Hybrid Combustion Unit Layout for Compact Fluid Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Hybrid systems combining heat pumps and combustion appliances require additional installation space and are time-consuming to install due to complex fluid connections.

Innovation Solution

The combustion appliance unit is redesigned with the fluid distributor arranged between the heat exchanger and the valve in the fluid path, allowing for a more compact installation and simplified connection processes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If the fluid distributor is arranged outside the combustion appliance unit, then the fluid connections can be easily accessed, but the installation space required increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation spaceVSAvoidaccessibility of fluid connections
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The fluid distributor is integrated inside the combustion appliance unit housing, nesting one component within another. The control unit is arranged on top of the fluid distributor, creating a compact nested arrangement that reduces overall installation space while maintaining functional accessibility through the housing interface

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Ease of manufacture

If the fluid distributor is arranged outside the combustion appliance unit, then the components can be manufactured separately, but the installation time and effort increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseparate component manufacturingVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The fluid distributor and control unit are combined into a single integrated assembly that is pre-assembled during manufacturing. This merging of components allows them to be manufactured separately but delivered as a integrated unit, reducing on-site assembly time and installer effort while maintaining the benefits of separate component manufacturing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple fluid connections are required for the hybrid system, then the system functionality is achieved, but the installation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem functionalityVSAvoidinstallation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fluid distributor is designed as a multi-functional component that handles multiple fluid connections and distribution paths within a single device. It manages connections to the heat exchanger, heat pump unit, and domestic hot water system simultaneously, reducing installation complexity by consolidating multiple functions into one universal component

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

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 installation space needed and streamlines the installation process by allowing fluid connections to be made during assembly of the combustion appliance unit, reducing installer effort and time.

Implementation Method 1

a combustion appliance device (3) comprising a heat exchanger (4) for exchanging heat between a heat source (5) of the combustion appliance device (3) and a fluid

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat exchange: Heat Exchanger

Data Source

PatentEP4538612A1Combustion appliance unit for a hybrid system
Publication Date: 2025.04.16 BDR THERMEA GRP
  • EP4538612A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4538612A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4538612A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a combustion appliance unit (1) for a hybrid system (2), the combustion appliance unit (1) comprising: a combustion appliance device (3) comprising a heat exchanger (4) for exchanging heat between a heat source (5) of the combustion appliance device (3) and a fluid, at least one valve (6, 7), which is fluidically connectable to at least one load (8, 9), a fluid distributor (10), which is fluidically connected to the heat exchanger (4) and the at least one valve (6, 7) and fluidically connectable to a heat pump unit (11), characterized in that, the fluid distributor (10) is arranged between the heat exchanger (4) and the at least one valve (6, 7) in a fluid path of the fluid.