Electric shock and scale prevention water heater

Abstract

The invention belongs to the technical field of heating devices, and particularly relates to an electric shock and incrustation prevention water heater which comprises a hot water storage tank, and a heating device is detachably arranged in the hot water storage tank; the heating device comprises a shell and a heating element located in the shell. The heating element and the interior of the shell form a sealed cavity, and the cavity is filled with insulating temperature conducting liquid; the storage bin is located on one side of the hot water storage tank; and the storage bin is communicated with the cavity through a connecting pipe. The shell is arranged in the hot water storage tank, the insulating temperature conduction liquid and the heating element are arranged in the shell, the heating element and water are isolated through the insulating temperature conduction liquid, the electrified heating element does not make contact with the water at all, and the water heater is divided into the two insulating isolation units including the electrified unit and the non-electrified unit. The electric leakage risk is thoroughly eliminated from the physical principle; and the insulating temperature-conducting liquid has the properties of insulation and heat conduction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of heating device technology, and in particular relates to a water heater that is resistant to electric shock and scale buildup. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid improvement of people's living standards, water heaters have become a necessity in daily life for every household. Electric water heaters are widely used due to their advantages such as environmental protection, energy saving, and ease of operation. Traditional electric water heaters usually use heating elements or heating rods that are directly immersed in water for heating. The design of water and electricity in contact poses potential safety hazards. Although current technology uses the addition of anti-electric shock walls to prevent electric shock accidents, users' psychological concerns about the risk of electric shock still exist, and some electric shock hazards remain. Furthermore, the heating element is in direct contact with water, and after long-term use, it will be covered with scale. Scale has poor thermal conductivity, which hinders heat transfer, reduces heating efficiency, and wastes energy such as electricity, gas, and light, increasing operating costs. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a water heater that prevents electric shock and scale buildup, thereby solving the technical problems mentioned in the background art.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows: A water heater that is resistant to electric shock and limescale, comprising: A hot water storage tank, wherein a heating device is detachably installed inside the hot water storage tank; the heating device includes a shell and a heating element located inside the shell; the heating element and the interior of the shell form a sealed cavity, and the cavity is filled with an insulating and heat-conducting liquid; A storage compartment is located on one side of the hot water storage tank; the storage compartment is connected to the cavity through a connecting pipe, and its interior is used to store an insulating and temperature-conducting liquid, and a sealed flexible airbag is connected to the upper side of the storage compartment.

[0005] As a further improvement of the present invention, a pressure control valve is provided on the connecting pipe.

[0006] As a further improvement of the present invention, a liquid check valve is provided at the connection between the flexible airbag and the storage compartment.

[0007] As a further improvement of the present invention, a leakage observation window is provided on the upper part of the side wall of the hot water storage tank.

[0008] As a further improvement of the present invention, the insulating thermal conductive liquid comprises the following components by weight percentage: Alkanes 25%-60%, cycloalkanes 30%-60%, aromatics 3%-15%, antioxidants 0.3%-0.4%, metal passivators 0.1%-0.5%, anti-gas evolution additives 4%-10%, anti-photosensitizers 0.1%-0.5%, pour point depressants 0.1-0.5%, antistatic agents 0.1-0.5%.

[0009] As a further improvement of the present invention, the antioxidant is di-tert-butyl-p-cresol, the metal passivating agent is benzotriazole, and the anti-gas evolution additive is an alkylbenzene compound.

[0010] As a further improvement of the present invention, the heating element passes through the housing and the side wall of the hot water storage tank and is connected to a heating terminal located outside the hot water storage tank.

[0011] As a further improvement of the present invention, a fixed cover is provided on the side wall of the hot water storage tank at a position corresponding to the side wall of the shell, and a sealing gasket is provided between the fixed cover and the side wall of the shell; the shell, the sealing gasket, and the fixed cover are connected to the hot water storage tank by bolts.

[0012] As a further improvement of the present invention, the heating device is provided with a grounding bolt, which is connected to the ground wire through a wire to conduct the current to the ground in case of leakage.

[0013] The side wall of the shell is provided with a heating device inlet.

[0014] As a further improvement of the present invention, the side wall of the hot water storage tank is provided with a leakage current protector, a temperature regulator and a pressure relief valve.

[0015] The beneficial effects of adopting the above technical solution are as follows: This invention features a shell inside a hot water storage tank, with an insulating and heat-conducting liquid and a heating element inside. The insulating and heat-conducting liquid isolates the heating element from the water, ensuring that the charged heating element is completely out of contact with the water. This isolates the heating device and the hot water storage tank into a charged unit and a non-charged unit, eliminating the risk of leakage from a physical perspective. Furthermore, the insulating and heat-conducting liquid has insulating properties, and the addition of a leakage observation window facilitates the observation of leakage prevention measures, further enhancing safety.

[0016] Furthermore, since the heating element does not directly contact the water, its surface will not become the core attachment point for scale precipitation. Heat is transferred to the shell through the insulating heat-conducting liquid, and then transferred to the water by the shell. This indirect heat transfer method reduces the local high temperature at the heating interface, changes the conditions suitable for rapid scale formation, and thus effectively slows down the formation and accumulation of scale, reduces energy waste caused by scale coating, and achieves the purpose of energy saving and reducing operating costs.

[0017] This invention features a storage chamber connected to the cavity and a flexible airbag, constructing a pressure balancing system. When the insulating thermally conductive liquid expands and contracts due to temperature changes, the flexible airbag automatically expands and contracts to absorb or replenish the liquid volume changes, effectively buffering internal pressure fluctuations. Simultaneously, it encloses the insulating thermally conductive liquid and its storage within a sealed space, preventing contact with the outside environment and thus avoiding a reduction in the insulating performance of the liquid. It can be used in heating devices such as electric boilers and electric steamers. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention; The markings in the diagram are as follows: 1. Hot water storage tank; 2. Shell; 3. Heating element; 4. Cavity; 5. Storage compartment; 6. Connecting pipe; 7. Flexible airbag; 8. Liquid check valve; 9. Leakage observation window; 10. Fixed cover; 11. Heating device inlet; 12. Leakage protection device; 13. Temperature regulator; 14. Pressure relief valve; 15. Storage compartment inlet; 16. Liquid level indicator; 17. Pressure control valve; 18. Grounding bolt. Detailed Implementation

[0019] To better understand the purpose, structure, and function of this invention, the invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0020] like Figure 1 The water heater shown is designed to prevent electric shock and scale buildup. It includes a hot water storage tank 1 and a storage compartment 5 connected to the hot water storage tank 1. The hot water storage tank 1 has a removable heating device inside, which is easy to remove and replace. Specifically, the side wall of the hot water storage tank 1 has an installation port corresponding to the heating device. A fixing cover 10 is installed on the installation port. The fixing cover 10 is insulatedly connected to the installation port and the heating device by bolts. A high-temperature resistant sealing gasket is installed between the heating device and the fixing cover 10, thereby realizing the detachable installation and reliable insulation sealing of the heating device.

[0021] The heating device includes a housing 2 and a heating element 3 located inside the housing 2; the heating element 3 and the interior of the housing 2 form a sealed cavity 4, and the cavity 4 is filled with an insulating and heat-conducting liquid. Specifically, a fixing cover 10 is provided on the side wall of the hot water storage tank 1 at a position corresponding to the side wall of the housing 2, and a sealing gasket is provided between the fixing cover 10 and the side wall of the housing 2; the housing 2, the sealing gasket, and the fixing cover 10 are connected to the hot water storage tank 1 by bolts. Further, the heating element 3 passes through the side wall of the housing 2 and the hot water storage tank 1 and is connected to a heating terminal located outside the hot water storage tank 1.

[0022] The heating device is detachably installed inside the hot water storage tank 1. When it is necessary to inspect or replace the internal heating element 3, it can be easily disassembled in whole or in part without damaging the main structure of the water heater or performing a complicated overall disassembly. This simplifies the later maintenance process and reduces maintenance costs.

[0023] In this embodiment, the heating element 3 is a metal coil-type heating rod. Both ends of the heating rod extend through the side wall of the housing 2 to the outside of the hot water storage tank 1 and are connected to the heating terminal. The heating rod terminal is located outside the hot water storage tank 1, and an insulating sealing gasket is used to seal and isolate the heating device from the outside environment to ensure isolation between the inside and outside environment.

[0024] A shell 2 is installed inside the hot water storage tank 1. Inside the shell 2, an insulating thermally conductive liquid and a heating element 3 are installed. The insulating thermally conductive liquid isolates the heating element 3 from the water, ensuring that the energized heating element 3 is completely out of contact with the water. This isolates the heating device and the hot water storage tank 1 into a energized unit and a non-energized unit. The heating device is equipped with a grounding bolt 18, which is connected to the ground wire via a conductor to conduct current to the ground in case of leakage. Specifically, the grounding bolt 18 is connected to the fixed cover 10. The heating device (energized unit) is grounded, while the water heater shell, being a non-energized unit, is not grounded. This prevents the grounding wire from becoming energized or other household appliances from burning out, which could cause abnormal energization and transmit electricity to the non-energized unit, resulting in electric shock. By dividing the water heater into two isolated energized and non-energized units, the risk of leakage is completely eliminated from a physical perspective. Furthermore, the insulating thermally conductive liquid has insulating properties, further providing safety assurance. Furthermore, since the heating element 3 does not directly contact the water, its surface will not become a core attachment point for scale precipitation. Heat is transferred to the housing 2 through the insulating thermally conductive liquid, and then transferred to the water by the housing 2. This indirect heat transfer method reduces the local high temperature at the heating interface, altering the conditions suitable for rapid scale formation. This effectively slows down the formation and accumulation of scale, reducing energy waste caused by scale buildup, and achieving the goals of energy saving and reduced operating costs. In actual use, the thermally conductive area of ​​the housing 2 is larger than that of the heating element 3, allowing for rapid heat conduction and effectively reducing scale formation.

[0025] The storage chamber 5 is located on one side of the hot water storage tank 1, and in this embodiment, it is located above the hot water storage tank 1. The storage chamber 5 is connected to the cavity 4 via a connecting pipe 6. It contains an insulating thermally conductive liquid, and a sealed flexible airbag 7 is connected to the upper side of the storage chamber 5. To address the thermal expansion and contraction of the insulating thermally conductive liquid due to temperature changes and to maintain stable system pressure, when the insulating thermally conductive liquid in the cavity 4 expands due to heat, the excess liquid flows into the storage chamber 5 through the connecting pipe 6, compressing the flexible airbag 7 to provide containment space. When the liquid cools and contracts, the flexible airbag 7 expands elastically, pushing the liquid in the storage chamber 5 back into the cavity 4, thereby dynamically balancing the system pressure and preventing excessive pressure from damaging the seal or creating a vacuum. Simultaneously, it encloses the insulating thermally conductive liquid and its storage within a sealed space, preventing contact with the outside environment and effectively eliminating the possibility of reduced insulation performance caused by contact between the insulating thermally conductive liquid and moisture in the air. Additionally, a storage chamber inlet 15 and a liquid level indicator 16 are provided on the side wall of the storage chamber 5.

[0026] Furthermore, a pressure control valve 17 is installed on the connecting pipe 6, with a set opening pressure threshold. It will only open when the system pressure exceeds this value, creating a passage and allowing liquid to flow to the storage chamber 5. This prevents heat loss due to ineffective circulation of the insulating thermally conductive liquid caused by minor temperature fluctuations. The pressure control valve 17 controls the thermal conductivity of the insulating thermally conductive liquid, thus requiring a certain pressure to flow. Therefore, a heating device inlet 11 is added for initial filling. Simultaneously, a liquid check valve 8 is installed at the connection between the flexible airbag 7 and the storage chamber 5 to prevent backflow during handling, avoiding the insulating thermally conductive liquid from flowing into the sealed telescopic flexible airbag 7, which could reduce its service life and cause other problems.

[0027] Furthermore, a transparent leakage observation window 9 is provided on the upper side wall of the hot water storage tank 1. The insulating thermal conductive liquid is mixed with colorant. Since the density of the insulating thermal conductive liquid is usually less than that of water, if the housing 2 of the heating device is accidentally damaged, causing leakage of the insulating liquid, the leaked liquid will float to the upper layer of hot water and be observed through this observation window. This allows for early detection and timely replacement of the heating device housing, providing users with early leakage warnings to prevent electric shock and facilitate timely maintenance. A heating device inlet 11 (equipped with a sealing plug) can be provided on the side wall of the housing 2 for initial filling or replenishment of the insulating thermal conductive liquid. The storage chamber inlet 15 is for replenishing the insulating thermal conductive liquid. The hot water storage tank 1 also integrates conventional safety and control components such as a leakage current protector 12, a temperature regulator 13, and a pressure relief valve 14 to further enhance product safety and user experience.

[0028] In this invention, the insulating thermal conductive liquid comprises the following components by weight percentage: Alkanes (including n-alkanes and isoalkanes) 25%-60%, cycloalkanes 30%-60%, aromatics 3%-15%, antioxidants 0.3%-0.4%, metal passivators 0.1%-0.5%, anti-gas evolution additives 4%-10%, anti-photosensitizers 0.1%-0.5%, pour point depressants 0.1-0.5%, and antistatic agents 0.1-0.5%.

[0029] Furthermore, the antioxidant is preferably di-tert-butyl-p-cresol, the metal passivating agent is preferably benzotriazole, and the anti-gas evolution additive is preferably an alkylbenzene compound. This composite formulation ensures that the liquid maintains excellent insulation properties (such as high breakdown voltage), good thermal conductivity, excellent oxidation stability, and corrosion protection for internal metal materials even when the liquid is kept at the water heater's operating temperature (e.g., 60-90°C) and in an electric field environment for extended periods.

[0030] Alkanes have good chemical stability but are prone to solidification and easily release gas under an electric field. Cycloalkanes have good chemical and dielectric stability, and their viscosity changes little with temperature, making them ideal components for insulating thermal conductive fluids. Aromatic hydrocarbons do not release gas under an electric field and can absorb gas, but they are flammable, have high viscosity, and a high freezing point. Antioxidants slow down the aging rate of the insulating thermal conductive fluid under oxygen and high temperatures, extending its service life. Metal passivators are used in conjunction with antioxidants to reduce the amount of antioxidants needed and inhibit the catalytic effect of metals such as copper, stainless steel, and aluminum alloys inside the heating rod on the oxidation process of the thermal conductive fluid. Anti-gas-emission additives improve the anti-gas-emission performance of the insulating thermal conductive fluid. Anti-photosensitive agents prevent the insulating thermal conductive fluid from deteriorating under light, and pour point depressants improve the low-temperature fluidity of the liquid and lower its pour point. Antistatic agents reduce the accumulation of static charge generated by the liquid during high-speed circulation, improving safety. Furthermore, the insulating thermal conductive fluid has a pH value of 7, reducing corrosion to the metal casing of the heating rod and other components.

[0031] The insulating and heat-conducting liquid has excellent insulation performance, meeting the high standard insulation requirements of 42kV continuous 60S without flashover or breakdown, ensuring good insulation performance between live parts and metal casing and water, and effectively preventing water and metal casing from becoming electrified.

[0032] Working Principle: When in use, the power is turned on, and the heating element 3 generates heat. This heat is first transferred to the surrounding insulating thermally conductive liquid. After being heated, the insulating thermally conductive liquid evenly transfers the heat to the inner wall of the entire shell 2 through convection and conduction. Then, the outer wall of the shell 2 transfers the heat to the water in the hot water storage tank 1. This process achieves water and electricity separation, isolating the energized unit of the heating device from the non-energized units such as the hot water storage tank 1 and the water heater casing. The energized unit of the heating device has a grounding bolt, while the non-energized units such as the water heater casing cannot be grounded. This avoids the possibility of the grounding wire becoming energized or other household appliances burning out, causing abnormal energization and electric shock to the non-energized units. It completely eliminates concerns about electric shock from water heaters and achieves indirect and uniform heating. Throughout the process, the current is completely confined within the sealed system formed by the insulating thermally conductive liquid and the shell 2, achieving absolute isolation from the water. Simultaneously, the uniform and gentle heating interface effectively inhibits the rapid formation of scale. The pressure within the system is automatically compensated by the storage chamber 5 and the flexible airbag 7 to maintain stability.

[0033] It is understood that the present invention has been described through some embodiments, and those skilled in the art will recognize that various changes or equivalent substitutions can be made to these features and embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Furthermore, under the teachings of the present invention, these features and embodiments can be modified to adapt to specific situations and materials without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, and all embodiments falling within the scope of the claims of this application are within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A water heater that prevents electric shock and scale buildup, characterized in that: It includes: A hot water storage tank (1) is provided with a detachable heating device inside the hot water storage tank (1); the heating device includes a shell (2) and a heating element (3) located inside the shell (2); the heating element (3) and the interior of the shell (2) form a sealed cavity (4), and the cavity (4) is filled with an insulating heat-conducting liquid; Storage chamber (5) is located on one side of the hot water storage tank (1); the storage chamber (5) is connected to the cavity (4) by a connecting pipe (6), and its interior is used to provide insulating and temperature-conducting liquid, and a sealed flexible airbag (7) is connected to the upper side of the storage chamber (5).

2. A water heater for preventing electric shock and scale buildup according to claim 1, characterized in that: A pressure control valve (17) is provided on the connecting pipe (6).

3. A water heater for preventing electric shock and scale buildup according to claim 1, characterized in that: A liquid check valve (8) is provided at the connection between the flexible airbag (7) and the storage compartment (5).

4. A water heater for preventing electric shock and scale buildup according to claim 1, characterized in that: The hot water storage tank (1) is provided with a leakage observation window (9) on the upper side wall.

5. A water heater for preventing electric shock and scale buildup according to claim 1, characterized in that: The insulating thermally conductive liquid comprises the following components by weight percentage: Alkanes 25%-60%, cycloalkanes 30%-60%, aromatics 3%-15%, antioxidants 0.3%-0.4%, metal passivators 0.1%-0.5%, anti-gas evolution additives 4%-10%, anti-photosensitizers 0.1%-0.5%, pour point depressants 0.1-0.5%, antistatic agents 0.1-0.5%.

6. A water heater for preventing electric shock and scale buildup according to claim 5, characterized in that: The antioxidant is di-tert-butyl-p-cresol, the metal passivating agent is benzotriazole, and the anti-gas evolution additive is an alkylbenzene compound.

7. A water heater for preventing electric shock and scale buildup according to claim 1, characterized in that: The heating element (3) passes through the side wall of the housing (2) and the hot water storage tank (1) and is connected to the heating terminal located outside the hot water storage tank (1).

8. A water heater for preventing electric shock and scale buildup according to claim 1, characterized in that: The side wall of the hot water storage tank (1) is provided with a fixed cover (10) at the position corresponding to the side wall of the shell (2), and a sealing gasket is provided between the fixed cover (10) and the side wall of the shell (2); the shell (2), the sealing gasket, and the fixed cover (10) are connected to the hot water storage tank (1) by bolts.

9. A water heater for preventing electric shock and scale buildup according to claim 1, characterized in that: The heating device is equipped with a grounding bolt (18), which is connected to the ground wire through a wire to conduct the current to the ground when there is leakage.

10. A water heater for preventing electric shock and scale buildup according to claim 1, characterized in that: The hot water storage tank (1) is equipped with a leakage current protector (12), a temperature regulator (13) and a pressure relief valve (14) on its side wall.

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