Ink Recirculation Heat Exchange Using Recovered Electronics Heat
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current printing equipment is energy-intensive due to the dissipation of energy into the environment, particularly in industrial applications, and there is a need to optimize energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A recirculation system that recovers thermal energy from electronic components and uses it for thermal conditioning of the ink, combining with traditional heating systems to reduce energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If traditional heating systems are used to heat ink in recirculation containers, then the ink can be maintained at appropriate temperature for printing, but energy is dissipated into the environment without optimization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the waste heat generated by electronic components (a harmful factor) into useful thermal energy for heating the ink (a beneficial effect). The heat exchanger captures thermal energy from electronic components that would otherwise be dissipated and transfers it to the ink in the recirculation container, thereby reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining appropriate ink temperature.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the cooling system for electronic components with the heating system for ink. By integrating a heat exchanger that transfers heat from electronic components to the ink, the system combines two previously separate functions into a unified thermal management solution, eliminating energy waste and reducing the need for separate heating and cooling systems.
2Temperature
If cooling systems are provided for control unit electronic components to dissipate heat, then electronic components can operate at safe temperatures, but additional energy consumption is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the waste heat generated by electronic components (a harmful factor) into useful thermal energy for heating the ink (a beneficial effect). The heat exchanger captures thermal energy from electronic components that would otherwise be dissipated and transfers it to the ink in the recirculation container, thereby reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining appropriate ink temperature.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat exchanger serves multiple functions: it cools electronic components by transferring heat away from them, and simultaneously heats the ink in the recirculation container. This multi-functional device eliminates the need for separate cooling and heating systems, reducing overall energy consumption while achieving both temperature control objectives.
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 reduces energy consumption by utilizing recovered thermal energy for ink preheating, optimizing energy use and maintaining efficient operation.
Implementation Method 1
at least one heat exchange chamber which is inserted in a circulation circuit of a heating fluid, said circuit comprising a further heat exchanger in thermal contact with one or more electronic circuit parts of the printing equipment
Data Source
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AI summary
Recirculation system (15) for ink, or the like, fed to a printing head, in particular of the inkjet type, said recirculation system comprising: - at least one recirculation container (14, 18) associated with at least one printing head (13) and translatable along a predefined printing stroke together with said printing head (13), and wherein, - said at least one container (14, 18) of the recirculation system comprises at least one containment chamber for the ink or other printing material and at least one heat exchange chamber (430, 440) for the thermal energy from a heating fluid supplied by said heat exchange chamber (430, 440) with the ink or other printing material, and said heat exchange chamber being in thermal contact with said container or containers.