Plate structure energy storage water heater

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of water heater, in particular to a plate structure energy storage water heater, which comprises a shell, an electric heating device and an energy storage device arranged in the shell, the electric heating device is located at the bottom of the shell, the energy storage device is located on the electric heating device, and the energy storage device is arranged by a plurality of heat exchange plates; a water distributor is arranged between the bottom of the shell and the energy storage device, a water collector is arranged between the energy storage device and the top of the shell, the electric heating device is arranged in the water distributor, water inlet and outlet are arranged on the shell, the water inlet is communicated with the water distributor, and the water outlet is communicated with the water collector. The energy storage water heater is arranged in the shell, so that the energy storage energy density and the heating efficiency of the water heater are improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of water heater technology, and in particular to a plate-type energy storage water heater. Background Technology

[0002] An energy storage water heater is an electrical appliance that uses energy storage technology to pre-store thermal energy and achieve efficient hot water supply. Unlike traditional electric water heaters that simply heat and keep the water in the storage tank warm, energy storage water heaters improve energy density and heating efficiency through technologies such as phase change materials, superconducting heat exchange, or peak-valley energy storage, solving the problems of limited water volume, slow heating, and high energy consumption of traditional products.

[0003] For example, Chinese Patent CN202421957061.2 discloses a heat exchanger and a hot water tank, which includes a heat exchanger body. The heat exchanger body is provided with a fin group and a hot water pipe connected to the fin group. The heat exchanger body is provided with at least one fin group, and the fin group is provided with a plurality of horizontally arranged heat exchange fins. There is an accommodating gap between two adjacent heat exchange fins.

[0004] This heat exchanger uses a combination of pipes and fins, with heat storage material filled between the pipes and fins. However, the structure and manufacturing cost of the pipes and fins are relatively high, and because each bend in the pipe needs to be welded, the heat storage material will fuse with the fins after filling, making maintenance inconvenient.

[0005] To address the problems of low heating efficiency and high energy consumption in traditional water heaters, and the fact that existing energy storage water heaters have a fixed structure that makes them inconvenient to repair and replace, this utility model proposes a plate-type energy storage water heater. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to solve the aforementioned technical problems and provide a plate-type energy storage water heater. Compared with traditional water heaters, this water heater has higher thermal efficiency, lower energy consumption, simpler structure, and is easier to maintain and replace.

[0007] Specifically, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0008] A plate-type energy storage water heater includes a shell, within which an electric heating device and an energy storage device are arranged. The shell has an inlet and an outlet. A water distributor is located at the inlet, and a water collector is located at the outlet. The energy storage device is positioned between the water distributor and the water collector. The energy storage device consists of several heat exchange plates arranged at intervals, forming heat exchange channels. One end of each heat exchange channel is connected to the water distributor, and the other end is connected to the water collector. The inlet, water distributor, heat exchange channels, water collector, and outlet are sequentially connected.

[0009] The electric heating device can be positioned as needed. It can be placed inside the water distributor or the water collector. The heat exchange plates can be arranged vertically, horizontally, or at an angle, depending on the actual situation.

[0010] Furthermore, the energy storage device includes spaced heat exchange plates and positioning brackets for fixing the heat exchange plates; the heat exchange plate includes a hollow body, which is filled with energy storage material, and a filling port is provided on the side of the body. A sealing edge is provided on the periphery of the body. The positioning bracket is arranged on the inner wall of the shell, and a number of spaced positioning grooves corresponding to the heat exchange plates are provided on the positioning bracket. The positioning grooves match the sealing edge, and the heat exchange plates are spaced apart by the snap-fit ​​cooperation between the sealing edge and the positioning groove.

[0011] Furthermore, the heat exchange plates are arranged vertically at intervals, and the water distributor and water collector are located at the bottom and top of the shell, respectively.

[0012] Here we choose a preferred option, which is to arrange the heat exchange plates vertically.

[0013] Furthermore, the heat exchange plate body is provided with several reinforcing zones, which are through-hole structures that penetrate both sides of the body.

[0014] Furthermore, the surface of the heat exchange plate is provided with a reinforcing structure, which is a corrugated structure or a concave-convex structure.

[0015] Furthermore, the positioning bracket is L-shaped, T-shaped, or U-shaped, etc.

[0016] Furthermore, a thermostat is installed on the housing, which extends from the outside of the housing through the housing and into the housing.

[0017] Furthermore, the housing includes a main body and a cover plate, which are sealed together as a single unit.

[0018] Furthermore, the electric heating device is a tubular heating device.

[0019] Furthermore, the housing is provided with a reserved hole for the end of the electric heating device to pass through.

[0020] The thermostat can monitor the water temperature inside the casing. When the internal temperature reaches the preset value, the heating stops, making it easy to set automatic heating. This allows the heating time to be set during off-peak hours to save on electricity costs.

[0021] This water heater works by heating water, then using the water to charge the heat storage material, and finally using the heat storage material to release heat to assist in heating. Due to the good fluidity of water, the surface temperature uniformity of the heat exchange plate can be greatly improved, which in turn greatly improves the thermal uniformity of the heat storage material during the charging process, accelerates the heat storage rate, and reduces the material damage rate.

[0022] Traditional phase change water heaters directly heat the phase change material. Because the phase change material may have poor fluidity, or can only transfer heat within the storage material through conduction and natural convection, the rate is low and temperature uniformity is extremely poor. Furthermore, to protect the material, the heating power is limited, and the heating time is long.

[0023] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are:

[0024] An energy storage and heat exchange device is arranged inside the shell, thereby increasing the energy storage density and heating efficiency of the water heater.

[0025] An energy storage device is formed by arranging heat exchange plates at intervals for energy storage and heat exchange. Each heat exchange plate is independent of the others, making the energy storage device unitized and modular. This not only makes the manufacturing process simple and cost-effective, but also allows for the individual replacement of heat storage units, making maintenance convenient.

[0026] By using heat exchange plates arranged at intervals, heat exchange channels are formed between the heat exchange plates, resulting in a high heat exchange area and a large cross-sectional area of ​​the channels. The water flows slowly in the gaps between the heat exchange plates, which can fully absorb heat and achieve high heat exchange efficiency.

[0027] By using flow channels with smaller spacing and heat exchange plates with larger areas, the convective heat transfer coefficient is effectively improved. Furthermore, since multiple flow channels are connected in parallel, the water flow rate in each channel is slower, allowing sufficient time for heat exchange. Therefore, the heat exchange efficiency of the entire water heater is significantly improved compared to tube-fin type. It is still applicable under low-pressure pipelines. Thus, with the same water output, it can be made smaller and cheaper. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 This is an exploded view of the structure of this utility model.

[0029] Figure 2 This is a top view of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 3 This is a utility model Figure 2 Cross-sectional view of the middle section (BB);

[0031] Figure 4 This is a side view of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 5 This is a utility model Figure 4Sectional view of AA.

[0033] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the heat exchange plate in this utility model.

[0034] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the positioning bracket in this utility model.

[0035] In the diagram: 1. Shell, 2. Electric heating device, 3. Energy storage device, 4. Heat exchange plate, 5. Water distributor, 6. Water collector, 7. Water inlet, 8. Water outlet, 9. Positioning bracket, 10. Energy storage material, 11. Filling port, 12. Sealing edge, 13. Positioning groove, 14. Heat exchange channel, 15. Reinforcement zone, 16. Temperature controller, 17. Cover plate, 18. Reserved hole. Detailed Implementation

[0036] The representative embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings will now be further refined. It should be understood that the following description is not intended to limit the embodiments to a single preferred embodiment. Rather, it is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents that may be included within the substance and scope of the embodiments defined by the appended claims.

[0037] Our company has developed a plate-type energy storage water heater. The specific structure is as follows: Figures 1-7 As shown, a detailed description follows.

[0038] First, the water heater includes a shell 1, which comprises a main body and a cover plate 17, which are sealed together as a single unit. An electric heating device 2 and an energy storage device 3 are arranged inside the shell 1. The electric heating device 2 is located at the bottom of the shell 1 and is a tubular heating device; the energy storage device 3 is located on top of the electric heating device 2. A thermostat 16 is installed on the shell 1, extending from the outside of the shell 1 into its interior. A pre-drilled hole 18 is provided on the shell 1 for the end of the electric heating device 2 to pass through. The pre-drilled hole 18 facilitates the placement of the thermostat 16. The thermostat 16 is used to monitor the water temperature or the temperature of the electric heater inside the shell 1.

[0039] The shell 1 is provided with an inlet 7 and an outlet 8. A water distributor 5 is provided at the inlet 7 inside the shell 1, and a water collector 6 is provided at the outlet 8 inside the shell 1. The energy storage device 3 is located between the water distributor 5 and the water collector 6. The energy storage device 3 is composed of several heat exchange plates 4 arranged at intervals. A heat exchange channel 14 is formed between the heat exchange plates 4. One end of the heat exchange channel 14 is connected to the water distributor 5, and the other end of the heat exchange channel 14 is connected to the water collector 6. The inlet 7, the water distributor 5, the heat exchange channel 14, the water collector 6, and the outlet 8 are connected in sequence.

[0040] More specifically, the energy storage device 3 is composed of several heat exchange plates 4 arranged at intervals. The energy storage device 3 includes the spaced heat exchange plates 4 and positioning brackets 9 for fixing the heat exchange plates 4. The heat exchange plate 4 includes a hollow body filled with energy storage material 10. The side of the body is provided with a filling port 11, and the periphery of the body is provided with a sealing edge 12. The positioning bracket 9 is arranged on the inner wall of the shell 1, and the positioning bracket 9 is provided with several spaced positioning grooves 13 corresponding to the heat exchange plates 4. The positioning grooves 13 are matched with the sealing edge 12. The heat exchange plates 4 are spaced apart by the snap-fit ​​cooperation between the sealing edge 12 and the positioning grooves 13. The positioning bracket 9 is L-shaped, T-shaped, or U-shaped, etc., and is located at the four corners of the heat exchange plates 4. Preferably, the heat exchange plates 4 are arranged vertically at intervals, forming heat exchange channels 14 between the heat exchange plates 4, which is beneficial to the convection of water in the shell 1.

[0041] Regarding the detailed structure of the energy storage device 3, the heat exchange plate 4 has several reinforcing zones 15 on its body. These reinforcing zones 15 are through-hole structures extending through both sides of the body; this helps to improve the pressure-bearing capacity of the heat exchange plate 4 and reduce the risk of breakage. This structure not only locally strengthens the heat exchange plate 4, making it more robust, but also further increases the heat exchange area and improves heat exchange efficiency. The surface of the heat exchange plate 4 has a reinforcing structure, which can be a corrugated or uneven structure. This structure also increases the heat exchange area and improves heat exchange efficiency. In addition to enhancing heat exchange capacity, reinforcing ribs can be added to improve the overall strength and pressure-bearing capacity of the heat exchange plate 4.

[0042] The above describes one of our company's plate-type energy storage water heaters. The detailed structure of the heat exchanger is as follows:

[0043] Regarding the water inlet 7, it is located on the side of the lower part of the housing 1; the water outlet 8 is located on the cover plate 17; and the water collector 6 is located at the bottom of the cover plate 17. All parts of the housing 1 are sealed structures, including the cover plate 17 and the main body, the reserved hole 18, etc.

[0044] The heat exchange plate 4 is equipped with a filling port for filling the heat storage material into the heat exchange plate 4. At the same time, a temperature monitoring probe can also be inserted into the filling port to monitor the temperature of the heat storage material inside the heat exchange plate 4 and to control the temperature status of the energy storage material 10 in real time.

[0045] To further improve the heat exchange efficiency inside the water heater, a circulation pump is installed between the inlet pipe 7 and the outlet pipe 8. The circulation pump accelerates the circulation, thereby speeding up the heat charging rate.

[0046] During assembly, the electric heating device 2 is placed at the bottom of the housing 1, and its two ends passing through the housing 1 are sealed. A thermostat 16 is inserted into the housing 1 to monitor the temperature inside. Then, the positioning bracket 9 is fixed inside the housing 1, and the heat exchange plate 4 is fitted onto the positioning bracket 9. Energy storage material 10 is filled into the heat exchange plate 4 through the filling port and sealed. Finally, the cover plate 17, pre-installed with the last set of positioning brackets 9, is sealed and connected to the main body. Finally, the inlet pipe 7 and outlet pipe 8 are connected to the incoming and outgoing water, respectively. The electric heating device 2 is powered on for heating. During heating, the heat exchange plate 4, containing the energy storage material 10, stores energy. When water is used, the heat exchange plate 4 releases energy to assist the heating device in heating the water, improving heating efficiency.

[0047] When using hot water, cold water enters the distributor 5 from the inlet pipe 7 and then flows into the channels between the heat exchange plates 4. Simultaneously, residual hot water in the water heater is pushed upwards into the collector 6 and discharged from the water heater. Due to the small channel gaps and large heat exchange area of ​​the heating plates, coupled with the corrugated or raised surface structure of the heat exchange plates 4, the overall convective heat transfer coefficient is high. Furthermore, because multiple heat exchange plates 4 form multiple parallel channels, the water flow velocity in each channel is slow, allowing sufficient time for heat exchange. Therefore, the overall heat exchange efficiency of the water heater is significantly improved compared to a tube-fin type, and it remains suitable for low-pressure pipelines. Thus, with the same water output, a smaller size and lower cost can be achieved.

[0048] Scale buildup is inevitable after prolonged use of water heaters. This design also provides a self-cleaning function. When cleaning is needed, simply change the outlet 8 of the water heater to the inlet and the inlet 7 to the outlet. This allows cleaning agents and water to be introduced to clean the inside of the water heater, maintaining a better user experience and extending its lifespan.

[0049] It will be obvious to those skilled in the art that, based on the above teachings, certain modifications, combinations, and variations can be made.

Claims

1. A plate-type energy storage water heater, characterized in that: The device includes a shell (1), an electric heating device (2) and an energy storage device (3) are arranged inside the shell (1), an inlet (7) and an outlet (8) are provided on the shell (1), a water distributor (5) is provided at the inlet (7) inside the shell (1), a water collector (6) is provided at the outlet (8) inside the shell (1), and the energy storage device (3) is located between the water distributor (5) and the water collector (6); the energy storage device (3) is composed of several heat exchange plates (4) arranged at intervals, and a heat exchange channel (14) is formed between the heat exchange plates (4). One end of the heat exchange channel (14) is connected to the water distributor (5), and the other end of the heat exchange channel (14) is connected to the water collector (6); the inlet (7), the water distributor (5), the heat exchange channel (14), the water collector (6) and the outlet (8) are connected in sequence.

2. The plate-type energy storage water heater according to claim 1, characterized in that: The energy storage device (3) includes heat exchange plates (4) arranged at intervals and positioning brackets (9) for fixing the heat exchange plates (4); the heat exchange plate (4) includes a hollow body, the heat exchange plate (4) is filled with energy storage material (10), the side of the body is provided with a filling port (11), the periphery of the body is provided with a sealing edge (12), the positioning bracket (9) is arranged on the inner wall of the shell (1), and the positioning bracket (9) is provided with a number of positioning grooves (13) arranged at intervals corresponding to the heat exchange plate (4), the positioning grooves (13) are matched with the sealing edge (12), and the heat exchange plates (4) are arranged at intervals through the snap-fit ​​cooperation between the sealing edge (12) and the positioning grooves (13).

3. A plate-type energy storage water heater according to claim 2, characterized in that: The heat exchange plates (4) are arranged vertically at intervals, and the water distributor (5) and water collector (6) are located at the bottom and top of the shell (1), respectively.

4. A plate-type energy storage water heater according to claim 2, characterized in that: The heat exchange plate (4) has several reinforcing zones (15) on its body, and the reinforcing zones (15) are through holes that run through both sides of the body.

5. A plate-type energy storage water heater according to claim 2, characterized in that: The heat exchange plate (4) has a reinforcing structure on its main body surface, which is a corrugated structure or a concave-convex structure.

6. A plate-type energy storage water heater according to claim 2, characterized in that: The positioning bracket (9) is "L", "T" or "U" shaped.

7. A plate-type energy storage water heater according to claim 1, characterized in that: A thermostat (16) is provided on the housing (1). The thermostat (16) extends from the outside of the housing (1) through the housing (1) and into the housing (1).

8. A plate-type energy storage water heater according to claim 1, characterized in that: The housing (1) includes a main body and a cover plate (17), and the cover plate (17) and the main body are sealed together as one unit.

9. A plate-type energy storage water heater according to claim 1, characterized in that: The electric heating device (2) is a tubular heating device.

10. A plate-type energy storage water heater according to claim 9, characterized in that: The housing (1) is provided with a reserved hole (18) for the end of the electric heating device (2) to pass through.

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