There are several heating options available to keep our homes toasty and comfortable during the winter. One well-liked option is the oil radiator, a dependable and effective appliance that has long been a mainstay in many homes. However, how does this seemingly straightforward device function?
An oil radiator functions primarily on one simple principle: convection heating. There’s a reservoir within the radiator that holds a particular kind of oil. By absorbing and holding onto heat produced by an electric heating element situated at the radiator’s base, this oil serves as a heat reservoir. The oil receives thermal energy from the element as it heats up, and the oil radiates heat into the surrounding area.
The capacity of oil radiators to sustain a steady and pleasant temperature for an extended amount of time is what distinguishes them from other kinds of heaters. Oil radiators provide a soft, consistent heat that doesn’t produce drafts or dry out the air, in contrast to certain heaters that only use hot air to heat a space. This makes them especially attractive to people looking for a more cozy and allergy-free heating option.
The efficiency of oil radiators is one of their main benefits. The heating element in the radiator turns on and off to maintain the ideal temperature once the oil reaches that point. Unlike heaters that run nonstop, this implies that the radiator doesn’t need to draw power continuously, saving energy.
In understanding how oil radiators work, it"s important to grasp their simple yet effective principle. These heaters consist of metal columns or fins filled with oil. When you turn the radiator on, the heating element at the base warms up the oil. As the oil heats up, it circulates throughout the columns, transferring heat to the metal surface. The metal then radiates this warmth into the room, heating the air around it. This process continues until the desired temperature is reached. Unlike some other types of heaters, oil radiators don"t rely on forced airflow, making them quieter and less likely to dry out the air. They"re also portable and energy-efficient, making them a popular choice for heating smaller spaces or supplementing central heating systems.
- Oil heater: advantages, features of design and operation
- Design and operating principle
- Advantages
- Disadvantages
- Operation of the oil heater
- Oil heater device
- How an oil heater works
- Features of the device of oil heaters
- How the oil radiator works: design and heat output, rules of operation and self-manufacturing
- Oil coolers
- About construction and heat output
- Operation – basic rules
- Do-it-yourself
- Video on the topic
- Repair of oil heater, description, device
- Oil radiator heater
- Oil heater. Device, electrical diagram.
Oil heater: advantages, features of design and operation
Even with the advent of numerous alternative, more affordable and effective heaters, the oil heater remains one of the most widely used heating appliances to this day. This heater’s popularity among users can be attributed to its dependability, safety, and quiet operation.
Clubhouse DF-800H1-7. 4,1 kg in weight. 800W, 50/60Hz, 220-240V. Ningbo Homeleader International Trade CO. LTD is the manufacturer.
Design and operating principle
The component of the oil radiator is as follows:
- Ribbed (sectional) metal body, which contains mineral oil and tubular electric heater (TEN). In addition, the heater may be of the panel type, in which the oil is housed in a flat panel;
Crucial! With the same dimensions, a sectional enclosure has a larger heating area than a flat panel enclosure. The panel type has the benefit of taking up significantly less room in the room due to the casing’s reduced width.
- A control panel located on the side of the unit. The panel consists of: a thermostat that regulates the heating power; a switch (some models are equipped with a second switch, which can also be used to increase the heating power); a handle for easy and safe rolling around the room;
- Wheels for easy movement of the appliance;
- Devices for winding the mains cable.
Design of an oil heater
The oil begins to heat up as soon as the oil heater is turned on, providing heat energy to the housing, which warms the air. The same convector heating method used in aluminum or bimetallic radiators is used to heat the space. The floor area’s cooler air heats up as it travels along the heater’s casing and emerges at the top of the heater.
With a high boiling point (between 150 and 300°C) and a high specific heat capacity, mineral oil serves as a heat reservoir. Because of these properties, a comparatively small volume of oil can produce a significant amount of heat while staying liquid. Since the heater itself never reaches a temperature higher than 110°C, neither oxygen nor air is dried out by it.
A thermostat for an oil radiator may be one of two types:
- With external temperature sensor. This is a more expensive device that allows you to accurately set the temperature, t.к. the sensor is oriented to the room temperature.
- With internal sensor. Installed in cheaper models, the sensor is oriented to the temperature inside the device (oil temperature), so in order to set the right temperature in the room, you need to spend a certain amount of time and conduct several "experiments" with the thermostat.
Note: You can use the oil heater more economically by using the thermostat, which lowers the heating power (varying from 0.3 to 2.5 kW, depending on the model) and uses less electricity.
Furthermore, the apparatus is outfitted with a thermocontroller that autonomously switches off the heater in the event that the body temperature surpasses the acceptable threshold. An integrated air ionizer is present in certain models.
Advantages
- Fire safety. Due to the low heating temperature of the housing (maximum 110°C), oil-fired domestic heaters are considered to be safer heating appliances than other electric heaters. In addition, modern models are equipped with a sensor for horizontal installation, which switches off the heater in case the device is installed at an incline. It also reduces the likelihood of fire.
- Silent operation. Sometimes there is a slight crackling sound while the oil is heating up. However, once the oil has heated up to operating temperature, the sounds stop.
- Do not dry the air and do not absorb oxygen. In many ways, this is why they are so often used for additional heating of bedrooms. This is their main advantage over fan heaters, which dry the air a lot.
- Mobility. The device is equipped with 4 wheels, so even a pregnant woman can move it around the room without difficulty.
It’s common to use the heater as a dryer.
Disadvantages
- High inertness. To heat up the oil, some models of oil heaters need up to 30 min. To solve this problem, manufacturers additionally install a heat fan on the radiator, which will heat the room during the period of oil heating.
Be aware that high inertness is sometimes a benefit, t.к. The device will continue to heat the space for a considerable amount of time even after it has been turned off.
Operation of the oil heater
During operation, the home’s oil heater doesn’t require any extra maintenance or care. Before turning on a device that hasn’t been used in a while, make sure to wipe it down with a moist cloth and inspect it for structural integrity and oil leaks. It is essential to get in touch with the manufacturer’s specialized service center in the event of an oil leak. It is not advised to open and restock the oil on your own.
It is ideal to turn on the heater in a room with good ventilation the first time.
The oil heater’s typical appearance
It is not advised to dry wet clothes directly on the device’s body as this may cause the materials, particularly synthetic ones, to ignite after drying. It is advised to hang clothes to dry at a reasonable distance from the heater or to use a towel dryer, which is typically included in a set.
Use of oil radiators is not advised in high-humidity areas (bathrooms, showers, prep areas, etc.).п.), т.к. The device may malfunction as a result of moisture in the control panel. This does not, however, apply to equipment that the manufacturer recommends be used in these types of rooms.
If you haven’t bought an oil heater yet, you must first decide what area the heater will be used to heat. The recommended usage is one kW per 10 m² on average. Secondly, it is necessary to pay attention to the functionality of the device, which largely determines its price.
Oil heater device
Oil radiators are flat and harmonious, and the first ones are hard to find. The configuration of the heater is not chosen by chance. We have already told you how to assemble and disassemble a heating radiator, but, despite the external similarity, with an oil heater, such an issue will not be passed. The fact that the sections are welded to each other, the extreme ones are different from the middle ones. Therefore, it is impossible to confuse what to put and where to put it. It is clear that the assembly is carried out on machine tools, but we believe that an experienced blacksmith could cope with the task and extend the heater. What would that do?. Favorable conditions for the operation of the heating element. The power of the oil heater does not change, but the temperature of oil and spiral could be slightly lowered by increasing volume. But it"s a blacksmith. And an ordinary citizen can"t change the design of an oil heater.
How an oil heater works
Numerous arguments have been made for and against oil heaters. There is only one option that is unquestionably ideal for small cauldrons. Because there is oil inside the tank, an oil heater gets its name. is a working medium that simultaneously meets a number of requirements:
- Oil has a low coefficient of thermal expansion. For example, this is a problem for water heaters. When an intake is made from the riser, and the cycle of temperature rise begins, it expands at different rates. Water has a much higher coefficient of thermal expansion than steel. The surface of the tank is often coated with enamel, which has the same temperature characteristics as metal. This makes the device durable, because if the paint layer is cracked, the corrosion will begin and the tank will leak. So, to avoid such problems, water is not poured inside the oil heater. And at boiling (100 ºC) the matter would become tobacco, as steam would begin to form. You"ve seen boilers explode. It"s better not to see..
- The whole world of heating technology is concerned about electrochemical corrosion. It is when two metals are placed in water (with salt solutions), as a result, a current begins to flow between them. One piece is restored, the other is destroyed. That"s why copper rivets are forbidden in aviation. Otherwise, the wing planes and fuselage surface would start to collapse. Aluminum is considered as a donor, but if the heating element is made of copper, then the harm will be felt and the steel body-harmonovka. The result is that the oil leaks out onto the floor the next time it is turned on. If a liquid was poured inside, which allows the current of charge carriers to pass through, then electrochemical corrosion would also become the scourge of heaters, but this does not happen.
- Closely related to the previous property is safety. A TEG is a tube with powder pressed into it. At the heart is a spiral, through which current flows and gives heat. If the tube is punctured, the powder gets wet, crumbles, the potential on the body is obtained. There may not be a short circuit, depending on the nature of the damage. Therefore, in a water environment, there would be the possibility of electrocution if the appliance is not properly grounded. In the case of an oil heater, this chance is less. However, the earth terminal should not be left hanging in the air, at least sit the ear on the neutral wire of the phase. In this case, a short-circuit will occur when potential appears on the housing. This would result in the burning of a heating element or a fuse on an electrical panel.
- Oil boils at a higher temperature (olive oil – 150 degrees Celsius) than water. Therefore, the heatsink itself is heated above 100 ºC, its performance will not be lost. The upper limit of operation is determined by a thermal fuse, which is mounted on the inside of the housing in the area of the heating element. An element is needed in case the thermostat of the appliance fails. Unlike water heaters in this case, there is no sensor on the surface of the heating element. A bimetallic plate stands in the electronic unit and controls the air temperature. If it jams or the settings are lost, the situation will be saved by a thermal fuse. Thus, the principle of operation of the oil heater is fundamentally different from the water heater. Remember this when you need to replace the heating element.
Nevertheless, the tank is not just filled with oil; atmospheric air makes up one-eighth of the vessel. Although nitrogen would be preferable, the expense would be higher.
It"s a matter of oxidation. The oil will burn, but if you also turn the oil heater upside down and turn it on, the heating element will be in an aggressive oxygen environment. Which is no good. To begin with, soot will appear, then the heating element will start to fail. First, the operating temperature will rise, then the process will proceed in an escalating manner and the oil will start to burn out. Some appliances are equipped with fall sensors also for this reason. Fire is impossible, because the temperature of the oil heater is not so high, and the thermal fuse will protect from overheating. The latter is mounted on the housing close to the heater to protect the device if the oil leaks out or the radiator falls and the heater tube is in the air.
See also: Campfire heater powered by gas
How an oil heater works. The heating element consists of two spirals that work separately or together. Exit to the emergency mode is controlled by a thermo-preservative device. The thermostat is built on the basis of a bimetallic plate, as in a household iron. Turning the handle changes the tension, which results in a different operating temperature. The bimetallic plate does not touch the body, and this is the difference from an iron. Usually located on the electronic part casing, which is attached to the radiator on the side of the heater. Air passes through the slots from the floor to the ceiling of the compartment, bypassing the sensor. At the right moment triggering occurs. We assume that the casing is also heated by conduction, but the temperature is lower than the oil. This can be easily verified by touching it with your own hand when the unit is switched on.
The mode of an oil heater is distinguished by its independence from the coil temperature. In contrast, a bimetallic plate is affixed to the soleplate adjacent to the thermal fuse in an iron. This is another reason we believe that replacing the sensors directly is not an option in this situation. Despite the fact that it would be practical. Thus:
- The device is switched on.
- It"s getting into the mode.
- It is switched off at the right moment by a bimetallic plate.
- Cools down.
- Turns on again.
We consider that this is the reason why the sensor is not attached to the body. The harmonica changes temperature too quickly (despite its impressive volume). As a result, the relay would be triggered more often, and the operating life in hours would be reduced. In addition, the possibility of controlling the air temperature would be lost. Radiator, of course, to give power must have a fixed temperature difference between the atmosphere of the room and the surface, but to measure in this case it would be logical to measure from below. In our opinion, the method of control chosen by the manufacturers looks more efficient, besides, it is convenient to display adjustments on the front panel.
Consequently, the natural circulation of oil within the radiator becomes the fundamental working principle of the oil heater.
See also: Benefits and drawbacks of carbon heaters
Features of the device of oil heaters
We have described the device of the oil heater, and now let"s discuss the details. First of all, the air cushion. Without it, the radiator would be ruptured in the near future. Oil has a temperature coefficient of expansion, which has to be compensated for. And the air cushion is not the only step in this direction. Why does the harmonica sing so well?. Furs easily gain and give air, changing the volume. The same effect is used in this case. Even when pressure builds up inside, the case simply becomes a little longer, which is difficult to notice with the naked eye, but you can detect quiet grinding sounds by ear.
This is fascinating! Temperature deformations are partially offset by the air cushion. As a result, the service life is increased and the seam strength requirements are decreased.
Avoid attempting to open the oil heater case as it is not disassembled. Micro-welding is the best technique if there are holes. Since electronic devices never reach temperatures above 150 ºC, soldering is not an option in this situation. The transformer thermal fuses on Elenberg DVD players are intended to operate at 135 oC.
The same holds true for other pieces of equipment that have temperature control. In the sense that soldering is prone to leakage and is not intended for harsh environments. Tin has a melting point of slightly over 200ºC. Low viscosity should be noted on a different line. Seam failure is an inevitable result of cyclic temperature changes. There will be gaps that allow oil to seep onto the room’s floor.
If such a repair is required, it is better to measure the surface of the working device with a non-contact thermometer. Maximum mode. The room temperature is then measured and the difference with the warmest place where the operation will take place is measured. It is necessary to supplement the readings on the body of the oil heater by the found value. This is necessary for the same equality. The output of oil heaters is little affected by climate, so to maintain heat exchange between the surface and the medium, the temperature difference between the two is the same. Example: the room is 17 ºC and the heater temperature is 65 ºC. Then in conditions of 25 ºC the surface of the radiator will be heated up to 73 ºC. The difference in both cases is 48 ºC.
One benefit of oil heaters is that they make it simple to dry objects on their own. And don"t forget about thermal conditions. Certain oil heater drawbacks apply in different situations. For instance, convector dealers claim that their products cause the air to become dry. Actually, there are side effects because the regulation subsystem is far from ideal.
How the oil radiator works: design and heat output, rules of operation and self-manufacturing
The oil radiator for 5-7 sections or other household types typically consists of a steel hermetic body filled with special oil. An electric heater is installed inside the tank and is connected to an AC 220V outlet.
The basic idea at work is this: the oil is heated by the electric spiral’s incandescent, which then transfers heat to the metal body. The degree of this interaction is determined by the heating device’s heat output. We will go into further detail about the oil heater’s design, benefits, and drawbacks below. You can also view the video in this article.
Oil radiator with fan for seven sections, YL-A06-F-7
Oil coolers
About construction and heat output
Sectional heater
The overall design of an oil radiator
- housing;
- indicator;
- switch;
- bimetal plate;
- microswitch;
- power regulator;
- electric cord;
- stem;
- heating element;
- adjustment set screw
The size of an oil radiator’s body directly affects how efficient it is; the larger the radiator, the more heat is transferred, and the walls’ internal temperature can reach 110–150 °C.
Thus, if it is possible to give it a power source, such a device is a battery, which can be both moved and generally installed in any required location.
- Of course, the intensity of heating can not remain in the same mode, so, manufacturers for this purpose equip the devices with switches such as thermostats. which enable it to function in 2-3 modes. The essence here is the following – by setting the switch knob in a certain position, you engage a certain number of spirals, that is, they either close or open;
- You can buy a 5-section oil radiator for heating a small area of the room, but in general such devices can be produced in large sizes – As a rule, the limit has 14 sections;
- In case of overheating (switch closure), so that there is no explosion of the oil radiator (cracking of the body), it is equipped with a special safety valve in the lower part of the metal casing of the appliance. So that at a critical increase in pressure there is a partial discharge of oil.
Note: The oil radiator works on the general principle of convection, which heats the air throughout the room by transferring heat from the metal case’s heated walls to the air.
Operation – basic rules
Note: Since the manufacturer is responsible for the product’s operation, it is interested in how the user uses it. Consequently, an instruction manual for the oil cooler is enclosed in every instance. which will enable you to use it for as long as possible and as efficiently as possible.
An overview of the outside
If you have purchased one of these heaters, the instruction manual will first call your attention to safety precautions to be taken when using the equipment. This is because the oil radiator operates on a 220V power supply, which can be hazardous to human life as well as health.
Generally speaking, these appliances are made specifically for 220V, though there are some that aren’t, so check that it does before plugging it in.
If you choose to clean or wash the appliance’s body, make sure it is fully de-energized by pulling the plug out of the socket rather than just flipping the breaker key.
When heating is not required for an extended length of time, such as when you travel or when the heating period ends, similar precautions are also taken. Additionally, since the device is de-energized, you cannot leave it unattended, even if you are gone for a day, two, or longer.
Oil radiators are made with attractive designs, but if you don’t like the way they look, you should never cover them with anything as this could start a fire. It’s also advised to place the heater as far away from any combustible items as you can, like bedding, clothing, curtains, and furniture. At least 90 centimeters should separate you from anything that can catch fire quickly.
Nine sections’ worth of oil radiators AEG RA 5522
Should the casing sustain any damage, avoid attempting to disassemble it on your own. You won’t be able to hermetically seal the container at home; this is only feasible in workshops.
Take care when connecting to avoid touching the hot casing with the mains cord, as this could melt the insulation and result in a short circuit. If you have kids in the house, either long-term or short-term, exercise extra caution because these kinds of devices can burn kids.
Oil heaters should not be installed next to other heating appliances like furnaces, stoves, batteries, or stoves because they are meant exclusively for indoor use and cannot be used outdoors.
If there is damage to the heating element, thermostat, or cord on the network equipment, do not use the radiator. Instead, take it to a service center where you will receive safety in exchange for a lower repair cost.
Specifications for ORION OOR
The radiator will eventually reach the end of its useful life and need to be disposed of. It is imperative that you empty the oil prior to disposing of it, following the guidelines provided by the manufacturer.
Do-it-yourself
Use a heating element in the form of a needle.
You will need a metal hermetic housing and a needle-type TEN, similar to the one in the top photo, if you want to build an oil heating radiator by hand.
You can use an old car or water domestic radiator, a camping gas cylinder, or even a section of pipe with a respectable diameter that has been welded at the ends as a container. The amount of power you wish to give your product will determine how many heating elements it has.
Both transformer and machine oil can be used as oil, but transformer oil is still preferable because it is made to function at high temperatures. A thermostat is also required; this can be made from an ordinary packet switch or a thermostat relay.
Electrical apparatus for your design in the picture
The aluminum one is best suited for this purpose because you can make an oil radiator with your hands out of various containers, and you need to give it a single hole so that you can pour oil into it and insert the heating element. radiator made of cast iron or bimetallic.
If you plan to use such appliances, you can unscrew the top left or right plug to fill the oil last.
First, pass the regulator and heating element through the temperature sensor’s tube.
On the top side of the heater, on the opposite side, an air outlet is created; a Maevsky valve is typically utilized for this purpose. After the construction is put together, add oil, seal it, release any trapped air, and test it by connecting it to the network.
Component | Explanation |
Oil Filled Radiator | Electricity heats the oil inside the radiator, which then radiates heat into the room. |
Thermostat | Regulates the temperature by turning the radiator on and off as needed. |
It is essential to comprehend the working principle of an oil radiator in order to properly heat and insulate your house. These gadgets heat a particular oil inside their airtight compartments by means of electricity. The oil circulates throughout the radiator as it heats up, transferring heat to the metal coils or fins. Your living area will have a reliable and effective source of warmth thanks to this process.
The ability of oil radiators to retain heat even after being turned off is one of their main benefits. This is because, even after the heating element has been turned off, the oil’s thermal mass keeps heat in the room. Because oil radiators don’t require constant energy use to maintain a comfortable temperature, they can help lower heating expenses and energy consumption over time.
The simplicity and user-friendliness of oil radiators is another advantage. Oil radiators are generally made for trouble-free operation and require little maintenance, in contrast to certain other heating systems. They frequently have thermostats with adjustable settings and several heat settings, so you can easily adjust the temperature to suit your tastes and the changing weather.
In addition, oil radiators provide flexibility in where they can be installed in your house. They are available in a range of shapes and sizes, including wheeled portable models for easy mobility. This adaptability lets you arrange the radiators in various rooms or spaces where extra heat is most needed, guaranteeing effective heating for your whole home.
In summary, an oil radiator’s simple yet efficient working principle makes it a useful tool for both heating and insulating your house. These units combine energy efficiency, user-friendliness, and reliable warmth by utilizing both electrical and thermal mass. An oil radiator provides a dependable way to keep your home warm, regardless of your goals for lowering heating costs or increasing comfort during the cold winter months.