Turbulence-Generating Fluid Conduit for Faster Uniform Heating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional boilers in household appliances, such as espresso machines, are slow to heat water and consume high amounts of electricity, leading to inefficient temperature increase and user dissatisfaction due to prolonged waiting times.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a fluid circulation conduit with means to create turbulence within the fluid flow, such as surfaces in relief on the inner wall, including studs and changes in section dimensions, which enhances mixing and even temperature distribution, allowing for faster and more efficient heating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If violent heating means are used to heat water quickly, then heating speed is improved, but temperature distribution becomes uneven due to laminar flow
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the flow regime parameter from laminar to turbulent by introducing turbulence-generating elements (protrusions, recesses, or changes in cross-section) in the conduit. This parameter change allows the heating system to achieve both fast heating and uniform temperature distribution, as turbulence enhances mixing while the small conduit dimensions maintain efficient heat transfer.
2Use of energy by stationary object
If conventional heating means are used, then energy consumption is reduced, but heating time becomes excessively long
Solution Approach 1:
The invention optimizes the heating process by inducing turbulence in the fluid flow through specific conduit geometry modifications. This allows conventional heating elements to operate more efficiently by enhancing heat transfer coefficients, thereby reducing both energy consumption and heating time simultaneously.
3Volume of moving object
If small diameter conduits are used in boiler devices, then device compactness is improved, but turbulence creation becomes less effective
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies local quality by introducing turbulence-generating features (protrusions, recesses, or cross-section changes) at specific locations within the small diameter conduit. These localized modifications create effective turbulence despite the limited space, maintaining both compactness and heating efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention compensates for the limited cross-sectional dimension by utilizing the longitudinal dimension of the conduit. Changes in cross-section along the length of the conduit (expansions, contractions, or irregular shapes) create turbulence effects that would be difficult to achieve in purely cross-sectional modifications, thereby maintaining productivity in compact dimensions.
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 approach enables higher temperature settings and faster heating times, breaking up laminar flow and improving the fluid's ability to absorb heat energy, resulting in improved temperature/time performance and reduced energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
the liquid flows through them relatively quickly which, when combined with violent heating means, leads to lamination of the fluid flow creating a very steep temperature gradient between the fluid close to the heating zone and the fluid furthest away. To counter this, this invention creates turbulence, at least in certain parts of the fluid circulation conduit. Mixing then occurs and this causes the temperature inside the conduit to even out.
Implementation Method 2
They have in common a circuit through which the heated water transits and means for heating the water, generally an electrical heating resistance. As an example, the water temperature of 20° C. at the intake is increased to a temperature at the outlet of between 70 and 100° C.
Implementation Method 3
means for heating the water, generally an electrical heating resistance
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid circulation conduit 1 for use as a heating device in electrical household appliances, includes an element for creating turbulence in the fluid circulating in its inner volume 2. Application of the device is to electrical household appliances equipped with a heating device.