Method for combining a ceiling heating centre with a solar assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for combining roof heating systems with solar systems in existing buildings require complex piping and are not suitable for operating both systems together due to temperature differences, leading to inefficient heat transfer.
Innovation Solution
A heating system design that connects a heater in the upper area of a building with a hot water tank in the lower area, integrating a solar absorber via a heat exchanger in the return line, with a bypass line and switching valve to manage heat input, allowing for efficient use of solar heat and preheated water from the heat exchanger when solar input is insufficient.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a solar absorber is connected to a heating appliance via heat exchanger with mixing of heat transfer fluids, then solar heat can be transferred to the heating system, but the heat transfer fluid is cooled down due to temperature difference and simultaneous operation is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The heating system is divided into separate circulation paths: a solar circuit with the solar absorber and a heating circuit with the heating appliance. These circuits are connected via a heat exchanger that allows thermal energy transfer without mixing the heat transfer fluids, maintaining temperature integrity in both circuits
Solution Approach 2:
A heat exchanger serves as an intermediary device between the solar absorber and the heating appliance. It enables heat transfer from the solar circuit to the heating circuit without direct fluid mixing, allowing both systems to operate simultaneously at their respective optimal temperatures
2Adaptability or versatility
If complex piping is used to connect solar collector to heating system, then solar integration is achieved, but installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The solar circuit piping is merged with the existing heating system piping at strategic points. The solar absorber connects to the heating circuit via the heat exchanger, utilizing existing supply and return lines to reduce the need for separate solar-specific piping infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The heat exchanger serves multiple functions: it enables solar heat transfer, allows both circuits to operate independently at different temperatures, and can be integrated into various heating system configurations (radiators, underfloor heating, hot water storage), making the solution universally applicable
3Use of energy by moving object
If solar absorber flow temperature is lower than heating appliance flow temperature, then solar heat transfer is possible, but heat transfer efficiency decreases due to cooling during mixing
Solution Approach 1:
The heat exchanger acts as a thermal intermediary that transfers energy from the lower-temperature solar circuit to the higher-temperature heating circuit without requiring fluid mixing. This maintains the temperature integrity of both circuits and eliminates energy loss associated with cooling during mixing
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 minimizes wiring requirements and allows for efficient heating and hot water preparation, ensuring that solar heat is utilized effectively while providing a backup heating solution, thus optimizing energy use in existing buildings.
Implementation Method 1
integrating a solar absorber via a heat exchanger in the return line
Implementation Method 2
a solar absorber whose heat is mixed with the flow from a boiler
Implementation Method 3
Solar heat from the solar collector can be introduced into the flow line of the heating appliance
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The heating system has a heater (1) and a thermal solar absorber (6), where solar absorber is connected with a heater cycle (20) over a heat exchanger (4) in a return pipe (22) of the heater. The heater is arranged in the upper portion of the building and warm water or heating water storage (60) is arranged in the lower portion of the building. An independent claim is also included for a method for operating heating system for custom or heated water.