EP1915120A1 - Generateur de vapeur - Google Patents

Generateur de vapeur

Info

Publication number
EP1915120A1
EP1915120A1 EP06778536A EP06778536A EP1915120A1 EP 1915120 A1 EP1915120 A1 EP 1915120A1 EP 06778536 A EP06778536 A EP 06778536A EP 06778536 A EP06778536 A EP 06778536A EP 1915120 A1 EP1915120 A1 EP 1915120A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
tank
steam generator
wall
water
heat
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP06778536A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP1915120A4 (fr
Inventor
Veikko-Matti Kallioniemi
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Fem Ltd
Original Assignee
Fem Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Fem Ltd filed Critical Fem Ltd
Publication of EP1915120A1 publication Critical patent/EP1915120A1/fr
Publication of EP1915120A4 publication Critical patent/EP1915120A4/fr
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61HPHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
    • A61H33/00Bathing devices for special therapeutic or hygienic purposes
    • A61H33/06Artificial hot-air or cold-air baths; Steam or gas baths or douches, e.g. sauna or Finnish baths
    • A61H33/063Heaters specifically designed therefor
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61HPHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
    • A61H33/00Bathing devices for special therapeutic or hygienic purposes
    • A61H33/06Artificial hot-air or cold-air baths; Steam or gas baths or douches, e.g. sauna or Finnish baths
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F22STEAM GENERATION
    • F22BMETHODS OF STEAM GENERATION; STEAM BOILERS
    • F22B1/00Methods of steam generation characterised by form of heating method
    • F22B1/28Methods of steam generation characterised by form of heating method in boilers heated electrically
    • F22B1/284Methods of steam generation characterised by form of heating method in boilers heated electrically with water in reservoirs

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a steam generator comprising a water tank, a heating element for evaporating the water present in the water tank, as well as a temperature sensor that is located outside the tank and in a heat transfer connection with the wall of the tank to monitor the water level inside the tank.
  • the steam generator described herein is intended primarily for use in sau- nas, but it can also be used for example in households in applications where hot steam is required, for example in steam irons.
  • Another solution is to allow the steam generator to operate while the water tank is empty until the thermostat on the bottom cuts off the operation of the heating element. This however damages the heating element and shortens its lifespan, because its parts are exposed to very high temperatures. Furthermore, the dried water tank may produce unpleasant odours in the environment.
  • US patent 5881207 and corresponding European patent 772000 disclose a pipe (30) sunk inside the tank at the location of the desired water level, said pipe comprising a temperature sensor (12) and a resistor (13) to be heated with electric current. Even though the deposits are not capable of directly affecting this sensor, the heating does not work any more if the resistor happens to break, and when the water lever descends below the pipe, the temperature does not rise, and warning of the drying is not received. There is also the structural drawback that the sensor pipe must be sunk in.
  • European patent EP-193863 discloses a steam generator, in which heating resistors (5, 6, 7) are placed outside the wall of the tank, on a suitable height. Temperature sensors (16, 17, 18) are also placed on the same height, and they are used for monitoring the temperature of the wall, which is dependent on the location of the water level. Thus, the placement of the heating resistors is determined by the desired water level, which restricts the design of the steam generator. It is often desirable that the heating resistors can be placed below the tank.
  • the purpose of the invention is to disclose a simpler solution that does not require separate heating next to the temperature sensor, and in which the placement of the heating elements is not dependent on the location of the level to be monitored.
  • the steam generator according to the invention is primarily characterized in that that the heating element is connected to the temperature sensor in a heat-conducting manner through a heat conductor separated from the outer wall of the tank. In a way, this heat conductor forms a bridge, via which heat is brought at a desired height (at the location of the water level to be monitored) in the wall of the tank, at which height the temperature sensor is also located.
  • the heating element can thus be located for example underneath the tank, attached to its bottom, which is often an advantageous location.
  • the solution according to the present invention is not affected by deposits in the tanks or possible malfunction of the separate heating element, because heat brought by conduction outside the tank from the same heating element by means of which the heat necessary for evaporation is brought into the tank.
  • the point where the heat conductor is connected to the wall of the tank determines the level to be monitored.
  • the heat coming to the connecting point via the conductor is transmitted through the heat-conductive wall into the mass of water present inside, said mass having significant thermal capacity and heat of evaporation.
  • the end of the heat conductor connected to the wall as well as the wall heat up rapidly, because there is no longer water at the same height inside the wall, which would absorb the heat.
  • the temperature sensor at the same point detects the rapid temperature increase above a predetermined threshold value and reports this to the super- visor/user, or if the temperature sensor forms a part of a thermostat, the thermostat performs an automatic control action (feeding of supplementary water into the tank and/or cutting off the heating).
  • Yet another advantage of the invention is that it is not necessary to provide lead-through connections or sunk portions inside the tank, but all structural and functional parts are lo- cated outside the tank.
  • two thermostats are used, said thermostats having different operating points, wherein the thermostat operating at higher temperature functions as an emergency switch, if the main ther- mostat fails.
  • Fig. 2 shows the steam generator from the front
  • Fig. 3 shows the steam generator from the side (right-hand side of
  • Fig. 4 shows the steam generator from below
  • Fig. 5 shows a cross-section of the steam generator along the line A- Al of Fig. 1 ,
  • Fig. 6 shows an isometric view of the steam generator
  • Fig. 7 shows the temperature at the measuring point as a function of the height of the water level.
  • the system according to the invention can be used in various forms, depending on the use.
  • the following description only contains one embodiment, given as an example, without restricting the invention.
  • the water tank disclosed in the Figures also contains a steam outlet conduit and a water supply conduit, and a cover closing the tank, which are not shown.
  • Fig. 1 shows four different alternatives (marked with reference numerals 1-1 , 1-2, 1-3, 1-4) for placing the heat conductor 1.
  • the heat conductor 1 is a metal plate or strip that can be bent into a desired shape, and whose one end can be connected to the heating element 5, and the other end to the side wall of the water tank 2 in the steam generator at a desired height in such a manner that it transmits heat by conduction from the heating element 5 to the side wall of the tank. Between the ends, the heat conductor 1 is isolated from the tank 2, in the Figures in such a manner that there is an air gap between them, but it is also possible that insulations are used.
  • the heat conductor 1 is connected to the right-hand side wall of the tank 2 (alternative 1-1).
  • At least one temperature sensor is positioned at the point where the end of the heat conductor 1 is connected to the side wall of the tank 2, said temperature sen- sor monitoring the temperature at said point of connection on the above-described principle.
  • the heat conductor 1 is located against the wall of the tank within an area of certain size, and in this area the sensor is positioned on top of the heat conductor 1.
  • the sensor belongs to a thermostat 3 that forms a switch for controlling the feeding of heat and/or water.
  • thermostats 3, 4 are positioned in parallel at the same height at the point of con- nection, wherein the thermostat 3 operating at lower temperature constitutes a main switch and the thermostat 4 operating at higher temperature constitutes an emergency switch.
  • the second thermostat 4 is not necessarily required.
  • thermostat 3/thermostats 3, 4 are located in that portion of the bent plate- or strip-like heat conductor 1 that is attached against the wall of the tank 2, parallelly to the wall.
  • the plate or strip composed of conductive metal and serving as heat conductor 1 is designed and positioned in such a manner that as small amount of heat as possible is wasted when heat is transmitted from the heating element 5 to the connecting point, in which the sensor or thermostat is located.
  • the plate or strip is positioned against the heating element 5 located on the bottom outside the tank 2 so that it covers a sufficiently large part of the surface of the element 5 in view of heat transfer, in contact with the different sections of the elongated element 5 within sufficient lengths as shown in Fig. 4.
  • the heating element 5 can be a conventional resistor to be heated with electricity.
  • the plate or strip is bent upward, and this up- ward directed section is located sufficiently far from the wall of the tank 2 so that heat is not capable of transferring to the wall.
  • the plate or strip is bent upward to form a straight section, which is located against the wall and forms a connecting point to transfer heat to the wall.
  • the part located within a distance from the tank can have the shape of the letter C that opens up toward the tank, or as shown by the alternative in Fig. 2, the bend can be made in an acute angle so that the part is directed diagonally upward toward the connecting point.
  • the point, where the conductor 1 touches the tank again, is positioned at such a height (level 7 in Fig. 5) in relation to the bottom so that a sufficient amount of water always re- mains in the tank, even if the water level descends below this height.
  • the height can be for example twice the desired minimum height of water.
  • the tank is composed of metal, wherein its wall conducts heat well.
  • the water tank can be equipped with a suitable casing, by means of which it is also possible to cover the heat conductor 1 and the sensor/thermostat.
  • the heat conductor and the sensor/thermostat can be placed on that side of the tank which is most appropriate in view of the placement and use of the steam generator (alternatives shown in Fig. 1).
  • Fig. 7 shows the temperature as a function of the height of the water level.
  • the temperature measured by the sensor is at the boiling point of water when water is evaporated in the tank.
  • the temperature rises rapidly, and when it reaches a predetermined switching temperature that exceeds the boiling point, the sensor gives either a message or if it constitutes a part of the thermostat 3, the thermostat cuts off the heating automatically and/or brings about feeding of additional water to the tank.
  • the operating point of the thermostat may be for example at least at 110° C. The thermostat is reset automatically at the lower temperature.
  • the second thermostat 4 which is a safety thermostat, operates at higher temperature, advantageously at temperature at least 25° C higher than the main thermostat 3. It is not automatically reset, but must be reset manually, because the main thermostat 3 does not in that case function properly, and it must be replaced.
  • the actual control actions on the basis of the readings of the sensor/thermostat 3 can be conducted automatically or manually. It is possible that only an alarm is given when a predetermined threshold value (temperature) is exceeded, and water is thereafter added manually, or the reading of the sensor that exceeds this threshold value automatically activates the water feeding device in order to add water into the tank. In both cases the reading of the sensor advantageously also cuts off the heating, i.e. supply of energy to the heating element 5.
  • the functions can be easily implemented by means of known thermostats.
  • the invention is not restricted to the embodiments described above, but it can be modified within the scope of the inventive idea presented in the claims. It is possible that there are more than one sensor or thermostat at different heights, wherein it is possible to bring a separate heat conductor 1 of its own at the location of each of them from the heating element 5 or the heat conductor 1 coming from the same heating element 5, can branch off into branches ending up at different heights.
  • the structural solutions of the heat conductor and the placement of the sensors/thermostats can be similar to those described above.
  • side wall refers to all kinds of walls which extend in the vertical direction (direction of variation of the water level), irrespective of the shape of the tank.
  • the horizontal section of the tank 2 is rectangular, but it may also have another shape.
  • the water tank 2 may be for example cylindrical.
  • the invention is especially suitable for steam generation in saunas, but it can also be applied in other applications in which steam is required, especially in steam generators for households and kitchens.

Landscapes

  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Rehabilitation Therapy (AREA)
  • Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • Pain & Pain Management (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Epidemiology (AREA)
  • Sustainable Development (AREA)
  • Sustainable Energy (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Devices For Medical Bathing And Washing (AREA)
  • Heat-Pump Type And Storage Water Heaters (AREA)

Abstract

L’invention concerne un générateur de vapeur, par ex. pour saunas, comprenant un réservoir d’eau (2), un élément chauffant (5) servant à faire évaporer l’eau présente dans le réservoir d’eau, ainsi qu’une sonde de température située à l’extérieur du réservoir d’eau et en contact thermique avec la paroi du réservoir d’eau pour suivre le niveau d’eau dans celui-ci. L’élément chauffant (5) est raccordé à un thermostat (3) contenant une sonde de température par conduction thermique réalisée par un conducteur de chaleur (1) séparé de la paroi extérieure du réservoir d’eau (2). L’invention permet d’éviter l’assèchement du réservoir d’eau grâce à une sonde de température qui assure le suivi de la température de la paroi du réservoir d’eau, laquelle est fonction de la position du niveau d’eau.
EP06778536.0A 2005-08-10 2006-08-10 Generateur de vapeur Withdrawn EP1915120A4 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FI20055431A FI117665B (fi) 2005-08-10 2005-08-10 Höyrynkehitin
PCT/FI2006/050353 WO2007017558A1 (fr) 2005-08-10 2006-08-10 Generateur de vapeur

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1915120A1 true EP1915120A1 (fr) 2008-04-30
EP1915120A4 EP1915120A4 (fr) 2014-04-09

Family

ID=34896331

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP06778536.0A Withdrawn EP1915120A4 (fr) 2005-08-10 2006-08-10 Generateur de vapeur

Country Status (4)

Country Link
EP (1) EP1915120A4 (fr)
CN (1) CN101304718B (fr)
FI (1) FI117665B (fr)
WO (1) WO2007017558A1 (fr)

Families Citing this family (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP2140199A4 (fr) * 2007-04-19 2013-08-14 Pertti Harvia Générateur de vapeur, procédé de fonctionnement d'un générateur de vapeur et réservoir d'un générateur de vapeur
US9150997B2 (en) 2011-08-22 2015-10-06 Lg Electronics Inc. Home appliance including steam generator and controlling method of the same
CN103672836B (zh) * 2012-08-31 2016-08-24 宁波新乐生活电器有限公司 一种自动加水汽化锅
CN106038231B (zh) * 2016-06-23 2018-09-21 杭州清稞节能环保科技有限公司 一种纳米水离子疗养仪
IT201600094878A1 (it) * 2016-09-21 2018-03-21 Mac Srl Sistema e metodo di monitoraggio del livello di liquido all'interno di una caldaia, in particolare per un generatore di vapore

Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5054105A (en) * 1990-02-19 1991-10-01 Oy Helo-Tehtaat-Helo Factories, Ltd. Electric sauna heater utilizing a thermostatic control of steam generation and sauna room heating
US5881207A (en) * 1995-10-31 1999-03-09 Seb Sa Steam generator with automatic supply and a process for measuring the level of liquid in such a generator

Family Cites Families (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
IT1185051B (it) * 1985-03-08 1987-11-04 E G O Italiana Spa Apparecchio per generare del vapore,in particolare per dispositivi di cottura
EP0258358B1 (fr) * 1986-03-11 1990-11-07 Günther RIBA Generateur de vapeur
GB9225589D0 (en) * 1992-12-08 2003-04-16 Royal Ordnance Plc Improvements in or relating to general purpose bombs
CN2158987Y (zh) * 1993-06-15 1994-03-16 林荣郎 改良结构的热水器
CN2481968Y (zh) * 2001-04-28 2002-03-13 王郁津 数字式温度显示全自动蒸汽发生器
GB2384293B (en) * 2002-01-19 2005-08-24 Thornhill Brian Ltd A steam generator
CN2639802Y (zh) * 2003-07-05 2004-09-08 徐远平 一种新型太阳能热水器传感装置

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5054105A (en) * 1990-02-19 1991-10-01 Oy Helo-Tehtaat-Helo Factories, Ltd. Electric sauna heater utilizing a thermostatic control of steam generation and sauna room heating
US5881207A (en) * 1995-10-31 1999-03-09 Seb Sa Steam generator with automatic supply and a process for measuring the level of liquid in such a generator

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
See also references of WO2007017558A1 *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CN101304718A (zh) 2008-11-12
WO2007017558A1 (fr) 2007-02-15
CN101304718B (zh) 2012-01-11
FI117665B (fi) 2007-01-15
EP1915120A4 (fr) 2014-04-09
FI20055431A0 (fi) 2005-08-10

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