WO2023096483A1

WO2023096483A1 - Combined electrical heater and humidifier

Info

Publication number: WO2023096483A1
Application number: PCT/NL2022/050674
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mark ANGENENT
Original assignee: Duux Holding B.V.
Priority date: 2021-11-26
Filing date: 2022-11-22
Publication date: 2023-06-01

Abstract

The present invention relates to an electric heater, in particular a stand-alone unit, such as a separate or self-contained unit, for heating an enclosed space, such as part of a building, such as a room. The electric heating device is provided in a housing with ventilation openings for releasing heated air. Electric energy is converted to heat energy by the electric heater.

Description

Combined electrical heater and humidifier

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is in the field of an electric heater. Therewith electrical energy is converted into heat energy. Common applications include space heating, cooking, water heating and industrial processes. The present heater is however limited to space heating. Typically a heater comprises a heating element inside, which in view of the electrical current used is an electrical resistor. The electric current passing through the resistor converts electrical energy into heat energy. Typically said electrical resistor is at least one wire or the like. The resistor is typically electrically/physically isolated from its environment, in order to prevent injuries and in view of safety, and at the same time provides heat mostly freely to the environment, such as through ventilation openings.

So the present heater is sued for space heating. It typically relates to a convection heater or a fan heater. In a convection heater, the heating element heats the air in contact with the heating element by thermal conduction. As hot air is less dense than cool air, it rises due to buoyancy, allowing more cool air to flow in to take its place. This sets up a convection current of hot air that rises from the heater, heats up the surrounding space, cools and then repeats the cycle. These heaters may be filled with oil or thermal fluid. They are ideally suited for heating a closed space. They operate silently and have a lower risk of ignition hazard if they make unintended contact with furnishings compared to radiant electric heaters. A fan heater, or forced convection heater, is similar to a convection heater in operation, and further comprises a fan or an impellor to increase airflow over the heater. They operate with more noise caused by the fan. Their advantage is that they are more compact than heaters that use natural convection and are also cost-efficient for portable and small room heating systems.

An issue with heaters in general, such as a central heating system, is that air in the space where heating is provided becomes dry, that is having a low relative humidity. Thereto an external water reservoir could be provided, comprising water which gradually evaporates upon heating by the heater. Sometimes the water reservoir can be integrated in the heater. Filling the reservoir is than rather complex and sometimes dangerous, e.g. in view of potential shorts. Active humidifiers are often used as separate units, which may use an electrical resistor for heating the water contained therein. In the latter case two units would be required to heat and humidify a space, consuming space and addition electric power. Humidity refers to the relationship between air and moisture. The percentage of water molecules in a certain amount of air reflects the moisture content. The greater the percentage, the higher the humidity in that room. The 'ideal air humidity' of a house is between 40 and 60%. This percentage may be subject to change; ventilation and weather conditions are found to have a great influence on the humidity in the house. In order to create a healthy living environment in a home, humidity is considered of importance. Both too high and too low humidity levels in a home can be harmful to health. Too much moisture in a house can in addition lead to material damage, which can reduce the value of the house. Creating a good air humidity therefore offers many advantages. In this respect typically reference is made to the relative humidity. If the relative humidity in the house is more than 60%, the moisture content is considered too high. Too much moisture in the house can occur due to a lack of ventilation or due to a moisture problem, such as leakage or rising damp. If the moisture content in the house is too high for a long period of time, this can cause further problems. A colder air contains less water vapour than a warmer air. When the air cools down, the water vapour can move to walls, floors and furniture, for example. This can result in moisture spots or mould. Because mould spores can be harmful, too much humidity can simply damage ones health as a consequence. Allergies, respiratory tract infections and headaches can all be consequences of too high humidity in the home. On the other hand, especially during the winter, the air in the house can become too dry. The heating is often high and the relative humidity can drop considerably. A too low moisture content can have a direct influence on health as well. As one breathes in this dry air continuously, lungs are found to have less oxygen to absorb. When one often has to cough and regularly suffer from headaches, this can be caused by 'too little moisture' in the house. Irritated eyes and dry skin are also symptoms of low humidity.

Incidentally US 6 220 579 Bl, KR 2014 0090485 A, and US 2016/146483 Al may be mentioned, basically relating to humidifiers. US 6 220 579 Bl recites A warm mist humidifier with a fan and a germicidal bulb to facilitate the dispersion of water vapor and the elimination of potentially harmful microorganisms in water. The humidifier includes a base unit having an energizing circuit, a water tank having a weight sensor and disposed on the base unit for supplying water to the base unit, a reservoir in the base unit for receiving water from the water tank, a heating assembly disposed in the base unit for vaporizing water received from the reservoir when the heating assembly is activated by the energizing circuit, and a tank switch for activating or deactivating the energizing circuit. The tank switch is responsive to a change of position of the water tank relative to the base unit in response to the water in the water tank. The heating assembly is consisted of a boiler cavity, a heating coil fixedly mounted underneath the boiler cavity, an insulative outer housing mounted on the boiler cavity, and a removable cover covering the insulative outer housing. KR 2014 0090485 A recites a loess humidifier emitting far infrared rays. The loess humidifier comprises the following: a main body including a pot-shaped upper body part and a truncated cone-shaped lower supporting part ; a water storage container mounted in the upper insertion hole of the body part , and storing water therein; a cylindrical mount mounted in the inner lower side of the body part , and having multiple air vent holes radially punched therein; a ceramic heater installed to be fixed to the upper side of the mount , and heating the water storage container ; a cover mounted on the upper side of the main body , and having multiple diffusion holes through which vapor generates when the water inside the water storage tank is vaporized and diffused to the ceramic heater ; multiple loess balls inserted between the inner surface of the body part and the outer surface of the mount ; and an operation switch installed to externally protrude from one side of the supporting part of the main body , and controlling electricity supply to the ceramic heater , wherein the main body , the mount , the cover , and the loess balls are plastic-worked primarily after formed from loess, and the water storage container is initially plastic-worked after formed from the loess, and then is plastic-worked a second time after glazed. According to the present invention, the loess humidifier with a simple structure can be easily manufactured so that the manufacturing costs of the loess humidifier can be reduced. In addition, according to the present invention, the loess humidifier is capable of humidifying and heating, and also emits the far infrared rays to provide a beneficial effect for a human body. US 2016/146483 Al recites a humidifier including a electrode; a water absorbing humidification member configured to serve as a counter electrode for the electrode; a power supply for applying a voltage to the electrode; a water supply unit for supplying humidification water to the water absorbing humidification member; and a blower for causing air to flow through an air passage formed in a space between the electrode and the water absorbing humidification member, the electrode being configured to generate, by receiving a voltage applied thereto, ion wind flowing from the electrode to a direction normal to a surface of the water absorbing humidification member, and the ion wind is caused to impinge on the water absorbing humidification member to humidify the air in the air passage.

The present invention therefore relates to an electric heating device and further aspects thereof, which overcomes one or more of the above disadvantages, without compromising functionality and advantages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the invention to overcome one or more limitations of the heaters of the prior art and at the very least to provide an alternative thereto. The present invention relates to an electric heating device 1 comprising a housing 10, incorporated in the housing at least one electric heater 20 configured for generating heated dry air, at least one ventilation opening 21 for releasing heated dry air, characterized in a passive humidifier 30, the humidifier comprising a container 40 for water removably attached to the housing and incorporated therein, wherein the water container comprises at least one humidification opening 32 for releasing evaporated water and air, wherein the at least one electric heater is adapted to provide heat for evaporation of water in the water container. Evaporation is considered to relate to a type of vaporization that occurs, hence typically passive, on the surface of a liquid as it changes into the gas phase. A high concentration of the evaporating substance in the surrounding gas significantly slows down evaporation, such as when humidity affects rate of evaporation of water. Therewith a simple and efficient heater is provided for providing heated and hence dry air, which at the same time provides sufficient relative humidity to its direct environment. The present device consumes only limited space. The water container of the passive humidifier can be filled and refilled easily, such as by removing it from the heating device, and adding water to it. The water container is typically provided near or close to the at least one heater, such that the water gradually evaporates and provides humidity. The water container is typically provided in thermal contact with the at least one heater. The water container is typically made of a thermally conducting material, such as a metal, or a polymer. Typically the thermal contact may be somewhat indirect, as a too fast evaporation is not aimed at; in other words the water container is typically at a distance of a few (2-5) centimetre or more, and/or may be provided at least partly in or close to a thermal flow path of heated air, such as air leaving the heater, and/or may be at least partly thermally isolated. Typically the humidifier may be provided adjacent to the at least one heater, and/or above said at least one heater. Said at least one heater typically comprises at least one electrical resistor. The at least one heater provides typically 100-5000 W, preferably 500-3000 W, such as 1000-2500 W. The present heater is typically provided with a controller for varying and maintaining an amount of heat provided. Such may be a continuous control, or a step- wise control, having for instance 3-9 positions.

In order to release air the present heating device comprises ventilation openings for releasing heated air, such as 1-100 openings, typically with a (combined) opening area of 5- 250 cm², such as 10-100 cm². Likewise the water container comprises at least one humidification opening for releasing evaporated water and air, such as 1-100 openings, typically with a (combined) opening area of 5-250 cm², such as 10-100 cm².

The present invention provides a solution to one or more of the above mentioned problems and overcomes drawbacks of the prior art.

Advantages of the present description are detailed throughout the description. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In an exemplary embodiment of the present heating device the humidification openings are provided at a top side of the water container. Therewith the humidified air can easily exit the water container, optionally mix with the heated air by the heater, and provide an increased humidification.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present heating device the water container is made from a polymeric material, form a metal, such as aluminium, or a combination thereof.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present heating device the water container comprises at least one handle, such as an extendable handle. Therewith the water container can be removed with ease, be filled, and be placed back. In an exemplary embodiment of the present heating device the water container comprises a mesh for filling the container with water and for humidification. The mesh is typically provided at a top side of the water container. It prevents debris or the like from entering the container, and yet still provides sufficient opening for humidification. The mesh may be made from a polymeric material, form a metal, such as aluminium, or a combination thereof.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present heating device ventilation openings are provided at a top side of the heating device. As such heated air can easily leave the heater.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present heating device the water container is provided in a slit, in a receiver, in a hinge, or in a combination thereof. Therewith the water container can be removed and replaced back easily.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present heating device the water container is provided at a top side of the heating device, at a side thereof, at a front side, or at a back side. In principle a large design freedom is provided therewith.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present heating device the water container comprises a grip. The grip may be useful to remove and hold the water container.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present heating device the water container comprises a closure for receiving water in the water container and for preventing spilling.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present heating device the water container is provided in thermal contact with the at least one electric heater. As such the heater provides an increased water temperature, and therewith increased humidification. Typically the thermal contact provides >0.1W/cm² heat, more preferably >0.2W/cm² heat, such as >lW/cm² heat. Preferably the combined thermal conductivity of the water container/heater is >0.1 W/(m*K) (@ 25 °C), more preferably >1 W/(m*K), even more preferably >5 W/(m*K), such as >10 W/(m*K). It is preferred to raise the temperature of the water in the container to 22-50 °C, more preferably container to 25-40 °C, such as to 30-35 °C.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present heating device the water container has a volume of 15-2500 cm³, preferably 50-1500 cm³, more preferably 100-1200 cm³, even more preferably 200-1000 cm³, such as 500-800 cm³. The volume depends on the heater capacity as well as on the space to be heated. Larger volumes are preferred for larger heaters/spaces.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present heating device at least part of the volume of the water container comprises a water-absorbing foam.

With the present inventions spaces of a few m³ (e.g. 10-20 m³) up to larger spaces of e.g. 50-200 m³, could be heated, while maintaining the relative humidity of above 40% was easily reached. By controlling the heater and the amount of water properly the relative humidity typically was controlled below 60%, such as around 50%.

The invention will hereafter be further elucidated through the following examples which are exemplary and explanatory of nature and are not intended to be considered limiting of the invention. To the person skilled in the art it may be clear that many variants, being obvious or not, may be conceivable falling within the scope of protection, defined by the present claims.

FIGURES

Figures 1-5 show details of the present heating device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

In the figures:

1 electric heating device

10 housing

20 electric heater

21 ventilation opening

22 heater top

23 heater side

24 back panel

25 mesh for ventilation opening, typically metal

30 passive humidifier

31 water container

32 humidification opening

40 removable water container

41 metal tube/container

42 Water fill inlet and air outlet

43 mesh, such as metal mesh

44 Grip

44a extendable handle

45 magnetic fix

46 cap

47 hook

48 hinge

49 opening for receiving water container or water container holder

Figure 1 A,B shows an example of the present water container, with a grip for lifting the water container, a fill opening provided with a metal mesh at a top side thereof, and a substantially circular metal tube for containing water to be evaporated. Also a detail of the present heating device with the present water container is show. The heater top is provided with an opening for removably inserting and exerting the water container.

Figure 2A,B shows another example of the present heating device, wherein the water container can be tilted and removed from the heating device, e.g. for filling with water. At a top side of the heating device air vents or openings are provided, typically comprising a wire mesh, such as a metal mesh. The water container preferably has an extendable handle for removing the water container from the heating device and carrying it to a water tap point. A hinge may be provided for up-taking the water container. Figure 3 A,B shows another example of the present heating device, wherein the water container is provided at a side of the heating device. For firmly fixing the water container a fix, such as a magnetic fix, may be provided.

Figure 4A,B shows another example of the present heating device, wherein the water container is provided at a top of the heating device. The water container has a cap enclosing a fill opening. Water may evaporate through the opening provided with a mesh.

Figure 5A,B shows another example of the present heating device, wherein the water container is provided at a side of the heating device. A water container holder is present for ensuring thermal contact between the water container and heater, as well for easily removing and putting back the water container. The water container may be made from a metal, such as stainless steel. It may have a cap. It has openings for releasing evaporated water. It may have a hook for fixing the water container to a top side of the heating device.

Claims

8 CLAIMS

1. A combined electrical heater and passive humidifier device (1) comprising a housing (10), incorporated in the housing at least one electric heater (20) configured for generating heated dry air, at least one ventilation opening (21) for releasing heated dry air, characterized in a passive humidifier (30), the humidifier comprising a container (40) for water removably attached to the housing and incorporated therein, wherein the water container comprises at least one humidification opening (32) for releasing evaporated water and air, wherein the at least one electric heater is adapted to provide heat for evaporation of water in the water container.

2. The combined electrical heater and passive humidifier device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one humidification opening is provided at a top side of the water container.

3. The combined electrical heater and passive humidifier device according to claim 1 or

2, wherein the water container is made from a polymeric material, form a metal, such as aluminium, or a combination thereof.

4. The combined electrical heater and passive humidifier device according to any of claims 1-3, wherein the water container comprises at least one handle (44), such as an extendable handle.

5. The combined electrical heater and passive humidifier device according to any of claims 1-4, wherein the water container comprises a mesh (43) for filling the container with water and for humidification.

6. The combined electrical heater and passive humidifier device according to any of claims 1-5, wherein the at least one ventilation opening is provided at a top side of the heating device.

7. The combined electrical heater and passive humidifier device according to any of claims 1-6, wherein the water container is provided in a slit, in a receiver, in a hinge, or in a combination thereof.

8. The combined electrical heater and passive humidifier device according to any of claims 1-7, wherein the water container is provided at a top side of the heating device, at a side thereof, at a front side, or at a back side.

9. The combined electrical heater and passive humidifier device according to any of claims 1-8, wherein the water container comprises a grip.

10. The combined electrical heater and passive humidifier device according to any of claims 1-9, wherein the water container comprises a closure (46) for receiving water in the water container and for preventing spilling.

11. The combined electrical heater and passive humidifier device according to any of claims 1-10, wherein the water container is provided in thermal contact with the at 9 least one electric heater. The combined electrical heater and passive humidifier device according to any of claims 1-11, wherein the water container has a volume of 15-2500 cm³. The combined electrical heater and passive humidifier device according to any of claims 1-12, wherein at least part of the volume of the water container comprises a water-absorbing foam.