Decentralized Electric Heating Assembly for On-Demand Space Warming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional heating systems in large buildings produce significant greenhouse gases and are inefficient in heating only specific locations, leading to economic disadvantages and energy wastage, especially during extreme cold periods.
Innovation Solution
A decentralized heating system using an electric heater, buffer tank, recirculation pump, and convector, operating in charge and discharge modes to efficiently store and release thermal energy to targeted spaces, reducing energy consumption and capital expenditure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a centralized heat pump system is used to heat the entire facility, then the heating capacity is sufficient for extreme cold conditions, but energy waste increases because heat is provided to areas that do not require heating
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the building into multiple thermal zones with independent heating control. Each zone has its own buffer tank and convector, allowing localized heating only where and when needed, eliminating energy waste from heating unoccupied or already warm areas while maintaining sufficient heating capacity in each segment.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention implements decentralized heating units distributed throughout the building, each tailored to the specific thermal needs of its local zone. This allows each area to receive heating according to its actual requirements rather than uniform building-wide heating, reducing overall energy consumption.
2Temperature
If the heating system operates continuously to maintain temperature, then the space remains warm, but energy consumption increases during periods when heating is not immediately needed
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer tank stores thermal energy in advance during periods of lower demand or off-peak electricity hours. This pre-charged hot water is then rapidly discharged when heating is needed, eliminating the need for continuous operation while ensuring immediate temperature maintenance when required.
Solution Approach 2:
The system operates in periodic cycles of charging the buffer tank and discharging to the convector, rather than continuous operation. The recirculation pump alternates between charging mode (heating buffer tank) and discharge mode (heating space), reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining temperature stability.
3Reliability
If traditional combustion heating systems are used, then heating effectiveness is achieved, but greenhouse gas emissions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces combustion-based mechanical heating with an electric resistance heater that draws electricity (potentially from renewable sources) to heat water in the buffer tank. This substitution eliminates direct greenhouse gas emissions from fuel combustion while maintaining heating effectiveness through the thermal storage and convector system.
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 system provides localized and efficient heating, minimizing energy waste and capital costs by using low-power charging and rapid discharge modes, compatible with existing heating networks.
Implementation Method 1
an electric heater (e.g., an ohmic heater)
Implementation Method 2
an electric heater (e.g., an ohmic heater)
Implementation Method 3
The convector quickly extracts heat from the heated fluid to increase the temperature of a target space
Implementation Method 4
The convector quickly extracts heat from the heated fluid to increase the temperature of a target space
Implementation Method 5
a recirculation pump
Implementation Method 6
an expansion tank
Data Source
AI summary
A thermal system for the storage and release of heat is comprised of an electric heater in fluidic communication with a recirculation pump, a heat exchanger for transferring heat to a target space, and a plurality of control valves. The heater may act as its own reservoir, or a separate reservoir may be provided. Fluid within the reservoir is slowly heated at relatively low power levels and is then released quickly on demand just prior to occupying the target space.