Monolithic Heating Station with By-Pass for Network Adaptability

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing heating stations are time-consuming and costly to produce, and they face challenges in adaptability and efficiency, particularly during periods of low demand when standing fluids can cool and increase the risk of legionella, and connecting a monolithic unit to supply and consumer networks is difficult.

Innovation Solution

A heating station with a monolithic main part and an interconnection device that includes a by-pass and interconnecting conduits, allowing for flexible connection to supply and consumer networks, enabling the use of standard parts and flow devices without matching couplings, and accommodating temperature sensors and energy measuring devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional heating stations are assembled from individual pipe sections and operative devices, then adaptability to individual requirements is improved, but production time and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to individual requirementsVSAvoidproduction time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The heating station is divided into a monolithic main part and separate interconnection devices. The main part is produced as a single integrated unit with built-in flow paths, while the interconnection device can be separately configured and attached. This segmentation allows the main part to be mass-produced efficiently while maintaining adaptability through the modular interconnection component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The monolithic main part is designed with universal flow paths that can serve multiple functions and connect to various network configurations. The interconnection device acts as a universal adapter that can be configured for different adaptation requirements, making the entire system versatile without requiring custom assembly of multiple individual components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If traditional heating stations are assembled from individual pipe sections and operative devices, then adaptability to individual requirements is improved, but production cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to individual requirementsVSAvoidproduction cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple functions that would traditionally require separate pipe sections and operative devices are merged into the monolithic main part. The main part integrates heat exchanger connections, flow paths, and coupling ports into a single manufactured unit, reducing the total number of components and assembly operations required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Productivity

If a monolithic heating station unit is used, then production time and cost are reduced, but ease of connecting to supply and consuming networks worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduction timeVSAvoidease of connection to networks

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The interconnection device serves as an intermediary between the monolithic main part and the external supply/consuming networks. It provides the necessary coupling interfaces and adaptation capabilities, making it easy to connect the standardized main part to various network configurations without modifying the main part itself.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Use of energy by moving object

If standing fluids are allowed in heating networks during low demand periods, then energy consumption is reduced, but reliability worsens due to legionella risk

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidlegionella risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The heating system incorporates dynamic flow management capabilities through the interconnection device and control systems. During low demand periods, the system can maintain minimal circulation or periodically flush the networks to prevent standing fluids, balancing energy consumption with legionella prevention requirements through adaptive operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4108998B1Monolithic heating station with by-pass

Publication Date: 2024.10.16 DANFOSS AS

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AI summary

The present invention relates to a heating station (500) adapted to be connected to a supply and consuming network and comprising a monolithic main part (1) adapted for a heat exchanger (2) to be connected to first flow paths(3) formed within said main part (1), where said heating station (500) is provided with a by-pass (24) adapted to be opened and closed and positioned between the main part (1) and the supply and consuming network.