Condensing combustion apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional condensing combustion apparatuses face limitations in installation space and cost due to their configuration, which restricts the utilization of space and increases volume, and also suffer from suboptimal heat exchange efficiency and component manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
A condensing combustion apparatus with a sensible-heat exchanger and latent-heat exchanger of the same lateral width, configured as fin-tube heat exchangers, featuring flow paths that optimize gas flow direction and heat exchange, including a slantly disposed condensed water collector and flow path guide member to enhance space utilization and heat recovery efficiency, while sharing components to reduce costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the latent-heat exchanger is configured to protrude outward from the sensible-heat exchanger to form a wide top shape, then latent heat recovery efficiency is improved, but the installation space is limited due to increased width
Solution Approach 1:
The latent-heat exchanger is nested within the horizontal projection area of the sensible-heat exchanger, with the combustion gas flow path passing through both exchangers in sequence. This nesting arrangement allows the latent-heat exchanger to be positioned inside the boundary defined by the sensible-heat exchanger, eliminating the need for the latent-heat exchanger to protrude outward while still maintaining sufficient heat exchange area for efficient latent heat recovery.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of expanding the width in the horizontal direction, the patent utilizes the vertical dimension by arranging the flow path to move upward through the sensible-heat exchanger and then continue upward through the latent-heat exchanger. This vertical stacking approach maintains a compact horizontal footprint while providing adequate heat exchange surface area for both exchangers.
2Loss of energy
If separate structures are used for sensible-heat exchanger and latent-heat exchanger, then heat exchange efficiency is improved, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the structures of the sensible-heat exchanger and latent-heat exchanger by using a single heat exchange pipe that serves both functions. The combustion gas flows through the same pipe structure in both exchangers, eliminating the need for separate pipe assemblies and reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining effective heat exchange performance for both sensible and latent heat recovery.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat exchange pipe is designed with multi-functionality, serving as the heat exchange medium for both the sensible-heat exchanger and the latent-heat exchanger. This universal component performs multiple functions (sensible heat transfer and latent heat transfer) within a single structural element, reducing the total number of components and simplifying manufacturing processes.
3Loss of energy
If the combustion gas flow path is extended to pass through both exchangers, then heat recovery efficiency is improved, but the volume of the apparatus increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow path is nested such that the combustion gas passes through the sensible-heat exchanger and then continues through the latent-heat exchanger in a compact vertical arrangement. The exchangers are positioned such that their horizontal projections overlap, allowing the extended flow path to occupy minimal additional volume while still providing sufficient residence time and heat exchange area for efficient heat recovery.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a horizontal expansion approach to a vertical stacking approach for arranging the exchangers. By utilizing the vertical dimension for the flow path progression, the apparatus achieves extended heat recovery functionality without proportionally increasing the horizontal footprint or overall volume of the apparatus.
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 solution decreases the volume of the combustion apparatus, increases space utilization, maximizes latent heat recovery efficiency, reduces manufacturing costs, and enhances durability by sharing components and optimizing heat exchange structures.
Implementation Method 1
a sensible-heat exchanger (40) which absorbs sensible combustion heat generated by the burner (20)
Implementation Method 2
absorbs sensible combustion heat generated by the burner (20)
Implementation Method 3
a latent-heat exchanger (50) which absorbs latent heat of steam included in a combustion gas which has passed the sensible-heat exchanger (40)
Implementation Method 4
configured as fin-tube heat exchangers having common structures
Data Source
AI summary
A condensing combustion apparatus comprising: an upward combustion burner (20); a sensible-heat exchanger (40) which absorbs sensible combustion heat generated by the burner (20); and a latent-heat exchanger (50) which absorbs latent heat of steam included in a combustion gas which has passed the sensible-heat exchanger (40), wherein the sensible-heat exchanger (40) and the latent-heat exchanger (50) have the same lateral widths and are configured as fin-tube heat exchangers having common structures, and wherein a flow path through which the combustion gas, which has passed the sensible-heat exchanger (40), flows upward is formed on one side portion of the latent-heat exchanger (50), a flow path through which the combustion gas, which has passed the one side portion of the latent-heat exchanger (50), flows downward corresponding to a direction in which condensed water falls is formed on a middle portion of the latent-heat exchanger (50), and a flow path through which the combustion gas, which has passed the middle portion of the latent-heat exchanger (50), flows upward and discharges is formed on another side portion of the latent-heat exchanger (50).