Flow heater and flow control device
The integration of a flow guide device with radial vanes in instantaneous water heaters enhances heat transfer and prevents boiling by optimizing fluid convection and flow patterns, addressing inefficiencies in existing designs.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- EP · EP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- VIESSMANN HOLDING INTERNATIONAL GMBH
- Filing Date
- 2025-12-01
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-17
AI Technical Summary
Existing instantaneous water heaters suffer from inefficient heat transfer and temperature distribution, leading to dead zones and potential boiling of fluid due to stagnant flow patterns.
A flow guide device with a disc-shaped element and radial vanes is integrated into the water heater, generating a radial swirl and turbulence to optimize fluid convection, directing the flow onto the heating coils for enhanced heat transfer and minimizing dead zones.
Improves heat transfer efficiency by reducing critical temperature distribution and preventing boiling, ensuring uniform heating and optimal fluid flow around the heating coils.
Smart Images
Figure IMGAF001_ABST
Abstract
Description
State of the art
[0001] The invention relates to an instantaneous water heater and a flow guide device for an instantaneous water heater.
[0002] GB 2512353 B discloses a container for holding liquid, such as in an instantaneous water heater for an electric shower, which has flow guide elements arranged on or adjacent to a partition between the end walls of the container and configured to direct the liquid flow so that it flows helically or spirally, substantially tangentially to a side wall of the container, in order to minimize areas of stagnant flow and to ensure uniform heating of the fluid by electrically operated heating elements arranged in the container. Each flow guide element has an inlet and an outlet that define an S-shaped flow path in cross-section through an opening in the partition to direct the liquid flow in a tangential direction to the inner surface of the container's side wall. Disclosure of the invention
[0003] The purpose of the invention is to create an improved instantaneous water heater.
[0004] Another objective of the invention is to create a flow guide device for an improved instantaneous water heater.
[0005] The problems are solved by the features of the independent claims. Favorable embodiments and advantages of the invention become apparent from the further claims, the description, and the drawings.
[0006] The features listed individually in the patent claims can be combined in a technologically meaningful way and can be supplemented by explanatory facts from the description and by details from the figures, showing further embodiment variants of the invention.
[0007] According to one aspect of the invention, an instantaneous water heater is proposed, comprising a longitudinally extending container through which a fluid flows in a specific direction. The container has a wall that is closed off by a lid element and a bottom element. The lid element has at least one inlet, in particular a central inlet, for the fluid, and the wall has at least one outlet for the fluid. A heating element, which is surrounded by the fluid, is arranged in the container. At least one flow guide device is arranged in the container at the inlet side, transverse to the flow direction. This flow guide device is designed to generate a radial swirl in the flowing fluid. The flow guide device has at least one disk-shaped element.The at least one heating element is at least partially helically shaped with an outer sheath formed by pipe sections of the at least one heating element, and the flow guide device has openings on its circumference which are arranged upstream in front of the outer sheath.
[0008] The at least one heating element can be fluid-fed, in which case a heating fluid flows through a helically wound tube. Optionally, the at least one heating element can be electrically heated, for example in the manner of an immersion heater, wherein a protective tube is helically wound in which an electrical conductor is arranged.
[0009] The proposed instantaneous water heater for heating water features at least one flow guide device, which optimizes fluid convection within the heater's tank. Advantageously, this allows for the deflection and alignment of the fluid flow onto the heater's heating coils. Furthermore, the flow guide device can be used to generate turbulence in the flow.
[0010] The flow guidance device is advantageously designed in such a way that the fluid flow is preferably directed onto the outer shell of the heating element designed as a heating coil, whereby the heat transfer from the heating coil to the fluid takes place particularly effectively.
[0011] With at least one flow guide device, better mixing of the different temperature zones can be achieved compared to a simple baffle plate in the container, resulting in a less critical temperature distribution in the heating coil. Dead zones in the fluid flow can thus be minimized. Boiling of the fluid in the flow heater can be prevented.
[0012] The flow around the heating coil can be improved, thereby improving the heat transfer from the heating coil to the fluid and thus increasing the efficiency of the instantaneous water heater.
[0013] In a favorable embodiment of the instantaneous water heater, the at least one disc-shaped element can have a flat, particularly circular, central area and a plurality of radially projecting vanes arranged thereon, between which the passages are arranged. The vanes can advantageously influence the flow direction into the area of the heating coil, thus improving heat transfer and increasing the efficiency of the instantaneous water heater.
[0014] In a favorable embodiment of the flow heater, the vanes can be inclined at least partially against the longitudinal direction at an angle of attack. In particular, the angle of attack can be at least 40° and at most 70°, preferably between 60° and 70°. This allows for a particularly advantageous flow pattern in a helical geometry of the fluid.
[0015] In a favorable design of the flow heater, the blades can have at least one blade section that is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. This allows the flow to be influenced particularly effectively.
[0016] According to a favorable embodiment of the instantaneous water heater, the at least one flow guide device can be connected to the lid element, for example, via these wing sections, and in particular by soldering or welding. In this way, a particularly advantageous mounting of the at least one flow guide device in the container can be implemented.
[0017] Alternatively, other cover elements can be used, such as a dished end, where different orientations of the wing sections are advantageous.
[0018] With a favorable design of the instantaneous water heater, the central section can be concave when viewed from the inlet. This allows the central section to curve into the coil of the heating element's pipe sections. This prevents air bubbles from accumulating in the central section, thus improving the venting of the instantaneous water heater.
[0019] With a favorable design of the flow heater, the vanes can be inclined in the same direction as downstream of the vanes, where pipe sections are arranged on the same circumference within the outer casing of the heating element. This allows the fluid flow to be directed as efficiently as possible for optimal heat transfer to the heating coil.
[0020] In a well-designed instantaneous water heater, the vanes can be inclined in the opposite direction to the pipe sections arranged downstream of the vanes on the same circumference within the outer casing of the heating element. Alternatively, this can achieve a flow pattern within the container that is particularly favorable for heat transfer. Furthermore, if the flow swirl is opposite to that of the heating coil, it can advantageously lead to a further reduction of high-temperature areas within the instantaneous water heater.
[0021] In a favorable design of the instantaneous water heater, the diameter of the central section can be approximately half the diameter of the flow guide device; in particular, the diameter of the central section can be at least 40% and at most 60% of the diameter of the flow guide device. In this way, a flow geometry advantageous for heat transfer and thus efficiency of the instantaneous water heater can be achieved.
[0022] In a favorable design of the flow heater, a gap can be formed between an outer edge of the flow guide and an inner surface of the container wall. In particular, the clear distance between the outer edge and the inner surface of the wall can be at least 1 mm. Such a gap allows for an optimum balance between efficient heat transfer through flow control and pressure loss in the flow heater.
[0023] In a favorable embodiment of the flow heater, the flow guide device can comprise at least two disk-shaped elements arranged longitudinally one behind the other. In particular, the vanes of two successive disk-shaped elements can be inclined in the same direction. In this way, the vanes of one flow guide device are extended by the subsequent flow guide device. The flow of the fluid in the container can thus be influenced particularly effectively for efficient heat transfer.
[0024] In a favorable design of the flow heater, the blades of the at least two disc-shaped elements can be arranged offset from each other along their longitudinal axis. This results in a particularly advantageous influence on the flow through additional turbulence.
[0025] In a favorable design of the instantaneous water heater, at least one disc-shaped element can be formed as a sheet metal disc. In particular, the disc-shaped element can be designed as a stamped and bent part. The flow guide device can thus be manufactured particularly cost-effectively, since the vanes can be stamped out without waste and easily bent to influence the flow.
[0026] In a favorable design of the instantaneous water heater, the blades on the circumference of the at least one disc-shaped element can have straight edges, meaning the blades can be planar. Such a blade shape can be produced with a simple tool.
[0027] According to a favorable design of the flow heater, the wings on the circumference of the at least one disc-shaped element can alternatively have curved edges, which can result in optimal flow control.
[0028] According to another aspect of the invention, a flow guide device for an instantaneous water heater is proposed, which has at least one disc-shaped element and openings on its circumference.
[0029] The proposed flow guide for heating water in an instantaneous water heater serves to optimize fluid convection within the heater's tank. Advantageously, it allows for the deflection and alignment of the fluid flow onto the heating coils. Turbulence can also be generated within the flow. Compared to a simple baffle plate within the tank, the flow guide achieves better mixing of the different temperature zones, resulting in a less critical temperature distribution within the heating coil. Dead zones in the fluid flow are thus minimized, preventing the fluid from boiling within the instantaneous water heater.
[0030] The flow around the heating coil can be improved, thereby improving the heat transfer from the heating coil to the fluid and thus increasing the efficiency of the instantaneous water heater.
[0031] In a favorable embodiment of the flow guide device, the at least one disk-shaped element can have a planar, in particular circular, central area and a plurality of radially projecting vanes arranged thereon, between which the passages are arranged. The vanes can advantageously influence the flow direction into the area of the heating coil, thus improving heat transfer and increasing the efficiency of the instantaneous water heater.
[0032] According to a favorable embodiment of the flow guide device, the vanes can be inclined at least partially against a longitudinal direction at an angle of attack. In particular, the angle of attack can be at least 40° and at most 70°, preferably between at least 60° and at most 70°. This allows for a particularly advantageous flow pattern in a helical geometry of the fluid.
[0033] According to a favorable design of the flow guide device, the diameter of the central section can be approximately half the diameter of the flow guide device; in particular, the diameter of the central section can be at least 40% and at most 60% of the diameter of the flow guide device. In this way, a flow geometry advantageous for heat transfer and thus the efficiency of the instantaneous water heater can be achieved.
[0034] In a favorable design of the flow guide device, the wings can have at least one wing section that is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. This allows the flow to be influenced particularly advantageously.
[0035] In a favorable design of the flow guide device, at least one disc-shaped element can be formed as a sheet metal disc. In particular, the sheet metal disc can be designed as a stamped and bent part. The flow guide device can thus be manufactured particularly cost-effectively, since the vanes can be stamped out without waste and easily bent to influence the flow.
[0036] Advantageously, the wings can have straight edges around the circumference of at least one disc-shaped element, meaning the wings can be planar. Such a wing shape can be produced with a simple tool.
[0037] Alternatively, the wings can have curved edges on the circumference of at least one disc-shaped element, which can result in optimal flow control. drawing
[0038] Further advantages become apparent from the following description of the drawings. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention. The drawings, the description, and the claims contain numerous features in combination. A person skilled in the art will expediently consider the features individually and combine them into meaningful further combinations.
[0039] They show, for example: Fig. 1 a top view of an instantaneous water heater according to an embodiment of the invention with a sectioning plane AA; Fig. 2 a longitudinal section through the instantaneous water heater in the sectioning plane AA according to Fig. 1 Fig. 3 is an isometric view of a flow guide device according to an embodiment of the invention; Fig. 4 is a top view of the flow guide device according to Fig. 3 Fig. 5 shows a side view of the flow guide device according to Fig. 3Fig. 6 is an isometric view of a flow guide device according to a further embodiment of the invention; Fig. 7 is a top view of the flow guide device according to Fig. 6 Fig. 8 shows a side view of the flow guide device according to Fig. 6 Fig. 9 is an isometric view of a flow guide device according to a further embodiment of the invention; Fig. 10 is a top view of the flow guide device according to Fig. 9 ; Fig. 11 a side view of the flow guide device according to Fig. 9 ; Fig. 12 an isometric view of a flow guide device according to a further embodiment of the invention; and Fig. 13 a top view of the flow guide device according to Fig. 12 ; Fig. 14 a side view of the flow guide device according to Fig. 12 . Embodiments of the invention
[0040] In the figures, similar or equivalent components are numbered with the same reference symbols. The figures merely show examples and are not to be understood as limiting.
[0041] Before the invention is described in detail, it should be noted that it is not limited to the respective components of the device or the respective process steps, as these components and processes can vary. The terms used here are intended solely to describe particular embodiments and are not used restrictively. Furthermore, where the singular or indefinite articles are used in the description or in the claims, this also refers to the plural of these elements, unless the overall context clearly indicates otherwise.
[0042] The directional terminology used below, including terms like "left," "right," "above," "below," "in front," "behind," "after," and the like, serves only to improve the understanding of the figures and is in no way intended to limit their generality. The components and elements depicted, their interpretation, and their use may vary according to the considerations of a person skilled in the art and be adapted to the specific applications.
[0043] Figure 1 shows a top view of an instantaneous water heater 100 according to an embodiment of the invention with a section plane AA, while in Figure 2 a longitudinal section through the instantaneous water heater 100 in the section plane AA according to Figure 1 is shown.
[0044] The instantaneous water heater 100 has a container 10 extending in a longitudinal direction 60 for the flow of a fluid in a flow direction 70. The container 10 has a wall 12 which is closed off by a lid element 14 and a bottom element 16.
[0045] The lid element 14 has a central inlet 18 for the fluid. The wall 12 has a radially directed outlet 20 for the fluid. A heating element 22, which is surrounded by the fluid, is arranged in the container 10.
[0046] In the container 10, a flow guide device 30 is arranged on the inlet side transversely to the flow direction 28, which is designed to generate a radial swirl of the flowing fluid.
[0047] Flow guide device 30 and heating element 22 are in Figure 1 They are shown with dashed lines because they are located inside container 10.
[0048] The heating element 22 is helically shaped with an outer sheath 26 formed by pipe sections 24 of the heating element 22.
[0049] The flow guide device 30 has a disc-shaped element 32 and passages 36 on its circumference 34, which are arranged upstream in front of the outer shell 26 of the heating element 22.
[0050] For flow-related reasons, a gap 56 may be formed between an outer edge 54 of the flow guide device 30 and an inner side of the wall 12 of the container 10. The gap 56 may, for example, be at least 1 mm wide, with an exemplary diameter 58 of the heating element 22 of 40 mm. An inner diameter 62 of the wall 12 of the flow heater 100 may, for example, be 60 mm.
[0051] The proposed instantaneous water heater 100 for heating water features a flow guide 30, which optimizes the convection of the fluid in the container 10 of the instantaneous water heater 100. Advantageously, this allows the fluid flow 70 to be deflected and directed onto the pipe sections 24 of the instantaneous water heater 100. Turbulence can also be advantageously generated in the flow. The flow guide 30 is advantageously designed such that the fluid flow is preferentially directed onto the outer casing 26 of the heating element 22, which is designed as a heating coil, thereby ensuring particularly efficient heat transfer from the heating coil to the fluid.
[0052] Compared to a simple baffle plate in the container 10, the flow guide device 30 achieves better mixing of the different temperature zones, resulting in a less critical temperature distribution in the heating element 22, which is designed as a heating coil. Dead zones in the fluid flow can thus be minimized. Boiling of the fluid in the flow heater 100 can be avoided.
[0053] The flow around the heating element 22, which is designed as a heating coil, can be improved, thereby improving the heat transfer from the heating element 22, which is designed as a heating coil, to the fluid and thus increasing the efficiency of the flow heater 100.
[0054] Figure 3 shows an isometric view of the flow guide device 30. Figure 4 is a top view of the flow guide device 30, while Figure 5 a side view of the flow guide device 30 is shown.
[0055] For the sake of clarity, reference symbols are only indicated on one element at a time.
[0056] The flow guide device 30 has a disc-shaped element 32 and openings 36 around its circumference 34. The disc-shaped element 32 has a planar, in particular circular, central region 38 and a plurality of radially projecting wings 42, 44 arranged thereon, between which the openings 36 are arranged.
[0057] The wings 42, 44 can have a beneficial influence on the flow guidance in the area of the heating element 22 designed as a heating coil, so that the heat transfer is improved and the efficiency of the instantaneous water heater 100 is increased.
[0058] As with the one in the instantaneous water heater 100 in the Figure 1 and 2As can be seen from the arranged flow guide device 30, the central section 38 is concave when viewed from the inlet 18. The central section 38 can thus be curved into the helix of the pipe sections 24 of the heating element 22. This prevents air bubbles from accumulating in the central section 38. This improves the venting of the instantaneous water heater 100.
[0059] As particularly in Figure 5 As can be seen, the wings 36, 37 are inclined at least partially against the longitudinal direction 60 at an angle of attack 46. The angle of attack 46 can advantageously be at least 40° and at most 70°, preferably at least 60° and at most 70°.
[0060] The vanes 42, 44 are inclined opposite to the inclination of the pipe sections 24 arranged downstream of the vanes 42, 44 on the same circumferential area in the outer casing 26 of the heating element 22. This allows different flow influences to be achieved.
[0061] Alternatively, the wings 42, 44 can also be advantageously inclined in the same direction as downstream of the wings 42, 44, pipe sections 24 arranged on the same circumferential area in the outer jacket 26 of the heating element 22 are inclined.
[0062] The wings 42 further comprise at least one wing section 48, which is formed perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 60. The flow guide device 30 can be connected to the cover element 14 via the wing sections 48, in particular by soldering or welding.
[0063] As in Figure 4It can be seen that the diameter 50 of the central region 38 can be about half the size of the diameter 52 of the flow guide device 30. In particular, the diameter 50 of the central region 38 can be at least 40% and at most 60% of the diameter 52 of the flow guide device 30.
[0064] It is advantageous if the conditions are chosen such that the fluid flow is directed essentially towards the wall 12 of the container 10. This can be achieved, for example, by a relatively large diameter 50 of the central region 38.
[0065] The disc-shaped element 32 can advantageously be designed as a sheet metal disc. In particular, the sheet metal disc can be designed as a stamped and bent part. The flow guide device 30 can thus be manufactured particularly cost-effectively, since the vanes 42, 44 can be stamped out with virtually no waste or only minimal waste and easily bent to influence the flow.
[0066] Advantageously, the wings 42, 44 can have straight edges 64 on the circumference 34 of the disc-shaped element 32, thus being planar. Such a wing shape can be produced with a simple tool.
[0067] In the Figures 3 to 5 In the illustrated embodiment, the edges 64 are each straight.
[0068] Figure 6 Figure 1 shows an isometric view of a flow guide device 30 according to a further embodiment of the invention. Figure 7 is a top view of the flow guide device according to Figure 6 depicted while Figure 8 a side view of the flow guide device 30 according to Figure 6 shows.
[0069] The in the Figures 6 to 8The illustrated embodiment has curved edges 64 of the wings 42, 44 compared to the previous embodiment. This allows the flow of the fluid to be influenced particularly effectively and directed towards the wall 12 of the container 10.
[0070] Figure 9 Figure 1 shows an isometric view of a flow guide device 30 according to a further embodiment of the invention. Figure 10 is a top view of the flow guide device 30 according to Figure 9 depicted while Figure 11 a side view of the flow guide device 30 according to Figure 9 shows.
[0071] In this embodiment, the blades 42 each have two symmetrical blade sections 48. This also allows for favorable flow control. Furthermore, the connection to the lid element 14 of the container 10 can be implemented more easily.
[0072] In the Figures 12 to 14Another embodiment of a flow guide device 30 is shown, each with two disc-shaped elements 32. Figure 12 shows an isometric view of the flow guide device 30. Figure 13 is a top view of the flow guide device 30 according to Figure 12 depicted while Figure 14 a side view of the flow guide device 30 according to Figure 12 shows.
[0073] In this embodiment, the flow guide device 30 has two disk-shaped elements 32 which are arranged one behind the other in the longitudinal direction 60.
[0074] The wings 42, 44 of two successive disk-shaped elements 32 are inclined in the same direction to achieve particularly effective flow control. In this way, the wings 42, 44 of one flow guide device 30 are effectively extended by the subsequent flow guide device 30.
[0075] In a further embodiment, the wings 42, 44 of the two disk-shaped elements 32 can also be arranged offset from each other about the longitudinal direction 60. This allows the wings 42, 44 of a flow guide device 30 to appear to be extended particularly far by the subsequent flow guide device 30. Reference sign
[0076] 10 Container 12 Wall 14 Cover element 16 Bottom element 18 Inlet 20 Outlet 22 Heating element 24 Pipe section 26 Outer casing 30 Flow guide device 32 Disc-shaped element 34 Circumference 36 Passage 38 Central area 40 Radial direction 42 Vane 44 Vane 46 Angle of attack 48 Vane section 50 Diameter of central area 52 Diameter of flow guide device 54 Edge 56 Gap 58 Diameter of heating element 60 Longitudinal direction 62 Inner diameter of wall 64 Edge 70 Flow direction 100 Instantaneous water heater
Claims
1. Instantaneous water heater (100) with a container (10) extending in a longitudinal direction (60) for flow with a fluid in a flow direction (70), wherein the container (10) has a wall (12) which is closed off by a lid element (14) and a bottom element (16), wherein the lid element (14) has at least one inlet (18), in particular a central inlet (18), for the fluid and the wall (12) has at least one outlet (20) for the fluid, wherein a heating element (22) which can be flushed around by the fluid is arranged in the container (10), wherein at least one flow guide device (30) is arranged in the container (10) on the inlet side transverse to the flow direction (28), which is designed to generate a radial swirl of the flowing fluid, wherein the flow guide device (30) has at least one disk-shaped element (32),wherein the at least one heating element (22) is at least partially helically shaped with an outer sheath (26) formed by pipe sections (24) of the at least one heating element (22) and wherein the flow guide device (30) has passages (36) on its circumference (34) which are arranged upstream in front of the outer sheath (26).
2. Instantaneous water heater according to claim 1, wherein the at least one disc-shaped element (32) has a planar, in particular circular, central area (38) and a plurality of wings (42, 44) arranged thereon, projecting in a radial direction (40), between which the passages (36) are arranged.
3. Instantaneous water heater according to claim 2, wherein the vanes (42, 44) are inclined at least partially against the longitudinal direction (60) with an angle of attack (46), in particular wherein the angle of attack (46) is at least 40° and at most 70°.
4. Instantaneous water heater according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the central region (38) is concave when viewed from the inlet (18).
5. Instantaneous water heater according to one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the vanes (42, 44) are inclined in the same direction of an inclination as downstream of the vanes (42, 44) pipe sections (24) arranged on the same circumferential area in the outer jacket (26) of the heating element (22).
6. Instantaneous water heater according to one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the vanes (42, 44) are inclined opposite to an inclination such as downstream of the vanes (42, 44) pipe sections (24) arranged on the same circumferential area in the outer jacket (26) of the heating element (22).
7. Instantaneous water heater according to one of claims 2 to 6, wherein a diameter (50) of the central region (38) is about half the size of a diameter (52) of the at least one flow guide device (30).
8. Instantaneous water heater according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a gap (56) is formed between an outer edge (54) of the at least one flow guide device (30) and an inner side of the wall (12) of the container (10), in particular wherein a clear distance between outer edge (54) and inner side of the wall (12) is at least 1 mm.
9. Instantaneous water heater according to one of claims 2 to 8, wherein the at least one flow guide device (30) has at least two disk-shaped elements (32) arranged one behind the other in the longitudinal direction (60), in particular wherein the wings (42, 44) of two successive disk-shaped elements (32) are inclined in the same direction.
10. Instantaneous water heater according to claim 9, wherein the wings (42, 44) of the at least two disc-shaped elements (32) are arranged offset from each other about the longitudinal direction (60).
11. Instantaneous water heater according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one disc-shaped element (32) is designed as a sheet metal disc, in particular as a stamped and bent part.
12. Flow guide device (30) for an instantaneous water heater (100) according to one of the preceding claims, which has at least one disk-shaped element (32) and openings (36) on its circumference (34).
13. Flow guide device according to claim 12, wherein the at least one disk-shaped element (32) has a planar, in particular circular, central region (38) and a plurality of wings (42, 44) arranged thereon, projecting in a radial direction (40), between which the passages (36) are arranged, in particular wherein the wings (36, 37) are inclined at least partially against a longitudinal direction (60) with an angle of attack (46), in particular wherein the angle of attack (46) is at least 40° and at most 70°.
14. Flow guide device according to claim 12 or 13, wherein a diameter (50) of the central region (38) is about half the diameter (52) of the flow guide device (30).
15. Flow guide device according to one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the at least one disk-shaped element (32) is designed as a sheet metal disk, in particular as a stamped and bent part.