Radiant heat reflector wing

Abstract

A radiant heating apparatus having a tube, a partial enclosure device and a heating wing. The heating wing has a wing proximal end that connects to the partial enclosure device's exterior surface. The heating wing also has a wing distal end that obliquely extends outwardly in relation to the partial enclosure device and toward a first direction. The heating wing, except at the wing proximal end, and the partial enclosure device's exterior surface are spaced apart so the heating wing re-directs second direction heat energy in the first direction.

Claims

1. A radiant heating apparatus comprising: a transport apparatus that radiates heat energy toward a desired object; a partial enclosure device having an opening defined at least partially by a terminal end of a reflective interior surface having a top surface positioned above the transport apparatus's top surface and two side surfaces positioned along at least a portion of the transport apparatus's side surfaces, the reflective interior surface re-directs (a) much of the heat energy that contacts the reflective interior surface in a first direction through the opening and (b) some of the heat energy that contacts the reflective interior surface rolls out from the opening in a second direction; a heating wing having (a) a wing proximal end that connects to the partial enclosure device's exterior surface at a contact location, and (b) a wing distal end that obliquely extends outwardly in relation to the partial enclosure device and toward the first direction, and the heating wing, except at the heating wing's proximal end, and the partial enclosure device's exterior surface are spaced apart so at least a portion of the heating wing is positioned above the partial enclosure device from the contact location toward at least a portion of the terminal end, and the heating wing re-directs the rolled out heat energy in the first direction.

2. The radiant heating apparatus of claim 1 wherein the heating wing is straight.

3. The radiant heating apparatus of claim 1 wherein the heating wing is curvilinear.

4. The radiant heating apparatus of claim 1 wherein the heating wing is corrugated.

5. The radiant heating apparatus of claim 1 wherein the heating wing is straight, curvilinear, corrugated, sinusoidal, or combinations thereof.

6. The radiant heating apparatus of claim 1 wherein the wing proximal end connects to the partial enclosure device's exterior surface by rivets, adhesives, slits and slots, screws, hook and loop, welding or combinations thereof.

7. The radiant heating apparatus of claim 1 wherein the space between the heating wing, except at the wing proximal end, and the partial enclosure device's exterior surface is filled with air.

8. The radiant heating apparatus of claim 1 wherein the space between the heating wing, except at the heating wing's proximal end, and the partial enclosure device's exterior surface is filled with insulation.

9. The radiant heating apparatus of claim 1 wherein the space between the wing distal end and the partial enclosure device's terminal end is between 1 cm to 50 cm.

10. The radiant heating apparatus of claim 9 wherein the space between the wing distal end and the partial enclosure device's terminal end is between 5 cm to 40 cm.

11. The radiant heating apparatus of claim 9 wherein the space between the wing distal end and the partial enclosure device's terminal end is about 10 cm.

12. A process to alter a radiant heating apparatus to be more radiant efficient comprising: selecting the radiant heating apparatus having a transport apparatus through which a hot fluid is transported and the transport apparatus radiates heat energy to transfer the heat energy toward a desired object; and a partial enclosure device having an opening defined at least partially by a terminal end of a reflective interior surface, the reflective interior surface re-directs (a) much of the heat energy that contacts the reflective interior surface in a first direction through the opening and (b) some of the heat energy that contacts the reflective interior surface and rolls out after the heat energy passes through the opening; connecting a heating wing to the radiant heating apparatus wherein the heating wing has (a) a wing proximal end that connects to the partial enclosure device's exterior surface at a contact location, and (b) a wing distal end that obliquely extends outwardly in relation to the partial enclosure device and toward the first direction, and the heating wing, except at the wing proximal end, and the partial enclosure device's exterior surface are spaced apart so at least a portion of the heating wing is positioned above the partial enclosure device from the contact location toward at least a portion of the terminal end, and the heating wing re-directs the rolled out heat energy in the first direction.

13. The process of claim 12 wherein the heating wing is straight, curvilinear, corrugated, sinusoidal or combinations thereof.

14. The process of claim 12 wherein the wing proximal end connects to the partial enclosure device's exterior surface by rivets, adhesives, slits and slots, screws, hook and loop, welding or combinations thereof.

15. The process of claim 12 wherein the space between the heating wing, except at the wing proximal end, and the partial enclosure device's exterior surface is filled with air.

16. The process of claim 12 wherein the space between the heating wing, except at the wing proximal end, and the partial enclosure device's exterior surface is filled with insulation.

17. The process of claim 12 wherein the space between the wing distal end and the partial enclosure device's terminal end is between 1 cm to 50 cm.

18. The process of claim 17 wherein the space between the wing distal end and the partial enclosure device's terminal end is between 5 cm to 40 cm.

19. The process of claim 18 wherein the space between the wing distal end and the partial enclosure device's terminal end is about 10 cm.

20. A radiant heating apparatus comprising: a transport apparatus through which a hot fluid is transported and the transport apparatus radiates heat energy to transfer the heat energy toward a desired object; a partial enclosure device having an opening defined at least partially by a terminal end of a reflective interior surface, the reflective interior surface re-directs (a) much of the heat energy that contacts the reflective interior surface in a first direction through the opening and (b) some of the heat energy that contacts the reflective interior surface and rolls out after the heat energy passes through the opening; a heating wing that is straight, curvilinear, corrugated, sinusoidal or combinations thereof, having (a) a wing proximal end that connects to the partial enclosure device's exterior surface by rivets, adhesives, welding or combinations thereof at a contact location, and (b) a wing distal end that obliquely extends outwardly in relation to the partial enclosure device and toward the first direction, and the heating wing, except at the wing proximal end, and the partial enclosure device's exterior surface are spaced apart a distance between 1 cm to 50 cm so at least a portion of the heating wing is positioned above the partial enclosure device from the contact location toward at least a portion of the terminal end, and the heating wing re-directs the rolled out heat energy in the first direction.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

(1) FIG. 1A (prior art) is a diagram of a radiant heater;

(2) FIG. 1B (prior art) is a cross-sectional drawing of the radiant heater of FIG. 1A;

(3) FIG. 2A (prior art) is a diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a radiant heater;

(4) FIG. 2B (prior art) is a cross-sectional drawing of the exemplary radiant heater of FIG. 2A;

(5) FIG. 3A (prior art) is a perspective drawing of an exemplary embodiment of a reflector in the exemplary radiant heater of FIGS. 2A and 2B;

(6) FIG. 3B (prior art) is a disassembled, cross-sectional drawing of the exemplary reflector of FIG. 3A;

(7) FIG. 4A (prior art) is a cross-sectional drawing of an exemplary embodiment of a radiant heater with a heat converter hood;

(8) FIG. 4B (prior art) is a perspective drawing of the exemplary reflector and exemplary heat converter hood of the radiant heater of FIG. 4A;

(9) FIG. 5A (prior art) is a projection drawing of an exemplary converter hood of the radiant heater of FIG. 4A;

(10) FIG. 5B (prior art) is a cross-sectional drawing of the exemplary converter hood of FIG. 5A;

(11) FIG. 5C (prior art) is a disassembled, cross-sectional drawing of the exemplary converter hood of FIG. 5A;

(12) FIG. 6 (prior art) is a cross-sectional drawing of an exemplary embodiment of a radiant heater including an insulation layer;

(13) FIGS. 7A through 7F (prior art) are plots of exemplary curves that describe the reflector of FIG. 3A;

(14) FIGS. 8A through 8D (prior art) are additional plots of exemplary curves that describe the reflector of FIG. 3A;

(15) FIGS. 9A through 9D illustrate cross-sectional views of various embodiments of the current invention;

(16) FIG. 10 illustrates a side view of FIG. 9A;

(17) FIGS. 11A and B illustrate a view of FIG. 10 taken along the lines 11-11 of different versions thereof;

(18) FIG. 12 illustrates a view of FIG. 10 taken along the lines 12-12;

(19) FIGS. 13A-E illustrate alternative positioning of a radiant heater;

(20) FIGS. 14A-D illustrates alternative positioning of a heating wing(s) 30 on a radiant heater; and

(21) FIGS. 15 and 16 illustrate alternative heating wings on a radiant heater.

(22) FIG. 17 illustrates the current invention applied to a high intensity/ceramic infrared heater.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

(23) A conventional radiant heating apparatus has a heat transfer apparatus and a partial enclosure device. To make that conventional radiant heating apparatus more efficient, the conventional radiant heating apparatus has a heating wing.

(24) The heat transfer apparatus transports a hot fluid, the hot fluid transfer its heat energy to the heat transfer apparatus, and the heat transfer apparatus radiates heat energy toward a desired object in a first direction. An example of a heat transfer apparatus includes, and not limited to, a tube. The hot fluid can be a gas or a liquid; and it is heated by conventional apparatuses used in conventional heating apparatuses. The partial enclosure device partially encloses at least a portion of the transport apparatus. The partial enclosure has an opening that exposes at least a portion of the transport apparatus. The opening permits the heat energy to radiate heat energy in a first direction, and unfortunately roll out the opening toward a second direction. The partial enclosure also acts as a reflective interior surface. The reflective interior surface re-directs (a) much of the heat energy that contacts the reflective interior surface in the first direction through the opening and (b) some heat energy that contacts the reflective interior surface in a second direction opposite the first direction after the heat energy passes through the openinga.k.a., rolls-out heat energy.

(25) The heating wing can be positioned above or just above the opening's perimeter and on the partial enclosure device's exterior surface. The heating wing can be positioned along a single side or multiple sides of the partial enclosure. For example, on one side of the partial enclosure the heating wing can be (a) a single heating wing unit that extends the length of the partial enclosure's side, or (b) two or more units wherein each adjacent heating wing unit overlaps or contacts each other, or spaced from each other, or combinations thereof.

(26) The heating wing also has a wing distal end that obliquely extends outwardly in relation to the partial enclosure device and toward the first direction. The heating wing, except at the wing proximal end, and the partial enclosure device's exterior surface are spaced apart so the heating wing re-directs the rolled-out heat energy toward the first direction.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(27) The present invention improves the radiant heating efficiency of a conventional radiant heater 100 as illustrated in the prior art FIGS. 1-8. A conventional radiant heater 100 has a heat transfer apparatus 102 and a partial enclosure device 14 as illustrated at FIGS. 9A-D. The partial enclosure device 14 can be or have a reflector device, a converter hood, a cowling device, a shield device or mixtures thereof as illustrated at FIGS. 9A-D.

(28) The heat transfer apparatus 102 normally transports a hot fluid, the hot fluid transfers its heat energy to the heat transfer apparatus 102 and the heat transfer apparatus 102 radiates heat energy toward a desired object in a first direction 33 as illustrated at FIGS. 9A-D. An example of a heat transfer apparatus includes, and not limited to, a tube. The hot fluid can be a gas or a liquid (normally converted into a gas when it is ignited or hot flue gas); and it is heated and/or ignited by conventional burner apparatus and instruments used in conventional heating apparatuses. The conventional burner apparatus and instruments used in a radiant heater include, and are not limited to, a fuel source 900 (that normally provides natural gas, propane or other conventional heating fuelbut it can also be electricity in an alternative embodiment) that transmits the fuel through a conduit 902 to an air/ignition manifold unit 901 that heats the fuel to a desired temperature hot fluid and then transfers the hot fluid and its inherent heat energy to the heat transfer apparatus 102 with the possibility of a second conduit 902b positioned between the air/ignition manifold unit 901 and the heat transfer apparatus 102, as illustrated at FIGS. 10 and 11A-B. Alternatively in relation to a different embodiment, the heat transfer apparatus 102 could be an electric resistor system that radiates heat toward the desired object; thereby the fuel source can be electricity.

(29) The partial enclosure device 14, as described above and illustrated at FIGS. 9A-D, partially encloses the heat transfer apparatus 102 which can be an emitting tube. In addition, a second partial enclosure device 14a, as illustrated at FIG. 9B can be positioned between the emitting tube 102 and the partial enclosure device 14. The partial enclosure device 14 and the second partial enclosure device 14a can be straight, curvilinear, corrugated, any of the designs illustrated in the above-identified prior art, or combinations thereof.

(30) Each partial enclosure device 14, 14a, has an opening 17, as clearly illustrated at FIGS. 9A-D, that exposes at least a portion of the transport apparatus 102 and defines the partial enclosure device's perimeter 80a complete perimeter when the radiant heater 100 has an end cap 190D, 190P, and partial perimeter when the radiant heater 100 has no or just one end cap 190D, 190P. The opening 17 permits heat energy to radiate heat energy in a first direction 33, and unfortunately roll out the opening toward a second direction 34not in the first direction toward a desired object 300. The opening 17 is defined by sides 190, and at a minimum and in particular sides 190L, 190T, 190R. Sides 190L, 190R and 190T are respectfully positionedin relation to the first direction 33 and with the understanding that the heat transfer apparatus' exposed surface is its bottom surface 191a predetermined distance from the heat transfer apparatus' left surface 192, right surface 194, and top surface 196. Optionally, the sides 190 can also include a proximal side 190P that surrounds (see FIG. 11B) or partially surrounds (see FIG. 11A) conduit 902b or, alternatively, an area near the heat transfer apparatus' proximal end 305 that connects to the conventional burner apparatus, and/or a distal side 190D that is positioned a pre-determined distance from the heat transfer apparatus' distal end (not shown). It is understood that the sides 190 can be made from a unitary sheet of metal or a plurality of sheets of metal connected together. It is understood that the heat transfer apparatus 102, the partial enclosure device 14, and the conventional burner apparatus are known to those having ordinary skill in the art.

(31) The opening's 17 perimeter 80 is defined by a terminal end 18 of the sides 190L, 190R, and optionally sides 190D and 190P if they are used. The terminal end 18 can be positioned (a) above a radiation reference plane 19as defined in CAN/ANSI/AHRI 1330-2015, Performance Rating for Radiant Output of Gas Fire Infrared Heaters, (b) at the radiation reference plane 19 (see FIG. 9A, B), or (c) below the radiation reference plane 19 (see FIG. 9D).

(32) Likewise, the radiant heater 100 (see FIG. 10) has a proximal end 20 and a distal end 22 (with or without sides 190P, 190D, respectively). The radiant heater 100 can be parallel to the ground 400 (see FIG. 13A) or at an angle relative to the ground. The angle can have the left surface 190L lower than the right surface 190R (FIG. 13B), the right surface 190R lower than the left surface 190L (FIG. 13C), the proximal end 20 lower than the distal end 22 (FIG. 13D), the distal end 22 lower than the proximal end 20 (FIG. 13E) or variations thereof. The objective is that the radiant heater's opening 17 is directed in a first direction 33 to radiate heat energy to a desired object.

(33) The crux of this invention is to improve the radiant heating efficiency of the radiant heater 100, for example and not limited to the above-identified radiant heaters. The improvement improves the heating efficiency by about 3 to 4 percentage points as measured by a radiant efficiency measurement apparatus that abides to a conventional industry standard described in a manual identified as CAN/ANSI/AHRI 1330-2015, Performance Rating for Radiant Output of Gas Fire Infrared Heaters. That percentage may be altered by percentages due to the different radiant heaters and angles that the radiant heaters are positioned. Instead of repeating or re-iterating what is disclosed above about radiant heaters and in the background of the invention and which is known to those of ordinary skill in the art, applicant elects to focus on components not previously disclosed and why those components render the instant invention superior.

(34) Heating Wings

(35) The increased radiation efficiency is accomplished by a heating wing 30 on any of the above-identified radiant heaters 100 described above, in the background of the invention or any other radiant heater. Each heating wing 30 has a wing proximal end 31 and a wing distal end 32 in relation to its width 330 (see FIG. 14A) and a close end 34positioned at, near or toward the partial enclosure device's proximal end 20and a distant end 35positioned at, near or toward the partial enclosure device's distal end 22in relation to its length 36 (see FIG. 14B).

(36) Each wing proximal end 31 extends from an exterior surface 27 of the partial enclosure device 14 at a predetermined distance (referred to as the contact point 16) above the radiant heater's respective terminal end 18. The contact point 16 can be (1) an identical predetermined distance on every side 190R, 190L (and optionally 190P, and 190D if the end caps are used and heating wings are positioned thereon) as illustrated at FIG. 14B, (2) a different predetermined distance on every sidefor example and not limited to 0.01 cm on side 190R but 5 cm on side 190L as represented at FIG. 14C, (3) varied on each specific sidefor example and not limited to a proximal heated wing on side 190 R has a predetermined distance of 1 cm and a distal heated wing on side 190R has a predetermined distance of 10 cm as illustrated at FIG. 14D; or (4) combinations thereof. The contact point 16 can be, for example and not limited to, 0.001 to 30 cm above the radiant heater's terminal end(s) 18 with the understanding that the contact point 16 is dependent on the size of the partial enclosure device 14, dimensions of the heating wing 30, desired angle of the wing relative to the exterior surface 27 at the contact point, and the desired distance of the wing's distal end 32 from the radiant heater's terminal end 18.

(37) As also illustrated at FIG. 14D, the heating wings 30 can be spaced apart as illustrated from side 190R; overlap each other as illustrated from side 190L; and abut (as illustrated at FIG. 14B alongside 190L) another heating wing 30. All of these embodiments can be used in relation to any side 190R, 190L, 190P, and/or 190D.

(38) From the contact point 16, heating wing 30, overall, obliquely extends (a) outwardly in relation to the partial enclosure device 14 and (b) toward the first direction. Admittedly, the heating wing 30 could be straight (see FIGS. 14A and C), curvilinear (see FIG. 15), sinusoidal, have a step configuration (a.k.a., corrugated) (see FIG. 15), various other configurations and combinations thereof. That means, the heating wing 30, overall, does not extend in a direction parallel to the radiation reference plane 19 nor opposite the first direction. Otherwise, the heating wing 30 does not provide the desired increased radiant heating efficiency.

(39) In view of the above-identified position restrictions concerning the heating wing 30, the distal end 32 terminates along the radiation reference plane 19 (see FIG. 16), above the radiation reference plane 19 (see FIG. 16), below the radiation reference plane 19 (see FIG. 15) or combinations thereof,the reference plane 199, as of today, remains the lowest point of the radiant heater for measurement purposes. Preferably the distal end 32 terminates along the radiation reference plane 19, or below the radiation reference plane 19 to obtain the desired increased radiant heating efficiency. Moreover, the distal end 32 terminates a predetermined spacing 35 (for example 1 to 50 cm, preferably 5 to 40 cm, and most preferably about 10 cm; and the predetermined spacing is dependent on the size of the partial enclosure device 14, dimensions of the heating wing 30, desired angle of the wing relative to the exterior surface 27 at the contact point) from a corresponding terminal end 18. Thus, the angle between the wing 30 material (not including the contact point 16) and the exterior surface 27 is between and including 5 and 85, more preferable between and including 30 and 60; most preferably 35 and 55; with the understanding that 45 provides excellent results to obtain the desired increased radiant heating efficiency.

(40) The predetermined spacing can be filled with air or conventional insulation used in the radiant heating industry. It is preferred, however, the predetermined spacing be filled with air to maximize the reflecting capacity of the heating wings 30.

(41) The wing 30 attaches to the partial enclosure device 14 by adhesives, screws, clamps, welding, rivets, tongue-in-slot configuration, snaps, hook/loop, other known fastening components, or combinations thereof on any desired side surface, which can be surfaces 190R, 190L, 190D, 190T, and/or 190P (as illustrated at FIG. 14B, of the partial enclosure device 14 so the reflector and wing are integral components of each other. Likewise, the wing and reflector can be removable components through other conventional connection means, such as and not limited to tongue-in-slot configuration, snaps, hook/loop.

(42) The wing 30 can be made of the same reflective material as the partial enclosure device 14, 14a or a different reflective material as the partial enclosure device 14, 14a; or be a plurality of wings 30 spaced apart from or overlapping each other wing 30. The wing 30 can be a single reflector piece extending the length of the partial enclosure device 14 (see FIG. 14B); alternatively, the wing 30 can be a plurality of reflector pieces that collectively extend the length of the partial enclosure device 14 (see FIG. 14B) or combinations thereof (see FIG. 14). In any case, the wing 30 is designed to operate in the same manner as the partial enclosure devicereflect radiant energy in the first direction toward an object or objects that are to be warmed or an area that is to be warmed.

(43) One may wonder why this embodiment is superior to the embodiments illustrated in the cited prior art Figures. Notice that the terminal ends of the partial enclosure device illustrated in the cited prior art Figures have the ends terminate with a lipthat protrudes upward in a direction opposite the first directionor, as not illustrated, no lip. The lip and no lip embodiments permit some radiant energy (arrows 370 in FIG. 15) to escape or leak around, for example by turbulence, the partial enclosure device's and, as a result, the radiant heater's confines.

(44) The wing 30 may also seem, on first blush, to be a simple invention that seems rather obvious. Nothing could be further from the truth. As identified in the above-identified background of the invention, those of ordinary skill in the radiant heating art have attempted to increase heating efficiency in many waysadding insulation to the reflector's exterior surface, providing air gaps or insulation between the reflector and the hood, corrugating the reflectors to direct the radiant heat in the desired direction, and adding insulation immediately above the heating elements. None of those prior embodiments, however, re-direct the turbulent radiant energy in the first direction.

(45) The objective of the wing is to re-direct that turbulent radiant energy toward the first direction 33. Admittedly, the wings 30 appear to be a simple solution, but it is contrary to what has been done in prior known radiant heaters that have either a lip or no lip. Moreover, the radiant heating efficiency of the instant invention is remarkably superior to the radiant heating efficiency of the prior-known radiant heatersas illustrated in FIGS. 1a and 4a. Set forth is a chart that confirms the superiority of the instant invention in relation to the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1a and 4a.

(46) TABLE-US-00001 Device Radiant efficiency Improvement (%) FIG. 1A 65.4 FIG. 1A with wing 68.5 3.1 FIG. 4a 69 FIG. 4a with wing 72.4 3.4

(47) As confirmed above, the increased radiant heating efficiency is obtained through the heating wings. These results are applicable to the radiant heaters being parallel with the ground or angled in relation to the ground.

(48) The above-identified heating wings can be applied to existing radiant heaters without wings (there are none to the applicant's knowledge) to obtain the desired increased radiant heating efficiency.

(49) Radiant Efficiency Measurement Apparatus

(50) The radiant efficiency measurement apparatusthat abides to a conventional industry standard described in a manual identified as CAN/ANSI/AHRI 1330-2015, Performance Rating for Radiant Output of Gas Fire Infrared Heaters and is a radiometer wherein, as of filing this application, the sole manufacturer of the radiometer is DVGW Forschungsstelle, am Engler-Bunte-Institut, des Karlsruher Instituts fr Technologie (KIT), Prueflaboratorium Gas, Engler-Bunte-Ring 7, D-76131 Karlsruhe (Germany) (www.dvgw-ebi.de)is positioned a predetermined distance below a radiation reference plane (a.k.a., reference plane 199) of the radiant heating device 100. The predetermined distance can be any distance below the radiation reference plane, which is preferably about 100 mm below the radiation reference plane. The radiant efficiency measurement apparatus is, for example, a radiometer that measures radiant energy transmitted from the radiant heating device 100. The radiant efficiency is determined by dividing the radiant heating device's radiant output by the radiant heating device's heat input. For example, radiant output=50,000 BTU/h absolute heat input=100,000 BTU/h gross (Europe will be 90,000 BTU/h net) radiant output/heat input=radiant efficiency 50% (Europe will be 55.6%)

(51) The present invention increases the radiant efficiency, as defined above, by 3-4% points. In order to achieve that 3-4% increase in radiant efficiency the heating wings 30 of the radiant heating device 100 are applied. The invention provides a cost effective and easy to apply method to increase an infrared heaters efficiency increasing comfort and fuel savings to the end user.

(52) The foregoing description of exemplary embodiments provides illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments described herein to the precise form disclosed. Modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings or may be acquired from practice of the embodiments as illustrated at FIG. 17 that illustrates the wings can be applied to different conventional heating apparatuses.