Heating the engine as it is called. Choosing an engine preheater

The engine preheater is installed on various types of equipment, from civil passenger cars to heavy trucks, special vehicles, etc. Equipping with a preheating device for the engine and the passenger compartment allows to facilitate, increase the resource power plant and significantly improve the comfort of use in winter period.

On machines that do not have a pre-installed heater, it is possible to separately purchase and install a similar 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 on sale, as well as to perform high-quality installation.

Next, we will consider what kind of engine preheaters are, we will study the principle of operation of preheating. We will also try to answer the question, what are the advantages and disadvantages of this or that type of heaters for the engine and interior of the car from the general group of similar devices.

To begin with, there are several types of ICE heaters, which differ in 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 take a closer look at these solutions. 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.

Moreover, both types of heaters are autonomous. The devices take fuel (gasoline, diesel fuel) from the main tank or a separate tank (comes with an autonomous heater). This fuel is then burned in a small combustion chamber.

These solutions are economical, since the fuel consumption is low, a minimum of electricity is also consumed, the heaters are distinguished by a reduced noise level during operation. One should also note the versatility, since the heater can be installed on a gasoline, diesel, gas or engine, engine with, etc.

As a rule, autonomous preheaters are installed in engine compartment, after which they also connect to. The air heater does not need such a connection. The device is installed in the passenger compartment, since its task is not to heat the coolant, but to supply heated air into the air ducts.

How does the autonomous engine preheater work?

Let's start with the fact that the water heater is a ready-made installation kit. The main elements are:

• boiler with a combustion chamber;
• liquid radiator;
• fuel supply lines;
• fuel pump;
• liquid pump;
• thermal relay;
• heater electronic unit;
• governing bodies;

So, after the start signal arrives at the device, 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. The fan also starts working in parallel. The pump pumps fuel, after which the fuel is evaporated in the evaporator. Air also enters the heater.

The result is a fuel-air mixture that enters the combustion chamber and is ignited by the spark on the spark plug. The heat energy that is generated after combustion is transferred to the coolant in the cooling system through a special heat exchanger.

The coolant itself circulates in this case. Circulation becomes possible due to the operation of the booster pump, which is part of the heater design. 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 is 30 degrees Celsius, in automatic mode the fan of the standard heater (stove) in the passenger compartment turns on. 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 whole process described above will be repeated.

If we talk about air heaters, in this device the burner heats only air, while not heating the coolant. In automatic mode, the device is "oriented" 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 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, the possibility should be highlighted automatic switching on preheater by timer, starting the heater remotely from a remote control or using a mobile phone.

The principle of operation of electric engine heating

The electric heater is a coil that is screwed into the engine block. An electric spiral is installed 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 as a result allows antifreeze or antifreeze to be heated. Coolant circulation and heat distribution occurs naturally (due to convection).

Note that such heating is less effective 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 loses to air and water heaters to a large extent.

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 heats up to a certain temperature and further maintains this temperature, the owner himself sets the temperature range. Simply put, a timer is included in the kit, which allows you to set the desired temperature. After the coolant is warmed up to the desired value, the spiral is turned off.

Then, when the temperature of the liquid drops to a certain threshold, the device will turn back on in automatic mode. We also note that the electric heater allows you to warm up not only the engine, but also the interior. After heating the coolant, the standard stove fan is turned on, after which warm air flows from the air ducts. It is also possible to implement parallel preheating of the power unit.

Heating the engine with a heat accumulator

This type of engine heaters is less common than other counterparts. Similar solutions on the market are presented by the systems Gulfstream, Autotherm, etc.

The principle of operation of these heat accumulators boils down to the fact 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: pros

As you know, engine wear is most intense at the time of its start. At the same time, low temperatures affect the viscosity engine oil(grease thickens), lubricating and protective properties deteriorate.

As a result, after a cold start, friction increases; in the first seconds, loaded parts experience oil starvation. Elements, and are often the fastest to wear out. At the same time, the possibility of avoiding a cold start and a quick warm-up of the internal combustion engine to operating temperatures suggests that the engine is operated in a sparing mode.

As you can see, the presence of an autonomous or electric heater allows you to increase the service life of the engine, reduce fuel costs and improve 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).

The electric engine preheater is one of the most affordable devices among other types of on-line vehicle priming systems.

You can, of course, start the engine on a cold one, but, firstly, it is fraught with increased wear of the entire engine system, and secondly, it is much more pleasant to sit in a warm, pre-warmed interior on a cold winter morning. Therefore, it is wiser, and in the future, more economical in terms of Maintenance, will take care of the early heating of the engine by installing special heating elements in the cooling system of your car. Since heating devices operating on an electric principle are of different powers and types, you should take into account the time required for your engine and interior to reach the desired temperature, it takes on average up to half an hour.

What types of electric engine heating are the most common:

An external electric engine heater of the external type, which receives energy for its operation from the 220V alternating current network. Its heating elements are made of quality materials, they are durable and easy to maintain. The only feature that should be taken into account is the insufficiently developed infrastructure of places where you can use the heating service. In the Scandinavian countries, in parking lots and near supermarkets, you can often find such small posts, just for these purposes. For our person, it definitely makes sense to buy an external manifold heater if the car owner has an equipped garage or the ability to use the electrical network in the parking lot, in which case this is an excellent solution.

Electric preheater of block type, installed in the cylinder block or oil pan. The absence of many meters of wiring and hoses makes them extremely convenient and efficient heating elements. They act pointwise, heat exactly the node that is primarily necessary for safe and quick start of the motor. The heater control, that is, automatic shutdown when a sufficient temperature is reached, is carried out using a thermostat, or timer. Although there are low-power models, where this option is completely absent simply because they are not able to bring liquids to a boil, which means they are completely safe, even if they are forgotten.

Most of these devices can be bought both as separate components, if you only need an electric pre-heater, and full-fledged mounting kits for installation, from Atlant, Defa, Calix, Severs, Start, Alliance, Lestar. In such kits, in addition to the heater itself, the following are often available:

• - cabin heater block, which starts working long before the standard stove
• - control panel, range of action on average up to 1000 m
• - a device for recharging the battery, a completely useful addition in a snowy winter
• - pump, for a more even heating of the engine

You can buy a 220V engine heater, with a complete installation kit, in a specialized online store, here it is hard to run into low-quality goods or defects, which often happens when buying spare parts in spontaneous markets or flea layouts.

So, the electric heater of the 220V engine makes it possible to start the engine at any time of the year, easily and with minimal wear, reduces the load on the environment and fuel consumption by up to 24%, harmful emissions by up to 71%, due to the use of safer electrical energy.

Installation of an engine preheater costs an average of 5,000 rubles. You can make it yourself or contact our specialized car service. The craftsmen will take into account the specifics of the provided cooling system and give their recommendations on the purchase and installation of a specific model or electric heater installation kit.

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 passenger compartment. This option is especially valuable in regions with a long winter operating season. Do not be especially upset for those motorists whose cars are not equipped with a factory engine preheater. To buy it and install it on any car brand is currently no problem in any region of the country. Here, the more relevant question is how effective this equipment is and whether it is worth the costs that are required to purchase and install it.

This is what you need a pre-heater for the engine in winter.

What does a preheater look like and what does it consist of?

Depending on the purpose and principle of operation, the pre-heater can be a device of various dimensions and power used to warm up the engine without cold starting. In addition, it can be used to heat the passenger compartment, windscreen 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 thermostat that controls the climate system fan, an electronic control unit and a heater start device.

Thermo Top liquid preheater

Types of car pre-heaters

1. Autonomous pre-heater of the engine

By designation and design, autonomous preheaters subdivided into liquid and air types.

Autonomous liquid preheaters

Video: Webasto or Hydronic (Webasto or Hydronic) which is better

Designed for heating both the engine and the passenger compartment. 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 system liquid cooling motor. The heated air is distributed through the internal air ducts of the vehicle. The system is economical in terms of fuel and electricity consumption; it does not produce loud noise... Suitable for heating all types of engines internal combustion- gasoline, diesel, LPG and combined.

Stand-alone air preheaters for internal combustion engines

Designed to accelerate the rise in air temperature only in the passenger compartment. They are installed in the cab of a car and are used mainly in passenger minibuses, rotational trailers and shelters, long-range cargo vehicles. They can heat the air in the passenger compartment to a predetermined temperature. They also work silently and consume a little electricity. Unlike liquid devices, air devices have large dimensions and productivity, therefore, the fuel consumption in them is slightly higher. Such brands of liquid heaters are most popular in the country. German production as Webasto Thermo Top evo 5 and Eberspasher Hydronic.

The principle of operation of the liquid engine preheater

This is how the autonomous liquid engine heater works.

The device turns on with remote control, timer or cell phone. The start pulse, hitting the electronic unit, generates a control signal that supplies the supply voltage to the executive motor. The motor rotates to drive the heater fuel pump and fan. The pump begins to pump fuel into the burner, where an air-fuel mixture is created with the help of an evaporator and a glowing pin.

The combustible mixture blown by the fan is ignited in the combustion chamber with a spark plug. The heat generated by the combustion of the fuel is transferred through the heat exchanger working fluid engine cooling systems. The liquid circulates in the cooling circuit under the action of the preheater booster pump included in this circuit. The heated liquid in the process of circulation transfers the received heat to the engine casing.

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, the liquid autonomous pre-heater of the engine is similar to the cabin car heater and is a burner for liquid fuel (gasoline or diesel fuel). Even in cost, they do not differ much, not to mention the principle of operation. However, according to the place of installation and the principle of heating, they are fundamentally different.

In heaters, the burner heats directly the air supplied to the passenger compartment, and in the pre-heater it heats the coolant, which, in turn, heats the engine body and the standard stove. In order for the interior heating to work effectively, one should not forget about setting the stove control knob to the minimum "heat" mode. In this case, the heater control circuit will automatically turn on the fan at the right time, pumping warm air into the passenger compartment through the standard air duct system. The result of this work will be noticeable from a distance, the car windows on a frosty morning will be dry and transparent. It will be warm and comfortable in the cab, the wipers can be left on at night, there is an opportunity to sit down and immediately go out onto the road.

A convenient function is the remote control of the operation of the engine preheater. 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 leaving (depending on the frost outside), so that the coolant and the engine have time to warm up to the desired temperature, and the process of starting the engine went without complications. There are systems with an automatic start from a built-in timer, on which it is necessary to set the desired turn-on time before locking the machine.

2. Electric pre-heater for internal combustion engines

Device and layout of the electric engine heater

An alternative to the 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 actuator 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 of it. Under the influence of high voltage, a current flows through the coil, and it heats the antifreeze. The circulation of the liquid in the cooling system occurs due to natural convection. It is less productive than artificial circulation with a pump and takes much longer. Most prominent representatives electric heaters are 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 your 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 fluid temperature.

When the set value is crossed, the spiral is automatically turned off or turned on. Accordingly, in this case, the working fluid cools or heats up, which, during convection, keeps the motor warm. The standard options for the electric motor heater are:

• warming up the working fluid in the engine cooling system;
• heating the passenger compartment by supplying warm air through a standard stove;
• battery charge.

The principle of motor heating 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 heating method 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. Heat 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 shortened circuit, quickly warming up the engine. Classic representatives of such systems are Avtoterm, Gulfstream, UOPD-0.8.

What gives the use of pre-heaters

Professional drivers recognize the presence of an autonomous or electric engine preheater as a prerequisite for the complete set modern car, guaranteeing the necessary healthy working conditions during the winter operation. For trucks operating in Europe, this principle has been observed for a long time. From the point of view of ensuring driving safety, their use contributes to increased comfort and reduced driver fatigue. Among other things, heaters help to increase the efficiency and durability of motors. This is achieved by:

Video: Engine preheater

1. Reducing the number of "cold" engine starts... It is estimated that, on average, each driver performs 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 preheating the engine reduces fuel consumption from 100 to 500 ml. The amount of savings depends on the outdoor temperature and the duration of warm-up. Thus, according to rough estimates, the use of preheating from autonomous heaters allows you to save from 90 to 150 liters of gasoline or diesel fuel in one winter season.

2. Reduction of severe operating conditions that increase engine wear... The overwhelming proportion of engine wear occurs during the start-up period. This is due to the fact that at the moment 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 the moving parts is increased and the 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 a year of subzero temperatures can reduce the engine resource for one season by 80 thousand km.

3. Improving safety and comfort in driving... Cold contributes to increased heat transfer from the body and rapid fatigue. Drowsiness and lethargy increase, and driver alertness decreases. The driving mode is becoming more irrational. In addition, the risk of developing such occupational diseases as cervical, lumbar osteochondrosis, acute respiratory infections increases.

Starting a car in winter is difficult for anyone who does not have an engine preheater. This device is designed to warm up the coolant, which in turn heats up the engine elements, which contributes to easy starting even at critically low temperatures. The operation of the RPM allows not only to facilitate the start of the internal combustion engine, but to increase its resource and, in general, to increase the comfort of operation in the winter period.

Varieties of engine preheaters

According to the principle of operation of PPD for gasoline and diesel engines 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

To operate this option, you must be connected to a 220 volt power grid. The principle of operation is the same as that of a conventional boiler, in which the coolant is heated. The circulation is carried out by gravity (the heated one goes up, and the cold one goes down).

Autonomous liquid heaters are installed under the hood of the car and run on one of the types of fuel: gasoline, diesel fuel, gas.

Longfei with pump 3 kW

Heats up the coolant and makes it move in a small cycle, warming up power unit even without him idle work 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 a power control system. When the coolant reaches the upper temperature limit, the equipment shuts down. As soon as it cools down to the lower set limit, the heating and the pump are automatically turned on. As a result, the engine is always ready to start and start moving.

Miniature autonomous heaters Longfei are designed with the market in mind. Their dimensions are only 8 × 7.7 × 11.8 cm. The heaters are securely fixed to the branch pipes with clamps, without requiring special fastening for this. They are fixed in a sequential manner by cutting into the inlet tube of the cabin heater. The model warms up the engine evenly at high speed. The electronics are highly resistant to moisture and are reliable.

Longfei price from 2390 rubles.

Eberspächer HYDRONIC 3 B4E is installed on petrol engines. Power 4 kW. The voltage of the on-board network is 12V. Very easy to install and operate, the kit includes a disc with a description of the installation process and technical characteristics.

Infinitely adjustable heating power, enhanced protection against water and salt, accelerated heating of antifreeze, reduced current consumption, low level noise. As stated by the manufacturer's official website, this is one of best options for a car.

The Binar-5S heater is designed to warm up a gasoline engine with a volume of up to four liters before starting. Used at temperatures as low as -45 ° C. It can operate in two modes: pre-heater and re-heater.

Specifications:

An electric engine preheater is a mechanism that allows you to warm up a car engine without starting.

This need arises in cold weather. The operation of the heater simplifies subsequent start-up. Sometimes this device is used to heat the passenger compartment.

The principle of operation of the electric pre-heater

Unlike autonomous heaters, electric heaters work directly from a 220 V network (from sockets in parking lots, in parking lots).

The heating element heats up the coolant. Temperature distribution occurs when the heated liquid rises upward.

The device switches off automatically when the set temperature is reached, i.e. it can be left turned on in the parking lot overnight without the danger of overheating.

Main characteristics

Popular models

The choice of the brand of the heater is determined by its functionality, efficiency, availability of a suitable model depending on the brand of the machine. And also the price and positive feedback consumers.

DEFA (Norway). The advantages of the model are ease of installation, optimal balance of performance, power consumption and price.

"Severs": ease of installation, a variety of models for different engines, proven quality over the years, low price.

Advantages and disadvantages of electric pre-heaters

• The ability to save fuel (compared to autonomous heaters powered by the fuel tank).
• Fire safety.
• Easy to operate.
• Compactness, lightness. Unlike autonomous heaters, which weigh up to ten kilograms or more, the most bulky models of electric heaters are about one kilogram. Small footprint makes installation easy.

Note!

There are two main disadvantages compared to autonomous heaters: the need for a free outlet and the cost of electricity.

Installation of an electric pre-heater

At fluid system cooling, the heating element is placed on the cylinder block.

1. Remove the plug from the cooling system.

2. Put the hoses on the heater connections.

3. Drain the liquid.

4. Place the heater, fix it.

Attention!

The heating element must be located at the very bottom of the cooling system. The electric engine heater with pump can be installed anywhere.

5. Connect the sleeves.

6. Fill in liquid.

7. Install the power socket on the machine body.

8. Connect the cables to the heater, control unit, connector and other units, if any.

9. Verify that the system is tight and that the wiring is adequately insulated.

10. Connect to the network, check the system performance.

Price

The price of a DEFA heater depends on the power (1.4-5 kilowatts), technical features model and ranges from 3.5 to 10 thousand rubles.

Severs - from 3.5 to 7.5 thousand, also depends on performance and model.