Computer-Based Heating with Thermal Energy Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional heating apparatuses for buildings are inefficient in utilizing energy conversion and do not provide a useful by-product, whereas computer systems can efficiently convert energy into heat but are not utilized for this purpose.
Innovation Solution
A heating apparatus that includes a controller to determine heating needs and operates a computer system to produce thermal energy by implementing processor instructions, which also serves as a computer processing resource, with thermal energy distribution for efficient use within the building or externally.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a conventional heating apparatus converts fuel energy to thermal energy, then heating function is provided, but energy efficiency is limited and no useful by-product is produced
Solution Approach 1:
The computer system is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides computer processing resources for useful computational tasks while simultaneously functioning as a heating apparatus. The processor implements processor implementable instructions to produce thermal energy that is distributed via thermal energy distribution means, thereby converting a single device into a multi-functional system that addresses both computing and heating needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention converts the normally wasted thermal energy generated by computer processing into a beneficial heating function. Instead of dissipating heat as waste, the system captures and distributes this thermal energy through thermal energy distribution means to provide space heating or hot water, thereby transforming an environmental harm (heat waste) into a useful benefit.
2Productivity
If a computer system is used solely for processing tasks, then computational function is provided, but thermal energy produced is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The system captures the thermal energy that would normally be wasted during computer processing and converts this harm into a beneficial heating function. The thermal energy distribution means transfers this heat to provide space heating or hot water, thereby eliminating energy waste while preserving full computer processing productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The computer system is designed to simultaneously perform computational tasks and provide heating functionality. The processor continues to implement processor implementable instructions at full productivity while the thermal energy generated is captured and distributed, creating a multi-functional device that eliminates energy waste.
3Loss of energy
If a heating apparatus is designed solely for heating, then heating function is provided, but computer processing resource is not utilized
Solution Approach 1:
The heating apparatus is designed to simultaneously provide heating functionality and computer processing resources. The computer system implements processor implementable instructions to produce thermal energy for heating while also providing useful computational resources, thereby creating a versatile device that performs both heating and computing functions efficiently.
4Loss of energy
If thermal energy is transferred from computer system to building locations, then heating distribution is achieved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The computer system serves as both the computational device and the heat source. The thermal energy distribution means leverages existing infrastructure (such as the computer system's own cooling mechanisms or building existing HVAC systems) to transfer thermal energy, thereby reducing the need for entirely separate heating infrastructure and mitigating the increase in system complexity.
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 approach enhances energy efficiency by utilizing computer processing resources as a by-product of the heating process, reducing energy waste and providing a versatile heating solution that can adapt to varying demands.
Implementation Method 1
at least one processor coupled to the data and program stores for implementing the stored instructions to thereby produce thermal energy
Implementation Method 2
a thermal energy distribution means arranged for transferring the thermal energy from the computer system
Implementation Method 3
a thermal energy distribution means arranged for transferring the thermal energy from the computer system
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a heating apparatus for a domestic or commercial building. The apparatus comprises a controller for determining whether there is a need for heating in the building and a computer system for installation in the building. The computer system includes a data store, a program store storing processor implementable instructions, and at least one processor coupled to the data and program stores for implementing the stored instructions to thereby produce thermal energy. The apparatus also comprises a thermal energy distribution means arranged for transferring the thermal energy from the computer system to at least one other location in the building, to a thermal energy storage means and/or to an industrial process. The apparatus is arranged to operate the computer system to implement processor implementable instructions, to thereby produce thermal energy, in response to the determination of a need for heating in the building. The apparatus may additionally comprise a computer network interface means for coupling the computer system to a computer network, and the computer system may be arranged for implementing processor implementable instructions received over the computer network interface means in response to the detection of a need for heating in the building.