A heating device for performing instant domestic hot water supply and space heating simultaneously and a method of operation thereof
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current heating devices, such as combi boilers, cannot simultaneously provide space heating and instant domestic hot water due to prioritizing domestic hot water demand, leading to temperature drops and increased energy consumption when switching between modes.
Innovation Solution
A heating device with a first heat exchanger for combustion energy transmission, a second heat exchanger for domestic water heating, and a switching mechanism that allows simultaneous operation by directing heated water between domestic and space heating circuits based on flow meter detection and temperature sensors, maintaining efficient space heating during domestic water use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the heating device prioritizes domestic hot water demand by stopping space heating, then domestic hot water supply is ensured, but space temperature drops and energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the heat exchanger into multiple independent heating zones (first heat exchanger for space heating, second heat exchanger for domestic hot water). This allows simultaneous operation of both functions by directing heated water to different destinations based on demand, resolving the contradiction between ensuring hot water supply and maintaining space heating efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The switching mechanism dynamically redirects heated water between space heating and domestic hot water circuits based on real-time demand detection. When domestic hot water is demanded, the system dynamically switches the flow path without completely stopping space heating operation, thereby maintaining energy efficiency while ensuring hot water supply
2Ease of operation
If the switching mechanism directs all heated water to the second heat exchanger for domestic water heating, then domestic hot water demand is met, but space heating is interrupted causing temperature drop
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the heating system into separate zones (first heat exchanger for space heating, second heat exchanger for domestic hot water), the patent enables independent operation of each function. The switching mechanism can direct heated water to either zone or both simultaneously, preventing the temperature drop issue that occurs when space heating is completely interrupted
Solution Approach 2:
The switching mechanism acts as an intermediary that intelligently distributes heated water between space heating and domestic hot water circuits. It mediates between competing demands by detecting flow patterns and temperature conditions, directing water to where it is most needed while maintaining both functions operational
3Temperature
If the heating device runs in high power to compensate for temperature drop after switching, then space temperature is restored, but operational efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by maintaining space heating operation in the first heat exchanger even when domestic hot water is demanded. The switching mechanism is configured to allow simultaneous operation, so space heating continues preparatorily without interruption, avoiding the need for high-power recovery operations later
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuity of useful action by keeping the space heating function continuously operational through the first heat exchanger. The switching mechanism allows heated water to be simultaneously directed to both space heating and domestic hot water circuits, maintaining continuous heating efficiency without the need for high-power compensation cycles
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables simultaneous space heating and domestic hot water supply, minimizing heat loss and energy consumption while maintaining high efficiency and preventing unnecessary space heating disruptions.
Implementation Method 1
a first heat exchanger (2) transmitting combustion energy of gas to water
Implementation Method 2
a first heat exchanger (2) transmitting combustion energy of gas to water
Implementation Method 3
a second heat exchanger (3) heating cold water, coming from domestic inlet water supply, by meeting it with the hot water which is heated in the first heat exchanger (2)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention is a heating device (1) capable of performing space heating and instant domestic hot water supply simultaneously.