Regulating method for an electric heater and the associated heater
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional heating devices face challenges in rapidly increasing outdoor air temperature without significantly increasing energy costs, especially when transitioning from economy mode to comfort mode, as they rely on increasing heating power which is costly in terms of energy.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a blower device that directs airflow towards the heating element and inertial element, with controlled airflow rates and power supply adjustments based on temperature setpoints, allowing for efficient temperature rise while minimizing energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the maximum heating power of the device is increased to accelerate the rise in temperature, then the temperature rise speed is improved, but the energy cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The blower device is activated before the heating element to pre-circulate air through the heating chamber, preparing the air flow path and reducing the initial thermal resistance. This preliminary action allows the heating element to operate more efficiently when activated, achieving faster temperature rise without requiring excessive heating power.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a blower device to create forced air circulation through the heating chamber, utilizing pneumatic principles to enhance heat transfer efficiency. The controlled air flow ensures optimal contact between the heated air and the inertial element, improving thermal exchange without requiring increased heating power, thus resolving the contradiction between temperature rise speed and energy consumption.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the blower device operates continuously at high airflow rate to maintain temperature, then the temperature stability is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The blower device operates periodically rather than continuously, with duty cycles adjusted based on the temperature difference between the current and target temperatures. During heating phases, the blower operates at higher duty cycles to maintain stable temperature rise, and reduces operation during maintenance phases, achieving temperature stability while minimizing energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The airflow rate of the blower device is dynamically adjusted based on real-time temperature feedback from the sensor. The control unit modifies the blower's operational parameters (airflow rate, duty cycle) according to the temperature deviation from the target, ensuring optimal temperature stability with minimal energy expenditure. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between stability and energy consumption.
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 method enables faster temperature increases with reduced energy costs by optimizing airflow and power supply strategies, enhancing user comfort and energy efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an electric heating element capable of converting electric energy into heat
Implementation Method 2
an inertial element formed of a material with thermal inertia, able to store the heat emitted by the electric heating element and to restore said heat to air outside the device
Implementation Method 3
a blower device, capable of directing a flow of air towards the electric heating element and/or towards the inertial element
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method of regulating a heating apparatus (10), comprising: a casing (14, 16); an electric heating element (12, 22); an inertial element (14) and a temperature sensor (42); said regulation method comprising a first and a second operating mode, respectively associated with a first (T1) and a second temperature (Tc). The heating apparatus further comprises a device for blowing an air flow (21) towards the electric heating element and/or towards the inertial element. The method comprises the following steps: - instructions (100) for passing from the first to the second mode of operation; then - increasing (102) heating and starting (104) blowing; then - stopping (106) of blowing if the outside temperature (T) reaches a predetermined value equal to T1 + α (Tc - T1), such that 0<α ≤1.