Low carbon climate control apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steam heating systems in buildings are expensive, inefficient, and contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, necessitating a more efficient and lower carbon footprint heating solution.
Innovation Solution
A climate control apparatus combining an electric heating coil, a steam heating coil, a temperature sensor, and a controller that switches between the two based on ambient temperature, optimizing energy usage and reducing steam consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If steam heating is used to meet heating needs, then heating capability is provided, but carbon emissions increase and operational costs rise
Solution Approach 1:
The heating system is segmented into two independent heating elements: an electric heating coil and a steam heating coil. Each coil can operate independently or together, allowing the system to switch between different heating sources based on ambient temperature conditions, thereby reducing carbon emissions while maintaining heating capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller changes the operational parameters by switching between electric and steam heating based on ambient temperature thresholds. When temperature is above a threshold, electric heating is activated; when below, steam heating is activated. This dynamic parameter change optimizes carbon emissions based on environmental conditions.
2Temperature
If steam heating is used, then heating is provided, but operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between electric and steam heating modes based on real-time ambient temperature monitoring. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to use the more cost-effective heating source under different conditions, reducing overall operational costs while maintaining required heating levels.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If electric heating coil is used, then carbon emissions are reduced, but heating efficiency may be insufficient in very cold conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The climate control apparatus incorporates two heating coils (electric and steam) that can function independently or in combination, making the system multi-functional. This universality ensures that the system can adapt to different heating power requirements while pursuing lower carbon emissions, selecting the appropriate heating source based on ambient temperature conditions.
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 apparatus achieves a 28.5% reduction in gas usage and maintains energy efficiency without increasing electricity consumption, while lowering carbon emissions and operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
the controller is configured to activate the electric heating coil when the heating switch is in the active position and when the temperature sensor detects that the ambient temperature of the outdoor space is above a threshold temperature
Implementation Method 2
the controller is configured to activate the steam heating coil when the heating switch is in the active position and when the temperature sensor detects that the ambient temperature of the outdoor space is below a threshold temperature
Data Source
AI summary
A climate control apparatus is disclosed. The climate control apparatus of the present invention switches between types of heat depending on the ambient temperature of an outdoor space. The climate control apparatus includes an exterior housing, an electric heating coil, a steam heating coil, a temperature sensor, a controller, and a heating switch to heat an indoor space more efficiently than existing climate control apparatuses.