AU2013101478A4 - Improved Methods of Heating Fluids - Google Patents

Improved Methods of Heating Fluids Download PDF

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Publication number
AU2013101478A4
AU2013101478A4 AU2013101478A AU2013101478A AU2013101478A4 AU 2013101478 A4 AU2013101478 A4 AU 2013101478A4 AU 2013101478 A AU2013101478 A AU 2013101478A AU 2013101478 A AU2013101478 A AU 2013101478A AU 2013101478 A4 AU2013101478 A4 AU 2013101478A4
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Australia
Prior art keywords
heating
water
low voltage
temperature
scaling
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AU2013101478A
Inventor
Peter Damien Hurley
Russell Wayne Kimmins
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COSMOS SOLAR Pty Ltd
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COSMOS SOLAR Pty Ltd
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Priority claimed from AU2012905019A external-priority patent/AU2012905019A0/en
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Abstract

Improved methods for heating fluids with heating elements at low voltage are disclosed. ThARM13ARD 24VC -XftU -'N . ' TRANI",' OvFE RELA (2w, F igismc

Description

Improved Methods of Heating Fluids BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Consumers are becoming ever more aware of protecting our environment. Government and private industries are attempting to provide better products that meet 5 consumer demands and concerns. Energy consumption is one of the prominent focal points in this environment debate and various projects and products have been proposed to reduce such consumption. One of the ways to reduce energy consumption is to provide more efficient methods for heating fluids, particularly for use in household, industrial, agricultural and commercial applications. 10 Heating methods for fluids traditionally comprise a heating element which is embedded within an insulated device and which then transfers heat by a range of methods including radiation, convection or conductance to an output surface. The heating element in such devices is typically fashioned as either a band or a wire made from an alloy containing nickel and/or chromium. However, such elements operating present a safety 15 issue because of the risk of electrocution to the user. To overcome this risk, the element typically has an insulation layer around the element wire and a protective sheath around this insulation. These extra layers take some time to heat up which reduces efficiency. Therefore it would be advantageous to provide safer and more efficient heating methods for fluids. One embodiment of the present invention provides an uninsulated yet 20 safe heating element operable at low voltages. In order to avoid electric shock hazards, "low voltage" for purposes of this invention, ranges (depending on the application) between 1V and 42V, and ideally around about 24V. Furthermore, an additional problem encountered in the use of hot water systems particularly in hard water areas where the water contains moderate or high levels of 25 calci un and ma gnesiun salts, are prone to "scaling" or "furring". Over time, as calcium salts such as calcium carbonate and other minerals accumulate, they act as an insulator, slowing down the heating process. lence an electrc system which builds up these salts on 1 its element and the like takes longer to boil and wastes electricity because the scale prevens the elcenen from conductng heat well Evenually the element can bum out if it i not descaled, resulting in additional cost and maintenance. Thus, another embodiment of the present invention effectively reduces the level of 5 scaling produced on an element, when in use, by regulating voltage. FIELD OF THE INVENTION The invention relates to improved methods of heating fluids, such as water or air. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 10 The invention utilizes an uninsulated heating element operable at less than 42V and ideally around 24V for safe and efficient heating of fluids. The present invention provides a method of reducing or decreasing the amount of sedimentation or scaling of an element comprising: a. supplying a source of high voltage power of at least 10oV; 15 b. transforming said high voltage to low voltage; c. heating an uninsulated element with said low voltage thereby heating a fluid. Preferably, the fluid is water. Preferably, low voltage ranges from about 22V to 28V. 20 Preferably, the element comprises about 80% nickel and 20% chrome. Preferably, the temperature of the element is raised to at least 4000 C. Preferably, the temperature of the element is raised to between 400'C and 1800C. 25 Preferably, the temperature of the element is raised to between 700'C and 1700C. 2 Preferably, the temperature of the element is raised to between 1200'C and 1700 0 C. Preferably, the temperature of the element is raised to between 1400 0 C and 1800 0 C Preferably, the element is in the form of a wire. 5 Preferably, the diameter of the wire is between 0.2-4mm. In another aspect, the present provides a heating assembly for heating hot water systems consisting of a non-insulated wired element operable at extra low voltage wherein the temperature of the element exceeds 800 0 C. Preferably, the heating assembly according to the invention is used for reducing or 10 decreasing the amount of sedimentation or scaling of an element. Preferably, low voltage ranges from about 22V to 28V. Preferably, the element comprises about 80% nickel and 20% chrome. 15 Preferably, the temperature of the element is raised to at least 4000 C. Preferably, the temperature of the element is raised to between 400 0 C and 1800 0 C. Preferably, the method or assembly according to the present invention is used for reducing carbon footprint. Preferably, the method or assembly according to the present invention is used for 20 increasing efficiency of a hot water system. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING Fig. 1 shows a circuit diagram of the preferred embodiment of the invention. Fig. 2 shows a heating element of the preferred embodiment of the invention. 25 DEFINITIONS 3 For purposes of this application, the following definitions apply to various terms: "low voltage" means between 1V and 42V, and ideally within a range of about 22V to 28V, with a preferred voltage of around 24V. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 5 As shown in figure 1, a preferred embodiment of the invention allows for either 120V or 240V AC input (10). These AC voltages are typical from the standard electrical outlet (depending on the country). Alternatively, a preferred embodiment of the invention accepts 24V DC input (12), for example, a solar panel or battery. In one preferred embodiment, multiple power sources may be used. If multiple power sources are available, 10 a remote selector switch (14) can be used to toggle back and forth between power input sources using control board (16) and change over relays (18). Other input sources within the scope of the invention include DC/photovoltaic, alternators, wind generators, heat exchange and other electrical power sources. If AC voltage higher than 42V is used, transformer (20) is used to step down the 15 voltage to less than 42V, and ideally within a range of about 22V to 28V, with a preferred embodiment at around 24V. The preferred embodiment uses a toriodal transformer, but alternatives would be apparent to one of skill in the art, such as step down transformers and switch mode power supplies. Regardless of the electrical input used, low voltage (in the preferred embodiment of figure 1, around 24V is supplied to uninsulated heating 20 element (24). Because the invention uses low voltage for heating element (24), the heating element is much safer than those run from convention higher voltage sources. Moreover, since the current entering into the heating element predominantly determines the amount of heat emitted/generated from uninsulated element (24), and not the voltage, using low 25 voltage is more efficient. Since the Watts input into the system (which remain constant) divided by the voltage determines the current (in Amps), stepping down high voltage input sources using transformer (20) increases the electrical efficiency, such as from standard electrical outlets. This efficiency, plus the ability to use an uninsulated heating element 4 (24) because of the safety of the low voltage power supply, means that use of the invention allows the user to heat fluids more safely while also decreasing power consumption. In one preferred embodiment of figure 1, heating element (24) comprises a nickel and chrome alloy or other alloy. In one embodiment, the heating element comprises 5 substantially 80% nickel and 20% chrome or other alloy. The heating element may comprise other metal compositions known in the art including alloy compositions comprising about 40% Nickel and 21% Chrome, commonly known as Incoloy@. Different compositions for heating element (24) would be apparent to one of skill in the art and are within the scope of invention. 10 In one preferred embodiment, heating element (24) is in the form of an uninsulated coil, wire or ribbon, although many other forms for heating element (24) are possible and within the scope of the invention, so long as the material is capable of withstanding high temperatures. In one preferred embodiment of figure 1, the temperature of heating element (24) 15 is raised to at least 400 C. Depending on the application (and the fluid heated) the temperature of the element may be between 7000 and 17000 C. As shown in the preferred embodiment of figure 1, fluid tank (30) can be any size, including the size of domestic tanks available in the market. The tanks include capacities ranging from 25 litres (1) to 2000 litres, typically 251, 501, 2001, 2501 and 5001. Typically, 20 fluid tank (30) is made of mild steel with a porcelain enamel coating, plastic or stainless steel. However, other suitable materials such as chromium/titanium alloys may be used for construction of the tanks, including water tanks. Many alternatives in capacity and composition for fluid tank (30) would be apparent to one of skill in the art, and are within the scope of the invention. 25 The fluids heated by heating element (24) include water, but other fluids such as glycol and its derivatives (including propylene glycol) can be used. Moreover, it would be apparent to one of skill in the art that the invention could be used with fluids such as air and other gases as well. 5 As shown in one preferred embodiment of Figure 1, the fluid in tank (30) is heated by the heating element (24). In one preferred embodiment of Figure 1, thermostat (32), in conjunction with the thermostat leads (34) and control board (16) regulates the temperature of the fluid in tank (30). Thermostat (32) may use analog or digital controls, 5 and may be programmable. As shown in the preferred embodiment of Figure 1, cold fluid comes into tank (30) by means of opening (26) while hot fluid is removed from tank (30) by means of opening (28). The fluid may be moved in and out of tank (30) by any conventional means, including convection. The invention would also cover closed heating methods. 10 Thus, the present invention is suitable for heating a water system for domestic, public and commercial uses. Domestic use includes heating water in household water heating systems in private and public accommodations. Public accommodations include small to medium sized accommodations such as motels and camping sites. Commercial applications include use in the marine industry and in mining sites. In the mining sites, the 15 heating system according to this invention reduces load on generators. The present invention can also be suitable for use in existing heating systems. The existing systems may be easily and economically retro-fitted using the methods described herein. Furthermore, the power supply and heating element may be retro-fitted to existing utilities to heat air, hot water systems, spas, pools, toasters, hairdryers, household 20 appliances including ovens, etc. The present invention can also be used for heating air, for example, for heating air in clothes driers, ovens, grills and central heating. Normally these products use high voltages (either 240V/AC or 120V/AC, depending on the country) from the standard electrical outlet. 25 The present invention allows for use of lower voltages for the power supply, thus increasing efficiency and providing greater electrical safety. 6 Another aspect of the invention relates to heating agricultural products including soil material or materials containing soil. The heating may be achieved by heating the moisture in the soil or by heating the soil material itself, according to the invention as described above. 5 In a preferred embodiment, the heating element is shown in Figure 2. Terminals (1) are connected to an extra low voltage power supply, causing element (4) to heat. Cold pins (3) prevent heating of the terminals (1). Support arm (5) is either a rod or a tube and supports the ceramic bushes (6) which in turn support the element (4). The threaded boss (2) screws into the housing, or comprises other means of fixing available in 10 the art such as a flange. Another aspect of the invention relates to a method of reducing or decreasing the amount of sedimentation or scaling of an element comprising: a. supplying a source of high voltage power of at least 10oV; 15 b. transforming said high voltage to low voltage; c. heating an uninsulated element with said low voltage thereby heating a fluid. There is growing concern regarding water quality based on the amount of scaling 20 or sedimentation that occurs in elements which are used for heating liquids such as water. The present invention targets controlling the voltage to achieve and accomplish the desired result. Thus, the present invention effectively reduces the level of scaling produced when in use by regulating voltage. Further, the present invention describes the avoidance of vessel and element 25 sediment by the exposure of the water due to the presence of an electrical charge. This feature is novel because of the use of insulated elements to protect from high voltage heating apparatus. 7 Furthermore, the relationship between the amount of sediment and voltage exposure is linear. Calcium carbonate is a natural compound that dissolves easily in water and, thus, often occurs in tap water. During heating water containing calcium carbonate in a water 5 heater, it will precipitate out of the water and adhere to the heating element as limescale. In hard water areas where the water contains moderate or high levels of calcium and magnesium salts, heating elements are prone to "scaling" or "furring". Over time, as calcium carbonate and other minerals accumulate, tey act as an insulator, slowing down the heating process. 10 A heater element that is full of line-scale takes longer to boil and wastes elctricity because the scale prevents the element from conducting heat well. Eventually the element can burn out if it is not descaled, and the element would require mnnance or be replaced adding to cost. A recent study on the effect of scaling of water heaters highlighted the benefits of 15 descaling or adding water softeners. (Final report study on benefits of removal of water hardness (calcium and magnesium ions) from a water supply; D. D. Paul, V.V. Gadkari, D.P. Evers, M.E. Goshe, and D.A. Thornton; httpi/wateheatrir,rg/d/ato ). This study noted that: (i) The amount of scale buildup in the water heaters is proportional to the 20 amount of hot water put through the device. (ii) In addition, a rough rule of thumb is that for every 20'F increase in setpoint temperature of the unit, the amount of water scale buildup is doubled. 8 Hence, there would be substantial savings associated with the use of elements for heating water according to the present invention which will subsequently lead to direct energy and economic savings due to lack of or lower level of scaling. In addition, because of the need to have the current type of water heater delimed or cleaned periodically, the economic 5 savings can lead to recovery of the cost of replacing or retro-fitting of a water heater, if the inlet water is sufficiently hard. Further, there are environmental benefits to the use of a heater according to the present invention: the lower use of electricity leads to reductions in the carbon footprint which are 10 related to the decrease in total energy consumption. The increase in total energy consumption (as a result of a reduction in heat transfer efficiency) is related to the hardness: higher water hardness will lead to greater energy consumption without the use of an element according to the present invention, and consequently greater energy costs. Energy Savings 15 Table 1 shows the energy savings based on the use of an element currently used compared to the Cosmos Solar element according to the present invention. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the embodiments of the invention herein described are merely illustrative of the application of the principles of the invention. 20 9 Table 1 Final Heat Up2 Test Results Aquamax 50 Ulmtr 2400 wait 240 VAC VS Aquamax 50 Utre 1 1800 watt C.E.V.F 24 VAC Aquamax Element 2400 watts 44.70 Litres 36.8C 2345 wat t 1 hour 1.426 (50 litre tank) 5 mimes 2 Csrnos Soia 18j77 watts 46 50 LUres 43 9C 215-; watts 1 hour 1 059 Element NOT 9mtinlutes i50 litre tank corrected for wale volume ard TA Tank was filled via a certified water meter on both occasions The tests were conducted to he first switch off at the toermostat and temperature of the water was reted at the no water outlet Cold water itdet temperature waes tested at the start and TA or degrees of tempemiure rise in 4C found. Athermostat shl off total power consumed was taken as wel as tine of operation. The Aquamax tenk wdh the standard 240D Watt 1 240 VAC element required 2.345 watts to achieve the defined temperature rise. The Aquanax tank witr the 1800 watt Cosmos Sole- CENF T Element Technology would have required 1758 (corrected for water volume and T) watts to do virtually the same job it he volume and TA wern the same giving ita saving of 28% r1th moe refinemernt (the positioning of he element obviously benefited the AquaRnax unit) additional savings are anticipated, Formula for efficiency (watts per 1 Litre per VC temperature rise) Wetls used + litres in ark + temp cise C = Aquamax 1.426 Formula fer Comp arson Conasn vatts Used Etticircy x Tank Volurne x TA = Cosmos 1 069 C.E.V-F Efficiency X Test 1, Volume x Tes 1 TA 1.069 n 44-7L x 35.8'C E.g. 2345 watts - 44.Titrea 35.6'C temp rise = 1 426 158 Wats ised 2, E-g. 2184 wets+ 4.:5Utres 43C temp se = 1 009 5 10

Claims (5)

1. A method of reducing or decreasing the amount of sedimentation or scaling of an 5 element comprising: a. supplying a source of high voltage power of at least 10oV; b. transforming said high voltage to low voltage; c. heating an uninsulated element with said low voltage thereby heating water, wherein low voltage ranges from about 22V to 28V, and the element 0 comprises about 80% nickel and 20% chrome.
2. The method according to claim 1 wherein the temperature of the element is raised to at least 4000 C.
3. The method according to claim 2 wherein the temperature of the element is raised to 5 between 400C and 1800C.
4. A heating assembly for heating hot water systems consisting of a non-insulated wired element operable at extra low voltage when used for reducing or decreasing the amount of sedimentation or scaling of an element wherein low voltage ranges from about 22V to 28V, the temperature of the element exceeds 800C and the element .0 comprises about 80% nickel and 20% chrome.
5. The method or assembly according to any of the preceding claims when used for increasing efficiency of a hot water system and for reducing carbon footprint. 11
AU2013101478A 2012-11-20 2013-11-13 Improved Methods of Heating Fluids Expired AU2013101478A4 (en)

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Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2013101478A AU2013101478A4 (en) 2012-11-20 2013-11-13 Improved Methods of Heating Fluids

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Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2012905019 2012-11-20
AU2012905019A AU2012905019A0 (en) 2012-11-20 Improved Methods of Heating Fluids
AU2013101478A AU2013101478A4 (en) 2012-11-20 2013-11-13 Improved Methods of Heating Fluids

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Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN108917165A (en) * 2018-08-09 2018-11-30 芜湖蓓慈电器有限公司 A kind of stifling Pediluvium apparatus of safety electric

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN108917165A (en) * 2018-08-09 2018-11-30 芜湖蓓慈电器有限公司 A kind of stifling Pediluvium apparatus of safety electric
CN108917165B (en) * 2018-08-09 2024-01-05 芜湖蓓慈电器有限公司 Electric heating safety fumigating foot bath device

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