Portable steam generator
By using microchannel flat tubes and PTC semiconductor heaters in the steam generator to form a compact oblong structure, the existing steam generators are solved, and portable and efficient steam generation is achieved.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202420442832.8
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-03-07
- Publication Date
- 2024-12-31
- Estimated Expiration
- 2034-03-07
AI Technical Summary
The existing steam generators are bulky, have large heat loss and are inconvenient to carry, making them difficult to meet the needs of home use.
The micro-channel flat tube and PTC semiconductor heater are adopted. The micro-channel flat tube is coiled into an elongated circular structure, and the PTC semiconductor heater is embedded to simplify the structure, reduce weight and improve heat transfer efficiency.
The compact structure of the portable steam generator is realized, which reduces weight and heat loss, improves pressure resistance and heat transfer efficiency, simplifies the equipment structure, and is suitable for home use.
Smart Images

Figure CN222278541U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The utility model belongs to the technical field of heating equipment, and in particular relates to a portable steam generator. Background Art
[0002] A steam generator is a device that uses other energy sources to heat water into hot water or steam. Steam generators are generally suitable for garment factories, dry cleaners, restaurants, canteens and other places; however, existing steam generators need to be connected to steam pipes, steam guns, etc., have large heat losses and are often bulky equipment, which is not convenient for portability or home use; as shown in the patent with application number CN202021399582.2, a U-shaped flow channel is disclosed, and a PTC semiconductor heater is provided in the gap of the U-shaped flow channel. The PTC semiconductor heater heats the medium in the U-shaped flow channel to turn it into steam and eject it, but a clamp is provided on the outside, which is not conducive to carrying in terms of weight and has high requirements for thermal insulation, and the heat loss is also relatively large; therefore, it is necessary to study a device to solve the above problems. Utility Model Content
[0003] The utility model aims to meet practical needs and provide a portable steam generator with a compact overall structure, reduced weight, and improved pressure resistance and heat transfer efficiency.
[0004] In order to achieve the above-mentioned utility model objectives, the first objective of the utility model is to provide a steam generator, comprising: a microchannel flat tube providing a heat exchange channel for a medium; a PTC semiconductor heater for heating the microchannel flat tube; wherein: a circular collecting pipe is respectively provided at both ends of the microchannel flat tube, the microchannel flat tube is coiled into an oblong structure, one circular collecting pipe is located inside the oblong structure, and the other circular collecting pipe is located outside the oblong structure; the PTC semiconductor heater is embedded between adjacent microchannel flat tubes; the central axes of the two circular collecting pipes are both perpendicular to the oblong surface of the oblong structure; the circular collecting pipe located inside the oblong structure is close to one end arc of the inner wall of the oblong structure; the circular collecting pipe located outside the oblong structure is close to the outer wall of the oblong structure.
[0005] In the above-mentioned solution of the portable steam generator, the circular header located outside the oblong structure is connected to the medium supply device.
[0006] In the above-mentioned solution of the portable steam generator, the medium supply device includes a water pump.
[0007] In the above-mentioned scheme of the portable steam generator, a heat-insulating layer is provided outside the oblong structure.
[0008] In the above-mentioned embodiment of the portable steam generator, the oblong structure includes multiple layers of micro-channel flat tubes.
[0009] In the above-mentioned scheme of the portable steam generator, the microchannel flat tube is an aluminum tube; and the circular header is a stainless steel tube.
[0010] In the above-mentioned scheme of the portable steam generator, the medium ports of the two circular headers are in opposite directions.
[0011] In the above-mentioned scheme of the portable steam generator, the length of the two circular headers is greater than the width of the microchannel flat tube.
[0012] In the above-mentioned scheme of the portable steam generator, an insulating layer is provided on the outside of the PTC semiconductor heater, and the material of the insulating layer is aluminum oxide, aluminum nitride or mica; the PTC semiconductor heater is connected to the electrode.
[0013] The positive effects of this application are:
[0014] The present invention coils the microchannel flat tube into an oblong structure, so that the circular header as the medium outlet is surrounded by the oblong structure, and the circular header as the medium inlet is arranged at the outermost edge of the oblong structure, and a PTC semiconductor heater is arranged between the microchannel flat tubes. The heat generated can heat the medium in the microchannel flat tube to form steam and discharge it from the circular header outside the oblong structure, thereby achieving the purpose of generating stable steam, and has the following advantages:
[0015] (1) The circular manifold that emits the medium is surrounded in the middle of the microchannel manifold, and the medium inlet is outside the microchannel manifold. Therefore, when the medium first enters the microchannel tube, the temperature in the tube is relatively low. After the medium takes away the heat, the temperature of the outermost surface of the microchannel flat tube is reduced, thereby reducing heat loss. Moreover, as the medium circulates along the coiled microchannel flat tube and enters the inside of the oblong structure, the temperature gradually rises to the highest level, which is more conducive to improving the heat transfer efficiency, thereby vaporizing the medium. At the same time, the requirements for external insulation are further reduced.
[0016] (2) The setting of the microchannel flat tube increases the heat dissipation area and reduces the force-bearing surface, but increases the supporting force. When heated by the PTC semiconductor heater, it can also meet the requirements of high pressure resistance. There is no need to add a heavy pressure plate device, nor is there a need for the setting of steam pipes and steam guns. Instead, it is directly connected to the water pump, which simplifies the overall structure.
[0017] (3) The utility model adopts a lightweight pipe and reduces the installation of equipment such as steam pipes and steam guns, which greatly reduces the weight and is conducive to portable use. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application, the drawings required for use in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present application. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative work.
[0019] Figure 1 A schematic structural diagram of a portable steam generator provided by an embodiment of the utility model is shown;
[0020] Figure 2 A schematic cross-sectional view of a microchannel flat tube provided in an embodiment of the utility model is shown.
[0021] In the figure, 1. Microchannel flat tube; 2. PTC semiconductor heater; 3. Round collecting pipe. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0022] The following will be combined with the drawings in the embodiments of the utility model to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the utility model. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the utility model, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the utility model, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work are within the scope of protection of the utility model.
[0023] For ease of explanation, spatial relative terms such as "upper", "lower", "left", "right" and the like are used in the embodiments to illustrate the relationship of one element or feature shown in the figure relative to another element or feature. It should be understood that, in addition to the orientation shown in the figure, the spatial terms are intended to include different orientations of the device in use or operation. For example, if the device in the figure is inverted, the element described as being "under" other elements or features will be positioned "on" other elements or features. Therefore, the exemplary term "under" can include both upper and lower orientations. The device can be positioned in other ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relative descriptions used here can be interpreted accordingly.
[0024] In the description of the invention of the utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "installation", "connection" and "connection" should be understood in a broad sense, for example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection, or it can be indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, or it can be the internal communication of two components. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms in the invention of the utility model can be understood according to specific circumstances.
[0025] See also Figure 1 to Figure 2 ;
[0026] First embodiment
[0027] The utility model provides a portable steam generator, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, it includes a microchannel flat tube 1 that provides a heat exchange channel for the medium; a PTC semiconductor heater 2 for heating the microchannel flat tube 1;
[0028] like Figure 2 The microchannel flat tube 1 shown has a partition disposed inside the tube to divide its flow channel into several parts, so it includes multiple fine flow channels; firstly, the partition can increase the heat dissipation area and reduce the force-bearing surface, but increase the supporting force, so that it can meet the high pressure resistance requirements under the condition of high temperature heat conduction without the need for a heavy pressing plate device; secondly, the microchannel flat tube 1 can change the number, size, shape, etc. of the flow channels to meet actual needs; finally, the microchannel flat tube 1 has a compact structure and can realize a large amount of heat exchange in a limited space, greatly improving the space utilization rate of the equipment, so the microchannel flat tube 1 is selected here;
[0029] The PTC semiconductor heater 2 has the advantages of low thermal resistance and high heat exchange efficiency. It is an automatic constant temperature, power-saving electric heater with high safety, rapid heating and long service life. During use, as the temperature rises, the resistance of the PTC semiconductor heater 2 increases in a stepwise manner, at which time the power is reduced or even negligible, and continuous dry heating can be performed without the temperature rising.
[0030] Specifically, a circular header 3 is provided at each end of the microchannel flat tube 1, the microchannel flat tube 1 is coiled into an oblong structure, one circular header 3 is located inside the oblong structure, and the other circular header 3 is located outside the oblong structure; the PTC semiconductor heater 2 is embedded between adjacent microchannel flat tubes; the central axes of the two circular headers 3 are perpendicular to the oblong surface of the oblong structure;
[0031] The use of circular headers here can simplify the connection between microchannel flat tubes and other components and reduce the complexity of system design;
[0032] The PTC semiconductor heater 2 is embedded in the gap between the microchannel flat tubes 1 to heat the material in the microchannel flat tubes 1; and the temperature and humidity of the steam can be adjusted by changing the number of the PTC semiconductor heaters or by controlling the water intake.
[0033] Long round structure Figure 1As shown, in order to increase the area of the microchannel flat tube 1 that the PTC semiconductor heater can contact, the degree of the center of the circle corresponding to the arc part can be increased to extend the length of the microchannel flat tube of the straight part, or the arc part can be directly changed to a straight line. In practice, the design can be made according to the actual situation. The design of its shape obtained by those skilled in the art through non-creative labor is within the protection scope of the present utility model;
[0034] The circular header 3 located inside the oblong structure is close to one end arc of the inner wall of the oblong structure; the circular header 3 located outside the oblong structure is close to the outer wall of the oblong structure, making the structure more compact;
[0035] It should be noted that the position of the circular manifold inside the oblong structure is fixed, while the position of the circular manifold outside the oblong structure is not specifically limited and can be set at any position on the outer wall of the oblong structure to meet actual needs. It should be understood that, precisely because the position of the circular manifold 3 outside the oblong structure is arbitrary, it is possible that there is no PTC semiconductor heater between the last section of the microchannel flat tube outside the oblong structure and the adjacent microchannel flat tube.
[0036] The circular collecting pipe 3 located outside the oblong structure is connected to the medium supply equipment, which can be a water pump; the pressure resistance requirement can be met only by the microchannel flat tube of the present application, so the setting of the steam pipe and the steam gun is omitted here, the heat loss is reduced, and the output port is set as an opening, which will not cause the pressure in the pipeline to be suddenly too high.
[0037] The oblong structure may include multiple layers of microchannel flat tubes 1, and may be roughly divided into inner microchannel flat tubes and outer microchannel flat tubes, which increases the length of the microchannel flat tubes and improves the heat exchange efficiency.
[0038] The circular manifold located outside the oblong structure serves as a liquid inlet, and the medium enters from the liquid inlet, circulates around the external microchannel flat tubes, then enters the internal microchannel flat tubes to be heated and turned into steam, and then goes out from the circular manifold inside the oblong structure; based on the above-mentioned design, on the one hand, the medium entering the oblong structure from the outside can reduce the temperature of the outermost surface of the microchannel flat tubes, quickly take away the heat, and reduce heat loss; on the other hand, for the inner microchannel flat tubes, the outside surrounds the microchannel flat tubes, and the PTC semiconductor heaters on the two sides are heated at the same time, which increases the internal temperature. Therefore, the heating efficiency of the circular manifold inside the oblong structure is improved, and it is easier to vaporize the medium; in addition, the requirements for external insulation are reduced, and a thinner insulation layer is provided outside the oblong structure to play a corresponding role.
[0039] It should be noted that the number of PTC semiconductor heaters and the length and number of layers of the flat tubes are adjusted according to the actual amount of steam required and the temperature requirements.
[0040] In summary, the working principle of the present application is: the medium enters from the circular manifold at the outer edge of the oblong structure through a water pump, the microchannel flat tube 1 is heated by the PTC semiconductor heater 2, the heat of the outer edge tube is relatively low, and then as the medium continues to the inside of the oblong structure, the temperature slowly rises to the highest, causing the medium to become steam and go out from the circular manifold 3 inside the oblong structure, generating a stable amount of steam.
[0041] Second embodiment
[0042] Based on the above embodiments, preferably, the microchannel flat tubes are aluminum tubes to further reduce weight, withstand high pressure, and increase service life; the circular manifolds are made of stainless steel tubes, and the low thermal conductivity of stainless steel is used to reduce the requirements for connecting components with the medium supply equipment.
[0043] Third embodiment
[0044] Based on the above embodiment, the circular manifold 3 is further optimized. Preferably, the medium ports of the two circular manifolds 3 are in opposite directions, one end is used for medium entry and the other end is used for medium exit. It should be noted that the above content is a preferred situation of the utility model, which is convenient for users to operate and use in practice, and the direction of the medium port can also be selected to be the same direction according to actual conditions to meet the needs.
[0045] The length of the two circular headers 3 can be greater than the width of the microchannel flat tubes, which is convenient for connecting other devices; when steam is ejected, it is possible to avoid the water vapor from being sprayed onto the insulation layer to reduce the temperature during evaporation.
[0046] Fourth embodiment
[0047] Based on the above embodiment, the structure of the PTC semiconductor heater is optimized, and an insulating layer is provided on the outside of the PTC semiconductor heater 2; the PTC semiconductor heater 2 is connected to the electrode. The PTC semiconductor heater can be specifically configured as follows: it includes a PTC semiconductor chip, a metal sheet electrode and an insulating layer, the metal sheet electrode includes a metal sheet positive electrode and a metal sheet negative electrode, the metal sheet positive electrode and the metal sheet negative electrode are respectively arranged at the upper and lower ends of the PTC semiconductor chip, and the insulating layer is arranged on the outside of the metal sheet positive electrode and the metal sheet negative electrode; the insulating layer is selected here as aluminum oxide or aluminum nitride or mica, which improves conductivity and high temperature resistance.
[0048] Fifth embodiment
[0049] Based on the steam generator in the aforementioned embodiment, and connected together with a water pump and a motor, a simple cleaning machine can be formed. The medium circulates in the microchannel flat tube and is heated by the PTC semiconductor heater to generate steam, or directly spray hot water for cleaning glass, etc.
[0050] Based on the above device, the overall structure of the steam generator is compact and can withstand high pressure, thereby improving the heat transfer efficiency.
[0051] The above is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention. It should be pointed out that, for ordinary technicians in this technical field, several improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the principle of the present invention, and these improvements and modifications should also be regarded as the protection scope of the present invention.
Claims
1. A portable steam generator, characterized in that: include: A microchannel flat tube (1) providing a heat exchange channel for the medium; A PTC semiconductor heater (2) for heating a microchannel flat tube (1); wherein: A circular header (3) is provided at each end of the microchannel flat tube (1); the microchannel flat tube (1) is coiled into an oblong structure, one circular header (3) is located inside the oblong structure, and the other circular header (3) is located outside the oblong structure; the PTC semiconductor heater (2) is embedded between adjacent microchannel flat tubes; the central axes of the two circular headers (3) are perpendicular to the oblong surface of the oblong structure; The circular collecting pipe (3) located inside the oblong structure is in close contact with an arc at one end of the inner wall of the oblong structure; the circular collecting pipe (3) located outside the oblong structure is in close contact with the outer wall of the oblong structure.
2. The portable steam generator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The circular header (3) located outside the oblong structure is connected to the medium supply device.
3. The portable steam generator according to claim 2, characterized in that: The medium supply device includes a water pump.
4. The portable steam generator according to claim 1, characterized in that: A heat-insulating layer is arranged outside the oblong structure.
5. The portable steam generator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The oblong structure comprises a multi-layer microchannel flat tube (1).
6. The portable steam generator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The microchannel flat tube (1) is an aluminum tube.
7. The portable steam generator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The circular header (3) is made of stainless steel pipe.
8. The portable steam generator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The medium ports of the two circular headers (3) are in opposite directions.
9. The portable steam generator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The length of the two circular headers (3) is greater than the width of the microchannel flat tubes.
10. The portable steam generator according to claim 1, characterized in that: An insulating layer is provided on the outside of the PTC semiconductor heater (2), and the insulating layer is made of aluminum oxide, aluminum nitride or mica; the PTC semiconductor heater (2) is connected to an electrode.
