Adjustable Flue Guide Plates for Variable Heat Recovery
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flue gas flow devices in chimney or stove systems cannot be variably adjusted during operation, leading to inefficient heat energy utilization, as they either require manual adjustment by specialists or lack automatic control, and do not utilize the flue gas pipe heat exchanger to extract additional heat energy.
Innovation Solution
A device with pivoting baffle plates that can be adjusted during furnace operation, using a mechanical linkage system for synchronous angle adjustment, combined with an electric motor-driven fan for regulating oxygen supply and flue gas flow, to enhance turbulence and heat transfer efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed or movable flue gas flow devices are used, then flue gas deflection and turbulence are achieved, but variable adjustment during furnace operation is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the baffle plates pivotable about their central axes, allowing them to change position from fixed to movable. This enables the flue gas flow devices to adapt dynamically during furnace operation, adjusting the degree of deflection and turbulence based on operational requirements while maintaining a relatively simple mechanical structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the flue gas flow control into multiple independent baffle plates arranged spatially one behind the other. Each baffle plate can be adjusted independently or synchronously, providing granular control over flue gas flow patterns. This segmentation allows for flexible adjustment without requiring a completely complex centralized mechanism.
2Extent of automation
If manual adjustment by specialist personnel is required, then precise positioning is achieved, but automatic control and variable adjustment during operation are not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables self-service operation by providing externally accessible adjustment devices that allow operators to modify flue gas flow parameters directly during furnace operation without requiring specialist personnel or internal screw connections. The system can also be equipped with actuators for automatic adjustment, further reducing operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces mechanical linkages and connecting rods as intermediaries that transmit adjustment movements from externally accessible points to the baffle plates. This intermediary mechanism simplifies operation by allowing adjustment from outside the flue gas pipe while still achieving precise positioning of the baffles.
3Loss of energy
If traditional flue gas flow devices are used, then basic flue gas deflection is achieved, but additional heat energy extraction from flue gas pipe is not utilized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the flue gas flow control function with the heat exchange function by integrating the baffle plate system within a flue gas pipe heat exchanger. The baffles create turbulence that enhances heat transfer from the flue gases to the heat exchanger tubes, simultaneously achieving flow control and energy recovery in a single integrated device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional device that performs both flue gas flow deflection and heat energy extraction. The heat exchanger is designed to work in conjunction with the baffle system, allowing the same structure to serve dual purposes: controlling flue gas flow patterns and extracting thermal energy for hot water production or heating.
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
This solution allows for variable adjustment of flue gas flow, increasing combustion efficiency by prolonging flue gas dwell time, enhancing heat transfer, and improving overall heat exchanger performance by up to 32% compared to traditional systems.
Implementation Method 1
the heat exchanger works in conjunction with the baffle system and transfers the thermal energy to a hot water system
Implementation Method 2
transfers the thermal energy to a hot water system
Implementation Method 3
which have movable or immovable obstacles for flue gas deflection to generate flue gas turbulence
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Known chimneys or chimney furnaces use flue gas flow units for heating buildings, said devices having displaceable or fixed obstacles for deflecting flue gas for generating flue gas turbulence. The invention relates to a device and method for transferring heat through a flue gas discharge pipe (28) in which (44, 45) pivotal guide plates (37) are inserted in the longitudinal direction of the pipe run, at which the flue gas flow (22) is more or less deflected in a sinuous line as a function of the pivot angle (24) of the guide plates (37) that can be adjusted during furnace operation. A fan (19) can increase the flue gas flow (22). An optional furnace heat exchanger (29) generates additional hot water as needed. The controller (5) activates the actuators for the fan (19), guide plate pivot angle setting (24), and at least one circulating pump (10 or 11) as a function of the prescribed controlled variables such as flue gas temperature, reservoir temperature, heat exchanger performance, or flue gas flow.