Low-temperature radiators for use in water-based systems

By integrating power generation components within the radiator system, heating systems can operate fans internally, eliminating the need for external power sources and simplifying installation while maintaining efficient heat exchange.

DE202024002347U1Active Publication Date: 2025-04-30MATTEN DIETRICH
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Patent Information

Application Number
DE202024002347
Authority / Receiving Office
DE · DE
Patent Type
Utility models
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-12-10
Publication Date
2025-04-30
Estimated Expiration
2034-12-31

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing heating systems require external power sources for fan operation, increasing installation complexity and energy consumption.

Method used

Integrating power generation components within the radiator system, such as miniature generators, fluid generators, nanochannels with carbon slides, or flexible photovoltaics, to generate power internally and operate fans without external electrical connections.

Benefits of technology

Eliminates the need for additional power lines and battery units, simplifying installation and reducing energy consumption while maintaining efficient heat exchange.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

Use of flexible photovoltaics, possibly with a suitable converter or storage system, to supply energy to the "fans".
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Description

B. State of the art

[0001] 1. In general, low system temperatures are important for energy savings in heating systems today. This significantly increases efficiency, especially in heat pumps.

[0002] This is usually achieved by significantly increasing the surface area. This means that the convection component of heat distribution is replaced, or largely replaced, by radiant heat. This means that instead of traditional radiators, surface heating systems are used on the ceiling, walls, or floors. This, in turn, is very complex and therefore costly.

[0003] 2. Other systems use radiators and supplement the standard versions with additional convectors or additional heating elements, which, however, also results in larger and heavier radiators. However, the larger surface area and better heat exchange allow for lower medium temperatures in the heating pipe system. The volume flow transports more heat transfer medium, i.e., water, to the heat transfer elements. This leads to a significant drop in the system temperature in the heating pipe network. However, the radiators are heavier and have a deeper or higher installation. In some cases, additional space may not be available.

[0004] 3. Some manufacturers use "standard-sized" radiators and then enhance convection by installing or attaching appropriate fans, whether horizontal or radial. These fans are sometimes installed above the structure or below, i.e., at the base of the radiator. The increased air movement allows for better utilization of the heat (or cooling) radiated from the surface. This system also requires external electrical power, which always comes from the house or vehicle electrical system. Therefore, a suitable electrical connection is always required in the area of ​​the radiator. C. Problem underlying the invention

[0005] As described under point B, devices are necessary to promote convection, i.e., heat exchange. While the approaches known so far have the advantage that existing radiator formats in the building can largely be used, they have the crucial disadvantage that electrical energy must always be provided to operate the fans, whether via the building's built-in power grid or via individual power storage devices, i.e., batteries.

[0006] This requires increased installation effort and / or additional equipment. Explanation: see Figure 1 and Figure 2. D. New approach

[0007] The new approach is that the power required for accelerated convection using fans, regardless of their design, no longer needs to be provided externally. Therefore, no additional power connection or additional installation is required.

[0008] The goal is to keep everything onboard. That is, energy generation and the radiator together form a single system, perhaps even a single unit, with a power generation component added in or on the radiator.

[0009] This results in four different possibilities: 1. Mechanical mini generators

[0010] Utilization of the water flowing in the pipe by means of a miniature generator. This is installed in the water-carrying pipe. As the heating water flows, and thus heat reaches the radiators, electricity is generated for the fans. Optionally, the electricity can even be temporarily stored. Illustration shown in Figure 3 2. Fluid Generators

[0011] Using a piezoelectric element to harness the water flowing through the pipe. So-called fluid generators with piezoceramics generate enough power to operate sensors completely independently, without batteries or power connections, and thus also small motors, as in this application.

[0012] This technology is well known in heating engineering, for example, for igniting the gas flame in gas boilers. With appropriate upgrades and amplification, this electricity can be perfectly used to drive small fans. Illustration Figure 33. Nanochannels with so-called carbon slides

[0013] Another possibility is the generation of electricity via nanochannels with so-called carbon slides. Just as scientists use back-and-forth water in shoe soles to generate heat and also electricity, this principle of flowing water can also be used here to generate electricity. A corresponding labyrinth exists and may need to be refined. However, it can also be channeled through small channels in the central unit. Previous experience shows that a network of nanochannels in the shoe sole power plant can generate enough electricity to operate small electronic devices. Illustration Figure 34. Flexible photovoltaics

[0014] New curved or flexible solar panels, possibly with appropriate converter or storage. Illustration Figure 4E. Advantages

[0015] All solutions listed under D 1 to 4 have the advantage that no new power lines or battery units are required at the heat transfer site.

[0016] The systems listed differ only in the method of power generation and processing. All proposals can also be retrofitted to existing radiators.

[0017] Legend for Figure 1.

[0018] Conventional low temperature radiator with fans below Legend: Image 1 radiator ① Fans below ② Connection to hydraulic network ③ Power connection (mains) ④

[0019] Legend for Figure 3.

[0020] Conventional low temperature radiator with fans above Legend: Image 2 radiator ① Fans ② Connection to hydraulic network ③ Power connection (mains) ④ Element for generating electricity ⑤

[0021] Legend for Figure 3 (Proposal 1) Power supply via power generators (various configurations) Legend: Image 3 radiator ① Fans ② Connection to hydraulic network ③ Inclined solar panel ⑥ Transparent solar panel ⑦ Power supply ⑧ Legend to Figure 4 (Proposal 2)Power supply via solar panel Legend: Image 4 radiator ① Fans ② Connection to hydraulic network ③ Inclined solar panel ⑥ Transparent solar panel ⑦ Power supply ⑧

Claims

[1] Use of flexible photovoltaics, if necessary with appropriate converter or storage to supply energy for the “fans”. [2] Mechanical mini-generators installed in the supply line or in the radiator, mounted in the water pipes, generate electricity for the fans. Optional power storage. [3] Fluid generators installed in the supply line or in the radiator generate electricity from flowing water using a piezo element. Optional power storage. [4] Nanochannels with so-called carbon slides installed in the supply line or in the radiator for electricity generation and optional storage. [5] All claims D 1 to D 4 individually or in combination