Arrangement for heating a fluid
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid heating devices struggle with fluid stratification issues in containers, leading to incomplete withdrawal of warm layers and disturbance of temperature layers during fluid introduction and removal, resulting in inefficient heating.
Innovation Solution
A device with a deflection mechanism using a ring element with a longitudinal opening and optional web to guide fluid flow, ensuring minimal mixing of layers by directing fluid flow through a ring element that can be integrated with the container's end face, featuring a design that promotes stratification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If fluid is introduced into the container from above with downward velocity, then the fluid can be easily introduced, but the stratification is disturbed and layers are mixed
Solution Approach 1:
The deflection device segments the fluid introduction process by dividing the inlet into multiple regions (first connection region and second connection region) that direct fluid along different paths. This segmentation allows fluid to be introduced without disrupting the thermal stratification, as the deflection device guides the incoming fluid to enter at appropriate locations and angles.
Solution Approach 2:
The deflection device acts as an intermediary between the fluid inlet and the container interior. It mediates the fluid introduction process by controlling the flow direction and entry points, preventing direct disruption of the stratified layers while still achieving effective fluid introduction into the container.
2Temperature
If withdrawal occurs at an upper point in the container, then warm fluid can be accessed, but the warm layer cannot be completely removed and stratification is disturbed
Solution Approach 1:
The deflection device segments the withdrawal process by providing multiple outlet regions (first connection region and second connection region) that enable selective access to different fluid layers. This segmentation allows for complete removal of the warm layer while maintaining stratification integrity through controlled withdrawal paths.
3Quantity of substance
If cold liquid flows in with vertical component during withdrawal, then fluid can be replenished, but the stratification is disturbed
Solution Approach 1:
The deflection device serves as an intermediary that controls the interaction between incoming cold liquid and the stratified layers. It manages the replenishment process by directing incoming fluid through specific paths that minimize disruption to the thermal stratification, thereby maintaining composition stability while restoring fluid volume.
4Stability of the object's composition
If a ring element with longitudinal opening is used to guide fluid, then stratification is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The deflection device merges multiple functions into a single integrated ring element structure. By combining the guidance, deflection, and flow control functions into one unified component with longitudinal openings, the design achieves improved stratification while minimizing the increase in device complexity through functional integration.
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 device achieves optimal fluid stratification, preventing turbulence and ensuring consistent withdrawal of warm fluid layers, even in non-cylindrical containers, by guiding fluid flow in a controlled manner.
Implementation Method 1
the heat exchanger transfers the thermal energy generated by the energy unit to the fluid
Implementation Method 2
the deflection device has a ring element which guides the fluid, wherein the ring element has a longitudinal opening, and wherein the opening connects an interior of the container to the deflection device
Implementation Method 3
A longitudinal web is arranged at the first connection region or at the second connection region, wherein the web partially closes the opening
Implementation Method 4
The layers refer to the different warm components of the fluid and their resulting different densities in the container
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 2~3
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for heating a fluid, said device comprising an energy unit (1), a heat exchanger (2), and a container (3). A deflection device (4) is used to introduce fluid into the container (3) and/or to remove fluid from the container (3). The deflection device (4) has a ring element (41) having a longitudinal opening (42). The opening (42) connects an interior space (31) of the container (3) to the deflection device (4).