Kettle-type electric water heater heating pipe group and electric water heater

Abstract

The utility model provides a kettle type electric water heater heating pipe group and an electric water heater, the heating pipe group comprises a plurality of heating pipes, and a kettle type heating space is defined by the plurality of heating pipes; part of the heating pipes are arranged at the kettle bottom of the kettle-shaped heating space to form a kettle bottom heating area; part of the heating pipes are arranged on the kettle wall of the kettle-shaped heating space to form a kettle wall heating area; the kettle bottom heating area is arranged on a convective heat exchange path of the electric water heater, and the kettle wall heating area encircles the convective heat exchange path; the convective heat exchange path is located between a water inlet and a water outlet of the electric water heater, and on the convective heat exchange path, hot water tends to flow to the water outlet, and cold water tends to flow to the water inlet. The electric water heater comprises the heating pipe set. The arrangement of the heating pipes is optimized according to the heat exchange performance of water, the heating, heat conduction and convection effects are obviously improved, a cold water area is eliminated, the hot water storage amount under the same condition is improved, and the performance of the water heater is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of electric water heater technology, and more specifically, to a kettle-type electric water heater heating element assembly and an electric water heater. Background Technology

[0002] With the increasing demand for water from residents, the application of large-capacity electric water heaters is becoming more and more widespread. Existing large-capacity electric water heaters typically have multiple heaters to meet hot water output needs. Generally, these multiple heaters are arranged along the longitudinal axis of the water heater, as shown in the diagram. Figure 1 As shown. Based on Figure 1 The water heater structure shown depicts a system where the temperature in the center of the inner tank is higher during heating. Water heated by the bottom heater rises via convection to the middle heater and then through the top heater, resulting in a consistently higher water temperature on the surface of the heaters. This means the temperature difference across the heater surfaces is smaller. According to the heat exchange formula: Q = kSΔt (where Q is heat, k is the heat exchange coefficient, S is the contact area, and Δt is the temperature difference), a smaller temperature difference Δt on the heater surfaces leads to a decrease in the heater's heat exchange efficiency. Furthermore, because the heaters are concentrated on the same longitudinal axis within the inner tank, the water temperature exhibits a pattern of higher temperatures in the center and lower temperatures on the sides, resulting in an uneven temperature field and consequently, a relatively lower volume of hot water. Utility Model Content

[0003] The present invention aims to solve at least one of the aforementioned technical problems existing in the prior art.

[0004] Therefore, the first aspect of this utility model provides a heating element assembly for a kettle-type electric water heater.

[0005] The second aspect of this utility model provides an electric water heater.

[0006] This utility model provides a heating element assembly for a kettle-type electric water heater, comprising:

[0007] A plurality of heating tubes are arranged to form a vessel-shaped heating space; at least some of the heating tubes are arranged at the bottom of the vessel-shaped heating space to form a vessel bottom heating area; at least some of the heating tubes are arranged on the vessel wall of the vessel-shaped heating space to form a vessel wall heating area.

[0008] The bottom heating area is arranged on the convection heat exchange path of the electric water heater, and the bottom heating area surrounds the convection heat exchange path. The convection heat exchange path is located between the inlet and outlet of the electric water heater. On the convection heat exchange path, water with a higher temperature tends to flow towards the outlet, and water with a lower temperature tends to flow towards the inlet.

[0009] The heating element assembly of the kettle-type electric water heater according to the above-described technical solution of this utility model may also have the following additional technical features:

[0010] In the above technical solution, the heating elements include:

[0011] The first heating tube has a heating section, which is located at the bottom of the vessel-shaped heating space.

[0012] The second heating tube has a heating section, which is located on the wall of the vessel-shaped heating space.

[0013] The third heating tube has a heating section, which is located on the wall of the vessel-shaped heating space.

[0014] The heating sections of the first heating tube, the second heating tube, and the third heating tube are arranged on different reference planes, which are planes or curved surfaces parallel to the direction of the convection heat transfer path.

[0015] In the above technical solution, the heating section of the first heating tube is located in the middle of the bottom of the pot;

[0016] The heating sections of the second heating tube and the third heating tube are located on both sides of the heating section of the first heating tube, respectively.

[0017] The heating radiation areas of the heating sections of the second and third heating tubes enclose the vessel wall of the vessel-shaped heating space.

[0018] In the above technical solution, the heating section of the first heating tube is arc-shaped, and the bending direction of the heating section of the first heating tube is towards the end of the inner tank of the water heater near the water inlet.

[0019] In the above technical solution, the heating sections of the second heating tube and the third heating tube are both arc-shaped, and the bending directions of the heating sections of the second heating tube and the third heating tube are both close to the inner wall of the water heater, and the bending directions of the two are opposite.

[0020] In the above technical solution, the vertical distance between any point on the heating section of the second heating tube and the inner wall of the water heater is equal.

[0021] And / or, the vertical distance between any point on the heating section of the third heating tube and the inner wall of the water heater is equal.

[0022] In the above technical solution, the vertical distance between any point on the heating section of the second heating tube and the inner wall of the water heater ranges from 50mm to 300mm.

[0023] And / or, the vertical distance between any point on the heating section of the third heating tube and the inner wall of the water heater is between 50mm and 300mm.

[0024] In the above technical solution, the vertical distance between any point on the heating section of the second heating tube and the inner wall of the water heater ranges from 50mm to 100mm.

[0025] The vertical distance between any point on the heating section of the third heating tube and the inner wall of the water heater ranges from 50mm to 100mm.

[0026] In the above technical solution, the first heating tube, the second heating tube, and the third heating tube are heating tubes with the same shape and specifications.

[0027] The present invention provides an electric water heater, including an inner tank and an outlet and an inlet communicating with the inner tank. The outlet and inlet are respectively located at both ends of the inner tank. It also includes a kettle-type electric water heater heating tube assembly as described in any of the above technical solutions, wherein the kettle-type electric water heater heating tube assembly is located at the end of the inner tank where the inlet is located.

[0028] In summary, due to the adoption of the above-mentioned technical features, the beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0029] This invention optimizes the arrangement of heating elements according to the heat exchange performance of water, significantly improving the heating, heat conduction and convection effects, eliminating cold water zones, increasing hot water storage capacity under the same conditions, and improving the performance of the water heater.

[0030] Specifically, based on the principles of thermodynamics and fluid mechanics, this application arranges the heating tubes to ensure uniform heating of cold water across the cross-section of the water heater's inner tank. The heating tubes on the left and right sides are arranged along the inner tank, allowing for upward heating via convection. This reduces the impact of other heating tubes on the surface temperature difference Δt, eliminates heating dead zones, improves heating tube efficiency, and increases the water heater's hot water output.

[0031] Additional aspects and advantages of this invention will become apparent in the description that follows, or may be learned by practice of this invention. Attached Figure Description

[0032] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of this utility model will become apparent and readily understood from the description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:

[0033] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the layout of heating element groups in a traditional large-capacity electric water heater;

[0034] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional layout diagram of the heating tube assembly of a kettle-type electric water heater according to an embodiment of this utility model;

[0035] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the external structure of an electric water heater according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the electric water heater shown from section AA.

[0037] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the electric water heater shown from the BB side.

[0038] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the heating tube structure according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of a traditional heating element structure.

[0040] in, Figures 1 to 7 The correspondence between the reference numerals and component names in the attached drawings is as follows:

[0041] 1. Inner tank; 2. Water inlet; 3. Water outlet; 4. Kettle-shaped heating space;

[0042] 41. First heating element; 42. Second heating element; 43. Third heating element;

[0043] 411. Heating section. Detailed Implementation

[0044] To better understand the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of this utility model, the present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in these embodiments can be combined with each other.

[0045] Many specific details are set forth in the following description in order to provide a full understanding of the present invention. However, the present invention may also be implemented in other ways different from those described herein. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0046] The following reference Figures 2 to 7 This invention describes a kettle-type electric water heater heating element assembly and an electric water heater according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0047] Some embodiments of this application provide a heating element assembly for a kettle-type electric water heater.

[0048] like Figures 2 to 7As shown, the first embodiment of this utility model proposes a heating element assembly for a kettle-type electric water heater. This assembly mainly includes several heating elements. These heating elements enclose a kettle-shaped heating space 4, with at least some heating elements arranged at the bottom of the kettle-shaped heating space 4, forming a bottom heating area; and at least some heating elements arranged on the kettle wall of the kettle-shaped heating space 4, forming a kettle wall heating area. The bottom heating area is located on the convection heat transfer path of the electric water heater, while the kettle wall heating area surrounds the convection heat transfer path. The convection heat transfer path is located between the inlet 2 and the outlet 3 of the electric water heater. On this convection heat transfer path, water with a higher temperature tends to flow towards the outlet 3, and water with a lower temperature tends to flow towards the inlet 2. Figure 2 In the embodiment shown, due to the poor thermal conductivity of water, the heat exchange of the water heater heating tube is mainly convective heat exchange with hot water rising and cold water falling along its convective heat exchange path. The heat conduction effect of the heating tube on the left and right areas decreases rapidly with increasing distance.

[0049] Specifically, when the electric water heater is working, cold water enters the inner tank 1 through inlet 2. Due to its low temperature, it naturally sinks to the bottom heating area. Heating pipes located at the bottom heat the cold water, causing it to rise due to its lower density and flow towards outlet 3 along the convection heat transfer path. During this process, heating pipes in the tank wall heating area further heat the rising water. Because the tank wall heating area surrounds the convection heat transfer path, it ensures that the water is fully heated during its ascent, improving heating efficiency. Simultaneously, this arrangement results in a more uniform water temperature distribution within the inner tank 1, avoiding the situation of high temperature in the middle and low temperature on the sides found in traditional structures, thus providing a larger volume of hot water. It should be noted that the tank-shaped heating space 4 is the space formed by the heating pipes through thermal radiation; that is, the tank-shaped heating space 4 is an open space where water can flow in or out freely.

[0050] It is understandable that, since the shape of the heating tubes is not limited, the number of them can be any number, as long as they can form a kettle-shaped heating space 4. When the number of heating tubes is small, more complex shapes may be required, such as one-piece kettle-shaped heating tubes. To meet production needs and simplify the shape of the heating tubes, the number of heating tubes should be at least three.

[0051] In some embodiments, the plurality of heating tubes includes a first heating tube 41, a second heating tube 42, and a third heating tube 43. The first heating tube 41 has a heating section 411, which is disposed at the bottom of the vessel-shaped heating space 4; the second heating tube 42 and the third heating tube 43 both have heating sections 411, which are disposed on the vessel wall of the vessel-shaped heating space 4. Furthermore, the heating sections 411 of the first heating tube 41, the second heating tube 42, and the third heating tube 43 are arranged on different reference planes, which are planes or curved surfaces parallel to the direction of the convection heat transfer path.

[0052] Specifically, the heating section 411 of the first heating tube 41 is located at the bottom of the vessel and is mainly responsible for the initial heating of the cold water entering the inner tank 1. The heating sections 411 of the second heating tube 42 and the third heating tube 43 are located at different positions on the vessel wall, respectively heating the water flow rising along the convection heat transfer path. Because their heating sections 411 are arranged on different reference planes, the heating can be more uniform, avoiding local overheating or underheating.

[0053] For example Figure 2 Taking an electric water heater with a cylindrical inner tank 1 as an example, the convection heat transfer path is roughly longitudinal. The reference plane of the heating section 411 of the first heating tube 41 is a vertical plane passing through the axis; the reference plane of the heating section 411 of the second heating tube 42 is a curved surface close to the wall of the inner tank 1; and the reference plane of the heating section 411 of the third heating tube 43 is a curved surface close to the other side of the wall of the inner tank 1. This arrangement prevents the other heating tubes from affecting the surface temperature difference of the heating tubes during the upward flow of water, allowing the low-temperature water to fully absorb heat and increase the water temperature.

[0054] In some embodiments, the heating section 411 of the first heating tube 41 is located in the middle of the bottom of the vessel. The heating sections 411 of the second heating tube 42 and the third heating tube 43 are located on both sides of the heating section 411 of the first heating tube 41. Furthermore, the heating radiation areas of the heating sections 411 of the second heating tube 42 and the third heating tube 43 enclose the vessel wall of the vessel-shaped heating space 4. The heating section 411 of the first heating tube 41 is arc-shaped, with the bending direction facing the end of the inner tank 1 near the water inlet 2, meaning the bottom of the vessel is the first to come into contact with cold water. The heating sections 411 of the second heating tube 42 and the third heating tube 43 are both arc-shaped, with the bending direction facing the wall of the inner tank 1 of the water heater, and their bending directions are opposite.

[0055] This design has several advantages. First, by placing the heating section 411 of the first heating tube 41 in the middle of the bottom of the vessel, it can concentrate the heating of the cold water entering the inner tank 1 to the maximum extent, improving heating efficiency. The heating sections 411 of the second heating tube 42 and the third heating tube 43 are located on both sides, and their heating radiation areas enclose and form the vessel wall, ensuring that the water in the entire vessel-shaped heating space 4 is heated evenly. The arc-shaped design allows for a larger contact area between the heating tube and the water flow, and the arc-shaped bending direction guides the water flow better, promoting heat exchange and making the heating more uniform, eliminating the cold water zones on both sides of the inner tank 1. The uniformity of the entire inner tank 1 is significantly increased, the hot water area of ​​the inner tank 1 is significantly increased, and the amount of hot water in the same inner tank 1 can be significantly increased.

[0056] In one specific embodiment, any point on the heating section 411 of the second heating tube 42 is equidistant from the wall of the inner tank 1 of the water heater; similarly, any point on the heating section 411 of the third heating tube 43 is equidistant from the wall of the inner tank 1 of the water heater. Specifically, for a water heater with a standard inner tank shape (cylindrical), the projected images of the second heating tube 42 and the third heating tube 43 on the cross-section of the inner tank 1 are approximately concentric circles with the cross-section of the inner tank 1. This structural design also improves the uniformity of the water temperature in the inner tank 1.

[0057] In one specific embodiment, the vertical distance between any point on the heating section 411 of the second heating tube 42 and the wall of the inner tank 1 of the water heater is between 50mm and 300mm, preferably between 50mm and 100mm; similarly, the vertical distance between any point on the heating section 411 of the third heating tube 43 and the wall of the inner tank 1 of the water heater is between 50mm and 300mm, preferably between 50mm and 100mm.

[0058] In one specific embodiment, the heating section 411 of the first heating tube 41 is more than 50mm away from the bottom of the inner liner 1 to leave sufficient space for passage and installation.

[0059] In some embodiments, the first heating tube 41, the second heating tube 42, and the third heating tube 43 are heating tubes with identical shapes and specifications, and their structures are as follows: Figure 6 As shown, its heating section 411, i.e., the heating element, is arc-shaped. This reduces production costs and simplifies the installation and maintenance process, because only one specification of heating tube needs to be produced, and they can be interchanged during installation, thus improving work efficiency.

[0060] Based on heating tubes of the same shape, simply adjusting the installation direction to 90 degrees left or right rotation can achieve a pot-shaped effect. Furthermore, the curved heating tube allows for a more uniform distance from the inner wall, facilitating optimal spacing and resulting in better heating. Of course, with... Figure 7The conventional heating tubes shown can also be arranged in a vessel-shaped heating tube group, but their distance from the inner liner 1 wall is uneven. If they are too far away, the cold water area is larger, and if they are too close, the heat conduction and convection effect becomes worse.

[0061] Other embodiments of this utility model provide an electric water heater, such as... Figures 2 to 7 As shown, the electric water heater includes an inner tank 1 and an outlet 3 and an inlet 2 connected to the inner tank 1, with the outlet 3 and inlet 2 respectively located at both ends of the inner tank 1. The heating element assembly of the kettle-type electric water heater is located at the end of the inner tank 1 where the inlet 2 is located. This layout allows cold water to immediately contact the heating element assembly for heating upon entering the inner tank 1, avoiding the situation in traditional structures where cold water remains in the inner tank 1 for a period of time before being heated, thus shortening the heating time and improving heating efficiency.

[0062] For example, in a vertically installed electric water heater, the inner tank 1 has an inlet 2 at the bottom and an outlet 3 at the top. The heating element assembly of the tank-type electric water heater is installed at the bottom of the inner tank 1 near the inlet 2. When cold water enters from the inlet 2 at the bottom, it directly enters the tank-shaped heating space 4 formed by the heating elements. It is first heated by the heating elements in the bottom heating area, then rises along the convection heat transfer path, and is heated by the heating elements in the tank wall heating area in turn, finally flowing out from the outlet 3 at the top, providing users with a faster supply of hot water.

[0063] In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the terms used do not necessarily refer to the same embodiments or examples. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0064] Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, or improvements made within the spirit and principles of this utility model shall be included within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A heating element assembly for a kettle-type electric water heater, characterized in that, include: A plurality of heating tubes are arranged to form a vessel-shaped heating space; at least some of the heating tubes are arranged at the bottom of the vessel-shaped heating space to form a vessel bottom heating area; at least some of the heating tubes are arranged on the vessel wall of the vessel-shaped heating space to form a vessel wall heating area. The bottom heating area is arranged on the convection heat exchange path of the electric water heater, and the bottom heating area surrounds the convection heat exchange path. The convection heat exchange path is located between the inlet and outlet of the electric water heater. On the convection heat exchange path, water with a higher temperature tends to flow towards the outlet, and water with a lower temperature tends to flow towards the inlet.

2. The heating element assembly of the kettle-type electric water heater according to claim 1, characterized in that, Several heating elements include: The first heating tube has a heating section, which is located at the bottom of the vessel-shaped heating space. The second heating tube has a heating section, which is located on the wall of the vessel-shaped heating space. The third heating tube has a heating section, which is located on the wall of the vessel-shaped heating space. The heating sections of the first heating tube, the second heating tube, and the third heating tube are arranged on different reference planes, which are planes or curved surfaces parallel to the direction of the convection heat transfer path.

3. The heating element assembly of the kettle-type electric water heater according to claim 2, characterized in that, The heating section of the first heating tube is located in the middle of the bottom of the vessel; The heating sections of the second heating tube and the third heating tube are located on both sides of the heating section of the first heating tube, respectively. The heating radiation areas of the heating sections of the second and third heating tubes enclose the vessel wall of the vessel-shaped heating space.

4. The heating element assembly of the kettle-type electric water heater according to claim 3, characterized in that, The heating section of the first heating element is arc-shaped, and the bending direction of the heating section of the first heating element is towards the end of the inner tank of the water heater near the water inlet.

5. The heating element assembly of the kettle-type electric water heater according to claim 4, characterized in that, Both the heating sections of the second and third heating tubes are arc-shaped, and the bending directions of the heating sections of the second and third heating tubes are both close to the inner wall of the water heater, but the bending directions of the two are opposite.

6. The heating element assembly of the kettle-type electric water heater according to claim 5, characterized in that, The vertical distance between any point on the heating section of the second heating element and the inner wall of the water heater is equal. And / or, the vertical distance between any point on the heating section of the third heating tube and the inner wall of the water heater is equal.

7. The heating element assembly of the kettle-type electric water heater according to claim 6, characterized in that, The vertical distance between any point on the heating section of the second heating tube and the inner wall of the water heater ranges from 50mm to 300mm. And / or, the vertical distance between any point on the heating section of the third heating tube and the inner wall of the water heater is between 50mm and 300mm.

8. The heating element assembly of the kettle-type electric water heater according to claim 7, characterized in that, The vertical distance between any point on the heating section of the second heating tube and the inner wall of the water heater ranges from 50mm to 100mm. The vertical distance between any point on the heating section of the third heating tube and the inner wall of the water heater ranges from 50mm to 100mm.

9. The heating element assembly of the kettle-type electric water heater according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first heating element, the second heating element, and the third heating element are heating elements with the same shape and specifications.

10. An electric water heater, comprising an inner tank and an outlet and an inlet communicating with the inner tank, wherein the outlet and inlet are respectively disposed at both ends of the inner tank, characterized in that, It also includes a kettle-type electric water heater heating element assembly as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the kettle-type electric water heater heating element assembly is disposed at the end of the inner tank where the water inlet is located.

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