An oil heater , also known as oil-filled heater , oil-filled radiator , or column heater , is a common form of heating convection used in domestic heating. Although filled with oil, heated with electricity and does not involve burning of fuel oil; oil is used as a heat reservoir (buffer), not as fuel.
Video Oil heater
How it works
The oil heater consists of a metal column with a cavity, in which silicone oil (mostly siloxanes such as polydimethylsiloxane) flows freely around the heater. The heating element at the bottom of the heater heats the oil, which then flows in the vicinity of the heating cavity by convection. Oil acts as a hot reservoir, with relatively high specific heat capacity (about 2 kJ Ã, Â · kg -1 Ã, Â · K -1 ) and high boiling point (about 150 -300 degrees Celsius). The high specific heat capacity allows the oil to store large amounts of heat energy in small volumes, while the high boiling point allows it to remain in the liquid phase for heating purposes, so the heater does not have to be a high pressure vessel.
Using oil as a hot reservoir, heating elements heat up the oil, which remains warm for long periods of time while heat is transferred to the metal wall through convection, through walls through conduction, then into the environment through convection and radiation.. The oil heating column is usually built as a thinner fin, so the surface area of ​​the metal column is relatively large against the volume of the oil hot reservoir. Large surface areas allow more air to come into contact with heating at any point in time, allowing heat to be transferred faster than heating to the room.
Maps Oil heater
Efficiency
Although oil heaters are more expensive to run and provide much less spatial heating than gas heaters, these heaters are still commonly used in bedrooms and other small to medium covered areas. This is because the gas heater, especially when not removed, is not suitable for use of the bedroom - gas heaters can not be used in confined spaces due to reduced oxygen, and emissions generated. This leaves electrically powered heaters, such as oil heaters and fan heaters, as the only alternative.
Some efficiency metrics can be measured with respect to heating, such as the heating efficiency of the room with the amount of power supplied, and the efficiency of the electric generator that drives the heater and power loss from the transport of electricity over the power cord. Size can also consider how well the heater keeps room temperature above a certain point. Such a measure will find inefficiency in warming the already warm room. Many heaters (the majority of available models) are equipped with thermostats to prevent this inefficient heating, which in turn reduces operational costs. This feature is much more common in oil heaters compared to cheaper fan heaters until recently; so many older oil heaters will be cheaper and more efficient to run than their contemporary fan heaters that do not have a thermostat.
Typical oil heaters range in power consumption/output from 300 to 2400 watts, and the length and number of columns are roughly proportional to their power ratings. 2400 watt oil heater is usually about 1 meter (3.3 feet) in length.
All electrical resistance heaters are 100% efficient, with operating costs determined by their watts and length of operation. The 500 watt heater will take twice as long to reach the same thermostat setting as the 1000 watt unit; total electricity consumption is the same for both.
In contrast, the electric heat pump used for home heating usually has an efficiency above 100%, which is expressed as the coefficient of performance.
Safety and features
The main risks of oil heaters are fire and burns. In both they are generally more dangerous than hydrics and air conditioning, but less harmful than electric fan heaters or radiator bars; this is due to the surface temperature of each type of heater.
Most modern small heaters have some form of slope sensor to cut power if they are knocked or placed on an unstable surface. This can reduce the risk of fire if the heater is destroyed.
From a security standpoint, it is best to avoid any object within three feet of the oil heater. Using oil heaters to dry clothes is not recommended by modern manufacturers. There is a substantial risk of fire if flammable materials such as clothing or blankets are left near the heater, especially synthetic fabrics such as polyester, which can melt or burn. Although the surface temperature of the heater in normal operation is quite low, the additional heat resistance of the clothing on the heater may cause its surface temperature to rise to the temperature of the automatic material. It should also be noted that some oil heaters contain strong warnings to avoid surgery in moist areas (such as bathrooms or laundry rooms) as moisture and humidity can damage the heating component itself.
The oil heater has been known to explode when their thermal fuse fails to turn it off. This can cause fires, thick black smoke, unpleasant odors, oil on walls and other surfaces, and staining burns.
Some companies offer oil heaters with fans, to increase airflow over the heater. Because it always brings cold air from the room into contact with the heater, which can increase the rate of heat flow from the heater to the room. The heat flow rate from the heater to the air in contact with it is higher when there is a greater temperature difference between the heater and the air.
References
Source of the article : Wikipedia
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