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GB2480180A - Heat exchanger - Google Patents

Heat exchanger Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2480180A
GB2480180A GB1113782A GB201113782A GB2480180A GB 2480180 A GB2480180 A GB 2480180A GB 1113782 A GB1113782 A GB 1113782A GB 201113782 A GB201113782 A GB 201113782A GB 2480180 A GB2480180 A GB 2480180A
Authority
GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
reaction chamber
heat exchanger
reactant
reactants
fluid
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
GB1113782A
Other versions
GB201113782D0 (en
GB2480180B (en
Inventor
Mark Collins
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to GB1113782.5A priority Critical patent/GB2480180B/en
Priority claimed from GB0703612A external-priority patent/GB2446820B/en
Publication of GB201113782D0 publication Critical patent/GB201113782D0/en
Publication of GB2480180A publication Critical patent/GB2480180A/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of GB2480180B publication Critical patent/GB2480180B/en
Expired - Fee Related legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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Classifications

    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24HFLUID HEATERS, e.g. WATER OR AIR HEATERS, HAVING HEAT-GENERATING MEANS, e.g. HEAT PUMPS, IN GENERAL
    • F24H1/00Water heaters, e.g. boilers, continuous-flow heaters or water-storage heaters
    • F24H1/10Continuous-flow heaters, i.e. heaters in which heat is generated only while the water is flowing, e.g. with direct contact of the water with the heating medium
    • F24H1/12Continuous-flow heaters, i.e. heaters in which heat is generated only while the water is flowing, e.g. with direct contact of the water with the heating medium in which the water is kept separate from the heating medium
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24DDOMESTIC- OR SPACE-HEATING SYSTEMS, e.g. CENTRAL HEATING SYSTEMS; DOMESTIC HOT-WATER SUPPLY SYSTEMS; ELEMENTS OR COMPONENTS THEREFOR
    • F24D11/00Central heating systems using heat accumulated in storage masses
    • F24D11/002Central heating systems using heat accumulated in storage masses water heating system
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24HFLUID HEATERS, e.g. WATER OR AIR HEATERS, HAVING HEAT-GENERATING MEANS, e.g. HEAT PUMPS, IN GENERAL
    • F24H7/00Storage heaters, i.e. heaters in which the energy is stored as heat in masses for subsequent release
    • F24H7/02Storage heaters, i.e. heaters in which the energy is stored as heat in masses for subsequent release the released heat being conveyed to a transfer fluid
    • F24H7/0208Storage heaters, i.e. heaters in which the energy is stored as heat in masses for subsequent release the released heat being conveyed to a transfer fluid using electrical energy supply
    • F24H7/0216Storage heaters, i.e. heaters in which the energy is stored as heat in masses for subsequent release the released heat being conveyed to a transfer fluid using electrical energy supply the transfer fluid being air
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24HFLUID HEATERS, e.g. WATER OR AIR HEATERS, HAVING HEAT-GENERATING MEANS, e.g. HEAT PUMPS, IN GENERAL
    • F24H7/00Storage heaters, i.e. heaters in which the energy is stored as heat in masses for subsequent release
    • F24H7/02Storage heaters, i.e. heaters in which the energy is stored as heat in masses for subsequent release the released heat being conveyed to a transfer fluid
    • F24H7/0208Storage heaters, i.e. heaters in which the energy is stored as heat in masses for subsequent release the released heat being conveyed to a transfer fluid using electrical energy supply
    • F24H7/0233Storage heaters, i.e. heaters in which the energy is stored as heat in masses for subsequent release the released heat being conveyed to a transfer fluid using electrical energy supply the transfer fluid being water
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24HFLUID HEATERS, e.g. WATER OR AIR HEATERS, HAVING HEAT-GENERATING MEANS, e.g. HEAT PUMPS, IN GENERAL
    • F24H7/00Storage heaters, i.e. heaters in which the energy is stored as heat in masses for subsequent release
    • F24H7/02Storage heaters, i.e. heaters in which the energy is stored as heat in masses for subsequent release the released heat being conveyed to a transfer fluid
    • F24H7/04Storage heaters, i.e. heaters in which the energy is stored as heat in masses for subsequent release the released heat being conveyed to a transfer fluid with forced circulation of the transfer fluid
    • F24H7/0408Storage heaters, i.e. heaters in which the energy is stored as heat in masses for subsequent release the released heat being conveyed to a transfer fluid with forced circulation of the transfer fluid using electrical energy supply
    • F24H7/0433Storage heaters, i.e. heaters in which the energy is stored as heat in masses for subsequent release the released heat being conveyed to a transfer fluid with forced circulation of the transfer fluid using electrical energy supply the transfer medium being water
    • F24J1/00
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24VCOLLECTION, PRODUCTION OR USE OF HEAT NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F24V30/00Apparatus or devices using heat produced by exothermal chemical reactions other than combustion
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24DDOMESTIC- OR SPACE-HEATING SYSTEMS, e.g. CENTRAL HEATING SYSTEMS; DOMESTIC HOT-WATER SUPPLY SYSTEMS; ELEMENTS OR COMPONENTS THEREFOR
    • F24D17/00Domestic hot-water supply systems

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Physical Or Chemical Processes And Apparatus (AREA)

Abstract

A heat exchanger suitable for heating a fluid, the heat exchanger comprises a heat exchange element 6 through which the fluid may flow, dosing a controlled amount of a first and second reactant into a reaction chamber 4 via at least one inlet 7, 9 and removing spent reactant from the reaction chamber via at least one outlet 16 of the chamber. One or more sensors 13, 15, 18 is provided and suitable for monitoring the completeness of the reaction between the reactants and/or the temperature of the fluid to be heated and/or the rate of flow of reactants into the chamber. A controller is provided and is linked to the one or more sensors suitable for controlling the flow reactants into the chamber and flow of spent reactant out of the chamber. The reactants may react exothermically with each other, The fluid may be gas or water for use in a domestic heating system. The first reactant may be a citric acid and the second reactant may be a base amine in the form of aqueous solution or gel. The heat exchange element may be a pipe passing through the reaction chamber.

Description

A HEAT EXCHANGER UNIT
This invention relates to a heat exchanger unit for generating heat for use in a heating system and in particular a domestic heating system.
It is well known that many chemical reactions are exothermic, i.e. they produce heat, and examples of such reactions include acid-base reactions.
The present invention makes use of a controlled exothermic reaction which is carried out in a heat exchanger to provide a usable source of heat for heating a fluid such as the water in a domestic water supply.
Accordingly, in a first aspect, the invention provides a method for providing a supply of a heated fluid, which method comprises passing the fluid through a heat exchanger unit, wherein the heat exchanger unit comprises: (a) a heat exchanger element through which the fluid may flow; (b) a reaction chamber having at least one inlet through which reactants may be introduced into the reaction chamber, and at least one outlet through which spent reactant may be removed from the reaction chamber; (c) a first dosing unit for introducing a controlled amount of a first reactant through an inlet into the reaction chamber; and (d) a second dosing unit for introducing a controlled amount of a second reactant through an inlet into the reaction chamber; wherein the first and second reactants react exothermically and the heat thereby produced is exchanged with the fluid passing through the heat exchanger element, the introduction of the first and second reactants into the reaction chamber being controlled to produce a required level of heating.
The fluid can be a gas or a liquid.
In one embodiment, the fluid is a gas.
In another embodiment, the fluid is a liquid, one particular example of which is water.
The heat exchanger element is in thermal contact with the reaction chamber. Tn one embodiment, the heat exchanger element passes through the reaction chamber. For example, the heat exchanger element can take the form of a pipe passing through the reaction chamber.
It will be appreciated that the fluid does not come into contact with the reactants.
The reaction chamber has at least one inlet and at least one outlet. Each reactant may be provided with its own inlet. Alternatively, a pre-mixing chamber may be provided into which the first and second reactants are introduced prior to introducing them into the reaction chamber. It is preferred, however, that each reactant has its own inlet.
Dosing units are provided for introducing the first and second reactants into the reaction chamber in a controlled manner so as to produce a required level of heating. Each dosing unit can take the form of a container (e.g. a hopper or a tank) having an aperture that may be opened or closed to permit a reactant to move towards the reaction chamber. The or each reactant can be conveyed to the reaction chamber by means of a gravity feed. Alternatively or additionally, a pump or other conveying device (e.g. an auger or screw) may be used.
One or more sensors may be provided for measuring the temperature of the fluid when it exits the heat exchanger. The sensors are typically connected to a controller which may in turn be connected to the dosing units and/or a valve at each inlet into the reaction chamber. Sensors may also be provided for monitoring the rate of flow of reactants into the reaction chamber.
One or more reaction monitoring sensors may also be provided for monitoring the extent of reaction between the reactants. A reaction monitoring sensor (which may be for example a pH sensor) may be disposed in the vicinity of, or at, the or each outlet to determine whether or not the reaction between the reactants has been completed. The reaction monitoring sensor may be linked to the controller and/or directly to a valve or other closure device closing each outlet. The valve or other closure device may be actuated to an open position in response to a signal from the reaction monitoring sensor or the controller to allow spent reactant to exit the reaction chamber.
The first and second reactants are preferably an acid and a base respectively.
The acid and base are preferably selected and/or formulated so as to provide an extended reaction time thereby giving a more prolonged release of heat.
Particular examples of acids are those having a pKa value of>O, more typically >2 and preferably >3, e.g. a pKa in the range 3 to 7. Where the acid is polybasic (e.g. citric acid), the foregoing limits refer to the first ionisation).
Particular acids are polybasic acids.
A preferred acid is citric acid.
Examples of bases are those having a pKb value of>O, more typically >2 and preferably >3, e.g. a pKb in the range 3 to 7.
Particular bases are basic amines and in particular mono-, di-and trialkylamines.
The bases, particularly the more volatile amines such as ethylamine (boiling point 16.6 °C) may be provided in the form of an aqueous solution or a gel.
One group of preferred bases consists of mono-, di-and triallcylamines in which each alkyl group contains from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, more preferably 1 to 3 carbon atoms and most preferably 1 or 2 carbon atoms. Such bases include methylamine, dimethylamine, trimethylamine, ethylamine, diethylamine and triethylamine. Other bases that may be used include alkali metal hydroxides such as sodium hydroxide (caustic soda) and carbonates such as sodium carbonate A particularly preferred base is ethylamine, for example in the form of a 50-70% aqueous solution or gel.
The acid and base and/or their physical form are selected so that when they are introduced into the reaction chamber, they provide a sustained release of heat rather than a rapid sudden increase in temperature followed by a similarly rapid fall in temperature. The sustained release of heat may be achieved by using relatively weak acids or bases that react relatively slowly. Alternatively, or additionally, the acid and/or the base may be formulated and/or presented in a physical form whereby reaction between them is slowed down. For example, depending on the natural physical state of the acid and the base, they may be introduced in the form of coated particles (e.g. coated powders or granules) or gels in which the coatings or gel components slow down the reaction between the acid and bases.
In one embodiment, the base may be in liquid or gel form and the acid may be in solid form. One such combination of acid and base is the combination of citric acid in solid form and aqueous ethylamine.
In another embodiment, the base is in solid form and the acid is in liquid form.
The reaction between the acid and the base may be carried out in the absence of water or in the presence of water. In one embodiment, no water is added to the reaction mixture.
In a preferred mode of operation, metered amounts of the first and second reactants are introduced into the reaction chamber and the temperature of the fluid (e.g. water) emerging from the heat exchanger is monitored, further metered amounts of the first and/or second reactants being introduced once the temperature of the fluid falls below a predetermined figure.
In a further aspect, the invention provides a heat exchanger unit for heating a fluid, the heat exchanger unit comprising: (a) a heat exchanger element through which the fluid may flow; (b) a reaction chamber having at least one inlet through which reactants may be introduced into the reaction chamber, and at least one outlet through which spent reactant may be removed from the reaction chamber; (c) a first dosing unit for introducing a controlled amount of a first reactant through an inlet into the reaction chamber; and (d) a second dosing unit for introducing a controlled amount of a second reactant through an inlet into the reaction chamber; and optionally (e) one or more sensors for (i) monitoring a parameter indicative of the completeness of the reaction between the reactants; and/or (ii) the temperature of the fluid and/or (iii) the rate of flow of reactants into the reaction chamber; and (f) a controller operatively linked to the one or more sensors for controlling flow of reactants into the chamber and flow of spent reactant out of the chamber.
The invention will now be illustrated in more detail (but not limited) by reference to the specific embodiment shown in the accompanying drawing.
Brief Description of the Drawing
Figure 1 is a schematic view of an apparatus according to one embodiment of the invention.
Detailed Description of the Invention
As shown in Figure 1, an apparatus for producing heat according to the method of the invention takes the form of a heat exchanger 2 comprising an insulated reaction chamber 4 and a heat exchanger element 6 in the form of a pipe for carrying water through the reaction chamber. The pipe may form part of a domestic water heating system and may be, for example linked to radiators or a hot water tank, or directly to a hot water tap. The pipe may also be insulated.
The reaction chamber has a pair of inlets 7 and 9 fed by inlet tubes 8 and 10 that are linked to hoppers 12 and 14. Control valves (not shown) are present in the inlet tubes to control the flow of reactants to the reaction chamber. The first hopper 12 contains a first reactant which may be, for example, powdered citric acid. The second hopper contains a second reactant which may be, for example, aqueous ethylamine or sodium carbonate. The functioning of the apparatus will be described below with reference to citric acid and aqueous ethylamine but it is to be understood that other acids and bases, and indeed other exothermal reaction couples, could be used instead.
Each of the inlet tubes 8 and 10 has a dosing sensor 13, 15, the purpose of which is to monitor the amounts of reactants entering the chamber At the lower end of the reaction chamber is an outlet 16 which contains a filter to prevent larger particles of spent reactant from passing into the waste pipe. Arranged immediately above the outlet is a sensor 18 for measuring the pH of the reaction mixture. The outlet 16 is connected to a waste pipe 24 that carries spent reactants to a waste storage container (not shown).
In use, water (e.g. forming part of a domestic water supply) is pumped through the pipe 6. Citric acid in fluid form is gravity fed from the hopper 12 through the inlet tube 8 and inlet 7 into the reaction chamber 4. The quantity of citric acid introduced is measured by the dosing sensor 13 and the flow from the hopper is stopped by means of a valve once a predetermined amount of citric acid has passed into the reaction chamber 4. At the same time (or sequentially before or after the citric acid has been introduced), 50-70% aqueous ethylamine or an ethylamine-containing gel or sodium carbonate is fed from the hopper 14 through inlet tube 10 and inlet 9 into the reaction chamber 4. It is preferred that an excess of ethylamine is used so that the reaction mixture is in the form of a slurry thereby facilitating flow of the mixture through the reaction chamber towards the outlet.
The citric acid reacts exothermically with the ethylamine to form a fluid. The heat given out by the reaction causes the contents of the reaction chamber to increase in temperature and, consequently, water passing through the pipe 6 is heated. Using the combination of citric acid and aqueous ethylamine, it has been found that a combined weight of 300 g of reactants produces an output of 1kW and was able to heat 15 litres of water by 1 °C over a 5 hour period. Typically the heating effect available from a single charge of citric acid and single charge of ethylamine lasts between 4 hours and 24 hours.
The reaction chamber can be topped up with further charges of citric acid and aqueous ethylamine as necessary. A temperature gauge may be positioned in the pipe 6 downstream of the heat exchanger to monitor the temperature of the water.
The temperature gauge may be linked to the controller 20. When the temperature falls below a predetermined value, the controller may actuate valves not (shown) to cause further charges of the citric acid and aqueous ethylamine to be introduced into the reaction chamber.
An advantage of using citric acid and aqueous ethylamine as the reactants is that the citric acid is a naturally occurring substance and hence is available from renewable sources. The ethylamine, whilst not commercially available from natural sources, can be subsequently be regenerated from the citrate salt isolated as the waste product from the reaction.
The heating method and apparatus of the invention can be used in situations where conventional energy sources for heating water are not available or may be used to supplement conventional energy sources. The only waste product from the method is a water soluble fluid or slurry that can be collected and taken away either for disposal or for recycling.
The embodiment illustrated in Figure 1 represents merely one way of putting the invention into effect and it will readily be apparent that numerous modifications and alterations may be made to the specific embodiment shown without departing from the principles underlying the invention. All such modifications and alterations are intended to be embraced by this application.

Claims (7)

  1. CLAIMS1. A heat exchanger unit for heating a fluid, the heat exchanger unit comprising: (a) a heat exchanger element through which the fluid may flow; (b) a reaction chamber having at least one inlet through which reactants may be introduced into the reaction chamber, and at least one outlet through which spent reactant may be removed for the reaction chamber; (c) a first dosing unit for introducing a controlled amount of a first reactant through an inlet into the reaction chamber; and (d) a second dosing unit for introducing a controlled amount of a second reactant through an inlet into the reaction chamber; and optionally (e) one or more sensors for (i) monitoring a parameter indicative of the completeness of the reaction between the reactants; and/or (ii) the temperature of the fluid and/or (iii) the rate of flow of reactants into the reaction chamber; and (f) a controller operatively linked to the one or more sensors for controlling flow of reactants into the chamber and flow of spent reactant out of the chamber.
  2. 2. A heat exchanger element according to claim wherein the heat exchanger element passes through the reaction chamber.
  3. 3. A method according to claim 2 wherein the heat exchanger element takes the form of a pipe passing through the reaction chamber.
  4. 4. A heat exchanger element according to any one of the preceding claims wherein each reactant is provided with its own inlet.
  5. 5. A heat exchanger unit according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the dosing units take the form of a container having an aperture that may be opened or closed to permit a reactant to move towards the reaction chamber.
  6. 6. A heat exchanger unit according to claim 5 wherein the container is a hopper or a tank.
  7. 7. A heat exchanger unit for heating a fluid substantially as described herein with reference to the drawings.COL4 (GB-DIV)
GB1113782.5A 2007-02-23 2007-02-23 A heating system Expired - Fee Related GB2480180B (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB1113782.5A GB2480180B (en) 2007-02-23 2007-02-23 A heating system

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0703612A GB2446820B (en) 2007-02-23 2007-02-23 A Method of Generating Heat
GB1113782.5A GB2480180B (en) 2007-02-23 2007-02-23 A heating system

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
GB201113782D0 GB201113782D0 (en) 2011-09-21
GB2480180A true GB2480180A (en) 2011-11-09
GB2480180B GB2480180B (en) 2012-02-22

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Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
GB1113782.5A Expired - Fee Related GB2480180B (en) 2007-02-23 2007-02-23 A heating system

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GB (1) GB2480180B (en)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2489969A (en) * 2011-04-13 2012-10-17 Mark Collins Apparatus for heating a liquid by using an exothermic chemical reaction

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4325355A (en) * 1980-01-28 1982-04-20 Molecular Energy Corp. Heating system
US4543246A (en) * 1984-10-04 1985-09-24 Houser Clifford F Hydrogen generator
DE3819202A1 (en) * 1988-03-11 1989-09-21 Peter Maedler Hot water heating and storage system - has hot water container linked at salt filled container by oil filled pipe arrangement

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4325355A (en) * 1980-01-28 1982-04-20 Molecular Energy Corp. Heating system
US4543246A (en) * 1984-10-04 1985-09-24 Houser Clifford F Hydrogen generator
DE3819202A1 (en) * 1988-03-11 1989-09-21 Peter Maedler Hot water heating and storage system - has hot water container linked at salt filled container by oil filled pipe arrangement

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2489969A (en) * 2011-04-13 2012-10-17 Mark Collins Apparatus for heating a liquid by using an exothermic chemical reaction
GB2489969B (en) * 2011-04-13 2018-07-18 Collins Mark An apparatus for generating heat by the reaction of an aqueous slurry or suspension of a metal powder with a solution of an alkali metal hydroxide

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB201113782D0 (en) 2011-09-21
GB2480180B (en) 2012-02-22

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PCNP Patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 20220223