Heating system and heating device, in particular hybrid heating device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional hybrid heating devices with heat pumps and gas heating blocks face limitations in achieving high temperatures, requiring a switch to gas heating when higher temperatures are needed, and lack flexibility in energy sources and usage efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A hybrid heating system with at least two heating units, including a fuel heating block and a heat pump, where an alternative electric heating block can be easily installed or exchanged, allowing for flexible operation based on energy requirements and temperature needs, with a compact design that includes a buffer tank and fluid control elements for efficient heat management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If a heat pump is used to supply heat energy, then energy efficiency is improved, but the maximum temperature is limited to around 55°C

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoidmaximum temperature
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The heating system dynamically switches between heat pump operation and gas heating block operation based on temperature requirements. When high temperatures are needed, the gas heating block is activated; when moderate temperatures suffice, the heat pump operates, optimizing energy efficiency while meeting temperature demands.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The heating device integrates two different heating principles (heat pump and gas heating block) into a single system, allowing it to function effectively across a wide temperature range by selecting the appropriate heating method based on requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Temperature

If a gas heating block is switched on for higher temperatures, then temperature requirements are met, but fossil fuel consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature requirementVSAvoidfossil fuel consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the operating parameters by switching between two different heating technologies based on temperature requirements. The gas heating block is used only when necessary for high temperatures, while the heat pump handles moderate temperature requirements, thereby reducing overall fossil fuel consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The control system monitors temperature requirements and automatically switches between heating sources. When the heat pump can meet the temperature demand, it operates; when higher temperatures are required, the gas heating block is activated, optimizing the balance between temperature fulfillment and fossil fuel usage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If an alternative electric heating block is installed for flexibility, then adaptability to energy changes is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility in energy usageVSAvoidnumber of heating units
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The heating system is divided into separate, independently controllable heating units (heat pump and gas heating block). This segmentation allows each unit to be optimized for specific operating conditions while maintaining overall system flexibility. The units can be selectively activated based on energy availability and temperature requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system maintains flexibility through dynamic control of multiple heating units. The alternative electric heating block can be easily installed or exchanged, and the control system dynamically selects which heating unit to operate based on energy prices, availability, and temperature requirements, achieving adaptability without requiring complex integration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 system provides reliable and efficient heating with reduced fossil fuel consumption, high user comfort, and the ability to adapt to changes in energy availability and costs, while minimizing installation effort and environmental impact.

Implementation Method 1

The heat pump supplies energy up to a certain temperature, depending in particular on the refrigerant used in the heat pump

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat pump:

Implementation Method 2

a principle in which a fuel, in particular a fossil fuel, is burned to generate thermal energy

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCombustion: Combustion

Implementation Method 3

The alternative unit is particularly advantageously designed as an electric heating block, preferably with resistance heating elements

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Data Source

PatentEP4502473A1Heating system and heating device, in particular hybrid heating device
Publication Date: 2025.02.05 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
  • EP4502473A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4502473A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4502473A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A heating system (10a; 10b; 10c) is proposed, comprising a heating device (12a; 12b; 12c), in particular a hybrid heating device comprising at least two heating units (14a, 16a; 14b, 16b; 14c, 16c), and an alternative heating unit (18a; 18b; 18c), which is in particular designed as an electric heating block.