Combined Heat and Power Generator Using Single-Fan Airflow Integration

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional combined heat and power generator systems require multiple fans to blow air through the radiator and heater, increasing complexity, power consumption, and maintenance.

Innovation Solution

A generator system that uses a single centrifugal fan driven by an engine to draw air through a heat exchanger and push it through a heater, eliminating the need for additional fans by directing airflow efficiently between the heat exchanger and heater.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If multiple fans are used to blow air through the radiator and heater, then the airflow through each component is sufficient, but the system complexity, power consumption, and maintenance requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveairflow generationVSAvoidnumber of fans

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the functions of multiple fans into a single fan located at the heater outlet. This single fan creates a unified airflow path that pulls air through the radiator and pushes it through the heater, eliminating the need for separate fans at each component while maintaining sufficient airflow through both the radiator and heater.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single fan at the heater outlet serves multiple functions: it draws air through the radiator for cooling, pushes air through the heater for heating, and creates a positive pressure system that prevents backflow. This multi-functional approach reduces the number of components while achieving all necessary airflow requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If multiple fans are used to blow air through the radiator and heater, then the airflow through each component is sufficient, but the power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveairflow generationVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the functions of multiple fans into a single fan located at the heater outlet. This single fan creates a unified airflow path that pulls air through the radiator and pushes it through the heater, eliminating the need for separate fans at each component while maintaining sufficient airflow through both the radiator and heater.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes the pressure differential created by the single fan to achieve beneficial airflow through multiple components. The fan creates positive pressure at the heater outlet that naturally drives airflow through the heater and radiator without requiring additional power-consuming fans at each component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Ease of operation

If multiple fans are used to blow air through the radiator and heater, then the airflow through each component is sufficient, but the maintenance requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveairflow generationVSAvoidmaintenance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the functions of multiple fans into a single fan located at the heater outlet. This single fan creates a unified airflow path that pulls air through the radiator and pushes it through the heater, eliminating the need for separate fans at each component while maintaining sufficient airflow through both the radiator and heater.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single fan creates a self-regulating airflow system where the pressure differential automatically maintains proper airflow through the radiator and heater. The system's design allows the fan to serve multiple components simultaneously, reducing the number of parts that require maintenance while ensuring continuous operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 configuration simplifies the system, reduces power consumption, and enhances airflow efficiency, providing improved and more efficient air heating while minimizing the need for multiple airflow generation devices.

Implementation Method 1

at least one heat exchanger that cools engine coolant

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Heat Exchanger

Implementation Method 2

a heater powered by the electrical power generator

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Data Source

PatentUS20230033292A1Power and heat generator system and related methods

Publication Date: 2023.02.02 THERMAL INTELLIGENCE INC

AI summary

There is provided a generator system for generating power and heat. The system comprises an engine, an electrical power generator driven by the engine, a radiator for cooling engine coolant, a heater powered by the electrical power generator, and an airflow generation device driven by the engine. The heater has an airflow outlet and an airflow inlet. The airflow generation device has an air intake inlet and an air exhaust outlet. The system further comprises a first conduit directing airflow through the radiator into the air intake inlet of the airflow generation device. The system also includes a second conduit directing airflow from the air exhaust outlet of the airflow generation device to the airflow inlet of the heater. The airflow generation device may be a centrifugal fan that draws air through the radiator and pushes the air through the heater.