Heating Control Method Using Instantaneous and Inertia Elements

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current heating appliances with single heating bodies and electronic thermostats fail to provide the desired feeling of comfort to users, even when using proportional integral regulation laws, and appliances with two heating elements do not adequately achieve comfort temperatures.

Innovation Solution

A method for regulating a heating appliance with both an 'instantaneous' and an inertia heating element, where the overall operating rate is compared to predetermined thresholds to determine the operation rates of each element, ensuring the 'instantaneous' element is activated at low rates and the inertia element at high rates, with correction based on integral proportional regulation to maintain comfortable facade temperatures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If a single heating body with electronic thermostat is used, then the desired ambient temperature can be obtained, but the feeling of comfort sought by the user is not obtained

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveambient temperatureVSAvoidfeeling of comfort
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The heating appliance is divided into two separate heating elements: an instantaneous heating element and an inertia heating element. Each element serves a distinct function - the instantaneous element provides immediate heat for comfort, while the inertia element provides sustained heating for temperature maintenance. This segmentation allows the system to simultaneously achieve both ambient temperature control and user comfort.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Temperature

If two heating elements are used (instantaneous and inertia), then a more uniform ambient temperature can be obtained, but the feeling of comfort sought by the user is not obtained

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveambient temperature uniformityVSAvoidfeeling of comfort
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The control system applies different control strategies to different heating elements based on their characteristics. The instantaneous heating element is controlled to provide immediate heat output for comfort, while the inertia heating element is controlled for sustained heating. This local quality approach ensures that each element contributes optimally to both temperature uniformity and user comfort.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The control system dynamically adjusts the operating rates of both heating elements based on real-time conditions. By comparing the overall operating rate with predetermined thresholds, the system dynamically determines the optimal contribution of each element, allowing the instantaneous element to respond quickly when needed while the inertia element provides stable baseline heating, thereby achieving both uniform temperature and comfort.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If the instantaneous heating element is activated at low operating rates, then user comfort is improved, but the heating efficiency may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser comfortVSAvoidheating efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The control system activates the instantaneous heating element at low operating rates during periods when comfort is needed but overall heating demand is low. This preliminary action maintains user comfort while consuming minimal energy, and the system is prepared to quickly increase heating output when higher temperatures are required, thus balancing comfort and efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The inertia heating element continues to provide sustained heating action, ensuring that the heating process remains continuous and efficient. While the instantaneous element operates at low rates for comfort, the inertia element maintains steady heat output, preventing energy waste from frequent on/off cycling and ensuring continuous useful heating action.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 method effectively provides a feeling of comfort by optimizing the operation of both heating elements, maintaining the front of the heater at desired temperatures, whether in comfort or economy mode, ensuring user comfort and efficient heating.

Implementation Method 1

a heating appliance comprising an 'instantaneous' heating element (1) and a heating element with inertia (2)... switching on the inertial heating element (2)... maintaining the front of the heater at desired temperatures

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Data Source

PatentEP1744234B1Control method for heating and heating apparatus comprising two heating elements
Publication Date: 2008.09.24 ATLANTIC IND
  • EP1744234B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1744234B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP1744234B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The method involves measuring an ambient temperature, and determining an overall working rate of a heating apparatus. The overall working rate is compared with a predetermined threshold for establishing working rates for instant action heating body and inertia heating body. The instant action heating body is started when the overall working rate is lower that a preset threshold. An independent claim is also included for a heating apparatus for implementing a regulating method.