Electric fluid heater
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electric boilers rely on AC power and occupy significant space, while gas boilers burn fossil fuels, necessitating an eco-friendly alternative that is compact and efficient.
Innovation Solution
A fully electric or hybrid electric fluid heater powered by a DC power supply, utilizing a DC battery pack and an AC to DC converter for efficient operation, with a compact design and integrated cooling system to manage heat generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If AC-powered electric boilers are used, then heating functionality is achieved, but space requirements increase and fossil fuel dependence remains
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the power supply parameter from AC to DC, enabling the use of battery packs as the power source. This parameter change allows the heating system to operate without fossil fuels while achieving a compact, portable design that reduces space requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional AC-powered heating system with a DC-powered system using battery packs. This substitution eliminates the need for large AC power infrastructure and fossil fuel combustion systems, achieving both eco-friendliness and compactness.
2Volume of moving object
If DC battery packs are used to power heating elements, then compactness is achieved, but heat generation from battery charging increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful heat generated during battery charging into a beneficial resource by using it to pre-heat the water storage tank. The heating element utilizes the thermal energy that would otherwise be wasted, turning a disadvantage into an advantage for system efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-heating during the battery charging process. The heat generated by the charging operation automatically warms the water in the storage tank, eliminating the need for separate heating energy input and reducing overall energy consumption.
3Ease of operation
If battery packs are used to power heating elements, then portability is improved, but battery capacity requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-heats water during off-peak electricity hours or during battery charging periods, storing thermal energy in the water storage tank. This preliminary action reduces the immediate battery capacity needed during high-demand heating periods, as the stored hot water can be used without additional energy input.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous useful action by utilizing the heating element during battery charging to pre-heat water. This continuous utilization of the heating element ensures that the battery capacity is optimized, as the heating function operates continuously rather than intermittently, reducing peak power requirements.
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 DC-powered electric boiler provides a compact, efficient, and eco-friendly solution for heating systems, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and minimizing space requirements while maintaining high performance.
Implementation Method 1
A fully electric or hybrid electric fluid heater powered by a DC power supply, utilizing a DC battery pack
Implementation Method 2
utilizing a DC battery pack and an AC to DC converter for efficient operation
Implementation Method 3
An electric boiler will pass the water via an electric heating element
Implementation Method 4
with a compact design and integrated cooling system to manage heat generation
Data Source
AI summary
There is disclosed a partially or wholly electric fluid heater (100) arranged to heat fluid in a first circuit, the fluid comprising heating fluid or tap water. The heater (100) comprises: a first electric heating element (108) arranged to heat fluid in the first circuit; and a DC power supply (120) arranged to at least partially power the first heating element. The DC power supply has a capacity of at least 1 kWh, and optionally at least 5 kWh.