited volume of water inside.
  7. Although the heater is sealed, it operates at minimum pressure, so explosions are excluded.
  8. Good corrosion protection. Parts of the devices are made of stainless metals and their alloys.
  9. Energy savings compared to other heaters reach 50%.
  10. No installation of gas, electricity or water meters is required.
  11. The devices operate without additional control from the owner.

Among the disadvantages, it is worth noting the rather high price and the relatively unsafe connection between water and electric current.

Technical characteristics and types of steam condensate heaters

The main criterion when choosing a PKN is the power required to heat a room of a specific area and volume. For household models of steam-drip heaters, this parameter ranges from 0.5 to 2.0 kW. Accordingly, in regions with a temperate climate, if there is effective external insulation of the building envelope, a PKN with a power of 1.5 kW will provide heating for a room of up to 15 square meters.

Steam-drip heaters: principle of operation, pros and cons, operating features
Options for the location of wall-mounted PKN in residential premises

Designing various models of steam-drip heaters requires an accurate calculation of the ratios of the power of the needle heating element, the surface area of ​​the unit body, taking into account the fins and the amount of coolant used in the tank.

The maximum PKN power of 2 kW was chosen for safety reasons. Based on this value, the volume of the tank, the amount of liquid poured into it, and the heat transfer area are calculated. The ratio of these parameters should ensure effective steam generation in the container at a safe steam pressure (no more than 0.07 mPa), a housing surface temperature of no more than 115 degrees, and the location of the needle heating element is always below the liquid level - even when the heater is operating in maximum normal mode.

Important! Correctly performed calculation of the ratios of the power of the heating element, the amount of coolant, the volume of the tank and the heat transfer area of ​​the housing makes it possible not to equip the PKN with a safety valve for releasing excess pressure. At the same time, for safety reasons, devices with a power above 1.5 kW are manufactured with increased strength characteristics and are intended mainly for industrial premises.

Steam-drip heaters: principle of operation, pros and cons, operating features
Steam-drip heaters are multi-section batteries with an electronic control unit, with a power of 1.5, 0.9 and 0.5 kW.

Steam-drip heaters, as mentioned above, are divided into household devices and units for industrial use.

Devices for industrial use are more powerful and, accordingly, their dimensions are larger. When producing such units, aesthetics are relegated to the background, giving way to operational efficiency, housing strength and security of the control system, as well as the power cable.

Steam-drip heaters: principle of operation, pros and cons, operating features
Steam condensate heaters for industrial use

However, even industrial steam-drip heaters of modern models have an above-average class of exterior finish, which allows them to be used in everyday life without damaging the interior of the room.

Steam-drip heaters: principle of operation, pros and cons, operating features
Steam condensate heaters of increased power BHeat Air 3000 with a power of 3 kW for industrial use - heating rooms up to 30 sq. m.

Modern PKN heaters, both for domestic and industrial purposes, are equipped with a safety system (automatic shutdown when the bimetallic plate overturns or overheats) and temperature control - a thermostat that operates on the basis of data from a temperature sensor, either standard or additionally installed with your own hands in the actual zone of the room - according to When the set temperature in this zone is reached, the heater will turn off.

Steam-drip heaters: principle of operation, pros and cons, operating features
Steam-condensate heater with an electronic control system unit equipped with a liquid crystal display

Based on their location, PKN models are divided into floor-mounted, wall-mounted and universal. The principle of operation of devices of all these designs is the same; heat transfer from the units is produced by both sides of the panel.

Floor-standing units are equipped with support legs that provide a stable position on a horizontal plane, or a platform with wheels that facilitate movement.

Important! If a permanent location has been determined for the unit, but there is a fear of tipping over, then the supports can be fixed to the floor with self-tapping screws after dismantling the wheels.

In the event of an unexpected overturning of the heater, an automatic network disconnection device will operate, and the relatively low temperature of the housing will not cause a fire.

Steam-drip heaters: principle of operation, pros and cons, operating features
Floor-standing model of a steam-drip domestic heater with holes in the supports for fastening to the floor with self-tapping screws

Wall-mounted models have holes on one side of the panel for brackets that secure the unit to the wall. The design and size of the brackets ensure that the PKN is located at a distance of 7-10 cm from the supporting base, which reduces the thermal effect of the heater on the wall and does not interfere with air convection from the back of the device. The section of the wall located behind the installed heater must be additionally equipped with thermal protection made of heat-resistant material.

Steam-drip heaters: principle of operation, pros and cons, operating features
Wall mounted steam condensate heater

The design of the PKN with a universal location allows you to install support legs on them or mount them on the wall. The effectiveness of a particular method of application depends on the specific operating conditions.

Steam-drip heaters: principle of operation, pros and cons, operating features
PKN models for universal placement - for use on the floor or placement on the wall

Comparative analysis

The device is positioned by manufacturers as a new product. The cost of the product per unit of power of 1 kW reaches prices in the range from 12 to 16 thousand rubles. The cost of electric convectors with standard filling is significantly lower. The unit price per 1 kW of oil heater power also has lower values. It is difficult at this stage to analyze energy savings due to reduced energy consumption and high levels of efficiency. Statistical data over a long period of operation is required.

This electric heater has a right to exist and may, over time, compete with other heating systems. The principle of high-quality heat removal and the list of advantages allow us to consider vapor-drip heaters as a new direction in space heating.

About the advantages and disadvantages

A steam-drip heater is an electric heating device, but the process of transferring thermal energy from the heating element to the heating surface is carried out in it using steam, just like the process of heat transfer in steam heating systems. Therefore, steam-drip heaters have the same advantages and disadvantages as a steam heating system:

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Speaking about the disadvantages, it should be noted that steam devices cannot be considered safe, and when choosing them for heating a house, it is better to install such devices in a safe place.

Principle of operation

Do-it-yourself vapor-drip heater video instructions

A vapor-drip heater, the principle of operation of which should be known to you if you are planning to make it yourself, functions by converting electrical energy in a closed cyclic space. Ultimately, thermal energy is obtained by heating a limited amount of water. Afterwards it turns into steam, which occurs in the hermetic cavity of the heating compartment. The steam condenses, gives off heat, and water flows down the inclined internal surfaces, entering the heating element. In this part, the liquid is converted back into vapor. In general, it can be noted that such pipeless heating systems represent a calculated number of steam-drip heaters distributed over the area of ​​the premises. In this case, the heating composition of the equipment is combined into one electrical network, the functioning of which is regulated by electronic control.

How it works: device and principle of operation

The vapor-drip heater consists of the following elements:

  • heat exchanger, which is insulated inside the device;
  • from an electric heating device located at the bottom of the heater;
  • block with control system.

When the heater operates, it undergoes the process of converting water into steam. Let's take a closer look at the operating principle of a vapor-drip heater:

  • The heating element, which is powered from the network, heats the water;
  • under the influence of heat, water turns into steam;
  • the rising steam heats the body and gives off its heat to the room;
  • after which the procedure is repeated, since water in the form of condensate again enters the heating element.

Device structure

The structure of vapor-drip systems differs markedly from conventional heat exchangers. The main difference is in the heat pipes.

Do-it-yourself vapor-drip heater video instructions

The tube is a device for transferring heat from a compartment with hot water to another compartment with cold water. It is considered a perfect part for heat transfer.

The device can produce a much larger volume of heat compared to a conventional heating system. And all this is available in small dimensions. As mentioned above, steam heaters are identical in size to traditional radiators.

Water in a steam-drip heater

As mentioned earlier, when a vapor-drip heater operates, water is heated inside a sealed cylinder. In this case, water acts as a coolant, which allows us to draw an analogy between steam drippers and water heating radiators. Probably, it was the participation of water in the operation of the heater and the transfer of heat from its source to the heating surface with the help of steam that became the reason for the name of these devices as pipeless heaters, but this is only the assumption of the author of the article.

It is understood that the operation of the heater is controlled automatically using a thermostat, which turns off the power supply when the air in the room is heated above a set value. At the same time, it is possible to control the heating process, choosing comfortable conditions and eliminating wasteful energy consumption.

Unfortunately, in the presentation of the NPO “Volgograd Energy Saving Technologies”, as well as in the technical documentation attached to it, the manufacturer does not provide any explanation regarding the amount of water used in the device and only refers to the fact that it (the amount) is determined by calculation.

Meanwhile, the cylinder design is not supplemented with a relief valve in the event of an uncontrolled steam formation process, which occurs, for example, when the thermostat fails and the heating element overheats. It can be assumed that the manufacturers’ assurances of the high reliability of the drip heater are somewhat exaggerated.

The presence of water in a steam-drip heater can cause its failure when the device is not working in winter in an unheated room: the water will freeze and simply crush the cylinder. True, manufacturers assure that this will not happen, citing the small volume of liquid used, but again, there is no specific information on this issue in the technical documentation.

Nuances of the work

A cover is installed on the metal pipe, to which a pipe of not too large diameter is fixed. On the other hand, it is necessary to prevent air from entering. The result should be a design that allows you to regulate heat generation. The device can use not only water as a heat agent, but also other liquids such as low-boiling oil.

The master must create a steam-condensate sealed housing, which is installed on support posts. You must create a heating chamber with liquid, inside which is installed a housing of an electric heating element with conductive leads. They should be fixed to the end wall of the housing; the heating chamber should be located at an angle to the horizontal so that the heating element is located in the chamber below the surface level of the heating agent.

About the efficiency of a vapor-drip heater

In the advertising campaign to promote steam-drip heaters, special emphasis is placed on high efficiency of 98%. Indeed, if you compare these devices with water heating radiators (both contain water), the efficiency is really impressive, but when compared with electric heaters, which also have an efficiency of 96-98%, this device does not stand out in any way.

It is for this reason that you should not count on the highly efficient and economical operation of paradrip heaters: the thermal effect during their operation and the operation of any other electric heaters of equal power will be equal.

Indeed, steam drippers will provide more comfortable heat compared to traditional heaters, because the temperature of their heat exchanger is lower and is 100-120C.

But they are unlikely to be able to compete with the new generation of infrared heaters, the heat exchanger of which also provides a comfortable heat flow, and the devices themselves can also be attached to the ceiling surface, and this is a completely different approach to the issue of heating and the ability to create more comfortable conditions in the room.

Application

Steam-drip heaters are more suitable as an additional heating method. They can be used both in ordinary residential buildings and in industrial buildings, offices and hospitals. PKN is perfect for institutions that are characterized by intermittent, periodic use: clubs, country houses, hotels, recreation centers, etc. It can also be installed on a loggia.

However, the question arises about its high cost compared to other devices.

So. Opinions about steam-drip heaters are very contradictory. Some call it a “miracle of modern technology,” others are inclined to believe that conventional heaters are no worse, but are much cheaper.

We tried to evaluate the device as impartially as possible, and the choice, as always, is yours.

Operation and maintenance of vapor-drip systems

Steam-drip heaters do not require regular maintenance. The device is ready for use immediately after installation and connection to the power supply.

In order to fulfill the warranty obligations in full, it is not recommended to disassemble the device yourself. Detected deviations in the operation of the device are eliminated in specialized service centers.

Attention! Clean water or high-quality non-freezing liquid is used as a coolant.

Uninterrupted operation of the electrical appliance for a long time is ensured by proper care and compliance with fire safety measures.

Caring for the device consists of fulfilling the following requirements:

  1. Before leaving, you must disconnect the device from the power supply.
  2. Periodically wet clean the surface of the device. When cleaning, use a slightly damp cloth. Make sure the cabinet is completely cool before cleaning.
  3. For cleaning, it is not allowed to use rags with hard bristles.
  4. Cleaning products must not contain abrasives.

The manufacturer issues a warranty for each purchased model. During the warranty period, repairs are carried out at the expense of the manufacturer.

How effective are vapor-drip heaters?

Electric convectors have energy consumption that is equal to thermal power, this leads to certain design limitations. So 1 kW is capable of providing about 0.1 m2 of heat output, and the temperature of which the heating element will have will be approximately 350 degrees. When high-temperature air passes through a hot radiator, the atmosphere in the room becomes too dry, and this can cause some discomfort. Expanding the space will not help in this situation, since the temperature will also have to be increased.


Steam-drip heaters provide high heat transfer

As for vapor pressure, it has the following indicators:

  • Thermal power relative to electrical power is 3 times greater;
  • The efficiency level is 98%;
  • The temperature of the coolant can vary from 70 to 120 degrees;
  • The humidity in the room remains acceptable.

For this reason, such a heater can be installed in any room, even in a school or hospital. In addition, the installation can be used as a backup option, however, the price of such a unit is much higher than that of.

Advantages of a steam-drip electric heater

Such a device completely safely tolerates freezing of the coolant fluid. After the temperature rises to positive values, the water simply thaws. After this, the heater can be used as usual. In addition, the device has the following advantages:

  1. The safety of freezing allows you to use such devices in non-residential premises that you rarely visit during the cold season: cottage, garage, workshop, loggia, etc.
  2. The tightness of the structure and the absence of oxygen in the middle prevents the heater from rusting from the inside.
  3. Even the most efficient steam-drip electric heaters have relatively low power. This, together with the small amount of water used, reduces the likelihood of a spontaneous explosion to a negligible minimum.
  4. Durability. On average, a heater lasts about 30 years.
  5. Do not dehydrate the air in the room. This same property allows devices to work more efficiently as heat accumulators.

Comparison of vapor-drip heaters (left) and conventional electric heaters (right)

If your home is fully equipped with vapor-drip heaters, you will be able to control the temperature in individual rooms literally manually. For example, turn down the heat on the sunny side or in a room where you rarely visit. This will save energy and adjust the atmosphere in the house to your own preferences.

Attention! Among other things, the steam-drip type of heater is used as a second heating line to enhance one of the traditional heating systems

Where to start assembling an electric heater with your own hands

The most effective form for such a radiator is a pipe:

  • provides maximum heat transfer;
  • promotes the freest movement of coolant from the heating area to the heat transfer area.

Factory models look like a familiar radiator, consisting of several such pipes. At home, it is also rational to make a heater of a similar design.

Before you begin assembling the device yourself, carefully read the finished diagram and instructions for it, taken as a basis. Follow the instructions exactly as it concerns electricity. Pay increased attention to safety. For a vapor-drip heater you will need:

  • pipe made of corrosion-resistant metal - copper, aluminum;
  • a small diameter tube made of the same material;
  • cover for it;
  • water valve;
  • wire made of corrosion-resistant metal;
  • welding machine.

Attention! The design of a vapor-drip heater is simple, but it will require you to be able to use welding and have electrical knowledge. If you are not confident in your abilities, it is safer not to take on the construction of a homemade heater.

Assembling a steam-drip heater in stages

The whole process will require time, care, scrupulousness and diligence:

Drip heating of a private house

Externally, a vapor-drip heater resembles a regular radiator

  1. Take a prepared piece of pipe. Brew it tightly on one side.
  2. Close the section with a lid at the opposite end. A narrow diameter tube should be attached to it. Through it the heater will be filled with liquid.
  3. Attach a valve to the narrow tube. With its help, during operation you will control the gases accumulating in the device. The material from which the valve is made must be compatible with the material of the pipe.
  4. Assemble the electrical base of the heater according to the diagram. It involves the presence of a wick, most often made of stainless wire. However, aluminum is not suitable for these purposes. The elements are intertwined and welded. You can make a mesh out of foam or felt.

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Attention! A low-power heating element can be bought in a store. Choose a model with a temperature regulator.

Another version of a vapor-drip heater involves its manufacture on the basis of a ready-made water heating radiator, which has threaded holes. In order for such a device to be fixed in a vertical position, it should be attached to a frame with flat supports or legs (it can be welded from angle steel). The thread in such a radiator most likely will not match the thread of the purchased heating element. To combine, you will need an adapter. Sealant should be used in all connections. Careful assembly and careful operation will help you save up to 70% on the purchase of a factory model.

Battery-based vapor-drip heater

There are quite interesting schemes for the manufacture of this equipment. For example, a simple steam-drip heater can be made from an old cast-iron battery. The task here is simple - you need to build a heating element into it and fill it with water so that it covers the heating element. The design should be as tight as possible.

A homemade heater made from a heating battery will disappoint you with its long heating time, but will delight you with its long-term heat retention even after the device is turned off. The vapor-drop principle of operation will allow you to avoid an increase in pressure when heating water and rupture of the resulting apparatus when it freezes. That is, if you fill the battery with water to capacity, it will burst when it freezes.

Battery-based vapor-drip heater

A battery-based vapor-drip heater will become relevant for a country house, which is often left without residents and can freeze through in the winter.

The task of the designer of a steam-drip heater is to integrate a heating element inside an old radiator. But one more problem needs to be solved - to build a thermoregulation system. The easiest way is to purchase a heating element with a built-in thermostat. But it will monitor the water temperature, and we don't need that. Therefore, we choose the second option - we buy the simplest mechanical room thermostat.

A room thermostat monitors the temperature in the room. Being equipped with a contact group, it will ensure that the heating element is turned off. You can also implement manual temperature control using an ordinary switch. Please note that thermostats and switches must be able to withstand the voltages and currents in the electrical circuit.

From steel pipe

Before you start making a vapor-drip heater, you need to find a ready-made diagram and carefully study it. In addition, it is important to ensure maximum safety, since the slightest inaccuracy can lead to electric shock.

To make your own vapor-drip battery, you will need the following materials and tools:

  • a piece of pipe made of metal that is resistant to corrosion (aluminum, copper and others);
  • a small diameter tube made of a similar material and a lid for it;
  • water valve;
  • a piece of stainless alloy wire;
  • welding machine.

All materials used can be easily found in any hardware store in the locality. They are quite expensive, but the device will need a small amount of them.

The work of assembling the heater is simple, but requires the ability to work with welding and electricity. If you are not sure that you can cope with such a task, then it is better to seek help from a specialist or abandon the homemade device.

Video about an electric heater:

Assembling the heater is carried out in several simple steps:

  1. A pre-prepared piece of metal pipe is carefully welded on one side. In this case, the seam should be tight and as smooth as possible.
  2. A lid is attached to the opposite edge.
  3. A small diameter tube is mounted to it, which will serve to fill the apparatus with coolant.
  4. A water valve is connected to it. Thanks to it, you can not only control the flow of liquid into the device, but also monitor the accumulating vapors. The valve must be made of an alloy compatible with the material of the pipe on which it is installed.
  5. The electrical part of the device is assembled according to the selected circuit. It must have a stainless wire wick.

Self-production of PKN

The high cost of steam-condensate heaters, despite the apparent simplicity of the principle of operation, gives rise to the temptation to make such a unit yourself, taking into account the modern availability of materials, components and tools.

Indeed, today steam-drip heaters are often made by hand - the materials and components for their assembly can be easily found on sale. But it is not realistic to produce such units at home only after reading the instructions and recommendations - there are quite a lot of designs of such devices, and the manufacturing technology of each has individual characteristics. In this case, it is necessary to have not only general skills in installation and welding, but also practical experience specifically in the manufacture of PCNs.

In addition, assembling a low-power vapor-drip heater is impractical - there are many other types of inexpensive heating devices, industrially manufactured, that will cope with heating a home better and safer. And a homemade high-performance unit is not so aesthetically pleasing that it can be used to heat a home.

Steam-drip heaters: principle of operation, pros and cons, operating features
Homemade PKN from a steel pipe with a 500 W heating element

The heating register shown above, operating on the steam-drip type, can serve as a visual aid to the question of how to make a PKN yourself

The unit is assembled from four “stream” fragments made of a steel pipe with a diameter of 50 mm and plug-plates made of sheet steel. A heating element is installed in the lower “stream”, equipped with a pipe. At the top of the register there is a plug with a valve through which a mixture of water and antifreeze was poured into the radiator and air under pressure was released when the device was first turned on.

Steam-drip heaters: principle of operation, pros and cons, operating features
Schematic cross-sectional representation of the PKN device

The lower “stream” is filled with coolant, which evaporates when heated. The steam fills all the free space of the “streams”, gives off heat to the walls of the radiator and condenses on them, then flowing back down to the heating element.

The design of the PKN may be simpler, but this does not eliminate the need for specific professional skills.

Steam-drip heaters: principle of operation, pros and cons, operating features
Homemade PKN single-strand steel pipe design

Important! The lack of vacuum in a homemade radiator causes boiling of the coolant, accompanied by a certain noise when the unit operates.

Build and Upgrade Processes

To assemble a vapor-drip heater, you will need a grinder and a welding machine. We cut off the main pipe (we will use one pipe), set it at a given angle. We align the lower part vertically and brew it - the heating element will cut into it. We also weld the upper part, but do not forget to weld a tube with a ball valve to it. Or better yet, two taps - water will flow in through one, and the air it displaces will come out through the second.

You can also pour water into the heater immediately after brewing the lower part and inserting the heating element. Make sure that the coolant covers the heating element completely, otherwise it will fail. That is why a self-made device must be sealed to prevent loss of coolant and exposure of the heating element.

We place the finished structure in a heated room near a window. Let's start testing - connect the heater to the mains. After a few minutes, the water will boil, steam will begin to be released, which will condense in the upper cold part of the pipe and flow back down the inclined wall. The vapor-drip principle of operation will ensure rapid heating of the device with minimal losses.

To increase heat transfer, you can play with the amount of water (relevant for those who have provided valves). Its quantity is not specified anywhere, so you need to act experimentally. There is another way to increase heating efficiency - it involves creating a thin metal casing with lower and upper slotted holes. In this case, the vapor-drip heater will create convection currents that quickly warm up the room.

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When creating a vapor-drip heater with your own hands, be careful - use a welding mask and protective gloves. Pay special attention to electrical connections - only reliable connections without sparks or other special effects. Do not forget to connect and ground the assembled device.

Self-production of PKN

The high price of steam-condensate heating devices, despite the apparent simplicity of the principle of operation, gives rise to the temptation to make such a device on your own, keeping in mind the modern availability of materials, parts and tools.

In fact, today steam-drip heating devices are often made with your own hands - the materials and components for their assembly can be easily found on sale. But making such units at home solely after reading the instructions and advice is not real - there are a lot of designs for these devices, and the production technology of each has characteristic features. In this case, you need to have not only general installation and welding skills, but also functional experience specifically in the manufacture of PCNs.

Moreover, assembling a low-power vapor-drip heater is impractical - there are many other types of inexpensive heaters, industrially manufactured, that will cope with heating a home better and safer. And a handmade, high-performance device is not very aesthetically pleasing to use for heating a home.

Handmade PKN made of steel pipe with a 500 W tubular heater

The heating register shown above, operating according to the steam-drip type, will serve as a visual aid to questions on how to perform PKN yourself

The device is assembled from four parts - “streams”, made of a steel pipe with a diameter of 50 mm and plug-plates made of steel on a sheet base. A tubular-type heating element is built into the lower “stream”, equipped with a piece of pipe. At the top of the register there is a plug with a valve, through which a mixture of water and antifreeze was poured into the heating device and air under pressure was released when the device was first turned on.

Schematic cross-sectional representation of the PKN device

The lower “stream” is filled with a coolant, which evaporates when heated. Steam fills all the empty space of the “streams”, gives off heat to the walls of the heating device and condenses on them, then flowing back down to the tubular heater.

The design of the PKN may be very simple, but this does not eliminate the need for certain professional skills.

Homemade PKN single-strand steel pipe design

Important! The lack of vacuum in a homemade radiator causes boiling of the coolant, accompanied by a certain noise during operation of the unit

Safety precautions

Any homemade or factory-made device, especially one powered by electric current, poses a threat to human life and health. Therefore, when manufacturing it, you should provide for all possible emergency situations and try to reduce the risk of their occurrence.

Making steam-drip heaters with your own hands
To protect yourself from unpleasant situations, you must follow safety rules

Basic safety measures when operating steam-drip batteries:

  1. Before turning on the device, it is necessary to study in detail the principle of its operation.
  2. It is prohibited to use the heater at voltages that do not correspond to the technical characteristics of the device.
  3. It is not recommended to cover or block the device with any object. Such carelessness can cause overheating and damage.
  4. Do not place the vapor-drip heater next to pieces of furniture. High temperatures can harm them and ruin their appearance.
  5. It is strictly forbidden to use the device in areas where paint, fuel and other flammable materials are stored. Neglecting this rule can lead to fire and all the serious consequences associated with it.
  6. While the device is operating, do not touch it with your hands. Otherwise, there is a high probability of getting burned from the hot surface.
  7. If you need to move the device to another location, you must first disconnect it from the power supply and cool it to room temperature.
  8. Do not dry clothes on a heater.
  9. Avoid getting any foreign objects into the inside of the device.
  10. The heater can only be used far from water. In addition, even the slightest exposure to moisture should be prevented. If water accidentally gets on the device, you must immediately turn off the power and only then remove the liquid.
  11. It is prohibited to plug into a power outlet a steam-drip heater that has a damaged cord or plug. Otherwise, there is a risk of electric shock.
  12. It is not recommended to use extension cords.

More details about the vapor-drip heater:

A vapor-drip heater is a useful and necessary device in the household. With its help, you can quickly heat the room and make your stay as comfortable as possible. In addition, you can make such a device with your own hands. This will not only save money, but will also allow you to gain experience in similar work, which may be needed in the future.

Common models

Among the equipment that can be purchased in our country, there are several popular models. Among them, it is worth noting the following technique:

  1. BHeat Air-4 with a power of 0.7 kW. Energy consumption is 280 watts. With a small weight (5.7 kg) and dimensions (375x90x580 mm), it heats a room with an area of ​​7-21 m². This comfortable device is liked by customers for its efficiency.
  2. The BHeat Air-6 kilowatt heater is larger, heavier and uses more energy (400 W). But the size of the serviced premises is also larger - from 10 to 30 m².
  3. The power of the BHeat Air 2000 unit is 1 thousand watts, dimensions are 890x106x245 mm, weight is 12 kilograms. The heated area is close to 20 m². This model has a function to maintain a given temperature, which allows you to save resources, as well as an electronic control system. The device is protected from overheating and freezing.
  4. About 30 square meters will be served by the BHeat Air 3000 product with dimensions 1310x106x245 mm and weight 18 kg. Its power is 1500 watts. It has modes for supporting parameters and saving the latest settings.
  5. The thirty-kilogram BHeat Air 5000 unit is designed for 2.5 kilowatts and an area of ​​up to 50 m². It weighs 30 kg. It is distinguished by simple installation and the ability to control via radio channel.
  6. The compact heater PKN-3−0.5−4 will efficiently heat up to 17 m² of area.
  7. Up to 20 m², this figure will increase for the PKN-3−0.6−6 model by 0.6 kilowatts. Its size is 550x600x80 mm, weight - 8 kilograms.
  8. The PKN-3−1.2−12 device has a power of 1.2 kW, weight 15 kg and dimensions 1000x600x80 mm. The heated room can be up to 40 m² in area.

A vapor-drip heater will provide comfortable conditions in the house and significantly save money due to energy efficiency. The absence of expensive repairs and service will reduce family expenses, and the long service life will not necessitate the purchase of a new device. All this speaks in favor of convenient and effective new generation devices.

Comparison with other heating systems

If you are making a comparative comparison of equipment intended for heating rooms for efficiency, you can refer to the data in the table. It indicates the size of the costs at the stage of installing heating equipment (the calculation is carried out relative to a house with an area of ​​150 m2).

Energy sourceInternal equipment costsExternal equipment costsConstruction costsTotalBoiler room area, m3
A gas boilerGas114 0006000014000031400010
Liquid fuelHeating oil1030002400014000026700010
Electric boilerElectricity120000100014000026100010
Heat pumpHeat from the ground, electricity22400043000034000099400010
Steam-drip heaterElectricity204000204000

Comparative characteristics of the amount of costs in total value for periods.

Costs per seasonCosts per yearCosts over three yearsAverage cost per kWCosts per 1 m2
A gas boiler113403250003476803,062318
Liquid fuel718203388204824604,253 216
Electric boiler680403290404651204,13 101
Heat pump18400101240010492009,256995
Steam-drip heater189002228002606001,61 225

Gas heating

Gas heating is an old and proven solution for heating a home, but it has a number of significant disadvantages:

  1. Extremely expensive to purchase and install. Despite the modest figures in the calculations of gas supply organizations, the actual total cost of introducing gas heating (including the gasification project, supplying gas to the border of the site, routing heating system pipes and installing batteries, installing a heating unit with a boiler, meters and other related equipment) fluctuates around 1 million rubles or more.
  2. Requires approval of a large amount of documentation, technical specifications and boiler installation project.
  3. Requires the involvement of a specialized organization in the installation of equipment and subsequent monitoring of the correct connection of the equipment.
  4. In addition, many people forget that in addition to gas payments, it is also necessary to pay monthly for monitoring and maintenance of the gas heating system by the gas supply organization.
  5. Don’t forget that gas is not available everywhere, and even where the pipe runs nearby, the promises of gas workers “we’ll connect it soon” often remain unfulfilled for years.

It should be borne in mind that the use of a close alternative - liquid or solid fuel boilers - also requires the ability to handle equipment, compliance with fire safety and requirements for chimney systems in order to avoid poisoning by combustion products.

Price

The price depends on the power, simplicity of the device, and the area of ​​the heated room.

The cheapest options are represented by the following models:

  • BHeat Air-4 - 9,500 rubles.
  • BHeat Air-6 - 10,400 rubles.
  • Bheat Air 1000 - 10,500 rubles.
  • Bheat Air 1500 - 12,000 rubles.
  • PKN-3-0.5-4 - 12,100 rubles.
  • BHeat Air 2000 - 12,240 rubles.
  • PKN-3-0.6-6 - 13,200 rubles.

And more expensive options:

  • BHeat Air 3000 - 16,200 rubles.
  • PKN-3-1.2-12 - 16,500 rubles.
  • Bheat Air 4000 - 22,100 rubles.
  • BHeat Air 5000 - 23,490 rubles.
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