Microwave heat converter and systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for converting electrical energy to heat, such as resistive heating elements, are often slow or require large amounts of current, and there is a need for improved efficiency in heating systems like hot water heaters and electric vehicle battery heating systems.
Innovation Solution
A microwave heat converter comprising a cylindrical waveguide cavity, a non-conductive conduit, and a microwave waveguide configured to deliver microwave power in a TE(1,1) mode, allowing efficient heating of liquids in systems like heaters, combi boilers, and absorption refrigeration systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If resistive heating elements are used to heat water with electrical energy, then heating can be achieved, but the process is slow or requires large amounts of current
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces resistive heating (electrical-to-thermal conversion through resistance) with microwave heating (electromagnetic radiation directly heating the liquid). The microwave waveguide delivers microwave power through a dielectric material to heat water rapidly without requiring large currents, thus substituting one heating mechanism with a more efficient electromagnetic heating method
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the heating mechanism parameter from resistive heating to microwave heating. By using microwave frequency electromagnetic waves (typically 2.45 GHz) to directly excite water molecules, the system achieves rapid heating with lower current requirements compared to traditional resistive heating elements
2Loss of energy
If natural gas is used for heating, then carbon efficiency is better than most fossil fuels, but it is less carbon efficient than alternative energy sources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes natural gas combustion with electric microwave generation for heating applications. By using electricity (which can be sourced from renewable sources like wind, solar, or nuclear) to generate microwaves for heating, the system achieves superior carbon efficiency compared to natural gas, while maintaining effective heating performance
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 microwave heat converter efficiently converts electrical energy to heat, providing rapid and effective heating in various applications, including electric vehicle battery heating and absorption refrigeration systems, with potential for reduced energy consumption compared to traditional resistive heating methods.
Implementation Method 1
The microwave waveguide is configured to deliver microwave power along the cylindrical waveguide cavity in a TE(1,1) mode to heat the liquid
Data Source
AI summary
A microwave heat converter includes a cylindrical waveguide cavity, a non-conductive conduit, and a microwave waveguide. The non-conductive conduit is arranged to carry liquid flowing through a central area of the cylindrical waveguide cavity. The microwave waveguide is configured to deliver microwave power along the cylindrical waveguide cavity in a TE(1,1) mode to heat the liquid. The heat converter may be used in various systems such as heaters, combi boilers, and absorption refrigeration systems.