Electrode boiler with electrodes unit

Abstract

The invention relates to heat engineering, power engineering and the field of electric heating of liquids, water for instance; it can be used in circulation water heating systems and hot water supply, and as a universal device for diverse electric heaters. An object of the invention are to enhance the ease of fabrication, fabricability, and operability for block electrodes and electrode heating boilers on the whole, to increase the reliability of device both in static and dynamic modes ones. The invention meets an object of extended performance capabilities, versatility and flexibility of the device, potential diversification and enhancement of adaptability in solving particular problems. Moreover, the invention allows improvement of convection in water heating boilers and reduction of uniformity of sludge and rust deposition on electrodes thus increasing the heater effective performance time. The invention object comprises an improvement of protection against breakdowns between the electrodes as well, phase current load imbalance reduction, electrode protection against non-uniform deformation during operation in dynamic conditions. It is also an object of the invention to extend i the range of constructional capacity control without design and dimensional changes. FIG. 2 provides a schematic of electrodes (1) arrangement on the basis (3) located on the inner case (2) side with electrodes (1) slightly deviating from the longitudinal symmetric axis of the case (2) and irregularly spaced on the basis, electrode longitudinal axes deviating from each other at small angles. (4)—outer electrode terminals (1).

Claims

1. Electrode boiler with electrodes unit comprising: a) a case; b) multiple electrode in the form of fastened inside the case rod electrodes, at least one; and the electrodes shall be arranged non-symmetrically relative to the case symmetric axes and to each other; and electrode longitudinal axes not coinciding with the case longitudinal axes; and electrode longitudinal axes not coinciding with the case transverse axes; and electrodes having external terminals brought out from the case outside.

2. Electrode boiler with electrodes unit according to claim 1, the multiple electrode shall also comprise at least one electrode basis.

3. Electrode boiler with electrodes unit according to claim 2, besides, the electrode boiler basis shall be implemented in the form of a plate, a) electrodes being fastened to the plate, and electrodes are fixed on one side of its first surface so that their longitudinal axes are arranged in the direction close to the normal one with respect to the first plate surface; b) electrode basis being fastened with the second surface on the inner side of the case.

4. Electrode boiler with electrodes unit according to claim 2, the basis may be implemented of electrically insulating heat-resistant material.

5. Electrode boiler with electrodes unit according to claim 2, the electrode basis may be implemented of metal.

6. Electrode boiler with electrodes unit according to claim 3, the electrode basis is fastened with the second plane on the inner case side so that electrode ends are directed inside the internal boiler space.

7. Electrode boiler with electrodes unit according to claim 6, the electrode basis is fastened with the second plane on the inner side of the upper half-case so that electrode ends are directed inside the internal boiler space downwards.

8. Electrode boiler with electrodes unit according to claim 6, the electrode basis is fastened with the second plane on the inner side of the upper half-case so that free electrode ends are directed inside the internal boiler space laterally.

9. Electrode boiler with electrodes unit according to claim 6, the electrode basis is fastened with its second plane on the inner side of the lower half-case so that free electrode ends are directed inside the internal boiler space upwards.

10. Electrode boiler with electrodes unit according to claim 3, the electrode basis is fastened with one its plane on the outer case side so that electrode ends are directed inside the internal boiler space.

11. Electrode boiler with electrodes unit according to claim 10, the electrode basis is fastened with the first plane on the outer side of the upper half-case so that electrode ends are directed inside the internal boiler space downwards.

12. Electrode boiler with electrodes unit according to claim 10, the electrode basis is fastened with the first plane on the outer side of the upper half-case so that free electrode ends are directed inside the internal boiler space laterally.

13. Electrode boiler with electrodes unit according to claim 10, the electrode basis is fastened with its first plane on the outer side of the lower half-case so that free electrode ends are directed inside the internal boiler space upwards.

14. Electrode boiler with electrodes unit according to claim 3, containing: a) besides, the electrode boiler comprises insulating bushings implemented in the form of cylindrical tubes, superposed on the first electrode ends and connected to the basis until they rest in the basis; b) the bushings being constructively sunk, at least partially, in the basis; c) the height of bushings may vary.

15. Electrode boiler with electrodes unit according to claim 14, which the height of bushings may vary equally for all the electrodes.

16. Electrode boiler with electrodes unit according to claim 14, which the height of bushings may vary individually for each electrode.

17. Electrode boiler with electrodes unit according to claim 14, which silicon joint sealant is applied between the basis and bushings at the interfaces.

18. Electrode boiler with electrodes unit according to claim 14, which: a) in the electrode boiler with multiple electrode the boiler case is used as the electrode basis as well; b) bushings being inserted into through holes of the case so that they seal and insulate the case from the electrodes; c) electrode ends are brought through the bushings outside from the case, bushings being electric terminals.

19. Electrode boiler with electrodes unit according to claim 18, which besides, in the electrode boiler with multiple electrode, free electrode ends are directed inside the boiler.

20. Electrode boiler with electrodes unit according to claim 2, comprising the electrode boiler with multiple electrode also comprises a fixing element implemented in the form of at least one washer having holes through which free electrode ends are brought.

21. Electrode boiler with electrodes unit according to claim 20, which electrodes are pressed in the fixing element at least by a partial depth of the fixing element.

22. Electrode boiler with electrodes unit according to claim 20, comprises the following: a) chamfers made on the second electrode ends, which diameter corresponds to the diameter of washer holes; b) screw thread on the chamfers of second electrode ends; electrodes being screwed with their threaded parts into the washer holes, at least by the third part of washer thickness; c) nuts being fitted on the threaded electrode parts after the washer on the side of second electrode ends; and the washer resting against electrode shoulders formed by the chamfers and being tightly pressed by nuts.

23. Electrode boiler with electrodes unit according to claim 21, comprising the electrode boiler with multiple electrode also comprises the following: pockets made on washer surfaces, their centre coinciding with the hole centres.

24. Electrode boiler with electrodes unit according to claim 23, which a) the pocket depth corresponds to the nut height; and the nuts screwed on electrode ends being arranged in the pockets in flush.

25. Electrode boiler with electrodes unit according to claim 22, which the nuts are made of electric insulating material.

26. Electrode boiler with electrodes unit according to claim 22, which the nuts are made of heat-resistant material.

27. Electrode boiler with electrodes unit according to claim 22, which the nuts are made of metal.

28. Electrode boiler with electrodes unit according to claim 22, which: a) there is also an electrode boiler with multiple electrode in which: expansion coefficient of washer material corresponds to the expansion coefficient of basis material; b) expansion coefficient of nut material corresponds to the expansion coefficient of washer material.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 shows a schematic of electrodes arrangement on the basis located on the inner case side with electrodes slightly deviating from the longitudinal symmetric axis of the case irregularly spaced on the basis and arranged inside the case according to Embodiment 1.

(2) FIG. 2 provides a schematic of electrodes arrangement on the basis located on the inner case side with electrodes slightly deviating from the longitudinal symmetric axis of the case and irregularly spaced on the basis, electrode longitudinal axes deviating from each other at small angles.

(3) FIGS. 3 and 4 represent a schematic drawing of lateral entry of electrodes arranged downwards according to Embodiment 1, with relative orientation of electrode longitudinal axes similar to FIGS. 1 and 2 respectively. The electrode basis is arranged on the outer side of the case.

(4) FIGS. 5 and 6 provide a schematic of a view of lateral entry of electrodes with their free ends arranged downwards according to Embodiment 1, with relative orientation of electrode longitudinal axes similar to FIGS. 1 and 2 respectively, with an in-case arrangement of electrode basis.

(5) FIG. 7 shows a section of boiler case with an external view on outer electrode terminals with electrodes fastening in case the basis is implemented of metal.

(6) FIGS. 8 . . . 13 show a schematic of electrodes arrangement on the basis similar to FIGS. 1 . . . 7 with electrodes arranged inside the case upwards according to Embodiment 2.

(7) FIG. 14 represents a side view of a multiple electrode with electrodes arranged on the basis in parallel.

(8) FIG. 15 shows a side view of a multiple electrode with electrodes arranged on the basis in parallel, irregularly and asymmetrically; fixing insulating washer being pressed-in at free electrode ends.

(9) FIG. 16 gives a side view of a multiple electrode with electrodes arranged on the basis in parallel, irregularly and asymmetrically; dielectric bushings being fitted on electrodes at the points of their attaching to the basis and fixing insulating washer connected to free electrode ends by threaded connection.

(10) FIGS. 17-18 illustrate sub-embodiments of electrode threaded connection to the fixing insulating washer with pockets formed and in flush.

(11) FIG. 19 gives a side view of a multiple electrode with dielectric bushings of different heights on electrodes and a sub-embodiment of electrode threaded connection to the fixing washer by means of nuts flushed in the fixing washer, FIG. 20 shows a view of the said connection.

(12) FIGS. 21 . . . 23 represent top views of fixing washers of different shapes in plane.

(13) FIGS. 24 . . . 25 give a side view of multiple electrode with dielectric bushings of equal height on electrodes in the first sub-embodiment and of reduced height in the second sub-embodiment; free electrode ends being pressed-in with pockets formed in the fixing washer.

(14) FIGS. 26 . . . 27 give a side view of multiple electrode with dielectric bushings of different heights on electrodes, sunk into the groove around electrodes.

(15) FIG. 28 shows a view of electrode dielectric bushing connection to the basis; the joint being sealed.

(16) FIG. 29 represents a view of case part from outside on the side of electrode terminals according to Embodiment 3.

(17) FIGS. 30 . . . 36 illustrate sub-embodiments of Embodiment 3 of electrode arrangement without basis, directly inside the case; electrodes being arranged and oriented in various ways inside the case.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED INVENTION EMBODIMENTS

Embodiment 1

(18) FIGS. 1 . . . 7, 14 . . . 28 represent a view of configuration of electrode boiler with multiple electrode according to Embodiment 1 of this invention.

(19) As per Embodiment 1, electrodes 1 of the device, at least one or more electrodes are directed inside the case 2 downwards. In FIG. 1, electrodes 1 are directed straight down, the longitudinal axes of all the electrodes 1 slightly deviating from the longitudinal symmetric axis of case 2. Electrodes 1 if used more than one in number may be installed at different unequal distances to each other (FIG. 1). Longitudinal axes of part or of all electrodes 2 may also form nonzero angles against each other as shown in FIG. 2 accompanied by unequal distances between electrodes 1. Electrodes 1 are located at basis 3 which may be installed both inside case 2, as shown in FIGS. 1-2, 5-6, and outside—FIGS. 3-4. Each electrode 1 has terminal 4 running through basis 3 and case 2 to be connected to an electric power supply. Basis 3 may be implemented of electrically insulating heat-resistant material or of metal. In the last case electrodes 1 shall be installed on the basis thorough electrically insulating inserts 5 as shown in FIG. 7. The downward direction of electrodes 1 makes it possible to prevent entirely sludge deposition on basis 3 or section of case 2 between electrodes 1. This allows a considerable reduction of the probability of a breakdown between electrodes 1 along the surface of basis 3 or those of parts of case 2 between electrodes 1. Case 2 may be implemented either as fully enclosed split/with an opening cover as well as with drain tubes or as flowing, subject to the specific embodiment of the device.

(20) FIGS. 3-4 show an arrangement of electrodes with large angles of deviation from the longitudinal symmetry axis, i.e., entry of electrodes 1 downwards at the side of boiler case 2, this also accompanied by an irregular asymmetric arrangement of electrodes against each other, i.e., by different distances between the points of their entry to case 2 and different angles between longitudinal axes of electrodes 3, FIG. 4.

(21) FIGS. 5-6 illustrate the arrangement of electrodes 1 on the side face of case 2, their longitudinal axes deviating from the symmetric axes of the case and from each other (FIG. 6) with the direction of electrode ends into the lower part of case 2. In this case as well as in other sub-embodiments, basis 3 may be fixed both inside case 2 and outside it.

(22) FIG. 14 represents multiple electrode 1, fastened by pressing into electrical insulating basis 3 with open free ends of electrodes 1 to be installed inside case 2 or from outside into case according to FIGS. 1-13. Basis 3 has holes 6 to attach it to case 2. The multiple electrode may have fixing washer 7, FIG. 15, located at the ends of electrodes 1 to lock their initial position against displacement and distortions in dynamic conditions of heating/cooling. Here, electrodes 1 are pressed into fixing washer 7 implemented of electrical insulating heat-resistant material having its coefficient of expansion equal or close to the coefficient of expansion of basis 3. Electrodes 1 are pressed into holes 8 of washer 7 by its full thickness (FIG. 15) or its partial thickness (FIGS. 16-17, 19-20) with pockets being formed. The position of electrodes 1 on basis 3 and thus on washer is asymmetric (FIGS. 15-16, 19-20, 22). Thereat such a fastening of fixing washer 7 allows maintaining of position of electrodes 1 according to FIGS. 1-12 in any operation modes of the device preventing any changes in the current propagation paths, possibility of short-circuit between electrodes, shorting across electrodes, and in its turn improves the efficiency and stability of device operation.

(23) FIGS. 16-18 illustrate a sub-embodiment of fastenning of electrodes 1 in fixing washer 7 by means of thread 9 cut on the outer surface of chamfers 10 of the end of electrode 1 of round cross-section. In this case electrodes 1 are screwed with their ends into washer 7 by partial thickness of washer 7 with pockets being formed—FIG. 17, or by its full thickness—FIG. 18. It is assumed that washer 7 has holes 8 provided with a thread corresponding to thread 9 on chamfers 10 of electrodes 1. This allows an extension of the device variety and increase of its adaptability to actual manufacturing methods. Besides, under certain circumstances this can facilitate device assembly, especially if the noncriticality of electrode screwing by the full thickness of the fixing washer is introduced into the invention.

(24) FIGS. 19-23 show sub-embodiments of fastening of washer 7 at the ends of electrodes 1 by means of nuts 11 to be installed in pockets 12 of washer 7. In this case chamfers 10 of free ends of electrodes 1 are implemented of round cross-section and of diameter allowing their easy coming into washer holes 8 implemented as threadless. After washer 7 is installed at the ends of electrodes 1, nuts 11 are screwed until tight into the bottom of pockets of washer 7, this resulting in nuts 11 not protruding from the surface of washer 7. Washer 7 in plane may have the shape of a circle, ellipse, polygon, star, etc. (FIGS. 21-23).

(25) FIGS. 24-28 represent sub-embodiments of a device comprising all the above named attributes as related to the electrode arrangement and implementation as claimed in the above embodiments in various combinations, which additionally comprise bushings 13 implemented of electrical insulating heat-resistant material. Bushings 13 are made as cylindrical segments which internal cross-section in its shape replicates approximately or accurately the cross-section of electrodes 1. Bushings 13 are superposed on electrodes 1 so that one butt of each bushing 13 rests against basis 3—FIGS. 19, 24, 25.

(26) The height of bushings 13 in sub-embodiments of Embodiment 1 may be equal for all electrodes 1 (FIGS. 24, 25) or different (FIGS. 19, 26). The boiler capacity can be controlled over a wide range by a simultaneous increase or reduction in the height of bushings 13, without any changes made to the design, number, and arrangement of electrodes. Changing the height of bushings 13 at various electrodes 1 individually and independently, as shown in FIGS. 19, 27, one can control not only the total capacity but loading for each phase as well in the case of multiple (three-) phasing

(27) In the case of sub-embodiments (FIGS. 19, 26-28) of the device within Embodiment 1, bushings 13 may be installed directly on basis 3 and secured, for instance, with sealant 14. They also may be installed in circular groove 15 on basis 3 around electrodes 1 implemented to the cross-sectional shape of bushing 13 and secured with seal 14 as well, FIG. 28. In addition, bushings 13, especially as secured with sealant 14, allow a reduction or even prevention of the probability of a breakdown between electrodes 1, along the surface of basis 3 including after a period of operation in the case of gradual deposition of foreign particles, sludge on it.

Embodiment 2

(28) FIGS. 8-28 represent a view of electrode boiler with multiple electrode configuration according to Embodiment 2 of the invention in question. Embodiment 2 has the following specific aspects as compared to Embodiment 1.

(29) As per Embodiment 2, electrodes 1 of the device, at least one electrode or more, for example two or three for a three-phase electric mains, or in number multiple of 3 for a three-phase electric mains—are directed into case 2 upwards. In FIG. 8 electrodes 1 are directed upwards vertically with the longitudinal axes of all electrodes 1 slightly deviating from the longitudinal symmetric axis of case 2. Electrodes 1, if used in number exceeding one, may be installed at different unequal distances from each other (FIG. 8). The longitudinal axes of electrodes may also make non-zero angles against each other for all electrodes 2 or a part of them as shown in FIG. 9; this being accompanied with unequal distances between electrodes 1 at the same time. Electrodes 1 are located on basis 3 which similarly to Embodiment 1 may be installed either inside case 2, FIGS. 10-11, or outside it—FIGS. 8-9, 12-13.

(30) FIGS. 10-11 show the electrode arrangement with large angles of deviation from the longitudinal symmetric axis, notably the entry of electrodes 1 upwards at the side of boiler case 2, this accompanied with an irregular asymmetric arrangement of electrodes with respect to each other, i.e., with different distances between their points of entry to case 2 and different angles between the longitudinal axes of electrodes 3, FIG. 11.

(31) FIGS. 12-13 illustrate the arrangement of electrodes 1 on the side surface of case 2, their longitudinal axes deviating from the case symmetric axes and from each other (FIG. 13), and electrode ends being directed into the upper part of case 2. In this case as well as in other sub-embodiments basis 3 may be secured either inside case 2 or outside it.

(32) Such an implementation of electrode arrangement allows considering of specific design features of some boiler types, simplifying their manufacturing processes, routine maintenance, and repairs. Besides, this provides opportunities of boiler convection improvement and enhancement of its efficiency in static operation conditions.

(33) Specific aspects of concrete embodiment of electrode 1 or a multiple electrode comprising several electrodes 1 coincide with Embodiment 1 as shown in FIGS. 14-28.

Embodiment 3

(34) FIGS. 29-36 represent a view of configuration of an electrode boiler with multiple electrode according to Embodiment 3 of this invention. Embodiment 3 has the following specific aspects as compared to Embodiments 1 and 2.

(35) As per Embodiment 2, electrodes 1 of the device, at least one electrode or more, for example two or three for a three-phase electric mains, or in number multiple of 3 for a three-phase electric mains, or in any required number, generally all used in a concrete specimen of the device, are fastened directly in case 2 without any basis. Such an implementation of the device provides (FIG. 29) fastening of electrodes 1 through dielectric insulating heat-resistant inserts 5 directly pressed into the wall of case 2 or its cover. Here, terminals 4 of electrodes 1 for connection of an electric power supply are brought outside from the device case 2.

(36) Electrodes 1 may be grouped at the same point of boiler case similarly to Embodiments 1, 2 or distributed on the inner surface of case 2 as required to meet the specific problem of the device. The implementation of electrodes fastening in case 2 as claimed by this Embodiment, directly without intermediate basis, allows not to bind electrodes 1 into a multiple electrode, this technologically simplifying the distribution of their fastening over the case surface and thus over the internal space of the boiler. This expands the functionality and assortment range of the device embodiments, enhances its versatility, and increases the range of concrete tasks to be met.

(37) In the Embodiment in question, FIGS. 30-36, any combinations of arrangement of any number of electrodes 1 are possible, with electrodes deviating from the boiler symmetric axes and from the strict regularity of their location to a variable degree, with any slope angles with respect to each other. The possibility of such an asymmetry in the arrangement of electrodes 1 and its variation is not found to be mentioned in any literary sources and considerably simplifies the fabrication technique and repair of the device and reduces their cost; it also bates the safety requirements in maintenance of the device, in particular as to its cleaning and desludging. The ample opportunities of the variety of asymmetric fastening of electrodes 1 allow a better selection of their optimum arrangement and organization to the best advantage of boiler convection process subject to the case configuration, specific designation, and design of the boiler. This also enables planning and controlling the asymmetry in the processes of sludge deposition on components of the electrode system allowing introducing a non-uniformity into the decrease of boiler efficient operation within intervals between scheduled cleanings, this making it possible to increase its efficiency.

(38) The operation of boiler in all its embodiments is as follows.

(39) The boiler can be used as self-contained or its case 2 is built-in into an open or circulating water heating system at any required point. The heating system is filled with water treated in usual manner with its resistance brought, and electrodes 1 of boiler are connected by means of terminals 4 arranged outside its case 2 to an external single-phase or three-phase electrical circuit. Cooled water from heating radiators is supplied into boiler case 2 where it is heated by electric current passing through it between electrodes 1. The heated water from case 2 is supplied to consumers, heating radiators, for example. Convection processes occurring in boiler case 2 during water heating between electrodes 1 can be purposefully organized by the mutual orientation and arrangement of electrodes so that the boiler can be operated as a circulating pump without any forced water pumping in the closed system. This is considerably contributed by the provided in present invention manner of mutual orientation, possibility of an asymmetric arrangement of electrodes inside the case and relative to each other. In addition, this allows a redistribution of sludge formation processes inclusive of those at electrodes themselves. The electrode arrangement as provided by this invention makes it possible to select the current passage paths and vary the current-density distribution thus enabling an optimization of boiler operation both in static and dynamic conditions.