Water Heating Module Pump Housing for Thermal Decoupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Water heating modules with integrated pumps often operate beyond the pump's specified temperature range due to high temperatures generated by the heat exchanger, leading to reduced service life and voided warranties.
Innovation Solution
A heat-insulating pump housing is introduced to thermally decouple the pump's electronics from the heat exchanger, with convective cooling via natural convection using inlet and outlet openings to prevent overheating, allowing the pump to operate within safe temperature limits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the heat exchanger and pump are covered by a single thermally insulated cover to achieve compactness and thermal insulation, then the module becomes compact and energy-efficient, but the pump operates outside its specified temperature range leading to reduced service life
Solution Approach 1:
The single thermally insulated cover is segmented into two distinct components: an outer housing cover providing thermal insulation for the entire module, and an inner pump housing providing thermal insulation specifically for the pump. This segmentation allows the pump to be thermally decoupled from the heat exchanger while maintaining overall module insulation efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump is extracted from the general thermal environment of the heat exchanger by providing it with a dedicated pump housing. This extraction creates a separate thermal zone for the pump, allowing independent temperature control and protecting the pump from excessive heat generated by the heat exchanger.
2Volume of stationary object
If the pump is placed close to the heat exchanger to achieve compact module design, then the module size is reduced, but the pump temperature exceeds manufacturer specifications
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal insulation system is segmented into module-level insulation (housing cover) and pump-level insulation (pump housing). This allows the pump to be positioned close to the heat exchanger for compactness while the pump housing creates a localized thermal barrier protecting the pump from heat exposure.
Solution Approach 2:
Thermal insulation is applied with local quality: the pump housing provides concentrated thermal protection specifically where needed (around the pump), while the housing cover provides general thermal insulation for the entire module. This localized approach enables compact positioning without compromising pump temperature control.
3Reliability
If the pump housing is fully enclosed to maximize thermal protection, then the pump is well-protected from heat, but cooling air circulation is blocked causing overheating
Solution Approach 1:
The pump housing acts as a flexible thermal barrier that can be configured with openings. It provides thermal protection while allowing controlled air circulation through strategically placed inlet and outlet openings, balancing thermal isolation with cooling requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump housing serves as an intermediary structure between the heat exchanger and the pump. It mediates the thermal interaction by providing insulation while incorporating openings that allow controlled air flow, thus protecting the pump from direct heat exposure while maintaining adequate cooling.
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 effectively prevents overheating of the pump, ensuring it operates within manufacturer-specified limits, thereby extending its service life and maintaining warranty validity.
Implementation Method 1
A heat-insulating pump housing is introduced to thermally decouple the pump's electronics from the heat exchanger
Implementation Method 2
The convective cooling of the pump part provided in the pump housing preferably takes place via natural convection. For this purpose, the pump housing is designed in such a way that the reduction in density associated with the heating of the incoming air is used to generate a flow
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a water heating module with a heat exchanger (14) which has a primary area (PK) and a secondary area (SK), and a pump (28) which is supported by a heat-insulated cover (4) of a housing (2, 4 , 6, 8) are covered. To improve the heat balance of the aforementioned module, the present invention proposes a pump housing (52) which is provided in the housing (2, 4, 6, 8) and at least partially thermally insulates the pump (28) from the heat exchanger (14). encloses and which is provided with inlet and outlet openings (64; 72) which communicate with the environment.