Shower steam condenser
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shower systems waste thermal energy in the form of steam, which is not effectively captured to heat incoming water, leading to inefficiency and potential damage to bathroom fixtures and décor.
Innovation Solution
A shower steam condenser panel is integrated into the shower system to condense steam and transfer thermal energy to incoming water, enhancing user experience and efficiency by making the system visible and decorative.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional shower systems are used, then incoming cold water is heated by external energy sources, but thermal energy from steam is wasted and not captured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful waste steam into a beneficial heat source by capturing it through condensation surfaces and using the released latent heat to preheat incoming cold water through heat exchange channels, thereby eliminating energy loss and reducing external heating requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the phase transition of steam condensing into liquid water on the condensation surfaces, which releases latent heat that is then transferred through the panel structure to heat the incoming cold water flowing through internal channels
2Loss of energy
If a shower steam condenser panel is integrated into the shower environment, then thermal energy from steam is captured to heat incoming water, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the steam condensation function with the water heating function into a single integrated panel structure, where the condensation surfaces and heat exchange channels are combined in one component, eliminating the need for separate condensation and heating systems
Solution Approach 2:
The panel structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a condensation surface for steam, provides heat exchange channels for water heating, and functions as a structural element within the shower environment, thereby reducing overall system complexity despite the added functionality
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 shower steam condenser panel effectively heats incoming water, reduces steam in the bathroom, and improves user experience by being both functional and aesthetically appealing, while also prolonging the life of fixtures and décor.
Implementation Method 1
The panel is configured to condense steam to heat a fluid flowing through the plurality of flow channels
Implementation Method 2
condensing, by the panel, steam within an interior volume of the shower environment, receiving, by the inlet, a supply of the fluid from a fluid source, heating, by the panel, the fluid flowing through the plurality of flow channels
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 4
AI summary
A heat exchanger for a shower environment includes a panel having an inlet, an outlet, and a plurality of flow channels. The panel is disposed within the shower environment. The plurality of flow channels fluidly couples the inlet with the outlet. The panel is configured to condense steam to heat a fluid flowing through the plurality of flow channels.