Multi-Coil Radiator Tank for Heating and Hot Water Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heating solutions for domestic and commercial spaces do not fully satisfy the requirements for both heating and hot water production, as they either rely on external gas sources or heat pumps that are inefficient in certain conditions, and do not effectively address the need for a multifunctional radiator that can efficiently produce hot water and heat ambient air.
Innovation Solution
A radiator design featuring a storage tank with multiple coils for thermal exchange, including a heat pump coil and a solar collector coil, which allows for efficient production of hot water and ambient air heating, with optional connections to various heat sources and configurations for different installation scenarios, such as convective fans and floor radiant systems, eliminating the need for anti-legionnaire's disease devices and reducing thermal insulation requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional boiler is used for heating and hot water production, then heating function is provided, but it requires external gas sources and separate installation space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the heating coil and hot water production coil into a single radiator unit with a common storage tank. The heating coil connects to the ambient air heating circuit while the hot water coil connects to the domestic hot water circuit, allowing both functions to be integrated in one device rather than requiring separate boiler and water heater systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The radiator is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides ambient air heating through the heating coil, produces domestic hot water through the hot water coil, and stores thermal energy in its water-filled tank. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate heating and hot water systems.
2Use of energy by moving object
If a heat pump is used for heating, then energy efficiency is improved, but it requires refrigerant circulation systems and expansion vessels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the expansion vessel and circulation pump from the heat pump system by designing the radiator tank as the primary expansion and storage component. The free space in the radiator tank serves as the expansion vessel, eliminating the need for separate expansion vessels and reducing system complexity while maintaining energy efficiency.
3Quantity of substance
If hot water storage is provided in the radiator, then hot water availability is improved, but thermal insulation requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the hot water storage function with the radiator's existing water-filled tank. The same tank that provides thermal mass for ambient heating also stores domestic hot water, eliminating the need for separate insulation systems and reducing overall thermal losses through integrated design.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the radiator is used for both heating and hot water production, then system versatility is improved, but the risk of legionella proliferation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses parameter changes by maintaining the storage tank water temperature above 50°C through the integrated heating coil. This temperature parameter change prevents legionella proliferation while still allowing the system to provide both ambient heating and domestic hot water production functions.
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 radiator provides efficient and multifunctional heating and hot water production, reducing the risk of legionella proliferation and minimizing thermal insulation needs, while allowing for flexible installation and operation, including remote heating of peripheral units without the need for circulation pumps or expansion vessels, thus enhancing both heating efficiency and user convenience.
Implementation Method 1
The first coil (3) is for production of hot domestic water. In fact, water for sanitary facilities (sinks and showers, mainly) flows inside it, being heated by means of thermal exchange with the water of the storage tank (2).
Implementation Method 2
The second coil (4) is part of the operating circuit of the heat pump (PC) shown in Fig. 2 and connected to the radiator (1). Hot cooling fluid (i.e. R410A) circulates inside it and condensates yielding heat to the water contained in the storage tank (2).
Implementation Method 3
the third coil (5) is connected to a solar collector (for example, a solar panel). Hot fluid coming from said collector circulates inside it, yielding heat during its passage to the water contained in the storage tank (2).
Implementation Method 4
adapted to heat hot water for sanitary facilities as well as the space where it is installed by simple convection of ambient air against the walls of the tank
Implementation Method 5
the liquid refrigerant fluid reaches the evaporator - external heat exchanger through the expansion valve and evaporates, taking heat from external air
Implementation Method 6
the fluid is extracted by the compressor that compresses it and pushes it as steam in the condenser - internal heat exchanger - where it condenses and yields heat to the indoor space or to a fluid
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a radiator (1,1A,1 B,1C) comprising a storage tank (2,2A,2B,2C), a first (3,3A,3B,3C) and a second (4,4A,4B,4C) and a third (5) thermal exchange coil housed in said storage tank (2,2A,2B,2C), said first coil (3,3A,3B,3C) being for hot domestic water, said second coil (4,4A,4B,4C) being part of a circuit of a heat pump (PC) and said third coil (5) being for heat transfer fluid of alternative heat sources (solar panels, biomass combustion, etc.).