High-power Electric Heaters with Self-regulation Effect Based on Polymers Modified with Carbon Nanotubes

The article presents the relevance of the development of heaters with high power and self-regulation effect for the needs of photovoltaic and wind energy. It was found that the range of changes in the concentration of CNTs in the elastomer matrix varies from 1 to 9 wt% in the elastomer matrix. At a CNT concentration of 9 wt% in the elastomer matrix, the peak power of the heater reaches 3.2 W/m2. In the course of research, it was found that for an electric heater based on an organosilicon compound modified with a CNT with a concentration of 6.5 wt%, the base specific power is 1200 ± 10% W/ m2 at an ambient temperature of +10° C. When the ambient temperature drops from +10°C to minus 40°C, the specific heating power changes from 1200 to 2400 ± 10% W/m2. A dynamic change in power at different temperatures indicates a self-regulating effect. The developed electric heaters can operate at a supply voltage of 25 to 220 V and have a self-regulating effect, which makes it possible to work effectively in anti-icing agents for various purposes, as well as in renewable energy installations where solar photovoltaic cells and wind generators are used.