EP1395780A1

EP1395780A1 - Heating system using plate-shaped heating panel

Info

Publication number: EP1395780A1
Application number: EP02741450A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Min-Soo Han; Jin-Young Choi; Seong-Chan Park; Sung-Sock Hwang; Mun-Sik Kim; Shi-Ho Lee; Min-Ki Kim; Byeong-Joon Jeong
Original assignee: LG Chem Ltd
Current assignee: LG Chem Ltd
Priority date: 2001-06-15
Filing date: 2002-06-11
Publication date: 2004-03-10
Also published as: WO2002103244A1; EP1395780A4; JP2004522137A; CN1198084C; CN1463348A; KR20020095733A; JP3709428B2; KR100406921B1; RU2242680C2

Abstract

Disclosed is a heating system using a plate-shaped heating panel. The heating panel includes an upper and a lower plate having a cavity therebetween, a pair of fluid connections at corners of the heating panel, a plurality of supporting elements, and first and second dispersion elements arraged in a first direction that is parallel to a long side of the heating panel, and in a second direction that is parallel to a short side of the heating panel, thereby producing first and second cavity lines according to the first and second directions. The first dispersion element is located at one point of the first cavity line facing the fluid connection, and the second dispersion element is located at one point of the second cavity line facing the fluid connection, so that they disperse the heating fluid efficiently.

Description

HEATING SYSTEM USING PLATE-SHAPED HEATING PANEL

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

(a) Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a heating system that uses plate- shaped heating panels. More particularly, the present invention relates to a heating system using plate-shaped heating panels, in which the heating panels have formed cavities between upper and lower plates and heating is performed by the flow of a heating fluid through the cavities.

(b) Related Arts A heating system used in house has traditionally been structured such that pipes are laid in a foam concrete layer, which is provided on a concrete slab floor. A heating fluid such as hot water is supplied through the pipes to obtain a heating effect. However, it is expected that there will be an increased use of assembly-type heating systems, which include plate-shaped heating panels that may be connected to each other and that include a cavity formed therein for the flow of fluid. When compared to the pipe structure, the heating panel structure is easier to construct and repair, and provides for a better heating efficiency since there is no loss of heat through concrete.

Related to such a heating panel structure, U.S. Patent No. 5,080,166 discloses a plate-shaped heating element. The heating element includes a plurality of spacing elements, which are provided between an upper plate and a lower plate and which withstand the forces acting on the heating element when used for floor heating. The spacing elements are provided in a preferred, specific arrangement. However, according to results of a simulation performed by the present applicant, it was found that after controlling a heating fluid to flow in a specific direction, the heating fluid is unevenly distributed in the heating element. This is a result of cavities between the spacing elements being connected in a predetermined direction over the entire heating element.

Further, at diametrically opposing corners of the heating element there are provided fluid connections through which heating fluid is supplied to and exhausted from each of the heating elements. However, there occurs a reduction in the speed at which heating fluid flows at the two remaining corners (i.e., comers where the fluid connections are not formed).

Accordingly, the heating fluid does not freely flow through these corners where the fluid connections are not formed such that a temperature reduces in these areas. Also, bubbles may be generated in the heating element by turbulence in the corners such that the smooth flow of the heating fluid does not occur. As a result of these problems, heat is unevenly distributed and heating efficiency is reduced.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is one object of the present invention to provide plate-shaped heating panels, in which supplied heating fluid is evenly distributed within the heating panels.

It is another object of the present invention to provide plate-shaped heating panels, in which the flow of heating fluid in corners where fluid connections are not formed is increased to thereby prevent the accumulation of the heating fluid in corners. It is still another object of the present invention to provide a heating system that uses a connecting structure for connecting a plurality of heating panels and cavities of the heating panels such that heating fluid may successively flow through the heating panels.

To achieve these objects, the present invention provides a heating system including heating panels, each including a substantially rectangular upper plate and lower plate mounted opposing one another with a cavity therebetween, a plurality of supporting elements for connecting the upper and lower plates and each having a predetermined area and a spacing with adjacent supporting elements, and a pair of fluid connections each provided at each of two diametrically opposing corners of the upper and lower plates; and connecting elements for interconnecting the fluid connection of adjacent heating panels to allow for the continuous flow of heating fluid through a plurality of the heating panels. The supporting elements are uniformly arranged in a first direction that is parallel to a long side of the upper and lower plates, and in a second direction that is parallel to a short side of the upper and lower plates, thereby defining first and second cavity lines according to the first and second directions, and the heating system further includes at least one dispersion element at one point of the first and second cavity lines opposing the corresponding fluid connection, the dispersion element dispersing the heating fluid.

Preferably, the supporting elements are uniformly arranged with a center axis of the fluid connections at a predetermined distance from the same, and comprise a first supporting element closest to one of the fluid connections. The dispersion element is located where the heating fluid is dispersed by the first supporting element. Preferably, the dispersion element includes a first dispersion element located at one point of the first cavity line such that it is first encountered by the fluid re-directed in the first direction after the fluid strikes the first supporting element, and a second dispersion element located at one point of the second cavity line such that it is first encountered by the fluid re-directed in the second direction after the fluid strikes the first supporting element.

Preferably, each of the supporting elements and the dispersion elements is realized through a pair of concave areas, which are provided at corresponding areas of the upper and lower plates and are indented such that these areas of the upper and lower plates come into contact to thereby form the corresponding supporting element or dispersion element.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate an embodiment of the invention, and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention:

FIG. 1 is an assembled plan view of a heating system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a connecting member of FIG. 1 ; FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a heating panel according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a partially enlarged view of the heating panel of FIG. 3, used to describe a supporting element;

FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along line A-A of FIG. 3; FIG. 6 is a partially enlarged view of the heating panel of FIG. 3, used to describe dispersion elements; FIG. 7 is a partially enlarged view of the heating panel of FIG. 3, used to describe distribution of a heating fluid;

FIG. 8 is a plan view of a heating panel according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 9 is a partially enlarged view of the heating panel of FIG. 8, used to describe a guide channel;

FIGs. 10 and 11 are plan views of heating panels, each according to additional preferred embodiments of the present invention; and

FIG. 12 is a side view of a heating panel that includes an insulation layer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is an assembled plan view of a heating system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a connecting member of FIG. 1.

The heating system includes a plurality of heating panels 2, which have internal spaces, that is, cavities (not shown) through which heating fluid flows, and a plurality of connecting elements 4 for interconnecting the heating panels 2 into an integral unit and in such a manner to form fluid paths between the heating panels 2. Each of the heating panels 2 is preferably made of thermoplastic material, which is easier to produce and form than the conventional metal pipe structure. The heating panels 2 are made into a plate shape such that heating fluid flowing within the heating panels 2 heats a larger area of a floor (or a wall or ceiling) . In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the heating panels 2 are rectangular having long sides and short sides. For each heating panel 2, a fluid connection 6 is provided at each of two diametrically opposing corners. The supply and exhaust of heating fluid occurs through the fluid connections 6. The heating panels 2 are arranged in a continuous pattern and with the fluid connections 6 of adjacent heating panels 2 merging at a common area. Connecting elements 4 interconnect two fluid connections 6 of adjacent heating panels 2.

As shown in FIG. 2, each of the connecting elements 4 includes a center connecting pipe 8 and a pair of elbows 10, each elbow 10 being mounted to opposite sides of the connecting pipe 8. An inner diameter of the elbows 10 is slightly larger than an outer diameter of the connecting pipe 8 and of the fluid connections 6 of the heating panels 2, and the elbows 10 are forced over a predetermined distance of the connecting pipe 8 and the fluid connections 6. The elbows 10 are made of the same thermoplastic material as the heating panels 2 such that during assembly of the heating system, the elbows 10 are integrally assembled to the heating panels 2 through a thermal fusing process in a state covering the fluid connections 6.

With this structure, heating fluid supplied through an entrance of the heating system sequentially passes through a plurality of the heating panels 2 by the connecting elements 4, then is exhausted through an exit. Flow directions of the heating fluid are as shown by the dotted line arrows in FIG. 2.

In such an assembly-type heating system, it is extremely important that each of the heating panels 2 controls the smooth flow of heating fluid, while not neglecting thermal efficiency characteristics, so that there is no accumulation of the heating fluid at certain areas. By achieving this, an even distribution of heat over the heating panels 2 is maintained.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a heating panel according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 4 is a partially enlarged view of the heating panel of FIG. 3, and FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along line A-A of FIG. 3.

With reference to the drawings, the heating panel 2 includes an upper plate 14 and a lower plate 16 that are mounted opposing one another to define internal cavities 12, a plurality of supporting elements 18 that have a predetermined area and are spaced at predetermined intervals, and a pair of fluid connections 6.

Each of the supporting elements 18 is preferably realized through a pair of concave areas 20. That is, the concave areas 20 making up each pair are provided at corresponding areas of the upper plate 14 and the lower plate 16 and are indented such that these areas of the upper plate 14 and the lower plate 16 come into contact to thereby form the corresponding supporting element 18.

The supporting elements 18 prevent the deformation of the upper and lower plates 14 and 16 by external forces, and result in forming the plurality of the cavities 12, through which heating fluid flows. That is, the cavities 12 are formed between the supporting members 18. As a result, heating fluid supplied through either of the fluid connections 6 flows through the cavities 12 between the upper and lower plates 14 and 16 to thereby transmit heat to outside the upper plate 14 as shown by the dotted line arrows of FIG. 5. The supporting elements 18 also provide resistance to the flow of the heating fluid so that the heating fluid is distributed evenly within the heating panel 2. The flow of heating fluid supplied to the heating panel 2 is greatly affected by dimensions of the supporting elements 18, how far apart the supporting elements 18 are spaced, and the manner in which the supporting elements 18 are arranged.

In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the supporting elements 18 are formed by the concave areas 20 that are substantially cylindrical with a predetermined diameter, and the supporting elements 18 are aligned at predetermined intervals in both horizontal direction (x direction in FIG. 3) and vertical direction (y direction in FIG. 3). Preferably, intervals D1 and D2 between the supporting elements 18 respectively in the horizontal and vertical directions, and diameter D of the concave areas 20 forming the supporting elements 18 are all identical.

A center axis of each of the fluid connections 6, through which heating

fluid is supplied and exhausted, has substantially a 45^° angle with both long

and short sides of the upper and lower plates 14 and 16 forming the corner where the particular fluid connection 6 is provided. Therefore, the heating fluid supplied through one of the fluid connections 6 is distributed by the plurality of the supporting elements 18 to progress into the heating panel 2. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, dispersion elements for dispersing the fluid are formed opposing the fluid connections 6. FIGS. 6 and 7 are partially enlarged view of the heating panel of FIG. 3. To distinguish the supporting elements 18 and dispersion elements 22 and 24 from the cavities 12, hatching is employed in the drawings with respect to the supporting elements 18 and the dispersion elements 22 and 24. Each of the dispersion elements 22 and 24 is preferably realized through a pair of concave areas 20 as the supporting elements 18. As the supporting elements 18 are uniformly aligned in the horizontal and vertical directions at predetermined intervals, the cavities 1 are continuously formed in the horizontal and vertical directions opposing the fluid connections 6.

A first dispersion element 22 is located opposing the fluid connection 6 and at one point of a first cavity line extending in the horizontal direction, a center of the first cavity line being shown in line D; and a second dispersion element 24 is located opposing the fluid connection 6 and at one point of a second cavity line extending in the vertical direction, a center of the second cavity line being shown in line E.

Further, a center of the first dispersion element 22 is not aligned with other supporting elements 18 in the horizontal direction, and a center of the second dispersion element 24 is not aligned with other supporting elements 18 in the vertical direction.

Therefore, the first dispersion element 22 blocks the first cavity line (D line in the drawings) from extending directly to the fluid connection 6, and the second dispersion element 24 blocks the second cavity line (E line in the drawing) from the extending directly to the fluid connection 6 to thereby disperse the heating fluid accumulated at these cavities.

In more detail, the supporting elements 18 are uniformly arranged along horizontal and vertical direction (x and y directions) of the heating panel

2, and also along a center axis (z direction in the drawing) of the fluid connection 6. Among the supporting elements 18 that are arranged along the center axis of the fluid connection 6, if the supporting element closest to the fluid connection 6 is referred to as a first supporting element 26, the first and second dispersion elements 22 and 24 are provided at locations where the flow of the heating fluid is separated by the first supporting element 26.

That is, the first dispersion element 22 is positioned at one point of the first cavity line (D line in the drawing) such that it is first encountered by the fluid re-directed in the horizontal direction after the fluid strikes the first supporting element 26. The second dispersion element 24 is positioned at one point of the second cavity line (E line in the drawing) such that it is first encountered by the fluid re-directed in the vertical direction after the fluid strikes the first supporting element 26.

Referring to FIG. 6, the relative positioning of the first supporting element 26 and the first and second dispersion elements 22 and 24 will be described in more detail. A line tangent to both the first supporting element 26 and the first dispersion element 22 (dotted line B in the drawing) is parallel to the horizontal direction, and a line tangent to both the first supporting element 26 and the second dispersion element 24 (dotted line C in the drawing) is parallel to the vertical direction. These two tangent lines perpendicularly intersect at a point directly beyond the first supporting element 26 in a direction toward the fluid connection 6. As a result of this structure, with reference to FIG. 7, heating fluid within the heating panel 2 follows the center axis of the fluid connection 6 to first strike the first supporting element 26. Hence, the flow of the fluid is diverted to along the horizontal direction and along the vertical direction.

The fluid directed in the horizontal direction is again re-directed upward and downward (in the drawing) by the first dispersion element 22 to go around this element such that the flow of fluid along the horizontal direction is dispersed. The fluid directed in the vertical direction after striking the first supporting element 26 is again re-directed leftward and rightward (in the drawing) by the second dispersion element 24 to go around this element such that the flow of fluid along the vertical direction is dispersed. Next, the flow of fluid separated by the first and second dispersion elements 22 and 24 is repeatedly separated by the supporting elements 18, which are arranged along the horizontal and vertical direction.

With the internal structure of the heating panel 2 as described above, the flow of heating fluid is diverged by the first supporting element 26 then again dispersed in the horizontal and vertical directions by the first and second dispersion elements 22 and 24, respectively. Therefore, the heating fluid supplied through the fluid connection 6 is more evenly distributed within the heating panel 2. In addition to the locating of the first and second dispersion elements

22 and 24 at areas opposing the fluid connections 6 as described above, the heating panel 2 of the present invention may also include guide channels at the remaining two corners where the fluid connections 6 are not formed.

FIG. 8 is a plan view of a heating panel according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 9 is a partially enlarged view of the heating panel of FIG. 8. A heating panel 2' includes first and second guide channels 28 and 30 at corner areas where fluid connections 6 are not formed.

Each of the first and second guide channels 28 and 30 is realized through a pair of concave areas that are provided at corresponding locations of an upper plate 14 and a lower plate 16, in which the concave areas are indented such that these areas come into contact to thereby form the corresponding guide channels 28 and 30. The first and second guide channels 28 and 30 are at a predetermined distance from the corners of the heating panel 2', and have predetermined width and length in the horizontal and vertical directions.

Preferably, the guide channels 28 and 30 have a width W that is substantially identical to a diameter D of the supporting elements 18, and a length L in the horizontal and vertical directions comparable to the amount of space 3—5 supporting elements 18 utilize (i.e., a length L that is approximately

6 — 10 times the diameter D of the supporting elements 18).

The first and second guide channels 28 and 30 reduce resistance to heating fluid in the comers of the heating panel 2' where they are provided, thereby increasing the flow speed of the heating fluid. The first and second guide channels 28 and 30 also direct the heating fluid toward where the heating fluid is exhausted. Accordingly, the heating panel 2' including the first and second guide channels 28 and 30 prevents the accumulation of heating fluid in the corners and the generation of bubbles caused by turbulence. This enables a more even distribution of heat over the entire heating panel 2'. It is preferable that a ratio of long sides to short sides of the rectangular heating panel 2 is in the range of 1.5:1 to 3:1. Such dimensions are necessary for the following reason. Since center axes of the fluid connections

• 6 have a 45^° angle to corresponding, adjacent sides of the heating panel 2, if

the heating panels 2 are formed in a square shape, that is, as a perfect square, the flow of fluid from the two diagonally opposite fluid connections 6 of each heating panel 2 will converge approximately in the center of the heating panels 2. This would make the distribution of heating fluid within the heating panels 2 uneven. With reference to FIGs. 10 and 11 , in addition to the rectangular shape described above, a heating panel 2" may be multilateral, that is, hexagonal or octagonal. This allows the easier continuous arrangement of the heating panels 2" when assembling the heating system.

Referring to FIG. 12, in the above heating panels 2, an insulation layer 32 (e.g., a Styrofoam layer) is provided under the lower plate 16. This allows for the simpler laying of the heating panels 2 on the floor of a building, home, etc. The insulation layer 32 also minimizes heat loss of the heating panels 2, and compensates for a difference in height of the fluid connections 6 with respect to the upper and lower plates 14 and 16. With the plurality of supporting elements, dispersion elements, and guide channels in the heating panel of the present invention, heating fluid supplied to the heating panels is more evenly distributed to thereby obtain a more uniform distribution of heat over the entire area of the heating panels. Also, the heating fluid more smoothly flows within the heating panels and over an entire area of the same such that the efficiency of heat transmission is improved.

Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail hereinabove, it should be clearly understood that many variations and/or modifications of the basic inventive concepts herein taught which may appear to those skilled in the present art will still fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention, as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1 . A heating system, comprising: heating panels, each including a substantially rectangular upper plate and lower plate mounted opposing one another with a cavity therebetween, a plurality of supporting elements for connecting the upper and lower plates and each having a predetermined area and a spacing with adjacent supporting elements, and a pair of fluid connections each provided at each of two diametrically opposing corners of the upper and lower plates; and connecting elements for interconnecting the fluid connections of adjacent heating panels to allow for the continuous flow of heating fluid through a plurality of the heating panels, wherein the supporting elements are uniformly arranged in a first direction that is parallel to a long side of the upper and lower plates, and in a second direction that is parallel to a short side of the upper and lower plates, thereby defining first and second cavity lines according to the first and second directions, and further comprising at least one dispersion element at one point of the first and second cavity lines opposing the corresponding fluid connection, the dispersion element dispersing the heating fluid.

2. The heating system of claim 1 , wherein the dispersion element comprises a first dispersion element located at one point of the first cavity line opposing the fluid connection, and a second dispersion element located at one point of the second cavity line opposing the fluid connection.

3. The heating system of claim 2, wherein the first and second dispersion elements are not aligned with supporting elements respectively in the first and second directions.

4. The heating system of claim 2, wherein the supporting elements are uniformly aligned with a center axis of the fluid connections at a predetermined distance from the same, and comprise a first supporting element closest to one of the fluid connections, and wherein the first and second dispersion elements are arranged at locations where the heating fluid is dispersed by the first supporting element.

5. The heating system of claim 4, wherein the first dispersion element is positioned at one point of the first cavity line such that it is first encountered by the fluid re-directed in the first direction after the fluid strikes the first supporting element, and the second dispersion element is positioned at one point of the second cavity line such that it is first encountered by the fluid re-directed in the second direction after the fluid strikes the first supporting element.

6. The heating system of claim 1 , wherein each of the supporting elements is realized through a pair of concave areas, which are provided at corresponding areas of the upper and lower plates and are indented such that these areas of the upper and lower plates come into contact to thereby form the corresponding supporting element.

7. The heating system of claim 6, wherein the concave areas are substantially cylindrical, and distances between two adjacent concave areas in the first and second directions are identical with a diameter of the concave areas.

8. The heating system of claim 2, wherein each of the first and second dispersion element is realized through a pair of concave areas, which are provided at corresponding areas of the upper and lower plates and are indented such that these areas of the upper and lower plates come into contact to thereby form the corresponding dispersion element.

9. The heating system of claim 1 , further comprising first and second guide channels provided at diametrically opposing corner areas where the fluid connections are not formed, in which the first and second guide channels have a predetermined distance from edges of the heating panel, connect the upper and lower panels, and have a predetermined width and a predetermined length along the first and second directions.

10. The heating system of claim 9, wherein the width of the first and second guide channels is substantially identical to a diameter of the supporting elements, and the length of the first and second guide channels in one of the first and second directions is in the range of 6 to 10-times the diameter of the supporting elements.

11. The heating system of claim 1 , wherein the heating panels are rectangular and a ratio of long sides to short sides is in the range of 1.5:1 to 3:1.

12. The heating system of claim 1 , wherein the heating panels are multilateral, that is, having four sides and possibly more sides.

13. The heating system of claim 1 , further comprising an insulation layer interposed between the lower plate and the floor on which the heating panels are provided.

14. A heating system, comprising: heating panels, each including a substantially rectangular upper plate and lower plate mounted opposing one another with a cavity therebetween, a plurality of supporting elements for connecting the upper and lower plates and each having a predetermined area and a spacing with adjacent supporting elements, and a pair of fluid connections each provided at each of two diametrically opposing corners of the upper and lower plates; and connecting elements for interconnecting the fluid connections of adjacent heating panels to allow for the continuous flow of heating fluid through a plurality of the heating panels, wherein the supporting elements are uniformly arranged in a first direction that is parallel to a long side of the upper and lower plates, and in a second direction that is parallel to a short side of the upper and lower plates, thereby defining first and second cavity lines according to the first and second directions, the supporting elements also being uniformly arranged along a center axis of the fluid connections and comprising a first supporting element closest to one of the fluid connections, and further comprising a first dispersion element positioned at one point of the first cavity line such that it is first encountered by the fluid re-directed in the first direction after the fluid strikes the first supporting element, and a second dispersion element positioned at one point of the second cavity line such that it is first encountered by the fluid re-directed in the second direction after the fluid strikes the first supporting element.

15. A heating system, comprising: heating panels, each including a substantially rectangular upper plate and lower plate mounted opposing one another with a cavity therebetween, a plurality of supporting elements for connecting the upper and lower plates and each having a predetermined area and a spacing with adjacent supporting elements, and a pair of fluid connections each provided at each of two diametrically opposing corners of the upper and lower plates; and connecting elements for interconnecting the fluid connections of adjacent heating panels to allow for the continuous flow of heating fluid through a plurality of the heating panels, wherein the supporting elements are uniformly arranged in a first direction that is parallel to a long side of the upper and lower plates, and in a second direction that is parallel to a short side of the upper and lower plates, thereby defining first and second cavity lines according to the first and second directions, and further comprising at least one dispersion element at one point of the first and second cavity lines opposing the corresponding fluid connection, the dispersion element dispersing the heating fluid, and a pair of guide channels provided at diametrically opposing corner areas where the fluid connections are not formed, the guide channels connecting the upper and lower plates, and having a predetermined width and a predetermined length along the first and second directions.

16. The heating system of claim 15, wherein the dispersion element comprises a first dispersion element located at one point of the first cavity lines opposing the fluid connection, and a second dispersion element located at one point of the second cavity lines opposing the fluid connection.

17. The heating system of claim 15, wherein the width of the guide channels is substantially identical to a diameter of the supporting elements, and the length of the guide channels in one of the first and second directions is in the range of 6 to 10-times the diameter of the supporting elements.