Wood water heater: device, principle of operation and installation technology - Setafi

A wood-fired water heater is a separate type of heat supply system that looks like a simple iron cylinder. It has a chimney outlet, a fuel supply chamber and an outlet valve. In order for the device to work for a long time and without problems, a constant flow of water into the system is needed, which is why it is so comprehensively connected with water.

In our article, we will analyze the features of wood-fired water heating boilers and present you with a small scheme for assembling the system for your home or cottage.

Woodburning Titan Device

It is worth starting with the fact that this type of heater was used in Soviet times. Then the device had one name - Titan. From this, a synonym for a wood-burning heater has gone. It was a structure of 2 components: the lower one was a chamber for burning fuel, the upper one was a tank with liquid. A chimney was additionally installed through the top so that all combustion products were removed from the house.

The chimney was made from a steel pipe for the wood-burning boiler itself (on average, from 70 to 100 mm in diameter). Conventional Titans had the design we described above. But there were other models that had an additional chamber for collecting charcoal.

At the same time, in such wood-fired boilers, not one smoke outlet was installed, but several - of a smaller section and over the entire plane. This was necessary in order to create greater contact of water with the heaters. After all, the whole process passed not only through a steel cylinder, but also through chimneys.

The principle of operation of a wood-burning water heater, whatever the design of the model, boiled down to one:

• firewood was plunged into the chamber and set on fire;
• excess heat and gases from combustion were taken out to the street through pipes;
• the water tank was heated by the rise in the temperature of the metal walls.

To put it bluntly, the Titan was a real samovar. A simple design, but there was less benefit than from modern models, because a lot of heat was removed to the street without use. The efficiency was declining, and something had to be invented. To increase efficiency, they began to increase the height of the cylinder in order to capture more plane.

Modern design of a wood-burning water heater for a summer residence

Manufacturers of Titans are still withdrawing their products, but with some modifications. Among them are the following:

1. Heating elements are installed in the water tank instead of a wood burning chamber.
2. Not only fuel tanks are possible, but also electric ones.
3. Installing a thermostat to set the temperature correctly.

Modern devices can reduce the time for servicing the heater, so this option is very suitable even for an apartment. The presence of a heater on heating elements does not require a non-combustible substrate, does not emit carbon monoxide and can provide uninterrupted hot water supply for a whole year.

Titans are popular not only in houses and apartments, but also in railway trains. Now a gasified model of the heater is installed in the compartment, but you can also meet Soviet Titans.

Pros and cons of a wood-burning water heater

The main plus is ease of use. The whole maintenance process boils down to the fact that it is necessary to throw firewood on time. And if there is even running water in the country house, you don’t have to worry at all. Without it, you will have to carry water in buckets.

The second advantage is the strength of the wood-fired water heater. The design is primitive, all parts are cast elements. There is simply nothing to break, which is why the design is so powerful.

The third advantage is that whatever you want is suitable for fuel: from the usual coal or wood to old furniture and household waste.

Of course, there is no escape from the shortcomings of a wood-burning boiler for a summer residence:

• The larger the tank, the more time and fuel it will take to heat the water.
• The fuel supply is carried out in manual mode (unless, of course, you are a mechanical engineering guru and have not come up with automatic loading of firewood into the stove for a long time).
• Wood is a very expensive element to use as heat. Yes, and there is a lot of space for firewood. However, it can be replaced with coal or solid fuel capsules.

How to choose the right wood fired water heater

Shops offer a lot of options for water heaters, both in terms of power and scope of use. Among such an abundance, an ignorant person can easily get lost, so we will tell you everything now.

The boiler should be chosen according to the quality of the material. Usually good speakers are made of thick-walled stainless steel. The coating of some may include enamel paint. Such material allows you to achieve the desired water temperature in less time.

Check the websites or your consultant for maximum temperature readings. Some devices are capable of reaching 95 degrees. It is important that your boiler heats the water to 40 degrees for about half an hour, no more.

All seams must be strong and free of obvious weld bulges. All parts must fit tightly into the system and not hang out. Otherwise, save your money for a better purchase.

The optimal volume of the tank is an important indicator of the speed of heating water. If you need a tank for a one-room apartment, then you should not even choose a model for 90 or even 100 liters.

Having decided on the device, read all the technical documentation and installation instructions. If this option suits you - feel free to purchase!

How to make a wood-burning water heater with your own hands

Buying a heating system is expensive. And some just like to do everything around the house on their own. Believe it or not, you can make a wood-fired water heater yourself! For this we need the following details:

1. Gas cylinder or cylinder of at least size with thick walls. If you took a cylinder, then it must be empty and thoroughly washed;
2. Two pipes: the first one is for water supply (if you automate the system); the second is a chimney;
3. Durable metal grate (it is best to take cast iron);
4. Welding machine and electrodes;
5. Faucets;
6. Fasteners (it all depends on where you will put the solid fuel water heater);
7. grinding tool;
8. Drill or screwdriver with high power.

The Titanium water heater is small enough, so it can be mounted right in the house. Usually there is a place for it in the bathroom. The main prerequisite is the presence of a drain on the site. Water supply is not required if you are ready to run with buckets.

A wood fired water boiler must be installed on a non-combustible platform. The length of the protrusions: at least 15 cm from the floor and about half a meter in different directions.

Titanium ignition can only be carried out in a fully assembled and filled state. The procedure for preparing a boiler tank for heating water on wood:

1. We kindle firewood in the firebox.
2. We hold the door of the ash chamber until the flame flares up enough.
3. Close the ash pan and regulate the heat supply. The chimney, when properly adjusted, should be barely warm.
4. When you can clearly hear the water boiling in the container, the damper closes completely.
5. Close the chimney after burning wood.