Bi-Functional Electric Boiler with Nested Coil to Reduce Device Size
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bi-functional electric boilers face challenges in minimizing size and simplifying structure while maintaining high thermal performance, particularly in integrating boiler and domestic water systems efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A bi-functional electric boiler design featuring an external jacket with internal chambers and pipe coils, utilizing counter-current flow for both boiler and domestic water systems, with specific pipe configurations and heating elements positioned to reduce device size and enhance thermal efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a separate small-capacity tank is fixed to the body on the outside to heat domestic water, then the boiler can provide both central heating and domestic hot water, but the device size and structural complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the central heating water system and domestic hot water system into a single integrated boiler body. The domestic water heating function is achieved by installing a pipe coil within the existing boiler chamber, eliminating the need for a separate external tank. This consolidation reduces structural complexity while maintaining bi-functional capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The boiler body is designed to perform multiple functions: heating water for central heating systems and heating domestic water simultaneously. The pipe coil system allows the same boiler to serve both purposes by extracting heat from the central heating water circulation to heat the domestic water passing through the coil.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a separate small-capacity tank is fixed to the body on the outside to heat domestic water, then the boiler can provide both central heating and domestic hot water, but the overall device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pipe coil for domestic water heating is nested within the central heating water circulation path inside the boiler body. The domestic water flows through the coil which is positioned within the existing boiler chamber, effectively nesting one heating system within another. This eliminates the need for an external tank and reduces the overall device volume.
3Use of energy by moving object
If electric heating elements are placed in the bottom lid within the internal jacket, then heating efficiency is improved, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Electric heating elements are strategically positioned at the bottom lid within the internal jacket where thermal contact with the water is most effective. This localized placement optimizes heating efficiency by ensuring the heat source is in direct contact with the coldest part of the water column, creating optimal thermal conditions for efficient 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
The design achieves reduced device size and simplified structure with improved thermal performance by optimizing water circulation, ensuring counter-current flow for efficient heating.
Implementation Method 1
an electric heating element which heats water up to the desired temperature
Implementation Method 2
a pipe coil placed therein, the pipe coil fitted with an inlet stub pipe for the domestic water and an outlet stub pipe for the heated domestic water
Implementation Method 3
ensures counter-current flow in the domestic water heating system
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
Bi-functional electric boiler comprises an external jacket (1) closed on both sides with lids (top (2) and bottom (3)), electric heating elements (4), inlet (5) and outlet (6) stub pipes for boiler water, and inlet (9) and outlet (10) stub pipes for domestic water. There are electric heating elements (4) fitted in the bottom lid (2) positioned in the bottom part of the boiler, where the elements are encased in an internal jacket (7). Between the external jacket (1) and the internal jacket (7) there is a chamber with a pipe coil (8) placed therein, the pipe coil fitted with an inlet stub pipe (9) for domestic water and an outlet stub pipe (10) for heated domestic water. The chamber within the internal jacket (7) is connected in the top part of the boiler to the said chamber formed between the external jacket (1) and internal jacket (7), the inlet stub pipe (5) for boiler water is connected to the chamber within the internal jacket (7), and the outlet stub pipe (6) for heated boiler water is connected to the chamber formed between the external jacket (1) and the internal jacket (7). The said inlet stub pipe (5) for boiler water, outlet stub pipe (6) for heated boiler water, and the inlet stub pipe (9) for domestic water are positioned in the bottom part of the boiler, whereas the outlet stub pipe (10) for heated domestic water is positioned in the top part of the boiler.