NL2029921B1 - Combined electrical heater and humidifier - Google Patents
Combined electrical heater and humidifier Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- NL2029921B1 NL2029921B1 NL2029921A NL2029921A NL2029921B1 NL 2029921 B1 NL2029921 B1 NL 2029921B1 NL 2029921 A NL2029921 A NL 2029921A NL 2029921 A NL2029921 A NL 2029921A NL 2029921 B1 NL2029921 B1 NL 2029921B1
- Authority
- NL
- Netherlands
- Prior art keywords
- water
- electric heating
- heating appliance
- water reservoir
- heating device
- Prior art date
Links
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 61
- 238000005485 electric heating Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 21
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 107
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 12
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 claims description 12
- 229910052782 aluminium Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 4
- XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium Chemical compound [Al] XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 4
- 230000008020 evaporation Effects 0.000 claims description 4
- 238000001704 evaporation Methods 0.000 claims description 4
- 239000006260 foam Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 229920000642 polymer Polymers 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000002250 absorbent Substances 0.000 claims 1
- 238000009423 ventilation Methods 0.000 abstract description 12
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 4
- 239000004411 aluminium Substances 0.000 description 3
- 230000006378 damage Effects 0.000 description 3
- 206010019233 Headaches Diseases 0.000 description 2
- 231100000869 headache Toxicity 0.000 description 2
- 206010011224 Cough Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 206010013786 Dry skin Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 206010020751 Hypersensitivity Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 206010057190 Respiratory tract infections Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 230000007815 allergy Effects 0.000 description 1
- QVGXLLKOCUKJST-UHFFFAOYSA-N atomic oxygen Chemical compound [O] QVGXLLKOCUKJST-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229940000425 combination drug Drugs 0.000 description 1
- 239000004020 conductor Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000010411 cooking Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000037336 dry skin Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000007775 late Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000670 limiting effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 210000004072 lung Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052760 oxygen Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000001301 oxygen Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000003334 potential effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 208000020029 respiratory tract infectious disease Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 230000000630 rising effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229910001220 stainless steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000010935 stainless steel Substances 0.000 description 1
- 208000024891 symptom Diseases 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24D—DOMESTIC- OR SPACE-HEATING SYSTEMS, e.g. CENTRAL HEATING SYSTEMS; DOMESTIC HOT-WATER SUPPLY SYSTEMS; ELEMENTS OR COMPONENTS THEREFOR
- F24D19/00—Details
- F24D19/008—Details related to central heating radiators
- F24D19/0082—Humidifiers for radiators
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
- F24F6/00—Air-humidification, e.g. cooling by humidification
- F24F6/02—Air-humidification, e.g. cooling by humidification by evaporation of water in the air
- F24F6/025—Air-humidification, e.g. cooling by humidification by evaporation of water in the air using electrical heating means
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Thermal Sciences (AREA)
- Air Humidification (AREA)
Abstract
The present invention relates to an electric heater, in particular a stand-alone unit, 5 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 ventila- tion openings for releasing heated air. Electric energy is converted to heat energy by the electric heater.
Description
100594NL
Combined electrical heater and humidifier
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 ventila- tion openings for releasing heated air. Electric energy is converted to heat energy by the electric heater.
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 elec- trical 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 pre- vent 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 convec- tion 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 haz- ard 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 poten- tial 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 wa-
ter molecules in a certain amount of air reflects the moisture content. The greater the per- centage, 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 mois- ture content in the house is too high for a long period of time, this can cause further prob- lems. 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.
The present invention therefore relates to an electric heating device and further as- pects thereof, which overcomes one or more of the above disadvantages, without compro- mising functionality and advantages.
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 re- lates to an electric heating device 1 comprising a housing 10, incorporated in the housing at least one electric heater 20, at least one ventilation opening 21 for releasing heated air, char- acterized in a passive humidifier 30, the humidifier comprising a container 40 for water re- movably attached to the housing and incorporated therein, wherein the water container com- prises 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. Therewith a simple and efficient heater is provided, which at the same time pro- vides 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 ther- mally 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 con- tainer 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 cm?, such as 10-100 cm?. Likewise the water container comprises at least one humidifi- cation opening for releasing evaporated water and air, such as 1-100 openings, typically with a (combined) opening area of 5-250 cm, such as 10-100 cm?.
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.
In an exemplary embodiment of the present heating device the humidification open- ings 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 in- creased 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 com- prises 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 com- prises a mesh for filling the container with water and for humidification. The mesh is typical- ly 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 com- prises 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 com- prises 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 ther- mal contact provides >0.1 W/cm? heat, more preferably >0.2W/cm? heat, such as >1 W/cm? 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 cm’, preferably 50-1500 cm’, more preferably 100-1200 cm’, even more preferably 200-1000 cm’, such as 500-800 cm’. 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 m° (e.g. 10-20 m*) up to larger spaces of e.g. 50-200 m®, 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 hu- midity 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 limit- ing 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 1-5 show details of the present heating device.
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 5 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 1A,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 3A,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 SA,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.
The next section is added to support the search, and the section thereafter is consid-
ered to be a full translation thereof into Dutch.
1. Electric heating device (1) comprising a housing (10), incorporated in the housing at least one electric heater (20),
at least one ventilation opening (21) for releasing heated 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 1s adapted to provide heat for evaporation of water in the water container.
2. Electrical heating device according to embodiment 1, wherein the at least one humidi- fication opening is provided at a top side of the water container.
3. Electrical heating device according to embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the water container is made from a polymeric material, form a metal, such as aluminium, or a combina- tion thereof.
4. Electrical heating device according to any of embodiments 1-3, wherein the water con- tainer comprises at least one handle (44), such as an extendable handle.
5. Electrical heating device according to any of embodiments 1-4, wherein the water con-
tainer comprises a mesh (43) for filling the container with water and for humidifica- tion.
6. Electrical heating device according to any of embodiments 1-5, wherein the at least one ventilation opening is provided at a top side of the heating device.
7.Electrical heating device according to any of embodiments 1-6, wherein the water con-
tainer is provided in a slit, in a receiver, in a hinge, or in a combination thereof.
8. Electrical heating device according to any of embodiments 1-7, wherein the water con- tainer 1s provided at a top side of the heating device, at a side thereof, at a front side, or at a back side.
9.Electrical heating device according to any of embodiments 1-8, wherein the water con-
tainer comprises a grip.
10. Electrical heating device according to any of embodiments 1-9, wherein the wa- ter container comprises a closure (46) for receiving water in the water container and for preventing spilling.
11. Electrical heating device according to any of embodiments 1-10, wherein the wa-
ter container is provided in thermal contact with the at least one electric heater.
12. Electrical heating device according to any of embodiments 1-11, wherein the wa- ter container has a volume of 15-2500 cm’.
13. Electrical heating device according to any of embodiments 1-12, wherein at least part of the volume of the water container comprises a water-absorbing foam.
Claims (13)
Priority Applications (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| NL2029921A NL2029921B1 (en) | 2021-11-26 | 2021-11-26 | Combined electrical heater and humidifier |
| PCT/NL2022/050674 WO2023096483A1 (en) | 2021-11-26 | 2022-11-22 | Combined electrical heater and humidifier |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| NL2029921A NL2029921B1 (en) | 2021-11-26 | 2021-11-26 | Combined electrical heater and humidifier |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| NL2029921B1 true NL2029921B1 (en) | 2023-06-16 |
Family
ID=79018541
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| NL2029921A NL2029921B1 (en) | 2021-11-26 | 2021-11-26 | Combined electrical heater and humidifier |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| NL (1) | NL2029921B1 (en) |
Citations (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5677982A (en) * | 1995-11-03 | 1997-10-14 | Slant/Fin Corporation | Humidifier with UV anti-contamination provision |
| US6220579B1 (en) * | 1998-08-24 | 2001-04-24 | Tsu-Hsiu Chen | Warm mist humidifier |
| KR20140090485A (en) * | 2013-01-09 | 2014-07-17 | 안동윤 | Ocher humidifier which far infrared rays emitted |
| US20160146483A1 (en) * | 2013-09-18 | 2016-05-26 | Mitsubishi Electric Corporation | Humidifier and air-conditioning apparatus including humidifier |
-
2021
- 2021-11-26 NL NL2029921A patent/NL2029921B1/en active
Patent Citations (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5677982A (en) * | 1995-11-03 | 1997-10-14 | Slant/Fin Corporation | Humidifier with UV anti-contamination provision |
| US6220579B1 (en) * | 1998-08-24 | 2001-04-24 | Tsu-Hsiu Chen | Warm mist humidifier |
| KR20140090485A (en) * | 2013-01-09 | 2014-07-17 | 안동윤 | Ocher humidifier which far infrared rays emitted |
| US20160146483A1 (en) * | 2013-09-18 | 2016-05-26 | Mitsubishi Electric Corporation | Humidifier and air-conditioning apparatus including humidifier |
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