Device for producing hot liquid
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current devices for producing hot fluid, such as domestic hot water, face issues with low output volume compared to stored water and imperfect temperature control at the point of use, affecting longevity and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A hot fluid production device with a tank made of synthetic material, a heat exchanger with a loop circulation circuit and a pump, featuring a controlled valve and temperature regulation system that optimizes heat exchange efficiency and eliminates the need for a thermostatic mixer, allowing for precise temperature control and efficient thermosyphon management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the heat exchanger is placed inside the tank, then the heating efficiency is improved, but the useful storage space of the tank is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The heat exchanger is extracted from the interior of the tank and placed in an external housing, freeing up the tank's internal volume for liquid storage while maintaining the heat exchange function through external positioning with thermal coupling to the tank wall
2Temperature
If the tank is made of synthetic material, then the maximum heating temperature is increased, but the risk of Legionella development is heightened
Solution Approach 1:
A circulation pump continuously circulates water through the heat exchanger and tank, ensuring that water remains in motion and is regularly heated to temperatures above 60°C, which prevents Legionella proliferation while maintaining the synthetic tank material's temperature capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
Temperature sensors monitor the water temperature in the tank and circulation system, providing feedback to the control unit which adjusts the heating element and pump operation to maintain temperatures that prevent Legionella development while optimizing energy consumption
3Measurement precision
If a valve is added to control thermosiphon phenomena, then the temperature control precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system utilizes natural thermosiphon effects for automatic water circulation and temperature regulation, where density differences driven by temperature variations create self-circulating flows that eliminate the need for complex mechanical valves and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
Mechanical valve systems are replaced with electronically controlled modulation of the circulation pump and heating element, using sensors and control algorithms to achieve precise temperature regulation without moving parts or complex mechanical valve assemblies
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 device enhances the quantity of hot fluid produced while maintaining the quality of temperature control, reducing wear and energy consumption, and simplifying maintenance through adjustable flow rate pumping and strategic heat exchanger placement.
Implementation Method 1
a heat exchanger comprising a primary circuit equipped with at least one fluid inlet and one fluid outlet, a secondary circuit equipped with at least one fluid inlet and one fluid outlet and a heat exchange zone between the primary and secondary circuits
Implementation Method 2
a heat exchange zone between the primary and secondary circuits arranged outside the tank
Implementation Method 3
a loop circulation circuit between the tank and the primary circuit of the heat exchanger
Implementation Method 4
a pump arranged on the loop circulation circuit
Implementation Method 5
a system for heating the contents of the tank
Implementation Method 6
a valve arranged on the loop circulation circuit between the tank and the primary circuit of the heat exchanger
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Device (1) for producing hot liquid, comprising: - a tank (2) of liquid, - a system (6) for heating the contents of the tank (2), - a heat exchanger (7) comprising a primary circuit (8) equipped with a fluid inlet (8A) and a fluid outlet (8B), a secondary circuit (9) equipped with a fluid inlet (9A) and a fluid outlet (9B) and a region (10) for exchanging heat energy between the primary circuit (8) and the secondary circuit (9), - a circuit (11) for circulation in a loop between the tank (2) and the primary circuit (8) of the heat exchanger (7), and - a pump (12) arranged on the circuit (11) for circulation in a loop. The device (1) comprises a valve (31) arranged on the circuit (11) for circulation in a loop between the tank (2) and the primary circuit (8) of the heat exchanger (7), a member (32) for moving the valve (31) between an open position and a closed position, a control unit (17) for controlling at least the pump (12) and the member (32) for moving the valve (31).