Compact Heating Center Integrating Boiler and Heat Pump
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional heating systems require significant space and installation due to separate components and lack of alternative heat sources, leading to increased costs and inefficiencies, especially in low-energy houses.
Innovation Solution
A compact heating center integrating a condensing boiler as a conventional heat source and an internal heat pump as a renewable energy source, eliminating the need for a separate buffer storage tank by using the boiler body for heat storage, and incorporating a secondary heat exchanger for efficient energy transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If separate buffer storage tank and individual heating components are used, then heating system functionality is ensured, but space requirements and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the buffer storage tank, condensing boiler, and heat pump into a single integrated heating center unit. This merging of previously separate components reduces the overall space requirements and simplifies installation while maintaining all necessary heating functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating center is designed as a multi-functional unit that can operate in different modes (heating, cooling, buffer storage) using a single integrated system. The unit can function as a condensing boiler, heat pump, or buffer tank depending on operational requirements, eliminating the need for separate dedicated components.
2Reliability
If conventional heating systems with separate components are installed, then reliable heating is provided, but installation costs and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The heating center is pre-assembled and pre-tested as a complete integrated unit before delivery to the installation site. This preliminary preparation of the system allows for rapid installation by simply connecting the pre-assembled unit to existing infrastructure, significantly reducing on-site installation time while ensuring reliability through factory testing.
3Quantity of substance
If separate buffer storage tank is used, then heat storage capacity is ensured, but space and installation costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer storage functionality is integrated into the heating center by incorporating a buffer tank as an internal component rather than a separate external installation. This merging eliminates the need for additional installation area while maintaining the necessary heat storage capacity through the integrated tank design.
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 design significantly reduces space and installation requirements, lowers costs, and enhances efficiency by allowing for flexible operation between heating and cooling modes, making it suitable for modern low-energy houses and existing building retrofits.
Implementation Method 1
a condensing boiler (20), comprising a heating boiler (21) with a burner (211) and a combustion chamber (212)
Implementation Method 2
heat exchangers are usually provided, which transfer the thermal energy of the heat transfer medium
Implementation Method 3
a secondary heat exchanger (22), which is designed for cooling and condensing exhaust gases from a burner
Implementation Method 4
In the downstream heat exchanger (22), the exhaust gas from the combustion chamber (212) of the heating boiler (21) is cooled and condensed
Implementation Method 5
an internal unit (40) of a heat pump, which is coupled to the heating circuit (30) for heating a heating circuit (30) passed through the boiler body (21)
Implementation Method 6
flexible operation between heating and cooling modes
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
In order to reduce the space and installation requirements and the associated costs in a compact central heating system (100) for a heating system for supplying thermal energy to buildings, a condensing boiler (20) is included within a housing (10) of the compact central heating system (100). a heating boiler (21) with a burner (211) and a combustion chamber (212) and a downstream heat exchanger (22), and an internal unit (40) of a heat pump, with no buffer tank being provided within the housing of the compact heating station.