To obtain thermal energy for industrial and domestic purposes, the phenomenon of cavitation has been used for more than a dozen years. Cavitation means the formation of vortices in a liquid with the formation of gas inclusions (bubbles), which act as the main heat carriers.
How does the heating take place?
The simplest version of a cavitation heat generator is a pipe with a nozzle through which liquid is pumped. At the point of constriction, due to excess pressure, a turbulence of the flow occurs and air bubbles are formed. Gas inclusions have surface tension, which, when moved in the nozzle, are intensified, and after reaching the expansion point, they burst under the action of their own air pressure.
This process is called the collapse or self-destruction of cavitation bubbles, in as a result, a large amount of heat is released into the surrounding space, which goes for heating coolant.
To enhance the heating effect, various methods are used to increase the generation of air inclusions. As an example, the figure above uses additional flow in the nozzle area. But, depending on the type of the cavitation heat generator, the technology can have a different implementation.
Types of cavitation heat generators
In an attempt to enhance the process of heat release, scientists introduced a number of technologies, which formed the basis for the separation cavitation heat generators by types:
- rotary - the cavitation process is formed by a rotating element, disk or cylinder, as a rule, with through or surface holes;
- tubular - ensure the formation of bubbles by connecting pipes of different shapes and methods of connecting them;
- ultrasonic - turbulence in water is generated by a shock wave sent by an ultrasonic generator.
Advantages and disadvantages
Despite significant competition from traditional heating and heating means, vortex devices have their advantages.
The advantages of heat generators of the cavitation principle include:
- environmental friendliness in heat production - there is no need to burn fuel, due to which harmful substances do not enter the atmosphere;
- great for both large and small boiler rooms;
- does not require delivery and storage of fuel;
- efficient mechanism for generating heat;
The disadvantages of such heating systems include their large size, in comparison with gas units, cavitation ones occupy a much larger room. They are ineffective for private buildings and any premises with a small heated volume; they also generate a lot of noise together with heat. Due to the generation of air inclusions, the heating system is subject to increased destruction, which significantly reduces the service life of pipes, nozzles, discs and other fittings.
How to avoid becoming a victim of deception?
Cavitation heat generators do exist and are used for heating, but every owner of a private house or apartment will be a loser when replacing them with a gas or solid fuel system. They can be safely installed for small businesses, but with the proviso that you will have to replace some elements in 5 years. Therefore, first calculate the feasibility of such a heating system for your case.
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