Heater module and boiler
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrically-powered boilers are inefficient due to high operating costs and limited capacity, making them unsuitable for larger homes.
Innovation Solution
A heater module that uses a nano-fluid as an intermediate heating medium, where an electric heating element heats the nano-fluid, which then transfers heat to a secondary fluid by conduction and/or convection, enhancing thermal conductivity and convective heat transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If conventional electric heating elements are used to heat circulating fluid directly, then the system is simple in structure, but the heating efficiency is low and running costs are high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a nano-fluid as an intermediate heating medium between the electric heating element and the circulating secondary fluid. The heating element first heats the nano-fluid, which then transfers heat to the secondary fluid through the heat exchanger walls. This intermediary approach significantly improves heating efficiency while maintaining reasonable system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of the heat transfer fluid by using nano-fluid instead of conventional water or other fluids. Nano-fluids have significantly enhanced thermal conductivity and convective heat transfer coefficients, which directly improves the heating efficiency of the system.
2Quantity of substance
If electric heating elements heat a large amount of circulating fluid, then the system can serve larger homes, but the running costs are high and energy consumption is high
Solution Approach 1:
By changing the thermal properties of the heat transfer medium to nano-fluid with enhanced thermal conductivity, the system can heat larger volumes of circulating fluid more efficiently, reducing energy consumption and running costs while serving larger homes.
Solution Approach 2:
The nano-fluid acts as an efficient intermediary that transfers heat from the heating element to the circulating fluid with minimal energy loss, enabling the system to handle larger quantities of fluid economically.
3Temperature
If conventional heat transfer fluids are used, then the system is simple to operate, but the heat transfer efficiency is low and heating time is long
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the thermal parameters of the heat transfer fluid by using nano-fluid, which has significantly improved thermal conductivity and convective heat transfer coefficients. This results in faster heating times and higher heat transfer efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-heats the nano-fluid in a storage volume before transferring it to the heat exchanger, ensuring that the heat transfer medium is already at optimal temperature when needed, thereby reducing overall heating time.
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 configuration reduces the running time of the electric heating element, improves the efficiency of heat transfer, and decreases energy consumption, thereby enhancing the overall efficiency of electrically-powered boilers.
Implementation Method 1
the electric heating element is configured to heat the nano-fluid within the first volume
Implementation Method 2
the heated nano-fluid is configured to heat the secondary fluid circulating within the second volume by conduction and/or convection
Implementation Method 3
the heated nano-fluid is configured to heat the secondary fluid circulating within the second volume by conduction and/or convection
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a heater module comprising: a heat exchanger including: a first volume comprising a nano-fluid; and a second volume surrounding the first volume and in thermal communication with the first volume for a secondary fluid to circulate within, wherein the second volume comprises a secondary fluid inlet and a secondary fluid outlet; the heating module further comprising an electric heating element located within the first volume; wherein in use the electric heating element is configured to heat the nano-fluid within the first volume, and wherein the heated nano-fluid is configured to heat the secondary fluid circulating within the second volume by conduction and/or convection. The invention further includes a boiler comprising a plurality of heater modules, and a method for controlling the heating output of the boiler.