Electric area heating device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electric surface heating devices for underfloor heating lack energy efficiency and adaptability to varying temperature conditions, and are not economically viable for variable operation.
Innovation Solution
The electric surface heating device features multiple heating conductors with varying electrical heating capacities, a remote-controlled switching device, and an insulating jacket for efficient heat distribution, allowing for individual or simultaneous activation of heating conductors to optimize energy use and accommodate electricity network fluctuations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If conventional electric surface heating devices use a single heating conductor, then the device structure is simple, but the energy efficiency and adaptability to varying temperature conditions are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The heating conductor is divided into multiple independent heating conductors (first heating conductor, second heating conductor, etc.) that can be independently controlled. This segmentation allows selective activation of individual heating conductors based on temperature conditions and energy pricing, improving energy efficiency while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular design
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple heating conductors are used with individual control, then energy-saving operation and adaptable heating output are achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The switching device is designed to dynamically control the activation of individual heating conductors based on real-time temperature conditions and energy pricing signals. The system can adaptively switch between different heating conductor configurations (first, second, third heating conductors) to match varying thermal demands and economic conditions, achieving high adaptability through dynamic control strategies
3Power
If heating conductors are activated simultaneously, then the heating output is maximized, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system activates only the necessary number of heating conductors based on the current heating demand and energy pricing conditions. Instead of always activating all heating conductors simultaneously, the control device selectively activates individual heating conductors (first, second, or third heating conductor) to provide sufficient heating output while minimizing electrical consumption, applying partial action when full power is not needed
4Reliability
If the heating device operates without reserve circuits, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates multiple heating conductors that can serve as reserve circuits for each other. If one heating conductor fails or needs maintenance, the control device can switch to alternative heating conductors to maintain heating availability. This prior cushioning through redundant heating conductors ensures reliable operation while managing complexity through controlled redundancy
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
This solution enables energy-saving operation, adaptable heating output, and efficient use of regenerative energy sources, reducing electrical consumption and maintaining temperature with reserve circuits, while allowing for storage and retrieval of thermal energy.
Implementation Method 1
When voltage is applied to the heating conductor, it gives off heat
Implementation Method 2
the heating conductors, possibly the return conductor, are surrounded by an electrically insulating insulating jacket
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The device (10) has switch devices (50, 52) for switching on or switching off voltage to a set of electricity conducting, insulated heat conductors of a meander-like heating element (12). A control device (40) i.e. thermostat, operates the conductor to achieve an ambient temperature, and a connection unit (30) connects a heat conductor device (11) i.e. heating mat, to a voltage source. The switch devices are formed such that each of the heat conductors is individually applied with voltage or jointly in a predetermined number with common voltage at same time.