DE102024116114A1 - Heating device, use and method for manufacturing a heat exchanger for a heating device - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a heating device (1) with at least one heat exchanger (2) for transferring heat from a catalytic reaction of a reaction gas mixture to a working medium, wherein the heat exchanger (2) has at least one separating element (3) for separating a primary section (4) for the reaction gas mixture and a secondary section (5) for the working medium. The heat exchanger (2) comprises at least one reaction element (8) arranged within the primary section (4), wherein the at least one reaction element (8) comprises at least one catalytically active first reaction surface (6) for the reaction gas mixture, such that, in the intended use of the heating device (1), the reaction gas mixture is catalytically oxidized upon contact with the first reaction surface (6). The invention further relates to a use and a method for manufacturing a heat exchanger (2) for a heating device (1).

Description

The present invention relates to a heating device with at least one heat exchanger for transferring heat from a catalytic reaction of a reaction gas mixture to a working medium, wherein the heat exchanger has at least one separating element for separating a primary section for the reaction gas mixture and a secondary section for the working medium.

From the DE 42 02 107 A1 A heat exchanger for transferring heat from a catalytic reaction or combustion of a gas is known. A disadvantage of this is that the heat from the catalytic combustion is very limited and cannot be changed or adjusted. Furthermore, its manufacture is very complex and/or the heat exchanger is unsuitable for small production runs.

The object of the present invention is to eliminate the disadvantages known from the prior art.

The problem is solved by a heating device, a use and a method for manufacturing a heat exchanger for a heating device with the features of the independent patent claims.

A heating device is proposed. The heating device is preferably designed as a building heating device and/or for heating at least one building. Additionally or alternatively, the heating device can be used to heat the building's domestic hot water and/or service water. Additionally or alternatively, the at least one heating device can be used to heat a supply air stream of an air heating device. It is also conceivable to use the heating device to heat several buildings and/or that the at least one heating device and/or several of the heating devices are designed as a district heating heating device and/or district heating power plant. Additionally or alternatively, it is conceivable that the heating device is used as an auxiliary power plant, peak load power plant, and/or expansion power plant for a district heating network. For example, the heating device according to the invention is used as a peak load power plant during periods of high demand. This allows other district heating power plants to be smaller. If the heating device according to the invention is used as an expansion power plant, the reach of the district heating network can be increased by arranging the power plant according to the invention between the at least one building and the district heating power plant.

The heating device preferably comprises at least one heat exchanger for transferring heat from a catalytic reaction of a reaction gas mixture to a working medium. Additionally or alternatively, the heat exchanger is proposed for transferring heat from a catalytic reaction of a reaction gas mixture to a working medium. This alternative use of the heat exchanger offers flexibility in application and allows integration into various heating systems. The catalytic reaction achieves high efficiency in heat supply, thus maximizing energy utilization. The heat exchanger ensures continuous and efficient heat transfer from the reaction gas mixture to the working medium. The catalytic reaction can be understood as the oxidation and/or combustion and/or flameless combustion of the reaction gas mixture.

The at least one heat exchanger preferably comprises at least one separating element for a primary section for the reaction gas mixture and a secondary section for the working medium. The separating element prevents the reaction gas and working medium from mixing. The reaction gas mixture preferably comprises hydrogen, gaseous hydrocarbons, and/or oxygen. The gaseous hydrocarbon can, for example, comprise methane, ethane, propane, butane, and/or natural gas and/or biogas. Preferably, the reaction gas mixture is an air-fuel gas mixture, in particular an air-hydrogen mixture. The use of an air-hydrogen mixture as the reaction gas enables an efficient and clean reaction, especially oxidation. This contributes to reducing emissions and improving the environmental compatibility of the heating device. The hydrogen content of the supplied reaction gas mixture or the hydrogen-oxygen mixture is preferably outside the explosive range, in particular below 4% by volume. This prevents an explosion of the reaction gas mixture.

The primary section can also be referred to as the primary side and/or the secondary section as the secondary side. The primary section is the section in which the reaction gas mixture is located and/or flows. Thus, the heat exchanger is preferably surrounded by the reaction gas mixture. The secondary section is the section in which the working fluid is located and/or flows. Thus, the heat exchanger is preferably through which the working fluid flows. The separating element can, for example, be a pipe and/or a sandwich plate through which the working fluid can flow. This could be, for example, a heating fluid, in particular heating water, domestic hot water and/or supply air of an air heating device in a building.

Preferably, the heat exchanger comprises at least one reaction element arranged within the primary section. Preferably, the reaction element is arranged completely and/or exclusively within the primary section. The complete and/or exclusive arrangement of the reaction element within the primary section ensures an optimized contact area for the catalytic reaction. The at least one reaction element comprises at least one catalytically active first reaction surface for the reaction gas mixture. Thus, in the intended use of the heating device, the reaction gas mixture can be catalytically oxidized and/or catalytically reacted upon contact with the first reaction surface.

The design and/or size of the at least one reaction element is independent of the design and/or size of the at least one separation element. This allows the effective surface area for the catalytic reaction to be designed independently of the at least one separation element. This ensures maximum flexibility and/or adaptability of the heat exchanger and/or heating device. Additionally or alternatively, the total catalytically active reaction surface area can be adapted to the specific application by integrating a different number and/or size of reaction elements. For example, the surface area of the at least one reaction element, and thus the first reaction surface, can be dimensioned to be very large compared to the surface area of the separation element. This contributes to effective and uniform heat release and/or increases the efficiency of the heating device.

Preferably, the at least one reaction element is arranged on the at least one separating element and/or projects from the at least one separating element into the primary section.

The at least one separating element preferably comprises at least one catalytically active second reaction surface facing the primary section, such that, in the intended use of the heating device, the reaction gas mixture is catalytically combusted and/or oxidized upon contact with the second reaction surface, particularly without a flame. The additional second reaction surface further increases the total catalytically active reaction surface area, which preferably comprises the first and second reaction surfaces. This contributes to effective and uniform heat release and/or increases the efficiency of the heating device.

In the region of the first reaction surface and/or the second reaction surface, the at least one reaction element and/or the at least one separation element preferably comprises a catalyst or is provided with a catalyst and/or coated with a catalyst, with the aid of which the reaction gas mixture is catalytically reactive, in particular combustible, and/or the activation energy of the reaction is reduced.

It is also advantageous if the separating element comprises a transfer surface directed towards the secondary section for transferring the heat resulting from the catalytic reaction to the working medium, wherein the transfer surface is preferably smaller than the first reaction surface and/or than a total reaction surface formed from the first reaction surface and the second reaction surface.

It is often necessary for the surface area in contact with the reaction gas mixture—that is, the first reaction surface and/or the second reaction surface—to be larger than the surface area in contact with the working fluid—that is, the transfer surface. This allows for the maximum possible conversion of heat energy by the catalytic reaction to the working fluid. Since the working fluid is usually a liquid, it typically has very high thermal conductivity, which allows for a smaller transfer surface. Additionally or alternatively, a large first reaction surface and/or total reaction surface can increase the efficiency of the catalytic reaction, thus improving the overall efficiency of the heating device.

It is also advantageous if the at least one reaction element is arranged on the at least one separating element and/or is in thermal contact with the at least one separating element and/or mechanically and/or thermally connects two spaced-apart separating elements. The reaction element preferably does not include a heat transfer surface to the working medium. Due to the arrangement of the reaction element on the separating element and/or the thermal contact, the reaction element can transfer the heat resulting from the catalytic reaction directly to the separating element, which is in contact with the working medium. This optimizes heat transfer to the working medium. Primary heat conduction thus preferably occurs via the elements and not via the separating element. Reaction gas mixture heated by the reaction element.

It is also advantageous if at least one separating element and/or several interconnected separating elements enclose the primary and/or secondary section in a fluid-tight manner, particularly in a liquid-tight and/or gas-tight manner. The fluid-tight enclosure of the primary and/or secondary section prevents the escape of reaction gases or working fluids, thus increasing operational reliability. This leads to improved heat transfer efficiency and reduces potential energy losses due to leaks.

Furthermore, it is advantageous if the first reaction surface and/or the second reaction surface is formed by a catalytically active layer. Preferably, the first reaction surface and/or the second reaction surface is formed as a dispersion coating of catalytically active material. The dispersion coating, as the catalytically active layer, ensures a uniform distribution of the catalytically active particles and increases the total reaction surface area. This improves the reaction rate and reduces the activation energy required for the reaction of the gas mixture.

Additionally or alternatively, it is advantageous if the first reaction surface and/or the second reaction surface and/or the at least one reaction element and/or the at least one separating element are made of a catalytically active material. The catalytically active material can, for example, be a catalytically active alloy. The at least one separating element and/or the at least one reaction element is usually made of metal, in particular stainless steel, copper, aluminum, and/or nickel, and/or ceramic. Especially when using metal, the metal alloy can be appropriately provided with catalytically active particles. Thus, it is conceivable that the separating element and/or the reaction element is formed entirely or only on its surface as a catalytically active alloy or contains the catalytically active particles. This makes it possible to eliminate the need for a subsequent coating of the separating element and/or the reaction element.

It is also advantageous if the first reaction surface and/or the second reaction surface comprises a metal oxide coating to increase the surface area and/or a platinum, rhodium, iridium, and/or palladium coating as a catalytically active layer. The metal oxide coating increases the specific surface area of the first reaction surface and/or the second reaction surface, which enhances the catalytic activity and improves the efficiency of the catalytic reaction. The first reaction surface and/or the second reaction surface preferably comprises at least one catalytically active layer, in particular with a composition of platinum, palladium, nickel, iron, platinum-iridium, iridium, and/or cobalt. It is also conceivable that the at least one separating element and/or the at least one reacting element is made of a material comprising a composition of platinum, palladium, nickel, iron, platinum-iridium, iridium, and/or cobalt.

Platinum is an outstanding catalyst for hydrogen and is widely used. The oxidation of hydrogen on platinum occurs even at room temperature. This has the advantage that no external auxiliary heating is required, or only under certain conditions. However, palladium is another precious metal frequently used in hydrogen technology. It is employed in hydrogen purification processes and also plays an important role in organic chemistry for the hydrogenation of compounds. Nickel catalysts are commonly used in hydrogen production, particularly in the steam reforming of methane. Nickel is also a major component of hydrogen diffusion membranes. Iron catalysts are used in Fischer-Tropsch synthesis to convert synthesis gas (H₂ and CO) into hydrocarbons. Platinum-iridium is an alloy that can be used in high-temperature hydrogen fuel cells and offers a good combination of activity and stability. Iridium catalysts are used in various electrolysis processes, including water oxidation in water electrolysis applications. Cobalt catalysts are used in several industrial processes for hydrogen production from renewable sources, such as alkaline hydrogen electrolysis. The selection of the best catalyst depends on factors such as temperature, pressure, reaction rate, cost, and compatibility with other system components. In many applications, particularly in the present case as a hydrogen catalyst for heating devices, platinum and palladium remain the preferred catalysts due to their high catalytic activity and stability, although research is constantly developing new materials and approaches to improve catalyst efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

It is also advantageous if at least one partition element is designed as a plate and/or partition wall and/or sheet metal and/or tube and/or sandwich panel. The flexible design of the partition elements allows for easy adaptation to various application conditions. and improves the efficiency of heat transfer.

It is also advantageous if at least one reaction element is designed as a plate and/or sheet and/or lamella and/or rib. Using different shapes for reaction elements allows for an increased catalytic surface area, which improves the reaction rate and the efficiency of heat transfer. This increases the effectiveness of the catalytic reaction processes and leads to more efficient energy utilization.

Furthermore, it is advantageous if the heat exchanger includes multiple separation elements and multiple reaction elements. Integrating several separation and reaction elements increases the total heat transfer surface area and improves the thermal efficiency of the heating device. This allows for higher performance and greater flexibility in the application of the heating device.

It is also advantageous if the heat exchanger is designed as a finned heat exchanger, finned tube heat exchanger, counterflow heat exchanger, and/or crossflow heat exchanger. The finned heat exchanger can also be called a plate-fin heat exchanger (PFHE). The different heat exchanger types offer specific advantages in heat transfer, such as improved surface area and efficient heat utilization. This leads to better adaptation of the heating device to different operating conditions and applications. Furthermore, an existing heat exchanger designed for another application can be used for the heating device. For example, this existing heat exchanger (finned tube heat exchanger, finned tube heat exchanger, counterflow heat exchanger, and/or crossflow heat exchanger) can be coated with catalytically active particles to create the first and/or second reaction surfaces. This results in a simplified, more cost-effective, and/or more efficient manufacturing process for the heating device.

It is also advantageous if at least one spacer, particularly one designed as a profiled sheet, is arranged within the secondary section. With the aid of this spacer, a gap between at least two of the spaced-apart separating elements in the secondary section can be provided and/or supported. The spacer ensures a stable and uniform arrangement of the separating elements, which improves the efficiency of heat transfer. This guarantees uniform heat distribution and prevents hotspots in the working fluid.

It is also advantageous if the heating device includes at least one auxiliary heater for preheating and/or drying the first reaction surface and/or the second reaction surface and/or the working medium, wherein the auxiliary heater is preferably arranged within the primary section and/or within the secondary section. The auxiliary heater enables rapid and efficient heating of the reaction surfaces and/or the working medium, which improves the reaction rate and the efficiency of the heating device. This leads to a reduction in heating times and an increase in the operating efficiency of the device. Additionally or alternatively, the auxiliary heater is used to achieve the activation energy for the reaction gas mixture as quickly and/or efficiently as possible when starting the heating device. If the auxiliary heater is arranged within the secondary section, the working medium can be brought to the required temperature quickly and/or effectively. Furthermore, the second reaction surface can be heated through direct contact with the separating element. For example, the auxiliary heater is designed as an immersion heater. Such immersion heaters are frequently used in buffer storage tanks of building heating systems. For example, the immersion heater of the buffer storage tank can thus serve as an additional heater for the catalytic reaction of the heating device.

It is also advantageous if the at least one separating element forms at least one flow channel for the working fluid and/or the at least one reaction element forms at least one guide element for the reaction gas mixture, so that the working fluid is guided along a first flow direction by means of the flow channel and/or the reaction gas mixture is guided along a second flow direction by means of the guide element. The targeted guidance of the working fluid and reaction gas mixture improves the efficiency of heat transfer and prevents undesirable turbulence. This contributes to optimized control of the heat flows and uniform heating of the media. Preferably, the first and second flow directions form an angle, so that the heat exchanger is designed, for example, as a cross-flow heat exchanger and/or a counter-flow heat exchanger.

Furthermore, it is advantageous if the heating device comprises at least one reaction unit, wherein the heat exchanger is arranged within and/or in the area of the reaction unit. The inlet and outlet can be configured as follows: The inlet is preferably connected to a processing section. The outlet preferably connects to the first chamber of the first heat exchanger and/or to the connecting section. The oxygen content of the exhaust gas mixture can be increased with the aid of the processing section.

It is also advantageous if the heating device includes at least one connecting section that fluidly connects at least one inlet and at least one outlet of the reaction unit, so that a heated exhaust gas mixture from the at least one outlet of the reaction unit can be at least partially fed to the at least one inlet of the reaction unit.

The thermal energy of the heated exhaust gas mixture can be directly reused for the reaction gas mixture via at least one connecting section. Although the heated exhaust gas mixture contains a reduced oxygen concentration, this is usually still sufficient to ensure a renewed reaction in the reaction unit, particularly at the first reaction surface and/or the second reaction surface of the heat exchanger. This ensures a stoichiometric reaction, especially combustion. Once the oxygen from the heated exhaust gas mixture is consumed, the necessary oxygen for a further stoichiometric reaction can be supplied. For this purpose, it is advantageous if the heating device, particularly the conditioning section, includes at least one oxygen supply, especially designed as a fresh air supply, and/or at least one exhaust gas discharge.

It is also advantageous if the second flow direction of the reaction gas mixture and/or the heated exhaust gas mixture within the reaction unit is directed from the inlet to the outlet and/or within the connecting section from the outlet to the inlet.

It is also advantageous if the heating device includes at least one additional heat exchanger, in particular an air-to-water heat exchanger and/or air-to-air heat exchanger and/or condensing heat exchanger, by means of which the residual heat of the exhaust gas mixture of the reaction unit can be transferred to a working medium and/or another working medium arranged and/or flowing through the at least one additional heat exchanger. This allows the residual energy in the exhaust gas mixture to be used to heat the working medium and/or another working medium.

It is also advantageous if the heating device includes at least one sensor, in particular at least one oxygen sensor, temperature sensor, and/or hydrogen sensor. Preferably, the at least one sensor, in particular the at least one temperature sensor, is arranged within the secondary section to detect the temperature of the working medium. Additionally or alternatively, the at least one sensor, in particular the at least one oxygen sensor, is arranged within the connecting section, within the exchange section, and/or at the exhaust gas outlet to detect the oxygen content in the exhaust gas mixture. Additionally or alternatively, the hydrogen sensor is arranged within the at least one mixing section.

It is also advantageous if the heating device comprises at least one control unit with at least one data interface, wherein the at least one control unit is preferably in data communication via the at least one oxygen supply, the at least one gas supply, the at least one exhaust gas discharge, the at least one actuator, and/or the at least one sensor. Preferably, the gas supply is controlled such that the temperature of the working medium is always less than 400°C, preferably less than 300°C, for example, approximately 270°C.

Furthermore, the use of a finned tube heat exchanger and/or a condenser and/or a condenser as the base body for a heat exchanger of a heating device, particularly according to the preceding description, is proposed. The aforementioned features of the heat exchanger can be present individually or in any combination. The base body of the heat exchanger is understood to be its geometric configuration. The base body thus preferably comprises the at least one separating element and the at least one reaction element. The base body therefore does not include the first reaction surface and/or the second reaction surface. The heat exchanger from the preceding description can be manufactured from the base body, particularly by coating the base body with a catalytically active layer.

The finned heat exchanger and/or the finned tube heat exchanger and/or the condenser is used, for example, as a motor vehicle oil cooler, motor vehicle water cooler, motor vehicle charge air cooler, Engine radiators, heat pump evaporators, refrigerator condensers, condensing heat exchangers (e.g., in a gas boiler), and/or air conditioning condensers are designed. Therefore, the finned heat exchanger, finned tube heat exchanger, condenser, and/or condenser are preferably finished or purchased components. This reduces production costs and/or simplifies manufacturing. The base body can then be coated with the catalytically active layer.

It is advantageous if the finned heat exchanger and/or the finned tube heat exchanger and/or the condenser and/or the condenser is provided and/or coated with at least one catalytically active layer, in particular for forming the first reaction surface and/or the second reaction surface, for use in the heating device. Additionally or alternatively, it is advantageous if the finned heat exchanger and/or the finned tube heat exchanger and/or the condenser comprises the first reaction surface and/or the second reaction surface.

Additionally or alternatively, it is advantageous if the finned heat exchanger and/or the finned tube heat exchanger and/or the condenser and/or the condenser has at least one feature mentioned in the preceding description that relates to the heat exchanger. The aforementioned features of the heat exchanger can be present individually or in any combination.

Furthermore, a method for manufacturing a heat exchanger for a heating device and/or a method for manufacturing a heating device is proposed. In the method, preferably before and/or during and/or after connecting at least one separating element with at least one reaction element, the at least one reaction element is provided with the catalytically active first reaction surface and/or the separating element with the catalytically active second reaction surface, in particular coated. Preferably, the base body is first produced and/or provided from the at least one separating element and/or the at least one reaction element, and subsequently the base body is provided with the catalytically active first reaction surface and/or the catalytically active second reaction surface, in particular coated.

Preferably, the heat exchanger and/or the heating device is designed according to the preceding description, wherein the aforementioned features can be present individually or in any combination. Using this method, it is thus possible to provide an existing heat exchanger with the catalytically active layer so that it is suitable for the heating device according to the preceding description.

The coating can be applied, for example, similarly to or according to a method known in the prior art for coating exhaust catalysts or vehicle exhaust catalysts. It is conceivable, for instance, that the heat exchanger provided as the base body could be coated using dry spray coating and/or wet chemical coating and/or plasma coating and/or wash-coat coating.

Furthermore, a method for manufacturing a heat exchanger for a heating device and/or a method for manufacturing a heating device is proposed. In the method, a base body formed from the at least one separating element and/or the at least one reaction element is preferably provided as a finished part, in particular as a finned heat exchanger and/or finned tube heat exchanger and/or condenser. Additionally or alternatively, the provided base body is then at least partially or completely coated with a catalytically active material. Preferably, the heat exchanger and/or the heating device is designed according to the preceding description, wherein the aforementioned features can be present individually or in any combination.

• 1 eine vereinfachte schematische Schnittansicht einer Heizvorrichtung gemäß einem ersten Ausführungsbeispiel, und
• 2 eine stark vereinfachte schematische Schnittansicht einer Heizvorrichtung gemäß einem zweiten Ausführungsbeispiel.

Further advantages of the invention are described in the following exemplary embodiments. These show:

• 1 a simplified schematic sectional view of a heating device according to a first embodiment, and
• 2 A highly simplified schematic sectional view of a heating device according to a second embodiment.

In the following description of the figures, the same reference symbols are used for features that are identical and/or at least comparable in the various figures. The individual features, their design, and/or mode of action are usually only explained in detail upon their first mention. If individual features are not explained again in detail, their design and/or mode of action corresponds to the design and mode of action of the already described features with the same or identical effect.

The 1 Figure 1 shows a schematic sectional view of a heating device 1 according to a first embodiment. The heating device 1 comprises at least one heat exchanger 2. Hatching of the cut surfaces has been omitted for clarity. The heat exchanger 2 is primarily designed for the transfer of heat from a catalytic reaction, in particular oxidation and/or combustion, of a reaction gas mixture to a working medium.

The heat exchanger 2 comprises according to 1 At least one separating element 3. This separating element 3 serves to separate a primary section 4, which carries the reaction gas mixture, from a secondary section 5, in which the working medium is located. This at least one separating element 3 can, for example, be designed as a plate, partition, sheet, tube or sandwich panel.

As can be seen from the exemplary embodiment of the 1 As can be seen, the heating device 1 comprises at least one reaction element 8, which is preferably arranged completely and/or exclusively in the primary section 4. This reaction element 8 comprises at least one catalytically active first reaction surface 6 for the reaction gas mixture.

The heat exchanger 2 or a base body 12 of the heat exchanger 2 is in the exemplary embodiment of the 1 This is exemplified by a finned heat exchanger. Two separating elements 3 and/or a circumferential, self-contained separating element 3, for example designed as a tube and/or sandwich panel, form a flow channel 15 for the working medium. Within the flow channel 15, the working medium can be guided along a first flow direction 17. The at least one reaction element 8 is designed as a fin and connects the two separating elements 3 and/or two areas of one of the separating elements 3. Additionally or alternatively, the at least one reaction element 8 can be designed as a plate, sheet, or rib.

As from the 1 It can be seen that the surface area of the at least one reaction element 8 facing the primary section 4 is significantly larger than the surface area of the at least one separation element 3 facing the primary section 4. Since the surface of the at least one reaction element 8 is at least partially coated with a catalytically active layer, this comparatively large surface area actively acts on the reaction gas mixture arranged in the primary section 4 and/or flowing along a second flow direction 18.

To further increase the total reaction surface area, the at least one separating element 3 comprises a catalytically active second reaction surface 7. This second reaction surface 7 is preferably also directed towards the primary section 4. For the sake of completeness, it should be mentioned that a heat exchanger 2 would also be conceivable without this second reaction surface 7 of the at least one separating element 3. For example, it would be possible for only the reaction elements 8, which are designed as lamellae, to be provided with the catalytically active material, in particular coated with it.

As already described, the second reaction surface 7 can increase the total reaction surface area, thereby increasing the contact area for the reaction gas mixture and/or ensuring more efficient heat generation.

The at least one separating element 3 comprises a transfer surface 9 directed towards the secondary section 5 for transferring the heat resulting from the catalytic reaction to the working medium. This transfer surface 9 can efficiently transfer the heat to the working medium. In the 1 It is shown that the transfer surface 9 is preferably smaller than the first reaction surface 6 and/or the total reaction surface formed by the first reaction surface 6 and the second reaction surface 7. In other words, the surface area effective for the catalytic reaction is larger than the surface area for heat dissipation. This allows for the highest possible efficiency.

The in 1 The separating element 3 shown is designed to accommodate the reaction element 8 and/or to be thermally connected to it. The separating element 3 can also mechanically and/or thermally connect several spaced-apart reaction elements 8. This configuration ensures that the heat is efficiently conducted through the heat exchanger 2 and that uniform heating of the working medium is achieved.

In the 1 It is also shown that the separating element 3 and/or several interconnected separating elements 3 enclose the primary section 4 and/or the secondary section 5 in a fluid-tight, in particular liquid-tight and/or gas-tight, manner. The separating elements 3 are connected laterally to one another, thereby ensuring the separation of the primary section 4 and the secondary section 5. For example, the connection points are arranged within a supply manifold 13 and a return manifold 14 of the heat exchanger 2. Furthermore, the supply manifold 13 and the return manifold 14 can be used to... The individual flow channels 15 are connected to each other so that the working medium can be guided through all flow channels 15.

Although it is from the 1 Although not immediately apparent, the first reaction surface 6 and/or the second reaction surface 7 comprise a catalytically active layer. This catalytically active layer can be configured as a surface coating. Additionally or alternatively, the at least one separating element 3 and/or the at least one reaction element 8 can be made of a catalytically active material, such that catalytically active particles are present on its surface. This layer and/or the material can, for example, contain platinum, rhodium, iridium, and/or palladium. This can improve the catalytic activity and thus the efficiency of the heating device 1.

In the 1 It is also shown that the heat exchanger 2, or the base body 12 of the heat exchanger 2, comprises several separation elements 3 and several reaction elements 8. This configuration enables effective heat transfer and supports the catalytic reaction. As already described, the heat exchanger 2, or the base body 12 of the heat exchanger 2, is in the exemplary embodiment of the 1 The heat exchanger can be configured as a finned heat exchanger or a cross-flow heat exchanger. It is also conceivable that, in an alternative embodiment, the heat exchanger 2 or the base body 12 of the heat exchanger 2 could be configured as a finned tube heat exchanger and/or a counterflow heat exchanger. These configurations offer various advantages that can be utilized depending on the application.

Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiment, the heat exchanger 2 comprises 1 at least one spacer 10 for at least one separating element 3. The spacer 10 is preferably arranged within the secondary section 5 and ensures that the distance within the separating element 3 and/or between two separating elements 3 for the at least one flow channel 15 is maintained. This spacer 10, which is preferably designed as a profiled sheet, ensures that the flow of the working medium is optimized and uniform heat transfer is guaranteed.

The heating device 1 comprises according to 1 Furthermore, at least one auxiliary heater 11 is provided. This auxiliary heater 11 serves to preheat and/or dry the first reaction surface 6 and/or the second reaction surface 7 and/or the working medium. The auxiliary heater 11 can be arranged within the primary section 4 and/or within the secondary section 5. In the exemplary embodiment of the 1 The auxiliary heater 11 is arranged as an immersion heater within the secondary section 5 and can thus heat the working medium. The first reaction surface 6 and/or the second reaction surface 7 can therefore be heated indirectly by the separating element 3.

Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiment, the heat exchanger 2 comprises 1 At least one reaction element 8 designed as a guide element 16. With the aid of the guide element 16, the reaction gas mixture can be guided and/or directed along the second flow direction 18. This arrangement ensures a catalytic reaction that is as constant and/or complete as possible, since the reaction gas mixture is guided as uniformly as possible past the first reaction surface 6 and/or the second reaction surface 7.

Furthermore, the heating device 1 of the exemplary embodiment includes the 1 at least one temperature sensor 19. With the help of the temperature sensor 19, the temperature of the working medium can be monitored and, if necessary, the auxiliary heater 11 can be activated.

Furthermore, the description of the exemplary embodiment reveals 1 It is already evident that the base body 12 of the heat exchanger 2 is similar to finned heat exchangers and/or finned tube heat exchangers and/or condensers (or condensers) already known from the prior art and available as prefabricated parts. It is therefore conceivable that these prefabricated parts could serve as the base body 12 of the heat exchanger 2 according to the invention. For example, it is conceivable that the finned heat exchanger and/or the finned tube heat exchanger and/or the condenser could be used as the base body 12 for the heat exchanger 2. This base body 12 can then be provided with at least one catalytically active layer, in particular coated. This allows the heat exchanger 2 according to the invention, with the first reaction surface 6 and/or the second reaction surface 7, to be formed from a prefabricated part. Alternatively, however, the heat exchanger 2 can also be manufactured independently of existing prefabricated parts.

2 Figure 1 shows a highly simplified schematic sectional view of a heating device 1 according to a second embodiment. In contrast to the embodiment of the 1 In addition to the heat exchanger 2, the heating device 1 comprises several features independent of the heat exchanger 2. The heat exchanger 2 is therefore shown in a simplified form, with the heat exchanger 2 from the exemplary embodiment of the 1 also in the heating device 1 of the embodiment of the 2 can be used.

The heat exchanger 2 is arranged in a reaction unit 20 of the heating device 1. Within the reaction unit 20, heat is generated from the reaction gas mixture with the aid of the heat exchanger 2, in particular with the aid of the at least one reaction element 8 and/or the at least one separating element 3. A fuel gas, in particular hydrogen, can be supplied to the reaction unit 20 or the heat exchanger 2 by means of a gas supply 21. Oxygen can be supplied to the heating device 1 by means of an oxygen supply 28. The fuel gas supplied from the gas supply 21 and the oxygen supplied from the oxygen supply 28 can be mixed within a mixing chamber 22 to form the reaction gas mixture. The reaction gas mixture is then guided to the heat exchanger 2 along the second flow direction 18, in particular with the aid of a fan wheel 30.

In the exemplary embodiment of the 2 The reaction unit 20 comprises, for example, at least one reaction element 8, the catalytically active first reaction surface 6, and at least one separation element 3, the catalytically active second reaction surface 7. A heated exhaust gas mixture leaves the reaction unit 20 at an outlet 25 and flows into a further heat exchanger 23. In the illustrated embodiment, heat exchanger 2 and the further heat exchanger 23 are connected in series and thus heat the working medium, which leads to a buffer storage tank 37. Additionally or alternatively, it is conceivable that heat exchanger 2 heats the working medium and the further heat exchanger 23 heats another working medium. In the illustrated embodiment, the further heat exchanger 23 is designed without a catalytically active layer. It is also conceivable that the further heat exchanger 23, similar to heat exchanger 2, comprises the first reaction surface 6 and/or the second reaction surface 7.

In the illustrated embodiment, the heating device 1 comprises a connecting section 26. In this embodiment, the connecting section 26 is designed as a gas duct and/or gas line. The connecting section 26 allows the outlet 25 of the reaction unit 20 to be fluidically connected to an inlet 24 of the reaction unit 2. The at least one connecting section 26 allows the heated exhaust gas mixture from the outlet 25 to be at least partially fed to the reaction gas mixture for the inlet 24.

A gas circuit 31 is preferably interrupted exclusively by an exhaust gas outlet 27, the at least one gas inlet 21, and/or the oxygen inlet 28. The reaction unit 20, the at least one further heat exchanger 23, the at least one connecting section 26, at least one conditioning section 29, and/or the at least one mixing chamber 22 preferably form the gas circuit 31. The gas circuit 31 preferably forms a closed loop. The supplied hydrogen and/or oxygen is preferably compensated by the discharged exhaust gas mixture. For example, it is conceivable that the supplied hydrogen and/or oxygen creates an overpressure that leads to the discharge of a portion of the exhaust gas mixture.

In the illustrated embodiment, the heating device 1 comprises a control unit 35 with at least one data interface 36. In the illustrated embodiment, the data interface 36 is designed as a radio interface. Alternatively or additionally, the data interface 36 can be designed as a cable interface. Via the at least one data interface 36, the control unit 35 preferably communicates with at least one oxygen supply 28, at least one gas supply 21, at least one exhaust gas outlet 27, at least one actuator 32, at least one oxygen sensor 33, at least one temperature sensor 19, at least one buffer storage tank 37, and/or at least one hydrogen sensor 34.

With the aid of the control device 35, for example, the gas supply 21 can be controlled such that the temperature of the working medium is always less than 400°C, preferably less than 300°C, for example approximately 270°C. It is also conceivable that, in addition to or as an alternative to the one described in the 2 The temperature sensor 19 shown, which determines the temperature of the exhaust gas mixture, the temperature sensor 19 or another temperature sensor 19 within the working medium, in particular within the secondary section 5 of the heat exchanger 2 (see example) 1 ) is arranged. Additionally or alternatively, the auxiliary heater 11 can be arranged similarly to the embodiment of the 1 be trained and thus use the work medium (and not as in the 2 (shown: the reaction gas mixture) to heat up. It would also be conceivable that the auxiliary heater 11 is located in the buffer storage tank 37.

Reference symbol list

1

Heating device

2

Heat exchanger

3

Separating element

4

Primary section

5

Secondary section

6

first reaction surface

7

second reaction surface

8

reaction element

9

Transfer surface

10

spacers

11

Additional heating

12

basic body

13

Supply distributor

14

Return manifold

15

Flow channel

16

Conductive element

17

first direction of flow

18

second flow direction

19

temperature sensor

20

reaction unit

21

Gas supply

22

Mixing chamber

23

additional heat exchanger

24

inlet

25

Outlet

26

Connection section

27

Exhaust gas discharge

28

Oxygen supply

29

Processing section

30

fan wheel

31

Gas cycle

32

Actuator

33

Oxygen sensor

34

Hydrogen sensor

35

Control unit

36

Data interface

37

Buffer storage

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 42 02 107 A1 [0002]

Claims (16)

Heating device (1) with at least one heat exchanger (2) for transferring heat from a catalytic reaction of a reaction gas mixture to a working medium, wherein the heat exchanger (2) has at least one separating element (3) for separating a primary section (4) for the reaction gas mixture and a secondary section (5) for the working medium, characterized in that the heat exchanger (2) comprises at least one reaction element (8) arranged within the primary section (4), wherein the at least one reaction element (8) comprises at least one catalytically active first reaction surface (6) for the reaction gas mixture, such that in the intended use of the heating device (1) the reaction gas mixture is catalytically oxidized upon contact with the first reaction surface (6). Heating device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the at least one separating element (3) comprises at least one catalytically active second reaction surface (7) directed towards the primary section (4), so that in the intended use of the heating device (1) the reaction gas mixture is catalytically oxidized upon contact with the second reaction surface (7). Heating device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the separating element (3) comprises a transfer surface (9) directed towards the secondary section (5) for transferring the heat resulting from the catalytic reaction to the working medium, wherein the transfer surface (9) is preferably smaller than the first reaction surface (6) and/or a total reaction surface formed from the first reaction surface (6) and the second reaction surface (7). Heating device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one reaction element (8) is arranged on the at least one separating element (3) and/or is in thermal interaction with the at least one separating element (3) and/or mechanically and/or thermally connects two spaced-apart separating elements (3) to each other. Heating device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one separating element (3) and/or several interconnected separating elements (3) enclose the primary section (4) and/or the secondary section (5) in a fluid-tight manner, in particular in a liquid-tight and/or gas-tight manner. Heating device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first reaction surface (6) and/or the second reaction surface (7) is formed by a catalytically active layer and/or the at least one separating element (3) and/or the at least one reaction element (8) is made of a catalytically active material. Heating device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one separating element (3) is designed as a plate and/or partition and/or sheet and/or tube and/or sandwich plate and/or the at least one reaction element (8) is designed as a plate and/or sheet and/or lamella and/or rib. Heating device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the heat exchanger (2) comprises several separating elements (3) and several reaction elements (8) and/or the heat exchanger (2) is designed as a finned heat exchanger and/or finned tube heat exchanger and/or counterflow heat exchanger and/or crossflow heat exchanger. Heating device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one spacer (10), in particular designed as a profiled sheet, is arranged within the secondary section (5). Heating device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the heating device (1) comprises at least one additional heater (11) for preheating and/or drying the first reaction surface (6) and/or the second reaction surface (7) and/or the working medium, wherein the additional heater (11) is preferably arranged within the primary section (4) and/or within the secondary section (5). Heating device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one separating element (3) forms at least one flow channel (15) for the working medium and/or the at least one reaction element (8) forms at least one guiding element (16) for the reaction gas mixture, so that the working medium is guided along a first flow direction (17) by means of the flow channel (15) and/or the reaction gas mixture is guided along a second flow direction (18) by means of the guiding element (16). Heating device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the heating device (1) comprises at least one control unit (35) with at least one data interface (36), wherein the at least one control unit (35) is preferably in data communication via the at least one data interface (36) with at least one oxygen supply (28), with at least one gas supply (21), with at least one exhaust gas discharge (27), with at least one actuating device (32) and/or with at least one sensor (19, 33, 34), in particular with a temperature sensor (19), wherein preferably the gas supply (21) is controlled such that the temperature of the working medium is always less than 400°C, preferably less than 300°C, for example approximately 270°C. Use of a finned heat exchanger and/or a finned tube heat exchanger and/or a condenser, in particular a motor vehicle oil cooler, a motor vehicle water cooler, a motor vehicle charge air cooler, an engine cooler, a heat pump evaporator, a refrigerator condenser, a condensing heat exchanger and/or an air conditioning condenser as a base body (12) for a heat exchanger (2) of a heating device (1), in particular according to one of the preceding claims. Use according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the finned heat exchanger and/or the finned tube heat exchanger and/or the condenser for use in the heating device (1) is coated with at least one catalytically active layer and/or comprises the first reaction surface (6) and/or the second reaction surface (7). Method for manufacturing a heat exchanger (2) for a heating device (1), in particular according to one of the Claims 1 until 12 , in which, before and/or during and/or after connecting at least one separating element with at least one reaction element (8), the separating element (3) is provided with the catalytically active second reaction surface (7) and/or the reaction element (8) is provided with the catalytically active first reaction surface (6), in particular coated. Method for manufacturing a heat exchanger (2) for a heating device (1), in particular according to one of the Claims 1 until 12 , wherein a base body (12) formed from the at least one separating element (3) and/or the at least one reaction element (8) is provided as a finished part, in particular as a finned heat exchanger and/or finned tube heat exchanger and/or condenser, wherein the provided base body (12) is preferably subsequently coated at least partially or completely with a catalytically active material.