Resonant AC Heating Element with Exponential Electrodes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heating technologies are inefficient in generating heat using alternating current, particularly in maintaining constant temperature and requiring continuous flow of heated medium, and often rely on ohmic effects which are not optimized for energy savings.
Innovation Solution
A heating element with a hollow body housing acting as a cavity resonator and insulated electrodes with exponential curves, powered by duty factor modulated AC voltage, operating at resonance frequency to induce high-efficiency collisions and heat generation in a medium containing charged ions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If ohmic heating elements are used, then heating function is achieved, but energy efficiency is low and temperature control is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies resonant vibration of ions in the medium between electrodes. By tuning the AC frequency to match the natural resonance frequency of ions, the system achieves maximum heating efficiency with minimal energy input. The resonant oscillation of ions creates intense friction and collision, generating heat far more efficiently than conventional ohmic heating.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the frequency and amplitude of AC voltage applied to electrodes based on feedback from temperature sensors. When the medium reaches its resonance frequency, the system maintains constant amplitude oscillation, achieving stable temperature control. This parameter adjustment allows optimal energy efficiency while maintaining reliable temperature control.
2Temperature
If continuous flow of heated medium is required, then heating function is maintained, but system complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element generates heat directly within the medium between electrodes through ion resonance, eliminating the need for external flow systems. The medium itself becomes the heating medium and heat transfer medium, serving multiple functions simultaneously. This self-service approach removes pumps, flow control valves, and associated control systems, dramatically reducing device complexity while maintaining effective heating.
3Use of energy by moving object
If type of heat transferring medium is restricted, then heating efficiency is improved, but adaptability of the system decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The resonant heating mechanism works with any medium containing charged ions, including liquids, gases, and plasmas. By adjusting the AC frequency to match the resonance frequency of ions in different media, the system achieves efficient heating across diverse applications. The electrodes and resonant cavity design are universally applicable, making the system adaptable to various industrial and residential heating needs regardless of medium type.
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 achieves significantly increased heating efficiency with reduced energy consumption, allowing for efficient heat generation in both residential and industrial applications while maintaining constant temperature with minimal energy input.
Implementation Method 1
operating at resonance frequency to induce high-efficiency collisions and heat generation in a medium containing charged ions
Implementation Method 2
high-efficiency collisions and friction between the charged ions are utilized which de-emphasizes the ohmic effect and results in intensive heat generation
Implementation Method 3
at least two electrodes which are insulated from the housing and from each other by means of an insulating element
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
Heating element (1) powered by alternating current and heat generator (43) comprising the heating element (1) and control electronics (9). The heating element has a hollow body housing (3) which is closed or provided with one or more openings, and at least two electrodes (5) which are insulated from said housing (1) and from each other by means of an insulating element (4). The control electronics (9) comprises an AC mains supply unit (10), a central unit (11) and a heavy current switch unit (12). The output (15) of the heavy current switch unit (12) is connected to the heating element (1). The electrodes (5) have a polygonal or a three-dimensional curve cross-section and their longitudinal axes (8) or generating lines each form an exponential curve. A duty factor modulated AC voltage of at most 1000V amplitude, 1000-60 000 Hz is connected to said electrodes (5).