Movable-Electrode Water Heater for Precise Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional water heating devices, such as washing machines and beverage makers, experience inefficient heat transfer and prolonged heating times due to the use of electrical resistance heating elements, which lead to energy loss and imprecise temperature control.
Innovation Solution
A heating device with two spaced-apart electrodes within a container, where at least one electrode is movable, allowing for adjustable distance between the plates to control the electrical current flow through the water, using AC voltage to prevent electrolysis and optimize heating efficiency, with a control system to detect water conductance and adjust the plate distance for precise temperature control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If electrical resistance heating elements are used to heat water, then the heating function is provided, but heat transfer loss occurs and heating time is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional electrical resistance heating element with an electromagnetic induction heating system. The induction heater generates an electromagnetic field that directly induces eddy currents in the water, heating it through resistive heating of the water itself rather than through contact with a heated element. This eliminates the intermediate heat transfer step and associated losses.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a movable plate as an intermediary component between the electromagnetic field source and the water. This plate serves as a flux guide to concentrate and direct the electromagnetic flux through the water, enhancing the heating efficiency and allowing for controlled heating zones.
2Temperature
If conventional instantaneous water heaters are used, then water heating is provided, but temperature control precision is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a control system that includes a temperature sensor and a controller that adjusts the power supplied to the induction heater based on the detected water temperature. This closed-loop feedback system maintains precise temperature control by continuously monitoring and adjusting the heating power to match the desired setpoint.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a movable plate that can dynamically adjust its position to control the electromagnetic flux distribution in the water. By moving the plate closer to or farther from the water, the system can dynamically adjust the heating intensity and distribution, enabling precise temperature control and uniform heating.
3Productivity
If the distance between electrodes is fixed, then the device structure is simple, but the heating efficiency and temperature control are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a movable plate that can change its position relative to the water and electromagnetic field source. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the system to optimize the electromagnetic flux concentration and heating intensity based on different operating conditions, water volumes, and desired heating speeds, thereby improving productivity without requiring multiple fixed configurations.
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 enables precise and rapid water heating with minimal energy loss, maintaining the specified temperature with small deviations, outperforming conventional instantaneous water heaters, hotplates, and immersion heaters in efficiency and speed.
Implementation Method 1
The electrodes conduct the voltage applied to the plates directly into the liquid so that an electrical current flows through the water which is located in the spanned space between the two plates. Due to the electrical conductance or resistance of water, it is heated without a heat transfer from a heated body to the water taking place.
Implementation Method 2
The conductance is changed with the variable distance between the plates, wherein the electric conductance between the plates increases at a smaller distance and decreases at a greater distance.
Implementation Method 3
an AC voltage in the frequency range of the usual mains frequency is used on the electrodes in order to prevent electrolysis, i.e., to reduce it or not allow it to occur
Data Source
AI summary
A heating device for heating water, having a container having an inlet channel and an outlet channel, two spaced-apart plates which act as electrodes and each comprise an electrical connection for connection to an electrical voltage source for generating a current flow through the water located between the plates, wherein at least one plate is mounted movably in order to change the distance between the plates and thereby the volume provided between the plates. A water-conducting device such as a washing machine, dishwasher or hot beverage maker, includes a flow conducting system and a heating device arranged therein, as described above.