Electric heating systems and method of use thereof
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electric heating devices lack user control over energy consumption and require a separate central control unit for managing multiple heating devices, limiting user flexibility and efficiency in energy management.
Innovation Solution
An electric heating system with integrated communication means between devices, allowing direct data exchange and control of temperature, energy usage, and operational conditions, enabling users to manage energy consumption independently without a central unit, using control means associated with each heating device to adjust parameters such as wattage, cost, and carbon footprint.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a separate central control unit is used to manage multiple heating devices, then system control capability is improved, but device complexity and system cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the control unit and communication means directly into each heating device, eliminating the need for a separate central control unit. Each device contains its own control electronics and can communicate with others peer-to-peer, merging previously separate functions into integrated units.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the central control functionality into individual segments distributed across each heating device. Instead of one centralized brain, each device has its own control intelligence, allowing independent operation and peer-to-peer communication without requiring a central coordinator.
2Loss of information
If conventional electricity measuring devices are used to monitor electrical usage, then energy monitoring capability is improved, but user control over energy consumption is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback loops where each heating device monitors its own energy consumption, communicates this data to other devices and users, and allows real-time adjustment of operation based on energy availability. The system provides continuous feedback on energy usage and enables dynamic control responses.
Solution Approach 2:
Each heating device is equipped with its own control means that enables it to autonomously manage its operation and energy consumption. The devices can independently make decisions about when to operate based on communicated energy availability information, without requiring external control intervention.
3Area of stationary object
If multiple heating devices operate simultaneously, then heating coverage is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control where heating devices can adjust their operation in real-time based on communicated energy availability and environmental conditions. Devices can transition between operational states dynamically, optimizing the balance between heating coverage and energy consumption based on current system conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables periodic or sequential operation of heating devices based on energy availability. Instead of continuous simultaneous operation, devices can be cycled on and off in coordinated patterns, providing adequate heating coverage over time while managing peak energy consumption within available limits.
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 provides users with direct control over energy consumption, optimizing heating management by allowing selective energy use based on user-defined parameters, reducing overall energy costs and enhancing system efficiency by allowing sequential power distribution among multiple heating devices.
Implementation Method 1
an element through which electricity flows to generate infra-red radiation/heat
Implementation Method 2
The panels are often arranged to increase the surface area and thus the speed of radiation
Implementation Method 3
The element may be surrounded by oil, water, gas, glass or some other heat conductive substance that the element heats
Data Source
AI summary
An electric heating system is provided including first and at least second electric heating devices. The first and at least second electric heating devices each include or have associated therewith communication means, whereby data concerning all or one or more of the heating devices can be communicated directly to or between the first and at least second electric heating devices.