Device for preventing icing of a compressed air treatment system by means of a self-regulating rod glow plug

Abstract

Device for preventing icing of a compressed air preparation system, comprising an electrically operated, self-regulating heating element arranged in the airflow at the inlet of the compressed air preparation system, wherein the heating element automatically adjusts its heating power depending on temperature and airflow, so that the incoming compressed air is heated in such a way as to prevent condensation and icing.

Description

Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to compressed air systems, in particular those in vehicles or stationary systems that are operated at low ambient temperatures. It relates to a device for heating the incoming compressed air in order to prevent condensation and icing in the compressed air preparation area. State of the art

[0002] Compressed air systems always contain a certain amount of residual moisture. At low temperatures, this moisture can condense and freeze in the compressed air preparation area. This leads to malfunctions, increased wear and tear, and in extreme cases, the failure of the entire system.

[0003] Known solutions for preventing icing rely on complex heating systems, additional sensors, or external control devices. These systems are expensive, require extensive maintenance, or are difficult to integrate into existing systems. A simple, compact, and self-regulating solution is not currently known. The problem underlying the invention

[0004] The object of the invention is to provide a device which: • reliably prevents the compressed air from freezing in the compressed air treatment area, • does not require additional sensors or external controls • operates energy-efficiently, • is compactly designed and • is suitable both as a retrofit solution and for series production. Solution to the task

[0005] The problem is solved by a device with a self-regulating heating element, preferably a glow plug, arranged in the airflow and installed at the inlet of the compressed air treatment system. The heating element heats the incoming compressed air, thus preventing condensation and icing. The heating power is automatically adjusted depending on the temperature and airflow, thereby preventing overheating and enabling energy-efficient operation. Advantages of the invention

[0006] The device according to the invention offers several significant advantages: • Reliable prevention of icing even at very low temperatures. • Self-regulating heating characteristics, eliminating the need for additional sensors. • Energy-efficient operation, as only the necessary heating power is provided. • Compact design that allows for easy integration into existing systems. • Retrofitting possible without extensive modifications. • Suitable for series production, as the heating element can be structurally integrated into the compressed air preparation. • Flexible operating modes that can be adapted to the specific application. Example of implementation

[0007] In a preferred embodiment, a self-regulating glow plug is mounted in the airflow immediately before it enters the compressed air preparation system. It is secured by means of a screw connection or a suitable adapter.

[0008] The electrical supply is provided via the vehicle's electrical system or a stationary installation, for example with 12 V or 24 V. Protection can be provided by a relay, a control unit, or a fuse box.

[0009] The glow plug regulates its temperature automatically depending on the ambient temperature and airflow. No additional sensors or external controls are required.

[0010] The heating element can be controlled in various operating modes: • Operation with the engine running, • Operation during the delivery phase of the compressed air system, • Temperature-dependent continuous operation when the outside temperature falls below a defined value.

[0011] These operating modes can be implemented individually or in combination.

[0012] The self-regulating properties of the heating element reliably prevent overheating. Optionally, additional safety elements can be provided for temperature or current limiting. Summary

[0013] The invention provides a simple, robust, and cost-effective device for preventing the icing of compressed air treatment systems. The use of a self-regulating glow plug increases operational reliability, extends the system's service life, and enables flexible application both as a retrofit solution and in series production.

Claims

[1] Device for preventing icing of a compressed air preparation system, comprising an electrically operated, self-regulating heating element arranged in the airflow at the inlet of the compressed air preparation system, wherein the heating element automatically adjusts its heating power depending on temperature and airflow, so that the incoming compressed air is heated in such a way as to prevent condensation and icing. [2] Device according to claim 1, characterized by that the heating element is designed as a rod glow plug. [3] Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the heating element is activated when the engine is running. [4] Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the heating element is operated during the conveying phase of the compressed air system. [5] Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the heating element is switched to continuous operation when an outside temperature threshold is undershot. [6] Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the aforementioned operating modes can be combined. [7] Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the heating element is supplied via a 12V or 24V electrical system or vehicle electrical system. [8] Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the electrical supply is provided via a relay, a control unit or a fuse unit. [9] Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the heating element is attached in the airflow by means of a screw connection or adapter. [10] Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the device is designed as a retrofit solution. [11] Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the heating element can be structurally integrated into the series production of the compressed air treatment system. [12] Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the heating element, due to its self-regulating properties, prevents overheating without additional sensors. [13] Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that additional safety elements are provided for temperature or current limiting.

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