Masonry Heater Coil Heat Transfer With Temperature-Based Flow Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for capturing and transferring heat from masonry heaters are inefficient, failing to effectively utilize the intense heat generated, which limits the energy savings and increased efficiency in heating other areas or fluids.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a heat transfer system using coil pipes oriented within the masonry heater's firebox, combined with a temperature control system that circulates heated liquid to external devices, optimizing heat transfer by adjusting flow rates based on temperature differences and employing safety features like temperature and pressure relief valves.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If conventional metal furnaces are used to generate heat, then heat can be transferred to other devices, but the temperature cannot exceed what the metal can handle (below 2000°F)

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovetemperatureVSAvoidmaterial strength
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the material parameter of the furnace from metal to masonry, which enables the system to withstand temperatures exceeding 2000°F. This material parameter change allows the furnace to operate at higher temperatures without compromising structural integrity, thereby resolving the contradiction between temperature capability and material strength limitations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Temperature

If masonry heater is used to generate high temperature heat, then temperature can exceed 2000°F, but the radiant heat released is low compared to other heaters

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovetemperatureVSAvoidenergy loss
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The invention introduces a heat transfer fluid as an intermediary between the masonry heater and external heating devices. This mediator captures the intense thermal energy generated by the masonry heater and transports it to external devices, preventing energy loss and enabling efficient utilization of the high-temperature heat source.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention employs a hydraulic system using circulating fluid to transfer heat from the masonry heater to external devices. This pneumatic-hydraulic mechanism efficiently transports thermal energy, converting the high-temperature heat into usable form for external applications, thereby reducing energy loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

3Loss of energy

If heat transfer apparatus is added to capture and transfer heat from masonry heater, then energy efficiency improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy lossVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The heat transfer apparatus is designed to perform multiple functions: capturing heat from the masonry heater, transferring it to external devices, and maintaining system safety through integrated temperature and pressure control. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate systems, thereby managing device complexity while improving energy efficiency.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates self-regulating features including temperature sensors, pressure relief valves, and flow control mechanisms that automatically maintain optimal operation. These self-service components reduce the need for complex external control systems, managing device complexity while ensuring efficient heat transfer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

Significantly improves the amount of energy captured and transferred from the masonry heater, enhancing heating efficiency and reducing energy costs, while ensuring safety through controlled temperature management.

Implementation Method 1

coil pipes oriented within the masonry heater's firebox, combined with a temperature control system that circulates heated liquid

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS10161639B2Heat transfer apparatus and heat transfer system for masonry heater
Publication Date: 2018.12.25 COPELAND JOSEPH
  • US10161639B2 patent drawing
  • US10161639B2 patent drawing
  • US10161639B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An apparatus and system for efficiently and safely transferring heat from a masonry heater to an external heating device using coil pipes and a liquid circulation pump. Circulation of a heat transfer liquid in the apparatus and system is controlled based on the measured temperature of the heat transfer liquid in the coil pipe on a return side of the masonry heater. Two additional sensors near the external heating device are used to control the flow rate of the circulation of the heat transfer liquid in the apparatus and system, thereby controlling the amount of heat actually transferred to the external heating device.