Novosibirsk State Technical University (NSTU) has optimized the operation of the heat generator for maximum heating capacity, which will save electricity and ensure reliable heat supply to the facility. A patent has been obtained for the invention.
According to Evgeny Porsev, Professor of the Department of Electrotechnical Complexes at NSTU-NETI, Doctor of Technical Sciences, the principle of hydrodynamic cavitation is at the heart of the operation of vortex and rotary generators. When a liquid moves at high speed, bubbles (cavitation cavities) form in areas of low pressure. When moving into a high-pressure zone, these bubbles collapse, releasing a significant amount of thermal energy. The energy conversion coefficient (ECC) of such devices is calculated using the ratio of the generated thermal energy to the expended electrical energy to drive the heat generator.
University scientists conducted experiments to determine the dependence of the energy conversion coefficient on the duration of operation of the heat generator, as well as on the amount of water in the circuit: the more water, the more heat can be extracted. Such characteristics as the conversion coefficient, inlet and outlet temperatures, fluid flow, fluid velocity, and pulsation frequency were recorded. The specific heat capacity of the structural materials of the heat generator was also taken into account — this is important in order to accurately calculate the amount of heat energy received.
"With maximum acceleration of the liquid, the pressure decreases, which creates conditions for cavitation and heat release, then the efficiency decreases. Therefore, it is impractical to operate the heat generator constantly, it is desirable that it work periodically. In this case, the coefficient of conversion of electrical energy into thermal energy throughout the entire operation will be more than 1.0, that is, the heat received is more than the energy expended," said Evgeny Porsev.
A block diagram of the automation of the heat generator with a microprocessor was drawn up, which takes into account the mass of water in the circuit, the outdoor temperature, the duration of operation and, when reaching a minimum (1.0), turns off the drive of the heat generator. The high heat capacity of water ensures long-term preservation of heat, so the heat generator can heat the room even when turned off, the scientist added. According to technical and economic calculations, energy consumption is 1.5-2 times less than in the non–optimal mode.
The practical significance of the invention lies in achieving the maximum total energy conversion coefficient, which will reduce the specific energy consumption of heating systems (reduce energy consumption per unit of heat), increase equipment life by eliminating inefficient modes. The proposed solution can be used for heating residential and public buildings, industrial premises.
A patent was obtained in 2024 for the invention "A method for heating a liquid and a device for its implementation".