Many manufacturers of foreign cars, orienting the sale of their cars on the Russian market, offer models with an installed autonomous pre-heater for the engine and interior. This option is especially valuable in regions with a long winter season of operation. Do not be particularly upset by those motorists whose cars are not equipped with a factory pre-heater for the engine. Buying it and installing it on any brand of car is currently not a problem in any region of the country. More relevant here is the question of how effective this equipment is and whether it is worth the costs that are necessary to purchase and install it.
For this, an engine preheater is needed in winter.
What does a pre-heater look like and what does it consist of?
Depending on the purpose and principle of operation, the starting preheater can be a device of various sizes and power used to heat the engine without its cold start. In addition, it can be used to heat the interior, windshield and wipers. Autonomous equipment includes a boiler with a combustion chamber and a radiator, a pipeline system for transferring fuel, pumps that pump fuel and coolant. It also includes a thermal relay that controls the climate system fan, an electronic control unit and a heater starter.
Liquid Preheater Thermo Top
Types of car preheaters
1. Autonomous engine preheater
According to the purpose and device, autonomous starting preheaters divided into liquid and air types.
Autonomous liquid preheaters
Video: Webasto or Hydronic (Webasto or Hydronic) which is better
Are intended for heating of both the engine, and salon. They are called so because they work by burning gasoline or diesel fuel from a car tank. They are mounted in the engine compartment and connected to the engine liquid cooling system. Heated air is distributed through the internal air ducts of the car. The system is economical in terms of fuel and electricity consumption, does not produce much noise during operation. It is used for heating all types of internal combustion engines - gasoline, diesel, gas-cylinder and combined.
Autonomous air preheaters for internal combustion engines
Designed to accelerate the increase in air temperature only in the cabin. They are installed in the cab of the car and are used mainly in passenger minibuses, shift trailers and kungs, long-range trucks. They can heat the air in the cabin to a predetermined temperature. They also operate silently and consume little electricity. Unlike liquid devices, air devices have large dimensions and performance, so their fuel consumption is slightly higher. The most popular brands of German-made liquid heaters in the country are Webasto Thermo Top Evo 5 and Eberspasher Hydronic.
The principle of operation of the liquid pre-heater of the engine
This is how an autonomous liquid engine heater works.
The device is activated from a remote control, timer or cell phone. The start pulse, falling on the electronic unit, generates a control signal that supplies the supply voltage to the actuator motor. The motor, rotating, drives the fuel pump of the heater and the fan. The pump starts pumping fuel into the burner, where an air-fuel mixture is created with the help of an evaporator and an incandescent pin.
The combustible mixture injected by the fan is ignited in the combustion chamber by a spark plug. The heat generated during the combustion of fuel is transferred through the heat exchanger to the working fluid of the engine cooling system. The liquid circulates in the cooling circuit under the action of the booster pump of the preheater included in this circuit. The heated liquid in the process of circulation transfers the received heat to the engine housing.
When the coolant temperature reaches 30 degrees C, the radiator fan of the car's cooling system is automatically activated. begins to enter the salon. When antifreeze or antifreeze is heated to 72 degrees C, the fuel supply to the burner is reduced by half, and the system switches to a reduced operating mode. The liquid is cooled to 56 degrees and the whole process is repeated cyclically.
By design, a liquid autonomous engine preheater is similar to a saloon car heater and is a liquid fuel burner (gasoline or diesel fuel). Even in terms of cost, they differ slightly, not to mention the principle of operation. However, according to the installation site and the principle of heating, they are radically different.
In heaters, the burner directly heats the air supplied to the passenger compartment, and in the preheater, it heats the coolant, which, in turn, heats the body of the engine and the standard stove. In order for the interior heating to work effectively, do not forget about setting the stove control knob to the minimum "warm" mode. In this case, the heater control circuit will automatically turn on the fan at the right time, which will blow warm air into the passenger compartment through the standard air duct system. The result of this work will be noticeable from afar, the car windows will be dry and transparent on a frosty morning. It will be warm and cozy in the cabin, the wipers can be left on at night, it is possible to sit down and immediately go out onto the road.
A convenient function is the remote control of the engine preheater operation. It can be turned on using the button on the car key fob while at home. This should be done at least half an hour before departure (depending on the frost on the street), so that the coolant and the engine have time to warm up to the desired temperature, and the engine start process goes without complications. There are systems with automatic start from the built-in timer, on which it is necessary to set the desired turn-on time before locking the machine.
2. Electric engine preheater
The device and layout of the electric engine heater
An alternative to a stand-alone system is an electric heater, which is a spiral electric heater inserted into the cylinder block of the power unit and powered by an external 220V power supply. The executive element in this system is a small electric spiral installed in the cylinder block.
When installing the spiral, the anti-ice plug is removed from the cylinder block, and the spiral is mounted instead. Under the influence of high voltage, a current flows through the coil, and it heats the antifreeze. The circulation of liquid in the cooling system occurs due to natural convection. It is less productive than artificial treatment with a pump and takes much longer. The most prominent representatives of the electric heater are the Defa WarmUp and Leader Severs models.
This installation is most acceptable when parking cars in garages and parking lots equipped with electrical outlets. If you leave the car on the street or in the yard, then you will not need such a heater, since there will be nowhere to connect it. The downside is that it consumes a lot of electricity. To ensure economical operation of the device, it is equipped with a timer that allows you to set the required liquid temperature.
When the set value is passed, the spiral is automatically switched off or switched on. Accordingly, in this case, the working fluid cools or heats up, which, in the process of convection, keeps the motor warm. The standard options for the electric motor heater are:
- heating of the working fluid in the engine cooling system;
- interior heating due to the supply of warm air through a regular stove;
- battery charge.
The principle of heating the motor in an electric heater is the same as in an autonomous system. Heat is also transferred to the motor by heating the working fluid in the cooling system. The difference lies in the method of heating using an external power supply. This also makes it possible to apply an additional option - which is especially in demand in winter conditions, when low temperatures contribute to its discharge and a decrease in capacity.
3. Thermal accumulators
The principle of operation of heat accumulators is based on the accumulation of hot working fluid in the cooling system and keeping its temperature unchanged for a long time (2 days). In such a system, when the engine is started, hot antifreeze or antifreeze circulates briefly along a reduced circuit, quickly warming up the engine. The classic representatives of such systems are Avtoterm, Gulfstream, UAPD-0.8.
What gives the use of preheaters
Professional drivers recognize the presence of an autonomous or electric engine preheater as a prerequisite for completing a modern car, guaranteeing the necessary healthy working conditions in the winter period of operation. For trucks operating in Europe, this principle has been respected for a long time. In terms of driving safety, their use contributes to increased comfort and reduced driver fatigue. Among other things, heaters help to increase the efficiency and durability of the motors. This is achieved through:
Video: Engine preheater
1. Reducing the number of "cold" engine starts. It is estimated that on average each driver makes 300 to 500 "cold" starts per year. At the same time, special studies in this area, carried out by well-known European companies, found that, in terms of one “cold” start, the use of engine preheating reduces fuel consumption by 100 to 500 ml. The amount of saving depends on the outside temperature and the duration of the warm-up. Thus, according to rough estimates, the use of preheating from autonomous heaters allows saving from 90 to 150 liters of gasoline or diesel fuel in one winter season.
2. Reducing heavy duty applications that increase engine wear. The vast majority of engine wear occurs during its start-up period. This is due to the fact that at the time of a "cold" start, the viscosity of the engine oil is increased and the lubricating properties are reduced. At the same time, the friction of the surfaces of moving parts is increased and wear in the connecting rod-crank and piston assemblies is increased. One "cold" start reduces the resource of the power unit by 3-6 hundred kilometers. The Russian climate with 100 days of sub-zero temperatures a year can reduce engine life by 80,000 km in one season.
3. Improving safety and driving comfort. Cold contributes to increased body heat transfer and fatigue. Drowsiness and lethargy increase, the driver's attentiveness decreases. The driving mode becomes more irrational. In addition, the risk of contracting such occupational diseases as cervical, lumbar osteochondrosis, acute respiratory infections increases.
In what? 90 percent of motorists start the engine, not suspecting that as a result, its wear increases, starting becomes more difficult, battery fails etc. The problem is exacerbated in winter, in cold climates. However, there is a good way out of the situation - to use engine preheating, which for a real Russian winter is a solid plus in every respect.
Electric engine heating
If earlier the heating of the internal combustion engine, due to the operation of the engine at idle, was considered the only effective option, although not without drawbacks, today it is clearly inferior to the new method. And first of all, this concerns the side, negative consequences of natural heating.
Table of models of electric heaters
| Block | branch pipes | Remote | External |
|---|---|---|---|
| "Defa" or "Kalix" - power 0.4-0.75 kW, price from 4 thousand rubles | "Lestar" - power 0.5-0.8 kW, price from 1.7 thousand rubles | "Severs-M" - power 1-3 kW, price from 2 thousand rubles | Keenovo flexible heating plate 0.25 kW 220 V, price - 3650 rubles. |
| Domestic "Homeless" - power 0.5-0.6 kW, price from 1.5 thousand rubles | "Alliance" - power 0.7-0.8 kW, price from 1 thousand rubles | "Start-M" - power 1-3 kW, price from 1.9 thousand rubles | "Keenovo" - power 0.1 kW 12 V, price - 3610 rubles. |
| Domestic "Start-Mini" - power 0.5-0.6 kW, price from 1 thousand rubles | "Start M1 / M2" - power 0.7-0.8 kW, price from 1.4 thousand rubles | "Alliance" - power 1.5-3 kW, price from 1.6 thousand rubles | Hotstart AF15024 - power 0.15 kW 220 V, price - 9700 rubles. |
| DEFA, heaters of the 100th series 0.5-0.65 kW, price 3.4 thousand rubles | "Siberia M" - power 0.6 kW, price from 1 thousand rubles | "Xin Ji" (China) - power 1.8 kW, price from 1.5 thousand rubles | "Hotstart" - power 0.25 kW 220 V, price - 9700 rubles. |
The most democratic in terms of price are electric preheaters. They are easy to maintain, and do not fail even in the most severe frost. However, they have the only drawback - they need a 220 V socket. Although the external ones from the Keenovo company also have a heater powered by the 12 V on-board network, the cost is from 3.5 thousand rubles.
Effective heating of the motor is possible only with the help of special devices that act directly through the cooling system circuit. So experts say, citing a lot of facts as evidence.
Block
For our motorists, in terms of affordable prices, heaters that are built into the cylinder block are suitable. They are also quite simple in terms of design, as they are endowed only with a connector and a heating element. Other attachments, clamps and additional components are not provided in such a heater.
Preheater Defa
The heaters of devices built into the business center are not very powerful, 400-750 W is the maximum. They do not give a quick result, and they are powered by a stationary 220 V / 50 Hz outlet, so you can use the heater mounted in the engine block only in the garage or by throwing an extension cord near the house. On the other hand, due to the fact that the BC is heated, the engine warms up in the center and evenly.
Advantages of built-in block heaters:
- One of advantages of built-in heaters is ability to work for a long time. Due to their low power, it is not necessary to constantly monitor them - they will not spoil the antifreeze, so you can leave them operational all night or day. If it is nevertheless necessary, it is recommended to control the heating process, at least for household, economical purposes. use a regular mechanical timer. It is inexpensive and versatile in operation. Of the shortcomings - buggy in the cold.
- It should also be noted safety of use. As a rule, the kit includes a heat-insulating fabric that does not allow the insulation of nearby wires to melt and the energy to spread into the surrounding space, thus increasing the efficiency of the device.
- Easy to install, also by the way, one of the advantageous features of such heaters.
Longfei Block Heater
There are only two disadvantages:
Long heating time And the need for a fixed socket 220 volt. Since, for example, at an ambient temperature of about 0 ° C, a 600 W heater will heat up the liquid for one hour. If the temperature is -10 ° C, then the time will increase to two hours. And if you buy a budget one with a power of 0.5 kW, then even longer.
Today, among the numerous models of the budget segment of built-in heaters, electrical equipment from Defa and Kalix stand out. They cost, complete with a wire and a plug, no more than 4 thousand rubles.
The system can be easily supplemented with all sorts of useful equipment. For example, you can add a start timer, a remote control, a battery charger, a cabin fan heater, and more. However, this will already cost more than 25 thousand rubles, not counting the funds for installation.
There are also domestic block heaters, but their use is limited. For VAZ engines, a device with a price of 1.3 thousand rubles is suitable. You can buy Start-mini equipment for an even lower price, which is suitable not only for domestic cars, but also Japanese or Korean ones, such as Toyota or Hyundai.
We present for you popular models of built-in heaters.
| Model | Description and features | |
|---|---|---|
| "Start Mini" | Voltage 220 V, power 600 W, installed instead of the technological plug of the block with a bore diameter of 35 mm. The seating depth is 11 mm, the body height is 50 mm. The heater is suitable for cars: Toyota with 4A-FE, 5A-FE, 7A-FE, 3S-FE, 4S-FE, 5S-FE, 1G-FE, 1GR engine; Hyundai Accent with G4EC -1.5L engine; Hyundai Elantra XD with G4EC -1.5L and G4ED -1.6L engine; Hyundai Tucson with G4GC -2.0L engine; Hyundai Trajet with G4GC -2.0L engine. | 1300 rubles |
| DEFA, heaters of the 100th series (from 101 to 199) | Power is 0.5 ... 0.65 kW, voltage 220 V, bore diameter 35 mm, weight 0.27 kg. | 3400 rubles |
| Calix-RE 163 550W | Power - 550 W, voltage - 220 V, suitable for use with Duramax DAIHATSU Rocky 2.8D, 2.8 TD/FIAT Argenta 2000iE, 120iE/ FIAT Croma 2.0 turbodiesel/FIAT Daily diesel/FIAT Ducato 1.9 D, TD/1987-1998/ 2.5 diesel, turbodiesel/1995/FIAT Regatta/Regata diesel/FIAT Ritmo 130 TC/diesel/FIAT Tempra 1.9 turbodiesel/FIAT Tipo 1.9 diesel, turbodiesel/FIAT Uno diesel, turbodiesel/FORD/NEW HOLLAND FORD 1900, HYUNDAI H-100 2.5 D/1993-1998/D4BA, IVECO Daily 2.8Tdi/2002/diesel/turbodiesel, MITSUBISHI Galant 2.3 turbodiesel/ MITSUBISHI L200 2.2 diesel 2WD/2.5 diesel 2WD/MITSUBISHI L300 2.5 diesel 2WD /2.5 diesel 4WD/MITSUBISHI Lancer Evo 9 2. 0 16V / 2006- /4G63, MITSUBISHI Lancer Evo VI, EVO VIII 2.0 16V / 4G63. MITSUBISHI Pajero 2.3 turbodiesel /2.5 turbodiesel, SEAT Malaga 1.7D. | 5000 rubles |
| Calix-RE 167 550W | Power - 550 W, voltage - 220 V, suitable for such cars: Matiz 0.8 / A08S, 1.0 / ¤B10S, Spark 1.0 / 2010- / B10D1, 1.2 / 2010- / B12D1, NISSAN Monteringssats, 300 ZX / VG30, Almera 2.0 D/1995-/DA20, Bluebird 1.6/1984-/CA16, 1.8/1984-/CA18 1.8 turbo/1984-/CA18, 2.0/1984-/CA20, Cherry 1.0/1982-/E10, 1.3/1982-/¤ E13, 1.5, 1.5 turbo / 1982- / ¤E15, 1.7 diesel / CD17, Patrol 2.8TD / RD28T, Prairie 1.5 / E15, 1.8 / CA18, 2.0 / CA20, Stanza 1.6 / ¤CA16, 1.8 / CA18, Sunny 1.3 / 1984- / E13, 1.4 12V / 1989-1991 / 1.5 / 1984- / ¤E15, 1.6 / -1988 / ¤E16, 1.6 12V / 1989-1991 / ¤GA16, 1.6 GTI 16V / ¤CA16, 1.7D / ¤ CD17 1.8 GTI 16V / CA18 GEN Monteringssats LT 31D / Perkins, VOLVO BM / VCE / VOLVO CE MonteringssatsEC 15C - / D1.1, EC18C - / 2010- / D1.1 - / 2010- / D1.6, ECR 28 - / ECR 38 - / ECR 58 - / ECR 88 - / ECR48C - / 2010- / ¤D2.2, ECR58 Plus - / ¤D3.1, ECR88 Plus - / D3 .1 | 4900 rubles |
| Calix-RE 153A 550W | Voltage - 220 V, power - 550 W, works with the following cars: FORD Probe 2.5i V6 24V / HONDA Accord 2.0i-16 / -1989 / B20A, HONDA Legend 2.5, 2.7 / HONDA Prelude 2.0i -16V / 1986-1991 /B20A, MAZDA 2 1.3 (DE) / 2008- / ZJ, 1.5 (DE) / 2008- / ZY, MAZDA 3 1.4 (BK) / 2004- / ZJ, 1.6 (BK) / 2004- / Z6, MAZDA 323 2.0 i V6 24V / MAZDA 626 2.5i V6 / MAZDA MX-3 1.8i 24V V6 / MAZDA MX-6 2.5i 24V V6 / MAZDA Xedos 6 2.0i 24V V6 / MAZDA Xedos 9 2.0i 24V V6 /K8-ZE, 2.5i 24V V6 /ROVER 825, 827-/-1995/ | 7200 rubles |
branch pipes
In addition to devices built into the business center, there are also systems for in-section installation of thick pipes. They differ in the presence of an adapter case. Installation does not carry any special complexity, the return is not bad. However there is a minus– electric heaters from this series are designed for standard nozzle diameters.
Defa and Kalix produce not only block heaters, but also branch pipe heaters. They are also made in our country, sold at very low prices. But such options for heaters are intended only for VAZ, UAZ or Gaz models of cars.
There are also universal models equipped with a hardened case. However, they are hardly suitable for foreign cars.
Electric heaters have gained the greatest popularity in our country, as they are structurally easy to install and universalized. Their easy to cut into the contour using attachments. They are equipped with powerful heaters, the power of which reaches 2-3 kW.
Remote
Of particular note are electric heaters, called remote. They are more complex in design, imply the presence of hoses, thermostats, clamps, etc. They are produced by domestic manufacturers such as Severs-M, Alliance and many others.
Longfei Heater Installation (Xin Ji)
A foreign manufacturer of such equipment is also popular in Russia. This is the US Hotstart TPS. The equipment costs at least 6.8 thousand rubles, but it can only be purchased on order.
Models with forced coolant circulation deserve special attention among electric heaters. The options for electric heaters were discussed above. with natural circulation.
So, the most famous among this series are systems from the same American Hotstart (price 23 thousand rubles). There are also cheap domestic options, costing no more than 2.4 thousand rubles. Chinese heaters are also known, such as Xin Ji, at a price of 1.5 thousand rubles. Their power does not exceed 1.8 kW.
Disadvantages of electric heaters:
- Requires a 220V household outlet.
- Mandatory opening of the hood to access the fork. These difficulties sin the old Russian models of heaters. Modern ones have bumper connectors.
- The reliability of some models is not impressive. Cases of domestic and Chinese heaters are especially weak, they let antifreeze through and are leaky. An experienced installer initially puts the cover on the sealant.
- Low quality of additional equipment (again, we are talking about sets of Russian or Chinese production). It is advisable to replace attachments with imported hoses, plastic adapters with duralumin, flimsy holders with strong and wide clamps.
Advantages of electric heaters:
- Installation of heaters is inexpensive, even in the capital's car services. The approximate price is 1.5 thousand rubles. You can easily put it on your own, but you can’t do without specific knowledge.
- The widest model range and unpretentiousness in operation.
heating plates
Also recently, the so-called heating plates, which are installed on the engine housing, cylinders, crankcase, and so on, have become increasingly popular. These heaters are used not only in cars, but also in other equipment - generator sets, microprocessor technology, engines of boats, diesel locomotives and electric locomotives, and many others.
The heating plates work on the basis of heat electric heaters (TEHs). Most of them can be connected both to a stationary network with a voltage of 220 V / 50 Hz, and to the vehicle's on-board electrical network (12 V DC). Power can be different, the interval is from 100 to 1500 watts. And the temperature developed by various plates is +90°С…+180°С. As for installation, the devices are attached with an adhesive film (the surface must first be cleaned and degreased).
Electric heating plates must not be used to heat batteries. Other devices are used for these purposes.
A feature of the heating plates is that they are designed for continuous operation. That is, with their help it is impossible to quickly warm up / heat up the engine or its individual elements. Although there are separate high-power models that work with a time relay.
The advantages of heating plates include:
- Economy. Using electricity will cost you less than using liquid fuels.
- Reliability and durability. Most electric heating plates do not need repair and routine inspections, they do not need to be contacted by service centers. In this case, manufacturers, as a rule, establish significant warranty periods.
- Easy to install. Most heating plates are simply glued to the heated surface using the adhesive film that comes with the heater. Installation can be done independently, without seeking help from a service station.
- Abrasion resistance. The surface of the heating plate is covered with a special material that is resistant not only to abrasion, but also to significant mechanical damage.
- Safety of use. This applies to both the driver and the elements of the car itself. The heating plates are well protected from moisture and small particles getting inside them (the degree of dust and moisture protection is IP65 for most models).
As for the disadvantages of heating plates, they should include:
- High price. The payoff for the benefits described above is high cost.
- Battery wear. Due to the fact that the plates use electricity from the battery to operate, the driver must constantly monitor the condition and performance of the latter. Up to replacing it with a more capacious and / or new one.
However, as practice shows, electric heating plates are very convenient to use, and their purchase justifies itself, especially in regions with a cold climate. Therefore, we would recommend that you, if possible, buy heating plates and use them for installation as an alternative to conventional engine preheaters.
Now we present to your attention several popular plates used by car owners.
| Models | Description and features | Price as of autumn 2017 |
|---|---|---|
| Keenovo Flexible Heating Plate 100W 12V | Specific power - 0.52 W / cm². Maximum temperature +180°С. A feature of the plate is the presence of a high-temperature self-adhesive surface on one side of the plate, as well as the presence of a porous surface on the other side to reduce heat loss. The size is 127×152mm with a 5mm jaw. The plate is designed for autonomous pre-heating of an engine with a working volume of up to 3 liters, it has an adhesive layer that provides maximum adhesion between the plate and the surface at elevated temperatures. The plate has an additional layer of thermal insulation in the form of a porous sponge, which provides heating of the oil layer necessary for a warm start of the engine in about 15 minutes of operation. | 3610 rubles |
| The maximum heating temperature is +90°С. There is an additional rheostat for setting the temperature. Ideal for installation on the crankcase and engine block, hydraulic and transmission elements, as the dimensions are 127 × 152 mm. The coating of the plates is resistant to friction. Supplied with 100 cm cable as standard. | 3650 rubles | |
| Keenovo Flexible Heating Plate 250W 220V | Maximum temperature +150°С. Dimensions 127×152 mm. Ideal for installation on the crankcase and engine block, hydraulic and transmission elements, various types of pumps. The coating of the plates is resistant to friction. Supplied as standard with a 100 cm cable for power from a 220 V socket | 3650 rubles |
| Hotstart AF10024 | Power supply 220 V, power 100 W, dimensions 101 × 127 mm. | 7900 rubles |
| Hotstart AF15024 | Power supply 220 V, power 150 W, dimensions 101 × 127 mm. | 9700 rubles |
| Hotstart AF25024 | Power supply 220 V, power 250 W, dimensions 127 × 152 mm. | 9700 rubles |
Autonomous heaters
Otherwise, they are called fuel, as they operate on fuel. The principle of their operation is reduced to the following: the pump pumps gasoline or diesel fuel from the fuel tank into the combustion chamber. The mixture is ignited by a hot ceramic pin (the latter requires a small fraction of the current to heat up, unlike a metal one).
Eberspacher Hydronic D4W installed on a car
As a result of heating the heater, warm liquid circulates throughout the system, giving off heat to the internal combustion engine and the furnace radiator. As soon as the temperature reaches more than 70 gr. Celsius, the stove includes a semi-mode and a standby mode. That is, the device does not operate at full capacity, however, when the temperature drops below 20 gr. the cycle repeats, which explains the name - autonomous heater.
The autonomous heating system of an automobile engine has different modes of operation. For example, summer, when the air inside the car is blown occasionally by a fan. If such a system is involved, the presence of an air conditioner is not needed, because it is easy to lower the temperature in normal mode.
The inclusion of an autonomous heater is carried out in different ways, but the timer has been and remains the simplest. It is located inside the machine, it can be programmed and set for any duration of operation.
Turning on with a timer is very convenient. For example, if a motorist goes to work every day, then the timer can be set to the same turn-on time.
How Webasto Thermo Top Evo works
If a variable schedule is more suitable, then it is better to use the remote control to turn it on. It is capable of operating within a radius of up to 1 km. In other words, the heater can be turned on from the balcony of a multi-storey building.
Another control option is the GSM module. You can use it from a regular smartphone, controlling the operation of the module through commands. Theoretically, the GSM module can be connected from anywhere in the world, as long as the car is in the coverage area.
The most popular devices of this type in our country are Webasto and Eberspascher. Their models designed for both foreign and domestic cars with different types and sizes of engines.
Of the Russian manufacturers, Teplostar loudly announced itself, producing products that are almost twice cheaper than their foreign counterparts.
Table of autonomous heater models
Disadvantages of autonomous heaters:
- Difficulty of installation. This is not an electric heater that you can easily install with your own hands.
- High cost. Even the basic models are an order of magnitude higher, without additional components. In addition, the installation of such equipment is highly appreciated - at least 8-10 thousand rubles. And the more difficult it will be to find a place under the hood for installation, the installation will be more expensive.
- Battery dependency. You should always keep a recharged and reliable battery under the hood.
- Some models are dependent on fuel quality. It is recommended to pay attention to this, regularly carry out diagnostics and cleaning.
Advantages of autonomous heaters:
- Offline mode, no need to depend on external power sources.
- Super efficiency and the possibility of long continuous operation. On cold winter days, the interior of the car and the internal combustion engine can be heated up to operating temperature at a fuel consumption of less than 1 l / h in just 40-50 minutes.
- A wide range of ways to engage and program.
It will now be much easier to make a choice in favor of one or another heater. If financial resources allow, then it is better to install a standalone option. For other cases, you can choose a good and quite effective electric heater.
A device that allows you to prepare the engine for an easy start and fill the interior with warmth is still considered a luxury item. But it is really capable of saving health - both yours and the car's.
A cold start of an engine is a difficult test for all its systems, comparable to several tens of kilometers in difficult conditions. The driver and passengers also have a hard time: frozen fingers do not hold the steering wheel well, the cold from the seats gets almost to the spine, and the steam from the breath tries to freeze on the windows. But how pleasant it is to sit in the salon, where it is almost room temperature, to throw off the gloves, hats and scarves that restrict movement and not wait until the frosty windows thaw ...
So those living in cold regions have a reason to spend money not on a leather interior and all kinds of bells and whistles, but on a starting heater. Its installation allows not only to extend the life of the engine, but also to save fuel, which a cold engine consumes much more readily.
Liquid heaters: g we vote for autonomy
Perhaps the most common can be considered autonomous liquid heaters. In fact, this is a stove that runs on gasoline or diesel fuel. The pump pumps fuel from the tank into the combustion chamber, where the fuel-air mixture is prepared. It is ignited by a hot ceramic pin, which, unlike a metal one, needs a small current to reach operating temperature, which saves battery power.
The heater heats the fluid from the car's cooling system by pumping antifreeze through its heat exchanger. Heat is transferred to the engine and the radiator of the standard stove. When the liquid heats up to about + 30 ° C, the passenger compartment fan turns on.
As soon as the temperature reaches the required value (more than 70°C), the heater switches to the "half" mode, and then to the standby mode, leaving the combustion chamber purge device, the liquid pump and the standard heating system fan to work. When the coolant temperature drops by about 20°C, the cycle repeats.
The system also has a summer mode, when the air in the cabin is blown from time to time by a fan. The air conditioner is not activated - it is possible to reduce the temperature at least to the "outboard" without his participation.
The auxiliary heater is switched on in different ways. The simplest and most affordable is a timer in the cabin, with which you can program the on time and duration of operation. This is convenient if you regularly leave at the same time. With a variable schedule, remote control is preferable. The radio remote control operates within a radius of approximately one kilometer, if urban development does not interfere. It allows you to turn on / off the heater at a distance or program it. The most advanced solution is a GSM module that controls the stove through commands from a mobile phone. Theoretically, you can turn on the heating from anywhere in the world, as long as you and the car are in the network coverage area.
In Russia, the most popular devices are two German brands - Webasto and Eberspacher. They produce models for cars of different types and engine sizes, and also offer a wide range of ways to start the heater and control it. There are also Russian analogues, for example, the Samara "Teplostar", which is two times cheaper than the "Germans" and is also produced in various modifications.
Thermal accumulator: we store heat for the future
Officially, this device is called a heat accumulator. In fact, it is a large thermos, which contains liquid of the same volume as in the cooling system. While the engine is running, the liquid in the thermos is constantly updated, maintaining a supply of "boiling water". Before starting, a separate pump swaps cold and hot antifreeze in places. From a thermos in 10–15 seconds, liquid is supplied to the cooling system, and the motor warms up quickly - you can start it up. Warm air immediately begins to flow into the cabin.
The main thing in the operation of such devices is the regularity of trips. It is believed that during a moderate Moscow winter, the heat will last in the "thermos" for about three days, but in severe cold it is advisable to renew the supply of "boiling water" every day.
For the first time, a thermal accumulator was proposed in Canada by the designer Oscar Schatz, and the first models of "thermoses" under the Centaur brand, which is still considered the leader, appeared there. However, domestic manufacturers also dispute the palm. Russia has its own successful developments, among which the Autoplus MADI brand is especially famous. Also, products of the AvtoTerm brand are being promoted in our market.
Electric heater: in search of an outlet
Another popular solution is suggested by a home boiler. What is easier - to mount the heater in the cooling system, of course, observing the fire safety rules. Actually, this is what the simplest electric heater looks like, the connectors of which are usually displayed on the front bumper and connected to a regular outlet using wires.
But for the complete comfort of the basic set, perhaps, it is not enough. A logical addition would be a separate heating module with a fan that warms up the interior before the regular stove comes into action. Another necessary element is a device for recharging the battery - in cold weather it will not be superfluous. And if you can’t turn the system on and off in the cold, you can install a separate module with a timer or a remote control kit. True, the price of a complete set differs from the original "boiler" at times. We, as well as in Europe, distribute the products of the Norwegian brand Defa, which is recognized as a model in this segment. There are also Russian analogues, for example, under the Severs brand.
Only without self-activity!
Popular technical thought in cold Russia was constantly looking for ways to start the engine in severe frosts. The most bizarre inventions were born on the basis of a blowtorch, wire spirals and other improvised means. Some handicrafts of unknown firms even flashed in semi-legal car markets. What is the electric spiral, which, according to the "designers", is inserted instead of the oil dipstick and connected to the battery. Not only does oil have low thermal conductivity, and heating it, “planting” a frozen battery, is not a promising business. It's not far from a fire or a short circuit. So it is better not to look for easy and cheap ways. No matter how much you want to revive a frozen iron friend, preference should be given only to proven certified products.
The engine preheater is installed on various types of vehicles, ranging from civilian cars to heavy trucks, special vehicles, etc. Equipping a device for pre-heating the engine and interior makes it possible to facilitate, increase the resource of the power plant and significantly increase the comfort of operation in the winter.
On machines that do not have a pre-installed heater, it is possible to separately purchase and install such a solution. At the same time, engine heating can be installed on almost any car model. The main thing is to choose the right device from those options that are commercially available, as well as perform high-quality installation.
Next, we will consider what engine preheaters are, we will study the principle of operation of preheater. We will also try to answer the question of what advantages and disadvantages this or that type of engine and car interior heaters has from the general group of similar devices.
Let's start with the fact that there are several types of ICE heaters, which differ in the principle of operation, purpose, performance, dimensions and a number of other parameters and characteristics. As a rule, heaters are often divided into:
- liquid autonomous;
- electrical;
Now let's look at these solutions in more detail. So, the most common option is an autonomous liquid engine preheater. Many drivers are well aware of such devices by brands, Teplostar, etc.
Please note that autonomous pre-heaters are divided into liquid and air. Liquid heating is intended for heating the engine before starting, as well as for warming up the passenger compartment. The air heater allows you to heat only the interior, that is, the problem of cold starting the internal combustion engine in this case is not solved.
In this case, both types of heaters are autonomous. The devices take fuel (gasoline, diesel fuel) from the main tank or a separate tank (complete with an autonomous heater). This fuel is then burned in a small combustion chamber.
These solutions are economical, since fuel consumption is low, a minimum of electricity is also consumed, heaters are distinguished by a reduced noise level during operation. The versatility should also be noted, since the heater can be installed on a gasoline, diesel, gas or engine, engine with, etc.
As a rule, autonomous preheaters are installed in the engine compartment, after which they are also connected to. The air heater does not need such a connection. The device is placed in the cabin, since its task is not to heat the coolant, but to supply heated air to the air ducts.
How an autonomous engine preheater works
Let's start with the fact that the liquid heater is a ready-made installation kit. The main elements are:
- boiler with a combustion chamber;
- liquid radiator;
- lines for fuel supply;
- fuel pump;
- liquid pump;
- thermal relay;
- heater electronic unit;
- governing bodies;
So, after the start signal comes to the device, the electric current begins to be supplied to the executive motor. Such an engine drives a special fuel pump, which is included in the design of the heater. At the same time, the fan also starts to work. The pump pumps fuel, after which the fuel evaporates in the evaporator. Also, air enters the heater.
As a result, a fuel-air mixture is formed, which enters the combustion chamber and is ignited by a spark on the spark plug. The thermal energy that is generated after combustion is transferred to the coolant in the cooling system through a special heat exchanger.
The coolant itself circulates. Circulation becomes possible due to the operation of the booster pump, which is included in the design of the heater. Thus, the liquid heated and circulating through the cooling jacket is able to transfer heat to a cold engine.
After the heating of the coolant reaches 30 degrees Celsius, the fan of the standard heater (stove) in the cabin turns on automatically. As a result, heated air is supplied to the vehicle interior. Then, when the antifreeze or antifreeze warms up to 70 degrees, the intensity of the fuel supply to the heater is reduced to save fuel. If the coolant cools down to 55 degrees again, the entire process described above will be repeated.
If we talk about air heaters, in this device the burner heats only the air, while not heating the coolant. In automatic mode, the device “orients itself” according to the air temperature in the passenger compartment or cabin. In other words, the heater maintains one or another air temperature set by the user, and also works for as long as the driver has programmed.
Both liquid and air heaters are equipped with various controls, which allows you to control the device not only from the vehicle interior, but also remotely. Among the main functions, it is worth highlighting the possibility of automatically turning on the preheater by timer, starting the heater remotely from the key fob or using a mobile phone.
The principle of operation of the electric engine heating
The electric heater is a coil that is screwed into the engine block. An electric spiral is placed instead of a plug in the block. The principle of operation is quite simple. A current passes through the spiral, the spiral heats up, which makes it possible to heat the antifreeze or antifreeze as a result. Coolant circulation and heat distribution occurs naturally (due to convection).
Note that such heating is less efficient and also takes a lot of time. It is also important to understand that although an electric engine preheater is a more affordable and simpler alternative, it is largely inferior to air and water heaters.
The fact is that the electric heating of the engine is not autonomous. The device is powered from an external outlet, which in many cases becomes a significant disadvantage. Another disadvantage is that such a solution consumes a lot of electric current.
To ensure that the coolant is heated to a certain temperature and further maintained at this temperature, the owner himself sets the temperature range. Simply put, it comes with a timer that allows you to set the desired temperature. After the coolant is warmed up to the desired value, the coil is turned off.
Then, when the temperature of the liquid drops to a certain threshold, the device will turn on automatically again. We also note that the electric heater allows you to warm up not only the engine, but also the interior. After the coolant is heated, the regular stove fan turns on, after which warm air comes out of the air ducts. It is also possible to implement in parallel with the pre-heating of the power unit.
Engine heating with a heat accumulator
This type of engine heaters is less common compared to other analogues. Similar solutions on the market are represented by Gulfstream, Autotherm, etc. systems.
The principle of operation of these heat accumulators is that after the coolant warms up as a result of engine operation, antifreeze or antifreeze accumulates in a special container, where it remains hot for up to 48 hours. The next time you start a cold engine, warm fluid enters the cooling system, which allows you to quickly warm up the engine and interior.
Engine preheater: pluses
As you know, engine wear is most intense at the time of its start. At the same time, low temperatures affect the viscosity of the engine oil (the lubricant thickens), lubricating and protective properties deteriorate.
As a result, after a cold start, friction increases, in the first seconds the loaded parts experience oil starvation. Often, the elements wear out the fastest, and. At the same time, the ability to avoid a cold start and a quick warm-up of the internal combustion engine to operating temperatures suggests that the engine is operated in a gentle mode.
As you can see, the presence of an autonomous or electric heater allows you to increase the service life of the motor, reduce fuel costs and increase the environmental friendliness of power units. It is also possible to achieve an increase in comfort during the operation of the vehicle in the winter.
Read also
What is Webasto? The principle of operation of autonomous preheaters. Pros and cons of a liquid heater and an air heater (hair dryer).
Starting a car in winter is difficult for anyone who does not have an engine preheater. This device is designed to heat the coolant, which, in turn, heats the engine elements, which contributes to easy starting even at critically low temperatures. The operation of the RPM makes it possible not only to facilitate the start of the internal combustion engine, but to increase its resource and, in general, increase the comfort of operation in the winter period.
|
Name |
price, rub. |
Briefly about the main |
|
|
For vehicles with an internal combustion engine capacity of 2.5. Can be scheduled to run using a timer. |
|||
|
For passenger cars, pickups and vans with petrol engines up to 2 liters. |
|||
|
Designed for a car engine with a volume of up to 4 liters with a liquid cooling system at low temperatures (up to - 45 ° C). |
|||
|
Works from a network. You can connect an electronic timer. For engines up to 4 liters. Power depending on modification 1-2 kW. |
|||
|
A set of equipment designed for maximum ease of starting a car at any sub-zero temperatures. For control - Futura mini-timer. |
|||
|
Autonomous liquid unit 12 Volt, 5 kW for engines up to 4 liters with a liquid cooling system at temperatures down to -45°C. |
|||
|
The power is 5.2 kW, which is enough to connect both according to the classical scheme and according to the scheme of a regular cabin heater. |
|||
|
Component model, convenient in that it is smaller, more powerful and suitable for installation in very limited space. |
|||
|
Power 15 kW. Suitable for trucks and buses. |
|||
|
It is structurally divided into two main units - a pump and a fuel pump. Can be placed anywhere. |
|||
|
Accelerates power from 7 to 30 kW. Consumes from 0.7-3.7 diesel per hour. Include/switch off from the panel, control of temperature - ry automatic. |
|||
|
You don’t need to start the engine - you can turn it on right from the evening and maintain the temp until the start of the movement. |
|||
|
It operates from a standard 220V network and warms up the engine to the temperature recommended by the manufacturer in about an hour. |
|||
|
After starting the engine, the electronic control unit automatically turns on the diesel fuel heater if its temperature is below 5°C. |
Varieties of engine preheaters
According to the principle of operation of PPD for gasoline and diesel engines, they are divided into two main groups:
- autonomous;
- electrical.
Autonomous
They use the fuel of the car itself as energy. They are more convenient, do not depend on external sources, but are more expensive. If there is no standard heater, a ready-made installation kit is installed at the service station.
Electrical
This option requires a 220V power supply. The principle of operation is similar to that of a conventional boiler, in which the coolant is heated. The circulation is carried out by gravity (the heated one rises, and the cold one goes down).
Autonomous liquid heaters are installed under the hood of the car and operate on one of the types of fuel: gasoline, diesel fuel, gas.
Longfei with pump 3 kW
Heats the coolant and makes it move through a small cycle, warming up the power unit even without its idle operation, without wasting fuel. Heating element is used for heating, circulation - centrifugal pumping equipment. These elements are located in the body of the device and operate from a household power supply with a voltage of 220 volts.
Longfei 3 kW
This model has a thermostat and power control system. When the coolant reaches the upper temperature limit, the equipment turns off. As soon as it cools down to the lower set limit, the heating and the pump automatically turn on. As a result, the engine is always ready to start and start moving.
Longfei's miniature autonomous heaters are designed to meet the needs of the market. Their dimensions are only 8 × 7.7 × 11.8 cm. The heaters are securely fastened to the branch pipes with the help of clamps, without requiring special fastening for this. They are fixed in a consistent way by cutting into the inlet tube of the interior stove. The model evenly warms up the engine at high speed. Electronics has high protection against moisture and is reliable.
The price of Lunfei is from 2390 rubles.
Eberspächer HYDRONIC 3 B4E is installed on petrol engines. Power 4 kW. On-board network voltage - 12V. Very easy to install and operate, the kit includes a CD with a description of the installation process and technical specifications.
Infinitely adjustable heating power, increased protection against water and salt, accelerated heating of antifreeze, reduced current consumption, low noise level. According to the official website of the manufacturer, this is one of the best options for a passenger car.
The heater "Binar-5S" is designed to warm up a gasoline engine up to four liters before starting. Used at low temperatures down to -45°C. It can work in two modes: heater and preheater.
Specifications:
|
Heat output, kW |
|||||||||||
|
Supply voltage, V |
|||||||||||
|
Fuel consumption, l/h |
|||||||||||
|
coolant |
antifreeze, antifreeze |
||||||||||
|
Power consumption of the pump, W |
|||||||||||
|
Cycle duration, min |
|||||||||||
|
Weight, kg |
Starting heaters for passenger cars are presented in a large assortment, consider the most popular models of 2018. The heater Webasto t400vl is designed specifically for the Russian market. A distinctive feature is the ability to warm up not only the car engine, but the creation of a comfortable temperature in the cabin.
WEBASTO Thermo Top Evo Comfort+ The power of the Webasto brand unit is 5 kW, which is enough for normal operation on gasoline engines with a displacement of up to 4 liters. The set of delivery does not provide for a regular control body. Higher coolant temperature, early start of the adp5 fan, faster heating due to fluid pump control and better heat transfer "work" for maximum efficiency. Severs is a budget volatile heater that runs on a standard power supply. Includes thermostat to protect against engine overheating. Heating up to 60°С is carried out in 1-1.5 hours. At a temperature of 85°C, the system stops working. If the temperature of the coolant drops to 50°C, the heater starts up again. It is noteworthy that the heater has protection against moisture and electric shock.
The only downside of Severs is that he needs an outlet, so you can use such a device only if there is an electrical outlet. DEFA WarmUp 1350 wFutura - the maximum pre-heating system for the engine, interior and car battery charging. The system is controlled through the Futura mini-timer.
The kit includes:
The big advantage is that the device consists of blocks-modules and armored connecting cables. By choice, they can be installed either as separate blocks or as a whole complex. How to warm up the engine when there is no outlet nearby? Option one is to burn your own fuel. This is how autonomous preheaters are arranged: these are small stoves that burn fuel taken from the tank and heat the built-in heat exchanger. Such a starting preheater is easy to automate - connect a timer to it, a control output from an alarm. Teplostar prelaunch BINAR-5S (gasoline)The BINAR-5S engine preheater is a domestic analogue of the well-known German Webasto, which compares favorably with it in price and with a wider operating temperature range - up to -45°С. It is installed on passenger cars with a liquid cooling system running on gasoline.
The operation of "BINAR-5S" is controlled through an alarm system, timer remote control or through an application via a GSM modem. This makes it possible, on command or according to a schedule, to heat the antifreeze in the car to a temperature of 85 0C, followed by shutdown or reheating at low power. A set of equipment designed to be connected to a cabin heater or as a separate unit for easier starting a car in winter.
It is installed on all types of equipment, including commercial vehicles and trucks. The kit includes:
Users in the reviews pay attention to the fact that Thermo Top Evo Comfort, although it is intended only for heating the engine without a passenger compartment (there is a more expensive version of Top Evo Comfort + for this), wires for the interior heater function are also included in the cable braid.
The petrol version has a maximum heating output of 5 kW at the start of the engine warm-up cycle. During operation, the power of the engine heater is reduced to 1.5 kW, which leads to a decrease in fuel consumption and battery charge. Diesel at sub-zero temperatures becomes thick, like jelly, as a result of which it becomes extremely difficult to start the engine even at -10 ° C. Someone chooses diesel of special winter grades, but it is not sold at all gas stations. Others choose a diesel engine preheater. One does not interfere with the other, but together it will create ideal conditions for any frost. TEPLOSTAR 14TS-10, 20TSG, 15TSG are new models with a capacity of 12-20 kW designed for buses and trucks that run on diesel fuel or compressed natural gas. It is installed even on Kamaz
Teplostar Diesel engine-heater 14TC-10-12-C Such heaters provide warming up of the engine of the motor vehicle and salon in a cold season. The main advantages of cars (diesel), on which the installed heater "TEPLOSTAR":
Liquid Hydronic 35 is designed for installation in buses, trucks, container structures, special equipment, ships. The heating power is 35 kW, which contributes to the fastest and most efficient heating of the engine, car interior, cabins, cabs of trucks.
Hydronic is structurally divided into two main units - a pump and a fuel pump, which allows you to install it in any chosen place, which saves space. This design is optimal for installation in vehicles with a lack of free space under the hood. APZH-30D - pre-heater for diesel engine. The heater requires 24V power to operate.
Specifications:
|
.jpg)
.png)
