Heating device with integrated water decalcification
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Hot water heating devices suffer from efficiency reduction due to lime scale deposits, which require regular descaling and the use of regeneration salt, leading to increased costs and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A procedure and heating device design that utilizes condensate collected during the combustion process to regenerate the Lonen exchange filter, eliminating the need for regeneration salt by using acidic condensate to restore the filter's absorption capacity, thereby preventing lime formation in the heat exchanger.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a water softening system with ion exchange filter is installed upstream of the hot water heater, then limescale formation in the heat exchanger is prevented, but the system requires regular refilling of regeneration salt and incurs additional purchase and maintenance costs
Solution Approach 1:
The ion exchange filter is integrated directly into the heating device, merging the water softening function with the hot water heater. This eliminates the need for a separate external water softening system and its associated regeneration salt storage and refilling infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating device uses its own operational byproduct (condensate from combustion) to regenerate the ion exchange filter automatically. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for external intervention to refill regeneration salt, making the system autonomous.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If regeneration salt is used to regenerate the ion exchange filter, then the filter's absorption capacity is restored, but continuous purchase and refilling of salt is required
Solution Approach 1:
The acidic condensate, which is typically a waste byproduct of combustion that requires disposal, is converted into a useful regeneration agent for the ion exchange filter. This transforms a harmful waste substance into a beneficial resource, eliminating the need for external regeneration salt.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of discarding the condensate as waste, the system recovers and utilizes it for regenerating the ion exchange filter. This circular approach eliminates the continuous consumption of regeneration salt by recovering a byproduct that has regeneration properties.
3Loss of substance
If condensate is used to regenerate the ion exchange filter, then regeneration salt is eliminated, but the condensate must be collected and directed through the filter during regeneration mode
Solution Approach 1:
The condensate collection tank and routing system serve dual functions: collecting condensate during normal operation and directing it to the ion exchange filter for regeneration when needed. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between operational modes (normal heating vs. regeneration) by controlling valve positions. During normal operation, condensate is collected in the tank; during regeneration, the valves redirect condensate through the ion exchange filter. This dynamic adaptability allows a single system to handle multiple functions.
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 solution allows for continuous operation without the need for additional regeneration salt, automatically maintaining the descaling function of the heating device, reducing operational costs and effort.
Implementation Method 1
cold water is filtered through at least one ion exchange filter
Implementation Method 2
The cold water is then fed into a heat exchanger of the heating device, which is heated by a combustion process
Implementation Method 3
The cold water is then fed into a heat exchanger of the heating device, which is heated by a combustion process, and heated
Implementation Method 4
The acidic condensate is therefore suitable for regenerating the ion exchange filter, which absorbs calcium from hard water. The condensate can thus dissolve the calcium in the ion exchange filter
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for operating a heating device, in particular a water heater, in a regeneration operating mode or in a normal operating mode to provide hot water, wherein cold water is filtered through at least one ion exchange filter, wherein the filtered water is conducted and heated in a heat exchanger of the heating device, which heat exchanger is heated by a combustion process, wherein the heated water is conducted from the heating device, wherein a condensate created during the combustion process is collected in a collection container and is conducted through the ion exchange filter to regenerate the ion exchange filter in the regeneration operating mode. The invention further relates to a heating device.