Net Zero systems & solutions


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The ultimate guide to advanced electric boiler technology


International boiler expert, Robert Presser, Vice President of Acme Engineering, helps industry professionals take advantage of high voltage electrode boilers’ virtually 100% efficient, zero-emission capabilities, providing guidance on selection and installation


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or consulting engineers tasked with planning, designing, and supervising construction projects for a wide range of industries,


advanced electric boilers – particularly high voltage electrode boilers – offer numerous advantages over traditional fossil fuel burning boilers. Due to advances in technology, these boilers can match the capacity (up to 65 MW) and output (270,000 pounds of steam per hour) of traditional gas or oil-fired boilers in a much smaller footprint while converting almost all the energy to heat. These zero-emission, high voltage electrode


boilers are used in diverse environments for applications such as centralised heating, power plants, nuclear stations, swing-load balancing, solar/wind energy consumption, and fuel boiler replacement. Today, there is growing interest in utilising a new


generation of these boilers as an environmentally friendly decarbonisation solution. Companies across the globe are considering using electric boilers to


become carbon neutral in alignment with COP26 UN Climate Change Conference targets. The transition to electric boilers also aligns with goals to achieve Net Zero emissions economy by 2050. Electric boilers are emerging as more


environmentally friendly solutions than traditional gas-fired units that emit not only the notorious greenhouse gasses carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4), but also dangerous nitrogen oxides (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO), and nitrous oxide (N2O), as well as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and particulate matter (PM). “Communities and businesses appreciate the eco-


friendly nature of ultra-efficient, electric boilers. Without combustion, these boilers are safe, clean, and emission free. The design eliminates many environmental issues associated with fuel burning boilers, such as fuel fumes, fly ash, and large obtrusive exhaust stacks,” says Robert Presser, Vice President of Acme Engineering, a manufacturer of industrial and commercial boilers. However, the challenge for consulting engineers is that many have experience with gas-fired boilers but are less familiar with the selection and implementation of advanced electric boilers, especially the high voltage, high-capacity alternatives available today. To bridge the knowledge gap, Robert explains


what consulting engineers most need to understand about electric boiler technology, including its selection, implementation, and benefits. Acme, which has operations in the US, Canada, and Europe, provides state-of-the-art boilers and accessories for some of the world’s most renowned companies including Siemens, Toshiba, Bechel, PG&E, Power & Mine, and Hydro Quebec.


Types of electric boilers


Above: Understanding how to select, specify, and install electric boilers for the specific situation will conserve substantial energy, space, and resources compared to fuel-fired options.


16 January 2025


The first factor to consider in selecting an electric boiler is how much capacity will be required by the user, business, or community. According to Robert, lower voltage (480 KV) electric resistance heating element boilers are economical, compact, reliable sources to produce steam or hot water for industrial use. The units are well suited to supply these resources at lower capacities, from 9 to 3,600 kW. However, there are design limitations when heating element boilers exceed 4MW in capacity, as numerous flanges, elements, contactors, and fuses are typically necessary to function properly. The considerable amperage involved also requires


Above: The ultra-efficient, electric boiler design eliminates many environmental issues associated with fuel burning boilers, such as fuel fumes, fly ash, and large obtrusive exhaust stacks.


expensive bars for distribution, step-down transformers, and large switch gear. To avoid these complications at capacities of


4MW or higher, high voltage jet type and immersed electrode boilers were developed.


High voltage electrode boilers


In the high voltage category, electrode boilers consist of two basic types: immersion and water jet. In resistance element type boilers, current flows


through a resistance wire, which generates heat. The heat is transferred through the element’s sheaf and into the water by conduction to produce hot water or steam. “With the immersed electrode design, electric


current is passed through the water from the electrodes to the counter electrodes [grounded via the vessel’s shell]. The more direct the exposure between counter electrode shield and the electrode, the greater


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