Dual-Source Heat Exchanger for Compact Mobile Air Heating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air heaters for mobile spaces, such as those in mobile homes and boats, face challenges in increasing heat output without increasing overall dimensions, which is unfavorable in compact environments.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a heat exchanger with holding elements for electrical heating elements, which supplement the primary heat source, allowing for increased heat output without enlarging the device's dimensions, and featuring a modular design with ribs and channels for enhanced heat transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the heating element is made larger to increase heating output, then the heating power is improved, but the overall dimensions of the device increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a primary heat source (gas/diesel burner) with secondary heat sources (electric heating elements) within a single heat exchanger system. This merging of multiple heating methods allows the device to achieve higher heating output without proportionally increasing the overall device volume, as the electric elements are integrated into the existing heat exchanger structure rather than requiring separate heating components.
Solution Approach 2:
The electric heating elements are nested within or integrated into the heat exchanger structure, specifically utilizing the existing finned surfaces and internal passages. This nesting approach allows the secondary heating elements to occupy space already allocated for heat transfer, thereby increasing heating capacity without expanding the external dimensions of the heating device.
2Power
If the heating element is made larger to increase heating output, then the heating power is improved, but the device becomes less suitable for mobile spaces
Solution Approach 1:
By merging electric heating elements with the existing gas/diesel heating system within the same heat exchanger, the device achieves enhanced heating capability while maintaining a compact form factor suitable for mobile applications such as motorhomes, caravans, and boats.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating system provides dynamic adaptability by allowing selective operation of primary (gas/diesel) and secondary (electric) heat sources based on available power supply and heating requirements. This dynamic configuration enables the device to optimize performance for different mobile应用场景, whether grid power is available or alternative fuel sources are used.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a multi-piece heat exchanger design is used, then the adaptability and modular installation are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heat exchanger is divided into modular sections with standardized interfaces, allowing the device to be assembled from discrete components. This segmentation enables flexible installation in various mobile space configurations while maintaining relatively simple individual component designs that can be manufactured and serviced independently.
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 effectively increases heat output by utilizing both primary and secondary heat sources, optimizing heat transfer through a modular heat exchanger design, thereby addressing the challenge of compact space constraints while enhancing heating efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the heat exchanger transfers thermal energy generated by the heating source to the air
Implementation Method 2
Channels are formed between the ribs through which air is guided
Implementation Method 3
the additional electrically generated heat provided by such an electric heating element
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a heating device for heating air, comprising a primary heat source (10) and a heat exchanger (2). The heat exchanger (2) comprises an interior (22) for receiving the primary heat source (10) and transfers thermal energy generated by the primary heat source (10) to the air. The heat exchanger (2) has a holding element (21) for receiving an electric heating element (11) as a secondary heat source (2). The heat exchanger (2) consists of a first heat exchanger unit (201) and a second heat exchanger unit (202).