Rotating Hollow-Shaft Heat Exchanger for Textile Laundry Water Heating

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Solution Overview

Problem

The use of steam boilers for heating washing water in industrial textile laundries is inefficient, noisy, and poses safety risks due to potential steam explosions, while also being environmentally unfavorable.

Innovation Solution

A system using a heat exchanger with an axially rotatable hollow shaft and a recirculating heating medium, such as warm water or oil, to efficiently heat washing water without the need for a steam boiler, incorporating temperature sensors and control mechanisms for optimal operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If a steam boiler is used to heat washing water, then the washing water can be heated to required temperature, but energy consumption increases and safety risks arise due to potential steam explosions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewashing water temperatureVSAvoidsafety
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A heat exchanger is introduced as an intermediary device between the heating source and the washing water. The heat exchanger transfers thermal energy from a heating medium (such as hot water or thermal oil) to the washing water without direct contact, eliminating the safety risks of steam boilers while maintaining effective heating capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical steam generation system is replaced with a thermal exchange system. Instead of generating steam through combustion and pressure buildup, the system uses controlled heat transfer through a heat exchanger, substituting a dangerous mechanical-thermal system with a safer thermal-only system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Temperature

If a steam boiler is used to heat washing water, then the washing water can be heated, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewashing water temperatureVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements continuous recirculation of the heating medium through the heat exchanger, maintaining continuous heat transfer to the washing water. This continuous operation eliminates the inefficiencies of intermittent steam boiler operation and optimizes energy utilization throughout the washing process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the operating parameters from high-temperature steam generation to controlled thermal exchange at lower temperatures. By operating the heat exchanger with heating media at optimized temperature ranges and maintaining continuous flow, the system achieves efficient energy transfer with reduced overall energy consumption compared to steam boiler operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Temperature

If a steam boiler is used to heat washing water, then the washing water can be heated, but noise levels increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewashing water temperatureVSAvoidnoise
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The noisy mechanical steam generation process is replaced with a quiet thermal exchange process. The heat exchanger operates without the combustion noises, pressure release valves, and mechanical movements characteristic of steam boilers, significantly reducing noise pollution in the laundry environment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Reliability

If the hollow shaft rotates axially during use, then contamination deposition is prevented, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat exchanger performanceVSAvoidheat exchanger structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The hollow shaft is designed to rotate axially during operation, transforming from a static to a dynamic component. This rotation prevents contamination from depositing on the internal surfaces by continuously changing the contact points, maintaining heat transfer efficiency without requiring complex cleaning mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The axial rotation of the hollow shaft creates periodic movement that prevents contamination buildup. By continuously rotating the shaft, the system periodically changes which surfaces are exposed to the heating medium, preventing any single area from accumulating contaminants that would reduce heat transfer performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

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

This solution provides a safer, more energy-efficient method for heating washing water, reducing energy consumption by up to 40% and preventing contamination buildup in the heat exchanger, thus enhancing the efficiency and safety of the washing process.

Implementation Method 1

at least one heat exchanger for heating the washing water to be used

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat exchanger: Heat Exchanger

Implementation Method 2

By heating the relatively cold washing water to be used in a special heat exchanger using a relatively warm heating liquid

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal energy transfer: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 3

it is necessary to apply a special heat exchanger provided with a hollow shaft which rotates axially during use in order to be able to prevent as far as possible the deposition of contaminants onto the heated hollow shaft

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAxial rotation:

Implementation Method 4

a substantial energy-saving of up to about 40% can in this way be realized. During the washing process the washing water is recirculated in the washing water circuit, wherein the washing water is heated in the heat exchanger

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEnthalpy exchange:

Data Source

PatentEP2177659B1System and method for heating washing water for use in a textile laundry
Publication Date: 2012.09.12 EMS ROTOR
  • EP2177659B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2177659B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The invention relates to a system (1) for heating washing water (6) for use in a textile laundry. The invention further relates to a method for heating washing water for use in a textile laundry, in particular by making use of the system according to the invention.