What is a microwave boiler and how do they work? Here we discuss the potential technology and the prototypes from Heat Wayv, currently in development.
The UK Government has set ambitious goals to revolutionise domestic heating and achieve net zero emissions by 2050. This vision includes a gradual transition to low-carbon heating solutions over the coming decades.
Currently, heat pumps are being actively promoted and incentivised through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, as they are the only widely available low-carbon option for the domestic market.
However, several barriers hinder their widespread adoption, including high costs, performance issues, and a shortage of trained installers. It is anticipated that increased demand will eventually drive down prices.
Meanwhile, industry experts are exploring alternative heating options, one of which is the microwave boiler. This innovative technology operates similarly to gas boilers but is significantly more environmentally friendly.
In this article, we explore the workings of microwave boiler technology and highlight the companies at the forefront of this promising development.
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What is a Microwave Boiler?
Microwave boilers look and function similarly to traditional gas boilers, but instead of using gas combustion to heat water, they employ microwave radiation.
Unlike gas boilers, microwave boilers use electricity rather than gas, meaning they do not emit carbon dioxide (although this doesn’t guarantee that the electricity used is always sourced from renewables).
However, there are concerns regarding running costs since electricity is currently more expensive than gas per kilowatt-hour.
This could make microwave boilers more expensive to operate in the short term.
At present, the only microwave boiler being developed is a prototype by a company called HeatWayv, which means it’s not yet available for purchase.
In the meantime, you can explore the current prices of various boiler types in our new boiler costs guide.
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Heat Wayv Microwave Boilers
Heat Wayv, a British technology company, unveiled its microwave boiler prototype in 2021.
This innovative boiler boasts an 84% efficiency in converting electricity into hot water, with an additional 12% of waste heat recycled, resulting in a total efficiency of 96%.
The company also claims that the microwave boiler would operate almost silently and be virtually maintenance-free.
Despite these promising features, there is no official launch date yet. Heat Wayv continues to test and refine the prototype, with further developments expected before it becomes commercially available.
For now, the market eagerly anticipates further updates and the eventual release of this groundbreaking technology.
How Does a Microwave Boiler Work?
Microwaves are a form of electromagnetic radiation widely used across various industries, most notably in microwave ovens found in nearly every kitchen. However, their potential extends far beyond cooking.
In the context of boilers, microwaves can be harnessed to heat water for both domestic heating and hot water supply.
This innovative approach leverages the principles of electromagnetic energy, where microwaves penetrate water molecules, causing them to vibrate and generate heat efficiently.
The generation of microwaves in these systems is achieved through solid-state components, including insulators, semiconductors, and conductors.
These components work together to produce and control microwave energy with high precision, ensuring efficient and consistent heating.
How Much Do Microwave Boilers Cost?
Microwave boilers are not yet commercially available, making it difficult to determine their exact cost upon release.
However, Heat Wayv has publicly estimated that a microwave boiler suitable for an average UK home will retail for approximately £3,500, comparable to the cost of a gas boiler.
This pricing suggests that microwave boilers could be more affordable to purchase and install compared to air source heat pumps, which currently average around £10,000 in the UK.
It is worth noting that the cost of air-source heat pumps is expected to decrease significantly over the next decade as technology advances and market adoption increases.
Despite the promising cost of the microwave boiler, running costs are a concern due to the higher price of electricity.
As of June 2024, the average cost of electricity for those on a standard variable rate in the UK was 24.50p per kWh, compared to 6.04p per kWh for gas.
This substantial difference in energy prices means that while the initial purchase and installation of a microwave boiler may be cost-effective, the ongoing running costs are likely to be significantly higher than those for gas boilers, due to the current price disparity between electricity and gas.
In conclusion, while microwave boilers present an innovative and potentially more environmentally friendly heating solution, their higher operational costs due to electricity prices must be carefully considered.
As energy markets evolve and more renewable energy sources come online, the economics of microwave boilers may become more favourable.
Types of Microwave Boilers
Heat Wayv has announced two microwave boiler prototypes currently in development:
Heat Wayv One
The Heat Wayv One prototype offers the advantage of not requiring an external vent, allowing it to be installed on any interior wall.
It can be integrated into existing heating systems in less than a day, providing a versatile solution for homeowners.
The size of the Heat Wayv One is comparable to that of a standard combi boiler, making it a convenient replacement for traditional systems.
Heat Wayv Max
The Heat Wayv Max is a larger version of the Heat Wayv One, designed to meet the needs of larger homes.
It features a pressurised 280-litre internal hot water tank, utilising the same microwave heating technology and energy platform.
This enhancement ensures that the Heat Wayv Max can efficiently provide ample hot water and heating capacity for more extensive residential applications.
Related reading:
Pros & Cons of Microwave Boilers
Potential Advantages of Microwave Boilers:
Microwave boilers present several promising benefits when installed in homes:
Environmentally Friendly Heating Option
Microwave boilers are an extremely environmentally friendly heating solution, producing almost zero emissions.
This drastically reduces the carbon footprint of home heating, contributing significantly to efforts to combat climate change.
Easy to Install
Switching to a microwave boiler involves minimal hassle. These boilers can be easily integrated into existing heating systems, simplifying the upgrade process for homeowners.
Their installation does not require extensive modifications to the home’s infrastructure.
Zero Noise
Microwave boilers operate with little to no sound, effectively eliminating noise pollution. This quiet operation enhances the comfort of living spaces, as the heating system runs silently in the background.
Low Maintenance
Microwave boilers are designed to be low maintenance, reducing the cost and effort associated with their upkeep.
They require minimal servicing, making them a convenient and cost-effective heating option for homeowners.
These benefits highlight the potential of microwave boilers to revolutionise home heating, offering an efficient, eco-friendly, and user-friendly alternative to traditional heating systems.
Potential Disadvantages of Microwave Boilers:
While microwave boilers offer substantial potential, they also come with significant disadvantages that need to be considered:
Not Truly Low-Carbon Heating Systems
Microwave boilers are often touted as carbon-free and environmentally benign because they do not emit carbon during operation.
However, this claim is somewhat misleading. The overall environmental impact of a microwave boiler depends heavily on the source of the electricity used to power it.
If the electricity comes from fossil fuels, the boiler cannot be considered truly low-carbon. For microwave boilers to be genuinely environmentally friendly, they must be powered by green, renewable electricity.
High Electricity Costs
One of the main concerns for homeowners considering microwave boilers is the cost of electricity.
Currently, electricity prices are significantly higher than natural gas prices. As a result, operating a microwave boiler is likely to lead to higher energy costs for the household.
This increased expense can offset some of the environmental benefits and may be a substantial deterrent for widespread adoption until the cost of renewable electricity decreases or the efficiency of microwave boilers improves.
These potential drawbacks highlight the need for careful consideration and further development to ensure that microwave boilers can provide a sustainable and economically viable heating solution.
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