Reducing the cost of operating heating systems is one of the urgent tasks of our time. To do this, you need to use economical appliances, radiators with maximum heat dissipation and a reliable piping system. As an alternative type of energy carrier, you can consider hydrogen heating at home with your own hands: a diagram, installation, boiler, generator, for which the burner has its own specific quality and design.
The principle of operation of a hydrogen heating system
The basis for the functioning of hydrogen heating at home was taken by the method of releasing a large amount of thermal energy during the interaction of hydrogen and oxygen molecules. The only by-product of this reaction is plain water. For the practical application of this principle, industrial models of hydrogen heating boilers were first developed.
They occupied a fairly large area and had a relatively low efficiency - up to 80%. As a result of the development of the company's technologies, the manufacturers carried out a number of improvements, the result of which was a hydrogen installation for heating a house.
For its operation, the following conditions must be met:
- Provide a connection to a liquid source. Most often, this is a conventional plumbing system. The consumption depends on the power of the boiler;
- Power supply. To maintain the electrolysis reaction, an electrical connection is required;
- Periodic replacement of the catalyst. The period depends on the model and power of the boiler.
Unlike solid fuel gas installations, hydrogen heating with your own hands is characterized by lower safety requirements. This is due to the fact that all reactions take place inside the installation, and the user only needs a visual control over the parameters.
In improvised installations, leakage of an oxygen-hydrogen mixture is possible. Before starting them, it is necessary to check the container for complete tightness.
What is a hydrogen generator
Alternative hydrogen heating at home can be done in another way - by generating a mixture of hydrogen and oxygen. It is a good alternative to natural gas - the average combustion temperature can reach 3000 degrees. This requires a special hydrogen heating burner that will be able to withstand such a high degree of heating.
The detailed diagram consists of the following elements:
- An efficient hydrogen generator for heating that processes the mixture by breaking down water into its constituents. Catalysts are also used to optimize the reaction;
- Burner piping from generator. Needed to create open flames;
- Boiler. In this case, it acts as a heat exchanger. The burner is located in the firebox and with its help the heat carrier in the system is heated.
In order to make hydrogen heating boilers with their own hands, they most often do the modernization of already installed equipment according to the above scheme. In financial terms, this is much more economical than buying a factory boiler. However, the area that will be occupied by the hydrogen plant intended for heating the house is increasing.
Pros and cons of hydrogen heating systems
For each consumer, the operational characteristics of the heating device are of great importance. Do-it-yourself factory installations and hydrogen heating boilers differ in efficiency. You can find several working schemes that you can assemble yourself. But at the same time, their calculated power will differ from the actual one, and the efficiency indicator often does not exceed 75-80%. That is why the organization of hydrogen heating with your own hands is recommended to be done with the help of reliable boilers or factory-made generators.
Consider the positive qualities of heating devices, in which a hydrogen-oxygen mixture acts as a heat carrier:
- Virtually unlimited fuel reserves. To refuel a hydrogen heating boiler, ordinary water is needed:
- Low power consumption. For the operation of a 27 kW unit, it is necessary to provide a maximum volume of electricity of 0.3 kW / h:
- Lack of harmful carbon monoxide gases. During the combustion of the hydrogen-oxygen mixture, only a small amount of water vapor is released.
Experts know that when a hydrogen generator is operating for heating, the resulting gas is referred to the group of explosives. It is odorless and colorless - it is impossible for a person to determine its presence and concentration in a room. The ignition temperature is 540 degrees, which makes it explosive. That is why self-made installations must be checked for correct operation.
When purchasing a hydrogen heating generator, it is recommended to inquire about the availability of a boiler or heat exchanger designed for it. It must be designed to withstand the elevated temperatures typical of a hydrogen mixture.
The limiting factor in purchasing a factory-made generator for factory-made heating is its cost. The most popular model Star 1.1 with a capacity of 27 kW can be purchased for 50 thousand rubles. Also, at least once a year, it is necessary to replace the catalyst unit designed to increase the efficiency of a hydrogen heating boiler, even made by hand.
In the future, the hydrogen heating system will seriously compete with the traditional one in the near future. This will be facilitated by a reduction in the cost of equipment, as well as an increase in its efficiency.
Equipment
To create a full-fledged heating system, in addition to a hydrogen generator, other components are needed. Since the device in question is only a source of fuel, it is necessary to select the rest of the equipment correctly. The classical scheme of a hydrogen generator for heating provides for connection to the water supply system, as well as the mandatory provision of air. Therefore, in the room where the generator will be installed, first of all, it is necessary to organize constant access to these components.
Hydrogen burner
First you need to choose the right hydrogen burner for heating. It is best to purchase or make yourself a model that includes 4 nozzles. For this, components designed for natural gas are suitable. The diameter of the nozzle of which nozzles will be sufficient to maintain the combustion process.
Hydrogen boiler
It is necessary to organize the process of transferring heat energy from the burner flame to the water in the pipes. For this, you can use any solid fuel boiler. Since its firebox will not be used for its intended purpose - it can be filled with granite stones, they will perform several functions at once.
- Uniform distribution of heat from a DIY hydrogen heating boiler to a coolant;
- Even after the combustion of the mixture stops, the accumulated thermal energy will be transferred from the granite to the water in the pipes for some time;
- Protection of the heat exchanger of a hydrogen installation, designed to heat the house from direct exposure to flame. This will significantly increase the service life.
By installing a flame sensor on the burner, the safety of the entire system can be increased. In case of unexpected attenuation, the sensor will send a signal to the generator to stop the flow of the mixture into the burner.
Tips for arranging hydrogen heating
All other self-installed hydrogen heating elements are no different from the standard scheme. The only additional requirement for them is the ability to perform their functions at an increased operating temperature. Since according to the scheme of a hydrogen generator for heating, the maximum flame temperature can reach 3000 degrees, it is necessary to provide measures to stabilize the heating of the coolant. One of them is the above-described loading of stones into the furnace of a solid fuel boiler. It is also recommended to do the following modernization of the hydrogen heating boiler.
- Install temperature sensors inside the heat exchanger. They will signal when the water heating level is exceeded;
- Add an automatic shut-off valve connected to the boiler temperature sensor to the hydrogen burner device.
Self-upgrading of the hydrogen heating generator is prohibited. This will increase the likelihood of the generated oxygen-hydrogen mixture leaking into the room.
Since hydrogen heating at home with your own hands, namely: circuit, installation, boiler, generator, burner and other components are available in a small assortment - it is recommended to contact only trusted manufacturers. These include Star Industries, whose products are designed for both private homes and large industrial and commercial buildings. You can see their model by watching the video.
