Modular Arc-Shaped Radiator for Adaptable Heat Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radiators for heaters have immutable heat extraction capabilities, limiting their application across different power ranges and requiring multiple radiators from manufacturers.
Innovation Solution
A modular radiator arrangement with arc-shaped plant surfaces that can be connected in multiple configurations, allowing for two- or three-stage selectable heat extraction, and utilizing extruded aluminum profiles for weight reduction and improved heat transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed radiator design is used, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the heat extraction is immutable and cannot adapt to different power ranges
Solution Approach 1:
The radiator is divided into multiple modular segments that can be individually attached or detached. Each segment has plant surfaces with curvature to the outside, and segments can be connected through their plant surfaces to form different configurations. This segmentation allows the heat extraction area to be adjusted by combining different numbers of segments, enabling adaptation to various power ranges while maintaining a relatively simple base module design.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple different radiators are produced for different power ranges, then the heat extraction can be optimized for each application, but the manufacturing complexity and inventory requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The radiator modules are designed with universal connection features through their plant surfaces, allowing the same basic module to serve multiple functions across different power ranges. By attaching different numbers of identical modules together, a single radiator type can provide adjustable heat extraction for various heating applications, eliminating the need to manufacture and stock multiple different radiator designs.
3Productivity
If traditional flat radiator surfaces are used, then the manufacturing is straightforward, but the heat extraction efficiency and temperature distribution are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The plant surfaces of the radiator segments are designed with curvature to the outside, creating an arc-shaped profile in cross-section. This curvature increases the surface area for heat transfer compared to flat surfaces of the same footprint and improves temperature distribution across the radiator surface. The curved geometry also facilitates intimate thermal contact when segments are attached together through their plant surfaces.
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
Enables adaptable heat extraction for various power ranges without changing the radiator design, achieving heat outputs of up to 530 watts at -20°C with enhanced temperature distribution and emission factors.
Implementation Method 1
an electrically operated PTC heating element with a positive temperature coefficient and is characterized by a self-regulating effect, since with increasing heat it has an increased resistance and conducts less current, thereby reducing the power consumption
Implementation Method 2
PTC heating element has a positive temperature coefficient and is characterized by a self-regulating effect, since with increasing heat it has an increased resistance
Implementation Method 3
the radiator has a first group of plant surfaces to which another substantially identical radiator can be attached and brought into heat conductive connection
Implementation Method 4
the heat extraction of the heater to a medium to be heated, e.B. air
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed are a modular radiator for an electric heater as well as a corresponding electric heater; according to the invention, a single radiator or a plurality of adjoining radiators is used for radiating the heat generated by one or more heating elements.