Hydraulic Switch With Integrated Heat Exchanger for Precise Heat Control

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing heating systems lack efficient temperature measurement and control at the hydraulic switch, leading to suboptimal heat distribution and energy usage, particularly in systems with external heat generators.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a temperature sensor on the hydraulic switch and an integrated heat exchanger allows for direct temperature measurement and efficient heat transfer between the heating circuit and domestic water circuit, enabling effective heat management and energy sustainability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a temperature sensor is arranged in the hydraulic switch, then temperature measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature measurement precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The temperature sensor is integrated directly into the hydraulic switch housing, combining the temperature measurement function with the existing hydraulic switching component. This merging approach enables precise temperature measurement at the low loss header while avoiding the need for a separate, complex temperature measurement system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Use of energy by moving object

If an integrated heat exchanger is added to the low loss header, then heat transfer efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat transfer efficiencyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The heat exchanger is integrated directly into the low loss header structure, merging the heat transfer function with the existing hydraulic component. This integration enables efficient heat transfer between the heating circuit and domestic water circuit while maintaining a compact, unified device structure rather than adding separate components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The low loss header with integrated heat exchanger performs multiple functions: it serves as a hydraulic connection point, a temperature measurement location, and a heat transfer interface between heating and domestic water circuits. This multi-functionality improves energy efficiency while avoiding the complexity of multiple separate components.

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

3Loss of energy

If the external heat generator is coupled via hydraulic switch with integrated heat exchanger, then energy sustainability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy sustainabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The hydraulic switch and heat exchanger are manufactured as an integrated assembly, combining the hydraulic switching function with heat transfer capabilities in a single manufacturing process. This merging enables sustainable energy management by allowing the external heat generator to efficiently transfer heat to both heating and domestic water circuits while simplifying installation and reducing system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 enables precise heat request determination, efficient heat transfer, and sustainable energy use by allowing for optimal operation based on temperature changes, preventing overheating and ensuring sufficient heat availability.

Implementation Method 1

at least one integrated heat exchanger, in particular a tube heat exchanger, which enables efficient heat transfer from and/or to the at least one low loss header

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

at least one temperature sensor is arranged in and/or on the at least one hydraulic switch. In this way, a temperature measurement is made possible directly at the low loss header

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTemperature measurement:

Data Source

PatentEP3073200B1Heated hydraulic switch for optimized integration of external heat
Publication Date: 2018.03.28 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
  • EP3073200B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3073200B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3073200B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a heating system (10) which comprises at least one primary heat generator (12), at least one heating circuit (14) and at least one external heat generator (16), the at least one external heat generator (16) being connected via at least one hydraulic switch (18, 46) is coupled to the at least one heating circuit (14), and a method for operating a heating system (10).