LT5978B - Autonomous heat distributor with legs - Google Patents

Abstract

The aim of this invention is autonomous (standalone) heat distributor that is energy-independent, little dependent on heat source temperature fluctuations and intensity, stable and reliable and intended for directing and distributing heat from heat source to the desired part of the room both horizontally and vertically. The essential uniqueness of this invention is that the standalone heat distributor according to this invention has legs attachable to the device base. These legs that differ in size, height, and shape give the device mechanical stability needed because surface of heating devices is often uneven; protection against overheating needed because surface temperature of heating devices often can be controlled only indirectly, and possibility to vertically adjust the flow of air blown by directing it more downwards (for example, towards legs) or upwards (for example, towards face). Such a standalone heat distributor with legs increases heat source efficiency as well as comfort in the room, helps to reduce fuel consumption, allows selection of desired direction of heat flow both horizontally and vertically, and uses no electric power.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to thermoelectric devices, heat sources, and (warm) air transfer and distribution devices. Especially with thermoelectric installations.

TECHNICAL LEVEL

The principle of thermoelectricity has been known since ancient times. This phenomenon dates back to 1821. was discovered by Thomas Seebeck and is therefore called the Zebek phenomenon. Sometimes this phenomenon is also called the Thomson phenomenon because it is Kelvin Thomson who explained its essence. In order to generate a thermoelectric current, the contacts of different materials with different temperatures must be switched on in the circuit. The discovery of this phenomenon led to the development of thermoelectric plants that convert thermal energy into electricity.

The aforementioned thermoelectric devices are very convenient to use near various heat sources (eg furnaces, fireplaces, etc.), because there is always a temperature difference (temperature gradient) between these heat sources (when heated) and the ambient air.

U.S. Pat. US5544488, published June 1996. August 13 This patent describes a fan-based thermoelectric device based on an electric fan and a thermoelectric element that converts heat into electricity. This thermoelectric device is placed on the surface of the heat source. The purpose of the device described in the said patent is to transfer indoor air from one part of the room to another. The described thermoelectric device is fully autonomous because the fan blades are driven by electricity generated by a thermoelectric device using heat source energy. However, the design of the present invention provides only room / cold air transfer and partial mixing of cold air with warm air from a heat source. This design is not intended to direct the warm air of the heat source in the desired direction. Also, this thermoelectric device is not protected against overheating.

The closest prior art is the European patent application EP2271840 (filed on the basis of US2008134690 patent), filed on April 5, 2011. January 12 This application describes a system consisting of a heat source, a thermoelectric element and a fan that directs the heat of a heat source in a desired direction.

However, the thermoelectric element contained in this system, as in the aforementioned US5544488 patent, is not protected against overheating; and this is a major problem because the surface temperature of heat sources is often controlled only indirectly. In addition, due to its relatively high altitude and heat source area misalignment, the device can easily fall sideways or even away from the heat source and lose its function, which is also a pressing issue.

THE SUBSTANCE OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide an autonomous foot heat distributor for directing and distributing heat from a heat source to a desired portion of the room while avoiding / eliminating the disadvantages of the aforementioned patents.

An essential feature of the present invention is that the autonomous heat distributor of the invention has legs which are attached (e.g. screwed) to the base of the device. These feet, of varying height, width, area and geometry, give the device:

(mechanical) stability as the surface of the heating devices is not smooth, extending the range of acceptable operating temperatures of heat sources to overheating protection, since the surface temperature of heat sources is often only indirectly controlled and sometimes not at all controlled (eg furnaces or fireplaces) for adjusting the angle of the fan blowing warm air flow in the vertical direction; in this way, the flow of warm air can be carried not only horizontally (perpendicular to the heat source), but can also be directed and carried more downward (e.g., to the feet) or more upward (toward the level of the face).

Such an autonomous heat distributor with legs increases the efficiency and comfort of the heat source (furnace, fireplace, etc.) in the room, helps to reduce fuel consumption, allows to choose the desired direction of heat both horizontally and vertically, does not use electricity.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

FIG. 1 depicts a common spatial design of an autonomous heat distributor with dots (dots) for directing and distributing heat from a heat source to a desired portion of the room (side view, more from below).

FIG. 2 depicts a general three-dimensional design of an autonomous heat distributor with legs (wider legs) for directing and distributing heat from a heat source to a desired part of the room (side view, more from below).

FIG. Fig. 3 shows a general spatial construction of an autonomous foot heat distributor for directing and distributing heat from a heat source to a desired part of the room (side view, more from above).

PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Under normal conditions, the heat generated by the stove, fireplace or other heat source in the room / room rises up, reaches the ceiling, and then cools down and then goes down. In this way, the room warms up relatively slowly, and in addition, when the ceiling is heated, some heat is lost. Therefore, you need to heat the heat source more (i.e. burn more expensive fuel) and wait longer for the heat to finally reach the living area of the room, and after the work day, especially on a cold winter evening, you want it to happen as soon as possible.

The object of the present invention is an autonomous heat distributor with legs (1) which, at the very beginning, i.e. the energy (heat) generated by the heat source in the form of an air stream, i.e. at the hottest stage, deflects (approximately) in the horizontal direction of the room volume. The heat source can be a fireplace, furnace or any other fuel fired / heated unit. By using an autonomous foot heat distributor of the present invention, the heat generated / generated by the heat source is evenly and quickly distributed throughout the room, i.e. utilized much more efficiently, this stand-alone heat distributor with legs prevents the warm air from cooling in its hottest phase and directs it where the heat demand is most urgent. Therefore, the heat in the room is felt earlier than when it starts to rise. As a result, heating your home can reduce fuel consumption and achieve the same desired result. This is a particularly good economical way to distribute heat quickly and evenly throughout the room, as this device (autonomous heat distributor) does not need any power source to operate as it uses only its own power generated / generated from the heat source (stove).

FIG. 1 depicts a common spatial design of an autonomous heat distributor with dots (dots) for directing and distributing heat from a heat source to a desired portion of the room (side view, more from below). This stand-alone heat distributor with legs (1) consists of the following main elements / parts: housing (2), base (3), fan system (4), bracket (5), thermoelectric converter and legs (6). In order to ensure operational function, this heat distributor is usually mounted (mounted) on or attached to the heat source, such that the base (3) of the autonomous heat distributor, acting as a thermoelectric converter, is in contact with the surface of the heat source. The fan system (4) integrated in the housing (2), which is attached to said base (3), allows the air source of the heat source to be directed and transferred (distributed) in the desired direction. The thermoelectric converter, one part of which is the base (3) and the other part of which is the housing (2), converts the energy of the heat source into electrical energy, which is also used to operate said fan system, i.e. rotate. The stand-alone heat distribution bracket (5) is designed to be safe (since the housing (2) is hot) and convenient to move / move the entire unit from one location to another.

An essential and distinguishing feature of the present invention are the legs (6) which are attached to the base (3) of the autonomous heat distributor (1) and perform several functions at once.

On the one hand, these feet of various sizes and geometries give the device (mechanical) stability, since heat sources are often not smooth (eg cast iron) and even have some relief, which is a major problem and one of the most serious causes of failure of such devices. falling of the unit to the side (risk of ignition also occurring) or falling from the heat source (causing irreparable or difficult to repair mechanical damage to the unit due to sensitive rotating fan parts).

On the other hand, another major problem with such thermoelectric fans (devices) is thermal overheating. This problem occurs because the surface temperature of heat sources is often only controlled indirectly and has a high moment of inertia in the thermal sense. In addition, the temperature depends on the surface material of the heat source: in the case of metal (eg certain fireplace designs), the peak temperature values are very high and can easily burn (overheat) the thermoelectric transducer (damage to its junction). This problem is also solved by the aforementioned legs (6) which are attached to the stand (3) of the autonomous heat distributor. Depending on the design of the heat source, the (non) uniformity of the surface and other characteristics, the legs are also selected accordingly. By changing the surface area of the feet, it is possible to extend the operating temperature range of the heat source: on very hot surfaces - to reduce the foot area, on cooler surfaces - to increase the area. With said legs (6), the heat cannot pass (diffuse) so rapidly to the base of the autonomous heat distributor (3), thus avoiding the overheating effect. It should also be noted that heat diffuses not only through the legs (6) but also through the air gap between the heat source and the autonomous heat distributor base (3). Depending on the height of the legs, said air gap may also be adjustable, for example: the legs (6) may be of a certain height and / or may be screwed into the base (3) at some (certain depth). The presence of the legs (6) greatly extends the use of such an autonomous heat distributor, for example, so that even thermosensitive thermoelectric devices can be easily used in conditions where their use has so far been very limited or impossible.

FIG. 2 depicts a general three-dimensional design of an autonomous heat distributor with legs (wider legs) for directing and distributing heat from a heat source to a desired part of the room (side view, more from below).

FIG. Fig. 3 shows a general spatial construction of an autonomous foot heat distributor for directing and distributing heat from a heat source to a desired part of the room (side view, more from above).

The said legs (6) can be of different and different heights and the said legs (6) can have different geometries. The legs (6) can be dotted (e.g., Fig. 1) or larger area (e.g., Fig. 2). Also, the number of legs may be varied, preferably a minimum of 3 (three) legs to ensure the stability of the device as a whole. A 2 (two) or 1 (one) foot may also be present, but this greatly depends on the surface relief of the heat source. The stand-alone heat distributor with point legs (6) (Fig. 1) is more conveniently placed on uneven surfaces. Larger legs (6) (Fig. 2) can also be used on a smoother surface. If necessary, it is possible to increase or decrease said air gap between the surface and the base of the heat source (3). The geometry of the legs may differ from each other.

Different adjustable foot heights provide an additional function for the autonomous heat distributor. This allows you to adjust the angle of the blown warm airflow in a vertical direction: not only horizontally (perpendicular to the heat source), but also directed downward (eg to your feet) or more into the warm airflow. top (for example, towards the face level).

The said legs (6) can be made of various materials, for example, good heat conductors or weaker heat conductors. In the case of poor diffusion through the legs, the air gap between the surface of the heat source and the stand of the autonomous heat distributor (3) can be used more. Most importantly, these feet have sufficient resistance to high temperatures.

The autonomous heat distributor of the present invention is completely ready for use, all it needs to be placed on the surface of the heat source: the fan responds to the heat pulses and starts operating as soon as its base warms (3). As the heat source becomes even hotter, the fan system (4) becomes more efficient, and when the combustion stops and the heat dissipates, the fan switches itself off. Autonomous heat distributors of this type accumulate extremely high levels of heat. This allows even when the heat source stops heating, it can continue to operate for a while, directing the dying but still pleasing heat flows to the desired part of the room. Therefore, the heat generated by the heat source is maximally utilized in all its stages. This autonomous foot heat distributor is mobile and can be directed at any time in any desired direction (both horizontal and vertical), so heat will be distributed first where it is most needed.

In order to illustrate and describe the present invention, descriptions of preferred embodiments are set forth above. It is not a complete or limiting invention that seeks to determine the exact form or embodiment. The description above should be viewed as an illustration rather than a limitation. It will be appreciated that many modifications and variations may be apparent to those skilled in the art, embodiments are selected and described to best explain the principles of the present invention and their best practical application for different embodiments with different modifications suitable for a particular application or embodiment. for customization. The scope of the invention is intended to be defined by the appended definition and its equivalents, in which all of the foregoing terms have the widest meaning unless otherwise indicated. It will be appreciated that the embodiments described by those skilled in the art can make changes within the scope of the present invention as defined in the following definition.

Claims (5)

DEFINITION OF INVENTION 1. An autonomous heat distributor consisting of: housing, base, fan system, bracket and thermoelectric transducer, characterized by having legs (6) attached to the base (3) of the autonomous heat distributor (1), which provide mechanical stability to the autonomous heat distributor (1), since the surfaces of heat sources often not equal; prevents the thermoelectric transducer integrated in the autonomous heat distributor (1) from overheating, since the temperature of the heat sources is often controlled only indirectly; extends the capabilities of such an autonomous heat distributor (1), i.e. extends the range of acceptable operating temperatures for heat sources; and allows the angle of the blowing air flow of the autonomous heat distributor (1) to be adjusted vertically (more downward, horizontally or more upwards). 2. An autonomous heat distributor according to claim 1, characterized in that the height, width, area and shape (geometry) of said legs (6) can be varied, adapted to the specific characteristics of the heat source (e.g., maximum achievable surface temperature of the heat source, surface irregularities). and so on). Autonomous heat distributor according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the height, width, area and shape of each of said legs (6) may differ from the other legs (6) of the thermoelectric fan (1); it depends on the parameters of the heat source and / or the preference for non-standard airflow control. An autonomous heat distributor according to any one or more of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that its legs (6) are made of more or less heat-conductive heat-resistant materials; each leg (6) may also be made of different heat-resistant materials as compared to the other legs (6). An autonomous heat distributor according to any one or more of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the number of working legs (6) can be varied: 1,2, 3, 4 and so on; the optimum number of legs is 3 or 4.