CA2717531C - Heat activated circulation fan - Google Patents
Heat activated circulation fan Download PDFInfo
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- CA2717531C CA2717531C CA2717531A CA2717531A CA2717531C CA 2717531 C CA2717531 C CA 2717531C CA 2717531 A CA2717531 A CA 2717531A CA 2717531 A CA2717531 A CA 2717531A CA 2717531 C CA2717531 C CA 2717531C
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- Prior art keywords
- heater
- heat
- fan device
- fan
- teg
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Classifications
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
- F04D—NON-POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT PUMPS
- F04D25/00—Pumping installations or systems
- F04D25/02—Units comprising pumps and their driving means
- F04D25/06—Units comprising pumps and their driving means the pump being electrically driven
- F04D25/0606—Units comprising pumps and their driving means the pump being electrically driven the electric motor being specially adapted for integration in the pump
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24H—FLUID HEATERS, e.g. WATER OR AIR HEATERS, HAVING HEAT-GENERATING MEANS, e.g. HEAT PUMPS, IN GENERAL
- F24H3/00—Air heaters
- F24H3/02—Air heaters with forced circulation
- F24H3/025—Air heaters with forced circulation using fluid fuel
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24H—FLUID HEATERS, e.g. WATER OR AIR HEATERS, HAVING HEAT-GENERATING MEANS, e.g. HEAT PUMPS, IN GENERAL
- F24H3/00—Air heaters
- F24H3/02—Air heaters with forced circulation
- F24H3/04—Air heaters with forced circulation the air being in direct contact with the heating medium, e.g. electric heating element
- F24H3/0405—Air heaters with forced circulation the air being in direct contact with the heating medium, e.g. electric heating element using electric energy supply, e.g. the heating medium being a resistive element; Heating by direct contact, i.e. with resistive elements, electrodes and fins being bonded together without additional element in-between
- F24H3/0411—Air heaters with forced circulation the air being in direct contact with the heating medium, e.g. electric heating element using electric energy supply, e.g. the heating medium being a resistive element; Heating by direct contact, i.e. with resistive elements, electrodes and fins being bonded together without additional element in-between for domestic or space-heating systems
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H10—SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES; ELECTRIC SOLID-STATE DEVICES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- H10N—ELECTRIC SOLID-STATE DEVICES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- H10N10/00—Thermoelectric devices comprising a junction of dissimilar materials, i.e. devices exhibiting Seebeck or Peltier effects
- H10N10/10—Thermoelectric devices comprising a junction of dissimilar materials, i.e. devices exhibiting Seebeck or Peltier effects operating with only the Peltier or Seebeck effects
- H10N10/13—Thermoelectric devices comprising a junction of dissimilar materials, i.e. devices exhibiting Seebeck or Peltier effects operating with only the Peltier or Seebeck effects characterised by the heat-exchanging means at the junction
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24D—DOMESTIC- OR SPACE-HEATING SYSTEMS, e.g. CENTRAL HEATING SYSTEMS; DOMESTIC HOT-WATER SUPPLY SYSTEMS; ELEMENTS OR COMPONENTS THEREFOR
- F24D18/00—Small-scale combined heat and power [CHP] generation systems specially adapted for domestic heating, space heating or domestic hot-water supply
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24D—DOMESTIC- OR SPACE-HEATING SYSTEMS, e.g. CENTRAL HEATING SYSTEMS; DOMESTIC HOT-WATER SUPPLY SYSTEMS; ELEMENTS OR COMPONENTS THEREFOR
- F24D2101/00—Electric generators of small-scale CHP systems
- F24D2101/60—Thermoelectric generators, e.g. Peltier or Seebeck elements
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Thermal Sciences (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Structures Of Non-Positive Displacement Pumps (AREA)
Abstract
The present invention relates to a circulating fan adapted for use with explosion-proof catalytic heaters in hazardous environments. The fan operates on electrical energy supplied by a thermal electric generator (TEG) device located between a heat harvester plate, which captures thermal energy from the catalytic heater, and a heat sink located above the catalytic heater. An angled flange of the heat harvester plate extends over the face of the catalytic heater by less than 20% of the surface area. The circulating fan reduces or eliminates stratification of air in cold remote service buildings to inhibit condensation and icing.
Description
HEAT ACTIVATED CIRCULATION FAN
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention pertains to a heat activated electrical fan for distributing heated air within an enclosed environment, such as a service building. The fan has particular application in cold climates for circulating air in remotely located structures such as compressor stations and service buildings associated with the oil and gas industry operation and maintenance. The fan has been adapted for use in association with explosion-proof catalytic heaters as are commonly used in such service buildings.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Pipelines, which convey fluids and fluidized materials, have been built in virtually all parts of the globe. In colder reaches of the north and south hemispheres, steps must be taken to ensure that the fluids conveyed in pipelines do not freeze. While the pipelines themselves may be heavily insulated when exposed above ground, or are buried below ground beyond the reach of freezing temperatures, or any combination of both, some portions of the pipelines must be accessible for maintenance or operational purposes. Such accessible facilities include compressor stations, monitoring stations, pressure reduction stations and maintenance facilities.
Typically, such facilities are housed in above ground structures. Structures which are located near populated regions normally have access to the electrical grid and, whether staffed or simply automated, allow a full array of required electrical instrumentation and heaters. However, many other such stations are in remote areas unconnected to the electrical grid. Where such remote facilities are staffed, electrical generators may be activated as required. However, in remote, non-staffed locations, service structures must still be heated in cold weather. In areas of extreme cold weather, service structures which are heated often experience stratification of the heated air depending upon the design and location of the heat source. Often in such remote locations, catalytic heaters are utilized, often in the absence of any service personnel, to provide required heat to the structure. Nonetheless, given the size of structure normally required to house compressor stations and maintenance facilities, there is a tendency of air to stratify over the vertical extent of the structure. This is a consequence of insufficient convection currents being generated by the heater to result in uniform heat distribution throughout the structure, thereby permitting temperature stratification and ventilation dead spots. In consequence of stratification of air within service structures, there is a tendency for condensation and resulting ice formation and build-up within the structure, which ultimately hampers equipment operation and, in extreme cases, can result in failure of the equipment. A fan device to cause air movement within the structure and overcome stratification of air is clearly desirable.
Heretofore, thermal electric modules or generators (TEMs or TEGs) have been used in association with space heaters and other heating units such as wood and fossil fuel combustion burning stoves. One such heat transfer fan, called an EcoFan manufactured by Caframo Ltd. of Wiarton, Canada utilizes TEM means connected to a motor and fan to circulate air. As disclosed in U.S. Patent 5,544,488, the EcoFan device relies purely on heat transfer by conduction. The TEM is sandwiched between a collection plate (hot side) and heat sink (cold side) with the collection plate in direct contact with the upper horizontal surface of the stove. The device also includes heat avoidance structures to avoid thermal damage to the TEM. This unit cannot be used in hazardous locations.
In United States published Patent Application 2008/0087315 Al, there is disclosed a thermal electric fan for use with catalytic heaters. The fan utilizes a thermoelectric module in a fan housing which is positioned in front of a heater face. As the heat sink required to operate the thermoelectric module is also in front of the heater face, the fan is directed to blow against the heat sink to cool it, and care must be taken to insulate the heat sink from the heater face. The fan orientation causes air to blow across the heater face, thereby distorting and adversely affecting combustion, and potentially causing the heater to operate outside the manufacturer's specifications.
This unit can be used in hazardous locations.
In order to avoid the adverse consequences of a fan structure blowing against the heater while utilizing radiant heat, the present invention involves the use of a low voltage electric motor driven fan wherein the electrical current is generated by a thermal electric module or generator (TEM or TEG) heated by a conductor plate (heat harvester plate, or HHP) which receives radiant, convective and conductive heat
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention pertains to a heat activated electrical fan for distributing heated air within an enclosed environment, such as a service building. The fan has particular application in cold climates for circulating air in remotely located structures such as compressor stations and service buildings associated with the oil and gas industry operation and maintenance. The fan has been adapted for use in association with explosion-proof catalytic heaters as are commonly used in such service buildings.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Pipelines, which convey fluids and fluidized materials, have been built in virtually all parts of the globe. In colder reaches of the north and south hemispheres, steps must be taken to ensure that the fluids conveyed in pipelines do not freeze. While the pipelines themselves may be heavily insulated when exposed above ground, or are buried below ground beyond the reach of freezing temperatures, or any combination of both, some portions of the pipelines must be accessible for maintenance or operational purposes. Such accessible facilities include compressor stations, monitoring stations, pressure reduction stations and maintenance facilities.
Typically, such facilities are housed in above ground structures. Structures which are located near populated regions normally have access to the electrical grid and, whether staffed or simply automated, allow a full array of required electrical instrumentation and heaters. However, many other such stations are in remote areas unconnected to the electrical grid. Where such remote facilities are staffed, electrical generators may be activated as required. However, in remote, non-staffed locations, service structures must still be heated in cold weather. In areas of extreme cold weather, service structures which are heated often experience stratification of the heated air depending upon the design and location of the heat source. Often in such remote locations, catalytic heaters are utilized, often in the absence of any service personnel, to provide required heat to the structure. Nonetheless, given the size of structure normally required to house compressor stations and maintenance facilities, there is a tendency of air to stratify over the vertical extent of the structure. This is a consequence of insufficient convection currents being generated by the heater to result in uniform heat distribution throughout the structure, thereby permitting temperature stratification and ventilation dead spots. In consequence of stratification of air within service structures, there is a tendency for condensation and resulting ice formation and build-up within the structure, which ultimately hampers equipment operation and, in extreme cases, can result in failure of the equipment. A fan device to cause air movement within the structure and overcome stratification of air is clearly desirable.
Heretofore, thermal electric modules or generators (TEMs or TEGs) have been used in association with space heaters and other heating units such as wood and fossil fuel combustion burning stoves. One such heat transfer fan, called an EcoFan manufactured by Caframo Ltd. of Wiarton, Canada utilizes TEM means connected to a motor and fan to circulate air. As disclosed in U.S. Patent 5,544,488, the EcoFan device relies purely on heat transfer by conduction. The TEM is sandwiched between a collection plate (hot side) and heat sink (cold side) with the collection plate in direct contact with the upper horizontal surface of the stove. The device also includes heat avoidance structures to avoid thermal damage to the TEM. This unit cannot be used in hazardous locations.
In United States published Patent Application 2008/0087315 Al, there is disclosed a thermal electric fan for use with catalytic heaters. The fan utilizes a thermoelectric module in a fan housing which is positioned in front of a heater face. As the heat sink required to operate the thermoelectric module is also in front of the heater face, the fan is directed to blow against the heat sink to cool it, and care must be taken to insulate the heat sink from the heater face. The fan orientation causes air to blow across the heater face, thereby distorting and adversely affecting combustion, and potentially causing the heater to operate outside the manufacturer's specifications.
This unit can be used in hazardous locations.
In order to avoid the adverse consequences of a fan structure blowing against the heater while utilizing radiant heat, the present invention involves the use of a low voltage electric motor driven fan wherein the electrical current is generated by a thermal electric module or generator (TEM or TEG) heated by a conductor plate (heat harvester plate, or HHP) which receives radiant, convective and conductive heat
2 energy from a catalytic heater and conveys it to the receiving surface of the thermal electric generator. A heat sink contacting the opposite surface of the TEG is at a cooler temperature. The temperature gradient between opposed surfaces of the thermal electric module induces an electrical current sufficient to operate an electric motor and fan. The fan is preferably positioned above the catalytic heater, and blows heated air together with by-products of combustion generated by the catalytic heater away from the heater face and throughout the building structure, thereby preventing or reducing stratification of air and hence reducing or eliminating ice build-up within the structure.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide an electric drive fan means to circulate air in a heated, enclosed structure where no electric grid service is available.
It is a further object of the invention to utilize a building heat source to generate an electric supply to operate a fan means.
It is another object of the invention to utilize a thermal electric generator (TEG), activated by a catalytic heater, to provide the electrical service to the fan.
It is a further object of the invention to utilize a heat collector and conductor to supply heat to one surface of a TEG, whereby the heat collector or harvester does not interfere with the operation and dissipation of heat from the catalytic heater.
It is still a further object of the invention to provide an explosion-proof electric fan activated by a TEG and explosive proof catalytic heater for use in hazardous locations involving combustible environments.
Catalytic heaters generally have a vertical orientation, with combustion extending over a vertical catalyst face. The circulation fan device of the present invention is adapted for use with such a heater, preferably an explosion-proof catalytic heater.
The fan device utilizes a collector plate or heat harvester plate (HHP) as a receiver to collect radiative and convective heat transfer components from a discrete area of the
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide an electric drive fan means to circulate air in a heated, enclosed structure where no electric grid service is available.
It is a further object of the invention to utilize a building heat source to generate an electric supply to operate a fan means.
It is another object of the invention to utilize a thermal electric generator (TEG), activated by a catalytic heater, to provide the electrical service to the fan.
It is a further object of the invention to utilize a heat collector and conductor to supply heat to one surface of a TEG, whereby the heat collector or harvester does not interfere with the operation and dissipation of heat from the catalytic heater.
It is still a further object of the invention to provide an explosion-proof electric fan activated by a TEG and explosive proof catalytic heater for use in hazardous locations involving combustible environments.
Catalytic heaters generally have a vertical orientation, with combustion extending over a vertical catalyst face. The circulation fan device of the present invention is adapted for use with such a heater, preferably an explosion-proof catalytic heater.
The fan device utilizes a collector plate or heat harvester plate (HHP) as a receiver to collect radiative and convective heat transfer components from a discrete area of the
3 heater face, and to conduct heat to the input plate of a thermal electric generator. The upper portion of the receiver HHP is sitting directly on the heater's case, additionally extracting more heat that is conducted towards the TEGs. The fan is strategically positioned as rising heat and by-products of combustion including water vapor and carbon dioxide are forced away from heater area promoting more even heat distribution inside a service structure. This position minimizes ice formation in the vicinity of a heating unit and reduces stratification effect inside facility.
As is known in the art, TEGs utilize the direct conversion of temperature differentials to electric voltage (the Seebeck effect). The present device uses one or more TEGs sandwiched between a heat harvester plate (HHP) and an output plate or heat sink generally at ambient room temperature to produce a voltage difference and generate a current sufficient to operate an appropriate electric motor which is used to drive the circulating fan blades.
In particular, the present invention is adapted for use in remote locations where there is no electric grid power or manned generator. When used in an oil or gas pipeline application, a compressor station or maintenance facility will normally be housed in a building structure. Because of the volatile nature of oil and gas fumes, an explosion-proof heater is utilized during winter months for a source of heat with the structure.
Preferably, the explosion-proof, gas fired heater is self-activating, such as Cata-DyneTM Heating Systems manufactured by CCI Thermal Technologies, Inc. of Edmonton, Canada. Further, the TEG and electric motor circuit is a low voltage/low current device. As a result, low powered devices such as the present invention do not have sufficient energy to ignite petroleum products including natural gas, propane, solvents and other compounds. Therefore it is capable of working safely in those environments.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In order to assist in understanding of the invention, preferred embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:
FIG. I is a schematic perspective view of the circulating fan device of the invention;
As is known in the art, TEGs utilize the direct conversion of temperature differentials to electric voltage (the Seebeck effect). The present device uses one or more TEGs sandwiched between a heat harvester plate (HHP) and an output plate or heat sink generally at ambient room temperature to produce a voltage difference and generate a current sufficient to operate an appropriate electric motor which is used to drive the circulating fan blades.
In particular, the present invention is adapted for use in remote locations where there is no electric grid power or manned generator. When used in an oil or gas pipeline application, a compressor station or maintenance facility will normally be housed in a building structure. Because of the volatile nature of oil and gas fumes, an explosion-proof heater is utilized during winter months for a source of heat with the structure.
Preferably, the explosion-proof, gas fired heater is self-activating, such as Cata-DyneTM Heating Systems manufactured by CCI Thermal Technologies, Inc. of Edmonton, Canada. Further, the TEG and electric motor circuit is a low voltage/low current device. As a result, low powered devices such as the present invention do not have sufficient energy to ignite petroleum products including natural gas, propane, solvents and other compounds. Therefore it is capable of working safely in those environments.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In order to assist in understanding of the invention, preferred embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:
FIG. I is a schematic perspective view of the circulating fan device of the invention;
4 FIG. 2 is a general location view of the present circulating fan device associated with a catalytic heater within an oil pipeline service structure, portions of which are cutaway for illustration purposes;
FIG. 3 is a schematic of the circulating fan device with portions of a catalytic heater, illustrating air flows during operation.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Figure 1 illustrates a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and the circulating fan device 1. The device comprises a heat collector and conductor plate, (i.e. the heat harvester plate or HHP) 2 and a heat sink 4. Sandwiched between HHP
2 and heat sink 4 is a thermal electric generator 6 comprising one or more TEG
units.
Heat sink 4 is generally at or slightly above the ambient temperature of the air within the confines of a building structure 20 (see Figure 2) but below the temperature of the HHP. Reduction of heat sink temperature below the HHP temperature results from cooler floor level air being circulated and drawn across the heat sink. An electric motor 8 is positioned atop the heat sink and activated by electric current generated by the TEG 6. A fan 10 may be directly affixed to the shaft of electric motor 8, or geared indirectly thereto.
Circulating fan device 1 is positioned atop a catalytic heater 22 as seen in Figure 2.
One preferred type of heater is a Cata-Dyne Model No. NG WX 12x24 explosion-proof heater. When the heater is in operation, heat is radiated into the interior space of structure 20, and heats the relevant pipeline machinery 24 to temperatures sufficient to avoid freezing. However, in extremely cold environments, air within structure 20 may tend to stratify, resulting in a temperature differential between ceiling and floor, with floor temperatures sufficiently low as to permit freezing and ice build-up. The rotating fan 10 of device 1 causes further circulation of air which disrupts the stratification and aids in generating convection currents sufficient to produce a more uniform temperature throughout the building, thereby inhibiting or eliminating condensation and/or ice build-up.
FIG. 3 is a schematic of the circulating fan device with portions of a catalytic heater, illustrating air flows during operation.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Figure 1 illustrates a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and the circulating fan device 1. The device comprises a heat collector and conductor plate, (i.e. the heat harvester plate or HHP) 2 and a heat sink 4. Sandwiched between HHP
2 and heat sink 4 is a thermal electric generator 6 comprising one or more TEG
units.
Heat sink 4 is generally at or slightly above the ambient temperature of the air within the confines of a building structure 20 (see Figure 2) but below the temperature of the HHP. Reduction of heat sink temperature below the HHP temperature results from cooler floor level air being circulated and drawn across the heat sink. An electric motor 8 is positioned atop the heat sink and activated by electric current generated by the TEG 6. A fan 10 may be directly affixed to the shaft of electric motor 8, or geared indirectly thereto.
Circulating fan device 1 is positioned atop a catalytic heater 22 as seen in Figure 2.
One preferred type of heater is a Cata-Dyne Model No. NG WX 12x24 explosion-proof heater. When the heater is in operation, heat is radiated into the interior space of structure 20, and heats the relevant pipeline machinery 24 to temperatures sufficient to avoid freezing. However, in extremely cold environments, air within structure 20 may tend to stratify, resulting in a temperature differential between ceiling and floor, with floor temperatures sufficiently low as to permit freezing and ice build-up. The rotating fan 10 of device 1 causes further circulation of air which disrupts the stratification and aids in generating convection currents sufficient to produce a more uniform temperature throughout the building, thereby inhibiting or eliminating condensation and/or ice build-up.
5 As may be seen in Figures 1 and 2, conductor or heat harvester plate 2 is generally shaped as a right angle flange member whereby the vertical flange element 12 extends partially over the generally vertical face 26 of the explosion-proof, gas fired, catalytic heater. The minor amount of overlap is in the order of 15% or less and provides sufficient heat supply to flange 12 without adversely interfering with the operation of the heater 22. Any overlap exceeding 20% is not considered to be minor for the purposes of this invention and may well adversely interfere with operation of the heater. The heater is normally designed to operate on natural gas or propane.
With the above-referenced Cata-Dyne heater, the burner surface is about 12 inches by 12 inches (1 square foot). The depending flange 12 is about 5 inches by 4 inches, thereby overlapping about 15% of the surface area of the heater face 26. This limited overlap is important in order to maintain proper exposure of the radiant surface of the heater to combustion air. Blockage of the catalytic surface 26 can cause production of carbon monoxide, lower combustion efficiency, slow combustion-air delivery, slow removal of combustion products such as carbon dioxide and water vapor), and thus is to be avoided.
Heat harvesting plate 2 receives infrared heat as well as convective heat on lower flange 12 and conducts it through to the generally horizontal upper flange element 14.
Further, upper flange 14 sits directly in contact with the heater 22 and receives conductive heat from the heater. Upper flange 14 is in direct contact with the bottom input surface 16 of TEG 6. Upper surface 18 of TEG 6 in contact with the bottom surface of heat sink 4 and is generally maintained at the cooler ambient temperature of the heat sink, creating a temperature differential from the heated HHP flange 14 and the associated input surface 16 of TEG 6. The TEG 6 is sealed between the HHP
flange 14 and the bottom of heat sink 4 in order to inhibit potential corrosion from the ambient atmosphere, which can include sour gas, sulphur dioxide, petroleum products, etc. The sealing compound is also designed to avoid direct conductivity between the flange 14 and the heat sink 4, thereby keeping the temperature gradient of the TEG as high as possible.
Several models of TEGs are satisfactory. Therma-TECTM manufactured by Laird Technologies, Model Number HT6-12-40 and HT8-12-40, as well as a TEG
manufactured by Watronix Inc., Model Number INBC1-127-08HT, have proven
With the above-referenced Cata-Dyne heater, the burner surface is about 12 inches by 12 inches (1 square foot). The depending flange 12 is about 5 inches by 4 inches, thereby overlapping about 15% of the surface area of the heater face 26. This limited overlap is important in order to maintain proper exposure of the radiant surface of the heater to combustion air. Blockage of the catalytic surface 26 can cause production of carbon monoxide, lower combustion efficiency, slow combustion-air delivery, slow removal of combustion products such as carbon dioxide and water vapor), and thus is to be avoided.
Heat harvesting plate 2 receives infrared heat as well as convective heat on lower flange 12 and conducts it through to the generally horizontal upper flange element 14.
Further, upper flange 14 sits directly in contact with the heater 22 and receives conductive heat from the heater. Upper flange 14 is in direct contact with the bottom input surface 16 of TEG 6. Upper surface 18 of TEG 6 in contact with the bottom surface of heat sink 4 and is generally maintained at the cooler ambient temperature of the heat sink, creating a temperature differential from the heated HHP flange 14 and the associated input surface 16 of TEG 6. The TEG 6 is sealed between the HHP
flange 14 and the bottom of heat sink 4 in order to inhibit potential corrosion from the ambient atmosphere, which can include sour gas, sulphur dioxide, petroleum products, etc. The sealing compound is also designed to avoid direct conductivity between the flange 14 and the heat sink 4, thereby keeping the temperature gradient of the TEG as high as possible.
Several models of TEGs are satisfactory. Therma-TECTM manufactured by Laird Technologies, Model Number HT6-12-40 and HT8-12-40, as well as a TEG
manufactured by Watronix Inc., Model Number INBC1-127-08HT, have proven
6 effective to run a Pittman Motor Model Number 9234S004, which has proven effective to operate a fan of about 10" diameter at 400-1,200 r.p.m. range. A
further advantage of the present invention is that the generated power is so low that no current or voltage limiting device is required for use in hazardous locations.
Heat sink 4 may be of any adequate design sufficient to shed heat and to be cooled by an airflow. As illustrated in Figures 1 and 3, heat sink 4 has a plurality of internal and external radiating fins, generally aligned horizontally to inhibit a descending air flow and promote horizontal air flow past the heater face 26.
As may be seen in Figure 3, while radiant energy represented by arrow A is directed horizontally from the heater face 26 or heater 22, thereby heating the room and vertical flange 12 of the heat harvesting plate 2, the fan 10 draws air horizontally (arrows B) past heat sink 4, maintaining the upper (cool) surface 18 of the TEG at an ambient temperature cooler than lower heated surface 16 of the TEG in contact with HHP 2. Horizontal airflow B from the fan 10 passes over the top of heater 22, and avoids the undesirable degradation of the catalytic combustion process as a consequence of air being directed against the radiant surface 26 of the catalytic heater.
Furthermore, the fan device of this invention does not adversely affect burner temperature of the heater 22, which can operate in full accordance with the manufacturer's standards.
In one test of the present invention, temperature stratification in a structure relying simply on natural convection resulted in significant vertical temperature differential of
further advantage of the present invention is that the generated power is so low that no current or voltage limiting device is required for use in hazardous locations.
Heat sink 4 may be of any adequate design sufficient to shed heat and to be cooled by an airflow. As illustrated in Figures 1 and 3, heat sink 4 has a plurality of internal and external radiating fins, generally aligned horizontally to inhibit a descending air flow and promote horizontal air flow past the heater face 26.
As may be seen in Figure 3, while radiant energy represented by arrow A is directed horizontally from the heater face 26 or heater 22, thereby heating the room and vertical flange 12 of the heat harvesting plate 2, the fan 10 draws air horizontally (arrows B) past heat sink 4, maintaining the upper (cool) surface 18 of the TEG at an ambient temperature cooler than lower heated surface 16 of the TEG in contact with HHP 2. Horizontal airflow B from the fan 10 passes over the top of heater 22, and avoids the undesirable degradation of the catalytic combustion process as a consequence of air being directed against the radiant surface 26 of the catalytic heater.
Furthermore, the fan device of this invention does not adversely affect burner temperature of the heater 22, which can operate in full accordance with the manufacturer's standards.
In one test of the present invention, temperature stratification in a structure relying simply on natural convection resulted in significant vertical temperature differential of
7 C to 8 C between floor and ceiling of structure 20, use of the circulating fan of the present invention resulted in significant reduction, in the order of 2 C to 3 C (and with virtual elimination of freezing temperatures. The above numbers are specific for tested location and are not generic. Depending of ambient and facility type (size, insulation, number of heaters, etc), temperature differential will be different.
While the foregoing invention has been described in relation to embodiments using the circulating fan mounted on top of the heater, other locations may also be satisfactory. Depending on the application and location, the fan may be mounted to the side of the heater, or may be mounted below a suspended heater. As well, depending on the application, multiple fan units may be used.
The terms and expressions which have been employed in the foregoing specification are used therein as terms of description and not of limitation, and there is no intention in the use of such terms and expressions to exclude equivalents of the features shown or described, it being recognized that the scope of the invention is defined and limited only the claims which follow.
While the foregoing invention has been described in relation to embodiments using the circulating fan mounted on top of the heater, other locations may also be satisfactory. Depending on the application and location, the fan may be mounted to the side of the heater, or may be mounted below a suspended heater. As well, depending on the application, multiple fan units may be used.
The terms and expressions which have been employed in the foregoing specification are used therein as terms of description and not of limitation, and there is no intention in the use of such terms and expressions to exclude equivalents of the features shown or described, it being recognized that the scope of the invention is defined and limited only the claims which follow.
8
Claims (11)
1. A heat powered circulating fan device for use in association with a catalytic heater comprising a heat collector, a heat sink, thermal electric generator (TEG) means operably connected between the heat collector and the heat sink to generate electric current from a temperature differential between the heat collector and the heat sink to operate an electric motor and circulating fan, the heat collector extending over a minor portion of the heated face of the catalytic heater and transferring heat to an input surface of the TEG means, the heat sink being adapted to transfer ambient temperature to the opposite surface of the TEG
means, the electric motor powered by electric current generated by the TEG means, and adapted to drive a circulating fan positioned above the heater.
means, the electric motor powered by electric current generated by the TEG means, and adapted to drive a circulating fan positioned above the heater.
2. The fan device of claim 1, wherein the minor portion is less than 15% of the heated face.
3. The fan device of claim 1, wherein the minor portion is less than 10% of the heated face.
4. The fan device of claim 1, wherein the minor portion is less than 7% of the heated face.
5. The fan device of claim 4, wherein the heat collector is a flange.
6. The fan device of claim 1, wherein the TEG means comprises one or more TEG units.
7. The fan device of claim 1, wherein the heat collector rests on the top of the heater.
8. The fan device of claim 1, wherein the heat collector is mounted on the side of the heater.
9. The fan device of claim 1, wherein the heat collector is mounted on the bottom of the heater.
10. The fan device of claims 1, wherein the heat collector is heated radiantly.
11. The fan device of claims 1, wherein the heat collector is heated radiantly, conductively and convectively.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2717531A CA2717531C (en) | 2010-10-13 | 2010-10-13 | Heat activated circulation fan |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2717531A CA2717531C (en) | 2010-10-13 | 2010-10-13 | Heat activated circulation fan |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2717531A1 CA2717531A1 (en) | 2012-04-13 |
| CA2717531C true CA2717531C (en) | 2014-12-09 |
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Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2717531A Active CA2717531C (en) | 2010-10-13 | 2010-10-13 | Heat activated circulation fan |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2717531C (en) |
Families Citing this family (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN107313953B (en) * | 2016-12-16 | 2019-11-19 | 唐广生 | Not plug-in hot fan |
| US20220235780A1 (en) * | 2019-04-25 | 2022-07-28 | Randall H. Reid | Self-Powered Thermal Fan |
| CN112253514A (en) * | 2020-10-17 | 2021-01-22 | 顾成云 | Floor type fan capable of adjusting rotating speed and direction according to room temperature |
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2010
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| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA2717531A1 (en) | 2012-04-13 |
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