A heating system that produces heat from a source of rotational motion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heating systems that utilize wind energy to heat liquids only provide heat when the wind turbine is in motion, limiting heating availability to windy conditions.
Innovation Solution
A heating system incorporating a source of rotational motion, pumps, primary and secondary heat storage systems, and a heat pump, which allows for continuous heat supply by storing thermal energy in both systems and using the heat pump to maintain temperature when wind energy is insufficient.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a wind turbine is used to pump liquid through piping to generate heat through friction, then heat can be produced from wind energy, but heat is only available when the wind turbine is in motion
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by storing thermal energy in advance when wind energy is available. The primary heat storage system accumulates heat during windy periods, and the secondary heat storage system stores additional thermal energy, so that heat can be supplied later when the wind turbine is not operating.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary components - the primary and secondary heat storage systems - that mediate between the wind turbine and the heat demand. These storage systems decouple the heat production from wind availability, allowing heat to be supplied reliably even when the wind turbine is stationary.
2Reliability
If heat storage capacity is increased to provide heat during calm periods, then heat availability improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heat storage system is segmented into two distinct parts: a primary heat storage system and a secondary heat storage system. This segmentation allows each component to have optimized capacity and temperature characteristics, managing overall system complexity while providing reliable heat supply during calm periods.
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 system provides a reliable heat source that can sustain several hours to 24 hours of heat demand without wind energy, enhancing energy efficiency and reducing carbon dioxide emissions.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one pump is configured to pump liquid to repeatedly circulate around the one or more loops of piping, resulting in frictional heating of the pumped liquid
Implementation Method 2
the heat pump is configured to transfer thermal energy from the secondary heat storage system to the primary heat storage system
Data Source
AI summary
A heating system comprises a source of rotational motion, at least one pump, a primary heat storage system, and one or more loops of piping connected to the primary heat storage system. The source of rotational motion, which may be a wind turbine, is configured to drive the at least one pump. The at least one pump is configured to pump liquid to repeatedly circulate around the one or more loops of piping, resulting in frictional heating of the pumped liquid and transfer of heat to the primary heat storage system. The system may comprise a secondary heat storage system, the pump may have an efficiency of less than 20%, the wind turbine may have drag-style blades, and/or the system may comprise a flow valve to regulate a flow rate of the pumped liquid.