Trying to build a circuit that has a variable heat setting to heat water flowing through a small copper tube. Basically a homemade carpet steamer.
Any and all assistance is greatly appreciated.

 

If you are just heating water there is no point in using an induction system to do the job.

A simple resistance heater system will do far better for far less cost and with far greater efficiency and reliability. Especially if it has to be portable.

 

OK. How would you suggest I proceed? I apologize for being so ignorant of electronics, but I'm 51 and teaching myself as I go.
Yes it needs to be portable.
(Thank you for your reply).

 

google for "flash boiler"
they are easiest to build and design. im thinking a small propane bottle and modified torch head with added copper tubing coiled up.

 

Could I use a setup similar to a Curtis commercial coffee maker? It heats water to 210° . Very close to my target temperature. The unit has to be entirely electric, no outside heat source.

 

How much water are you trying to heat total (per use), how much time between room temperature and your desired temp (212F, I presume).

What is your source of electricity? 120 v AC wall socket or other? If other, specify voltage, AC vs DC and maximum current (amperage) draw.

It might also help to frame what your end goal is, making coffee, cleaning carpet, brewing beer, other...

 

I am trying to build a unit that will run on typical AC power, so below 20 amps. The purpose is for cleaning, so the more water flow, heat and pressure the better (4 gallons per minute? ). I know there are are limitations due to the 110 outlet, but that's OK. This may require a fixed amount of water (storage tank) which is ok, but continuous water feed via a garden hose would be perfect.
Thank you for your feedback.

 

(3700 ml/gallon) x (4 gallons/minute) x (1 minute/60 seconds) x (212 - 68f) x (5 degrees c/9 degrees F) x (4.184 joules/ calorie)= watts you will need.

More than 80 kilowatts! More if your incoming water is colder. You'll. need a bunch of amps. That's not going to happen.

Remember, this assumes that 100% of your power goes to the water.

 

What about using one of the instant water dispensers such as used in sink faucets that only heat on demand?
Max.

 

Someone better check my math

 

Old school math but.....

8.33 pounds per gallon.
1 BTU per degree F per pound.

So,

(8.33 x 4 x 144 x 60) / 3114 = ~ 92 KW not including the phase change energy to go from 212 liquid to 212 steam vapor.

 

Thanks Max, I was hoping that something similar to that could be beefed up to handle more demand. It looks like what I'm hoping to accomplish will have to be done by other means. Not sure exactly how, but the track I'm on appears to be a dead end. Thanks for everyone's input.

 

Thanks Max, I was hoping that something similar to that could be beefed up to handle more demand. It looks like what I'm hoping to accomplish will have to be done by other means. Not sure exactly how, but the track I'm on appears to be a dead end. Thanks for everyone's input.

Slower water flow, natural gas heating, or some really big copper