Modular Heat Storage Rings for Uniform Fireplace Heat Output
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Solution Overview
Problem
Batch-fired fireplaces and furnaces experience uneven heat distribution and high exhaust gas temperatures, leading to inefficient heat utilization and fuel waste, with existing solutions being rigid and inflexible, lacking adaptability to local chimney conditions.
Innovation Solution
A modular heat storage device with individually selectable storage elements and adjustable exhaust gas guide elements that can be connected directly to the fireplace, featuring a bypass channel for easy ignition and adaptable design to optimize heat distribution and exhaust gas flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If batch firing is used to generate large heat output during main combustion phase, then heat generation capacity is improved, but heat output uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The heat storage device is divided into multiple individually selectable storage elements (5, 6a, 6b, 9) that can be stacked in different configurations. This segmentation allows the system to be tailored to specific heat distribution requirements, enabling better control over heat output uniformity while maintaining high heat generation capacity during the main combustion phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates adjustable exhaust gas guide elements (10) with variable geometry that can be positioned at different angles and orientations. This dynamic adjustability allows optimization of exhaust gas flow patterns and heat transfer to storage elements, thereby controlling the rate of heat release and improving heat output uniformity throughout the firing cycle.
2Power
If high exhaust gas temperatures are maintained during main combustion phase, then heat generation is improved, but energy efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device converts the harmful high-temperature exhaust gases, which would otherwise represent energy loss, into a beneficial resource by directing them through and around the heat storage elements. The hot exhaust gases transfer their thermal energy to the storage elements (5, 6a, 6b, 9), thereby reducing exhaust gas losses and simultaneously charging the heat storage system for later use during the burnout phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat storage elements act as an intermediary between the high-temperature exhaust gases and the living space. Instead of allowing hot exhaust gases to directly vent to the outside (energy loss), they first transfer heat to the storage elements, which then gradually release this heat to the living space, thereby improving overall energy efficiency while maintaining effective heat generation.
3Stability of the object's composition
If rigid heat storage systems are used, then structural stability is improved, but adaptability to local chimney conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The heat storage device is constructed from multiple discrete, individually selectable storage elements (5, 6a, 6b, 9) that can be stacked in different configurations. This modular segmentation maintains structural stability through proper stacking while allowing easy adaptation to various chimney conditions and installation spaces by selecting and arranging appropriate numbers and types of elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates adjustable exhaust gas guide elements (10) with variable geometry that can be positioned at different angles and orientations. This dynamic adjustability allows the system to be optimized for specific chimney conditions, flue gas flow rates, and installation spaces, thereby achieving high adaptability while maintaining structural integrity through the modular element design.
4Loss of energy
If additional heat transfer surfaces are added to improve exhaust gas heat utilization, then energy efficiency is improved, but device complexity and installation space requirements deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The device merges the heat storage function and the heat transfer function into a single integrated structure. The storage elements (5, 6a, 6b, 9) themselves serve as the heat transfer surfaces, eliminating the need for separate heat exchanger components. This integration improves exhaust gas heat utilization while avoiding additional device complexity and reducing installation space requirements compared to systems with separate heat transfer surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage elements are designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: they store thermal energy from the exhaust gases, serve as heat transfer surfaces for efficient energy extraction, and provide structural support for the system. This multi-functionality improves energy efficiency without increasing device complexity, as the same components fulfill multiple roles in the system.
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 solution provides a space-saving, flexible, and efficient means to equalize heat output, reduce exhaust gas losses, and facilitate easier lighting, enhancing the overall efficiency and adaptability of the fireplace system.
Implementation Method 1
measures are desirable that reduce the maximum heat output during the main phase of combustion and ensure increased heat output during the burnout phase
Implementation Method 2
the exhaust gases give off heat, which does not escape to the outside via the chimney, but can still be used to heat the room
Implementation Method 3
the hot exhaust gases are routed through ducts through the walls of which the exhaust gases give off heat
Implementation Method 4
the exhaust gases are routed through ducts through the walls of which the exhaust gases give off heat
Data Source
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AI summary
The device has a set of storage rings (5, 6a, 6b) surrounding a flue gas evacuation and arranged individual to one another so that a length of a flue gas tract, a free cross section of the flue gas tract and mass of a heat storage material are separately adjustable by the selection and the number of the storage rings. A set of flue gas guiding elements is provided within the storage rings, where the flue gas guiding elements have same height as the storage rings. The flue gas guiding element consists of mineral construction material, metallic material, concrete or ceramics.