A heating system and method of manufacturing a heating system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid heating systems are limited in maximum operating temperature, lack efficiency, compactness, and adaptability to varying demands, and require improved energy efficiency and manufacturing methods.
Innovation Solution
A heating system comprising a structured body of electrically conductive material with channels for fluid flow, connected by conductors to an electrical power supply, allowing direct electrical heating to high temperatures efficiently and compactly, with a control unit for precise temperature regulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a classical tube and shell heat exchanger is used, then heat exchange between fluids is achieved, but the maximum operating temperature is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical thermal conduction system of classical heat exchangers with an electrical heating system. Electrically conductive particles are suspended in a fluid medium within the structured body, and electrical current is passed through these particles to generate heat directly via Joule heating, eliminating the need for complex thermal conduction structures and enabling higher operating temperatures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the heating mechanism from thermal conduction to electrical resistance heating. By introducing electrically conductive particles and applying electrical voltage, the system achieves heating through electrical parameter control, which allows for higher temperature operation and more precise temperature regulation compared to classical thermal heat exchangers.
2Use of energy by moving object
If electrical heating is used to achieve high temperatures, then heating efficiency is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent distributes electrically conductive particles throughout the fluid medium within the structured body, creating localized heating zones where electrical current passes through the conductive particles. This distributed approach allows heat to be generated directly where needed, improving heating efficiency while reducing overall energy consumption by eliminating heat transfer losses.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating system uses the fluid medium itself as the heat transfer medium and heating medium. The electrically conductive particles suspended in the fluid generate heat directly within the fluid through Joule heating, eliminating the need for separate heating elements and reducing energy losses associated with heat transfer from external sources.
3Volume of moving object
If a compact heating system is designed, then space requirements are reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a structured body with a modular architecture that can be manufactured using additive manufacturing techniques. The structured body is divided into regions containing different concentrations of electrically conductive particles, allowing for compact design while maintaining manufacturability through digital fabrication processes that can create complex internal structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite material system by suspending electrically conductive particles within a fluid medium contained in a structured body. This composite approach enables compact heating system design while the particles and fluid medium can be introduced through straightforward manufacturing processes, balancing compactness with ease of manufacture.
4Adaptability or versatility
If rapid power adjustments are implemented to match varying demands, then adaptability is improved, but control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic control system that can rapidly adjust the electrical power supplied to the electrically conductive particles based on heating demands. The system monitors temperature and power requirements in real-time, continuously adjusting the electrical current to match varying demands, enabling high adaptability through dynamic electrical control rather than mechanical adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating system incorporates feedback control mechanisms that monitor temperature and power consumption, automatically adjusting the electrical power supply to match actual heating demands. This feedback loop enables rapid adaptation to varying conditions while keeping control system complexity manageable through automated regulation.
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 system achieves efficient and compact heating, with uniform temperature distribution and rapid power adjustments to match varying demands, reducing energy consumption and increasing reliability.
Implementation Method 1
electrical power supply configured to be used to heat at least part of the structured body to a temperature of below 400° C. by passing an electrical current through the structured body
Implementation Method 2
structured body configured to direct an electrical current to run along the conductive path from the first end to the second end
Implementation Method 3
structured body arranged for heating of the fluid during use of the heating system
Implementation Method 4
fluid flowing through channels and being heated by the structured body, achieving uniform temperature distribution
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a heating system (200) for heating of a fluid. The heating system comprises a supply connection (201) in fluid communication with a supply of fluid to be heated. It further comprises a structured body (108) arranged for heating of the fluid during use of the heating system. The structured body comprises a macroscopic structure (21) of electrically conductive material, the macroscopic structure comprising at least one channel (22) through which the fluid can flow. The heating system further comprises at least two conductors (103,114) configured to electrically connect the structured body to at least one electrical power supply. The at least two conductors are electrically connected to the structured body at a first end (204) and at a second end (205), respectively, of a conductive path within the structured body. The structured body is configured to direct an electrical current to run along the conductive path from the first end to the second end thereof. The electrical power supply is configured to heat at least part of said structured body to a temperature of below 400° C. by passing an electrical current through said structured body during use of the heating system.