A combined boiler
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing combined boiler systems are complex and inefficient in switching between hot water and steam supply, requiring significant time for conversion and maintenance, which is not suitable for industries needing simultaneous or rapid switching between these modes.
Innovation Solution
An electrode boiler with separate outputs for hot water and steam, featuring a control system that automatically switches between modes using a nitrogen source in hot water mode and regulating water levels for steam production, along with a heat exchanger for efficient energy use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two separate boilers are used for hot water and steam supply, then the reliability of supply is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines hot water and steam supply functions into a single boiler unit. The boiler generates steam in a steam generation chamber, and this steam is then used in a heat exchanger to produce hot water. This merging eliminates the need for two separate boilers while maintaining reliable supply of both hot water and steam through an integrated system.
Solution Approach 2:
The single boiler unit performs multiple functions: it generates steam directly for steam supply applications and simultaneously uses that steam in a heat exchanger to produce hot water for heating applications. This multi-functionality allows one device to replace what would traditionally require two separate devices.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a steam boiler with heat exchanger is used for both hot water and steam supply, then the versatility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the steam generation chamber and heat exchanger into a single compact unit where steam generated in one chamber directly feeds into the heat exchanger. This merging of functions within a single boiler structure provides versatility for both steam and hot water supply while avoiding the complexity of separate construction systems.
3Ease of operation
If conversion between hot water and steam modes is manual, then the ease of operation is reduced, but the manufacturing precision requirements are lowered
Solution Approach 1:
The control system continuously monitors the operational state of the boiler and automatically adjusts valves and parameters to maintain optimal performance during mode transitions. This feedback mechanism enables smooth, automatic conversion between hot water and steam modes without requiring precise manual intervention, improving ease of operation while the control system handles the complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The boiler system automatically manages its own mode transitions between hot water and steam supply without external intervention. The control system detects the required mode and autonomously adjusts operational parameters, making the system self-sufficient in mode conversion and eliminating the need for complex manual operation procedures.
4Productivity
If conversion between hot water and steam modes takes time, then the productivity is reduced, but the reliability of conversion is improved
Solution Approach 1:
The boiler maintains a steam generation chamber that can quickly produce steam when needed, and the heat exchanger is pre-positioned to immediately utilize this steam for hot water production. This preliminary preparation of the steam generation capability allows rapid mode conversion without lengthy heating-up periods, improving productivity while the established steam generation process ensures reliable conversion.
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
Enables quick and efficient conversion between hot water and steam supply, reducing maintenance complexity and enhancing operational flexibility by automating the switching process and optimizing energy use.
Implementation Method 1
The boiler is a high-voltage electrode boiler with separate outputs for steam and hot water
Implementation Method 2
via a heat exchanger 12 through second and third valves 11a, 11b arranged on the primary side of the heat exchanger (hot water mode)
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
A combined boiler for the supply of hot water and steam is described. The boiler is an electrode boiler with separate outputs for hot water and steam. The electrode boiler comprises a container (1), with a vessel (2) mounted inside the container (1), several electrodes (4) projecting into the vessel (2), the electrodes (4) being connected to a source for high voltage current, as well as a pump (6) arranged to pump water from the bottom of the container (1) via an outlet pipeline (7) and up into the tank (2) via an inlet pipeline (8). The changeover between steam and hot water mode takes place with a control system (9). In addition, the boiler is equipped with a source (14) for the supply of nitrogen. This is used in hot water mode, while the nitrogen source is disconnected when the boiler is run in steam mode.