Heating unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Domestic water heating, especially for central heating systems, is a significant energy consumer and costly, particularly in colder climates, and existing non-fossil fuel methods face challenges in energy storage and economic viability.
Innovation Solution
A heating unit comprising a housing with amino-carrying fibres that react exothermically with carbon dioxide to heat water, allowing for efficient energy storage and reuse, integrating with existing systems for cost-effective operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If non-fossil fuel methods (solar or wind power) are used to provide heat energy, then environmental impact is reduced, but energy storage becomes very difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the state of carbon dioxide from a waste gas to a stored energy carrier by utilizing its exothermic reaction with amino-carrying fibres. The system transforms chemical parameters of CO2 absorption and release cycles to enable energy storage without requiring traditional battery or mechanical storage systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention converts carbon dioxide, typically considered a harmful waste product, into a useful energy storage medium. The exothermic reaction between CO2 and amino-carrying fibres transforms what was previously discarded into a source of storable heat energy, simultaneously addressing environmental concerns and energy storage needs.
2Use of energy by moving object
If electricity is used to heat water during off-peak hours, then cost is reduced, but heat availability does not match demand timing
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary energy storage by absorbing carbon dioxide into amino-carrying fibres during periods when heating is not needed. This preliminary action stores chemical energy that can be rapidly released on demand, decoupling the timing of energy input from energy output and ensuring heat availability matches demand regardless of when electricity is cheapest.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating unit serves multiple functions: it acts as both a water heater and an energy storage system. The amino-carrying fibres function as both the heating medium and the energy storage medium, allowing the system to operate flexibly across different time periods and demand conditions.
3Temperature
If traditional heating systems are used during peak demand, then immediate heat availability is ensured, but energy cost and consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables continuous useful action by maintaining a cycle of CO2 absorption and release. The amino-carrying fibres continuously store and release energy through repeated CO2 reaction cycles, ensuring that hot water can be provided continuously during peak demand without relying on continuous high-cost energy input.
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 unit provides a cost-effective and environmentally friendly method for heating water by utilizing carbon dioxide reactions to store energy for later use, reducing energy consumption and costs, especially during peak demand periods.
Implementation Method 1
the water being heated by the exothermic reaction between citric acid and ethylamine
Implementation Method 2
amino-carrying fibres placed in a vessel are contacted with carbon dioxide
Data Source
AI summary
A heating unit comprising: - a housing - amino-carrying fibres contained within the housing; - a conduit for water; - means for delivering carbon dioxide into the housing; and - means for supplying heat to the amino-carrying fibres.