FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to the field of heating devices for heating a fluid or a solid and to a method of manufacturing a heating device.

The invention further relates to a heating system for a building and to a heating system for a floor or a wall or a roof of a building.

The invention yet further relates to a method of heating a fluid or a solid.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Heating of fluids and solids has been done for ages, and in many different ways. Residential buildings, houses or apartments are for example often heated via heating radiators that are provided with hot water by a boiler. The boiler may use gas to heat the circulating water. Such a heating system has a relatively low efficiency.

In view of said low efficiency, buildings, in particular residential buildings, are more and more installed with floor heating systems instead of with the radiators. In such floor heating systems generally a network of tubes is provided underneath the floor. Water with a certain temperature is circulated through said tubes and heats the floor, wherein the floor subsequently heats an adjacent room. These floor heating systems however still have a relatively low efficiency.

In addition to the relatively low efficiency, the gas heated systems provide a further challenge in view of geopolitical events. Countries, in particular in Europe, have experienced in the year 2022 that they are extremely dependent on Russian gas. With Russia decreasing their gas deliveries to for example Germany, countries have realised that they need to bring down their gas consumption. Therefore, a long-felt need to decrease gas consumption has now accelerated into a more pressing need.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the invention to provide a heating device, heating system and/or heating method that is more efficient. It is another object of the invention to provide a heating device, heating system and/or method that requires less gas.

It is an object of the invention to provide a heating device that is easier to manufacture.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In order to achieve at least one object, in a first aspect of the invention a heating device is provided for heating a fluid or a solid, the heating device comprising: at least one wall having a first side and an opposite, second side, wherein the first side is configured to be in contact with a fluid to be heated or a solid to be heated, and wherein the at least one wall comprises: o a first layer comprising a magnetocaloric material with electrical conductive properties, o a second layer configured to be located between the first layer and the fluid to be heated or the solid to be heated, the second layer comprising a second material that is different from the magnetocaloric material, an electric connector being in electrical conductive connection with the magnetocaloric material of the first layer, wherein the electric connector is configured and intended to be connected to an electrical current supply device for supplying an electrical current to the first layer via the electric connector, wherein the first layer is configured to generate heat when the electrical current is supplied thereto for heating the fluid or the solid.

An advantage of the heating device according to the invention is that a solid or fluid can be heated more efficiently. It was found that the magnetocaloric material generates heat efficiently when supplied directly with electricity, i.e. without the use of magnets in the vicinity of the magnetocaloric material. The heating device is able to reach higher COP values than for example known heat pumps or boilers. Further, no or at least less gas is needed.

The heating device according to the invention is beneficial for the heating of buildings, in particular residential buildings. The heating device is however not limited thereto. The heating device is suited for heating many fluids or solids for different purposes, not limited to the building space.

In an embodiment of the heating device, the magnetocaloric material comprises a magnetocaloric powder that is applied as a coating on the second layer, or wherein the magnetocaloric material comprises a solidified mixture of the magnetocaloric powder and an adhesive, wherein the mixture is applied on the second layer via for example spraying, rolling, dipping or brushing. The magnetocaloric material as a powder or provided as a mixture allows for an easier manufacturing of heating devices, because the powder and mixture can be applied on many surfaces. It becomes possible to even turn window blinds or other objects into heating devices by providing the magnetocaloric material thereon and supplying electricity thereto.

In an embodiment of the heating device, the at least one wall comprises an insulation layer provided at a side of the first layer that is opposite the second layer. The insulation layer can further improve the heating efficiency.

In an embodiment of the heating device, the insulation layer is a glass coating, preferably comprised of a glass powder comprising substantially spherical powder granules. The spherical granules provides a dimensionally stable coating compared to regular glass powder. The glass coating provides improved heat reflection.

In an embodiment of the heating device, the insulation layer is configured to reflect the heat generated by the first layer towards the fluid when the electrical current is supplied to the first layer.

In an embodiment of the heating device, the insulation layer encloses the first layer.

In an embodiment of the heating device, the second layer is configured to be in contact with the fluid or the solid.

In an embodiment of the heating device, the at least one wall defines at least one channel having an entry and an exit, wherein the at least one channel defines a flow path from the entry to the exit along which the fluid is configured to flow, wherein the device is configured to let the fluid flow through the channel, wherein at the entry the fluid has a first temperature, and wherein at the exit the fluid has a second temperature, the second temperature being higher than the first temperature.

In an embodiment of the heating device, the at least one wall forms at least one conduit through which the fluid is configured to flow. In an embodiment the heating device comprises a plurality of conduits through which the fluid is configured to flow.

In an embodiment of the heating device, the first and second layer extend from the entry to the exit of the at least one channel.

In an embodiment of the heating device, the first layer encloses the second layer.

In an embodiment of the heating device, the first layer is a solid.

In an embodiment of the heating device, the magnetocaloric powder comprises powdered coal and/or powdered graphite.

In an embodiment of the heating device, the magnetocaloric powder comprises a potassium silicate, in particular K2SiO4.

In an embodiment of the heating device, the magnetocaloric powder comprises glass powder and/or ceramic powder.

In an embodiment of the heating device, the adhesive comprises water, in particular consists of water.

In an embodiment of the heating device, the adhesive comprises an aqueous dispersion of a polymer based on acrylic ester and/or acrylonitrile.

In an embodiment of the heating device, the second material has a thermal conductivity of at least 100 W*m’ ¹ *K’ ¹ , preferably at least 200 W*nv ¹ *K' ¹ . A high thermal conductivity can improve the heating efficiency, for example due to heating via convection when a fluid flows along a heated surface.

In an embodiment of the heating device, the second layer comprises a metal, and wherein an electrically-insulating first intermediate layer is provided between the first layer and the second layer. The intermediate layer prevents short-circuiting while allowing a metal to provide a high thermal conductivity. In an embodiment the heating device further comprises a liquid conduit system connecting member, wherein the heating device is configured to be connected to a liquid conduit system of a building via the liquid conduit system electric connector.

In an embodiment of the heating device, the fluid to be heated is water.

In an embodiment of the heating device, the solid to be heated is a floor, or a wall, or a roof of a building.

In an embodiment the heating device is configured to be supplied by electricity having a voltage between 12V and 230V. This makes the heating device safer and easy to use for for example residential buildings.

In a second aspect of the invention, a heating system for a building is provided, the heating system comprising: a liquid conduit system, a heating device according to the invention, the heating device being connected to the liquid conduit system, wherein the heating device is configured to heat a liquid that flows through the liquid conduit system.

In a third aspect of the invention, a heating system is provided for a floor or a wall or a roof of a building, wherein the heating system comprises a heating device according to the invention, wherein the heating device is provided in contact with and under the floor or behind the wall or under the roof of the building, respectively, wherein the heating device is connected to an electric current supply device via the electric connector. An advantage of the heating system is that it requires no fluid, as the heating device heats the roof, wall, or floor directly. As no fluid needs to be circulated, there is no need for a pump. This improves the efficiency and ease of manufacturing, as less parts are needed. In addition, no gas is needed.

The invention further provides a method for heating a fluid or a solid, the method comprising the steps of: a) providing a heating device for heating a fluid or a solid, the heating device comprising o at least one wall having a first side and an opposite, second side, wherein the first side is in contact with a fluid to be heated or with a solid to be heated, and wherein the at least one wall comprises: ■ a first layer comprising a magnetocaloric material with electrical conductive properties,

■ a second layer configured to be located between the first layer and the fluid or solid to be heated, b) providing the fluid to be heated or the solid to be heated in contact with the first side of the at least one wall. c) heating the fluid or the solid by supplying an electrical current through the first layer, thereby generating heat with the first layer for heating the fluid or the solid.

The method provides the same advantage or advantages as the heating device according to the invention.

In an embodiment the method comprises reflecting the heat generated by the first layer towards the fluid to be heated or the solid to be heated.

In an embodiment of the method, the at least one wall defines at least one channel along which the fluid flows, wherein the first layer heats the second layer, and wherein the fluid is heated by the second layer via convection.

In an embodiment of the method, the electrical current is an alternating current.

In an embodiment of the method, the supplied electricity has a voltage between 12V and 230V.

In an embodiment the method comprises providing a heating device according to the invention.

In another aspect the invention provides a method of manufacturing a heating device, the method comprising the steps of: a) providing a second layer of at least one wall, b) applying a first layer to the second layer, wherein the first layer comprises a magnetocaloric material with electrical conductive properties.

In an embodiment of the method, step b) comprises spraying, brushing, dipping, rolling, or powder coating the magnetocaloric material on the second layer. An advantage of the method is that it provides easier manufacturing. The application of the first layer comprising the magnetocaloric material on a second layer is a relatively simple manufacturing step.

In an embodiment of the method, step b) comprises applying a magnetocaloric powder as a coating on the second layer, or wherein the magnetocaloric material comprises mixing the magnetocaloric powder with an adhesive and applying the mixture on the second layer via for example spraying, rolling, dipping or brushing, and subsequently letting the mixture on the second layer solidify. The application of the magnetocaloric material in powdered or mixed form allows for the manufacturing of a wide variety of heating devices for heating fluids or solids. Therefore the versatility is improved.

In an embodiment of the method, the second layer comprises a metal, wherein prior to applying the first layer to the second layer, a non-electrically-conductive first intermediate layer is applied to the second layer, after which the first layer is applied to the first intermediate layer.

In an embodiment the method comprises the step of c) applying an insulation layer to the first layer, wherein the insulation layer is preferably a glass coating.

In an embodiment the method further comprises connecting an electric connector to the magnetocaloric material.

These and other aspects of the invention will be more readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description and considered in connection with the accompanying drawings in which like reference symbols designate like parts.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Figure 1 schematically shows a cross-sectional or side view of an embodiment of a heating device according to the invention.

Figure 2 schematically shows a cross-sectional or side view of another embodiment of a heating device according to the invention, comprising an insulation layer.

Figure 3 schematically shows a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a heating device according to the invention. Figure 4 schematically shows a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a heating device according to the invention.

Figure 5 schematically shows a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a heating device according to the invention.

Figure 6 schematically shows a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a heating device according to the invention.

Figure 7 schematically shows a side view of an embodiment of a heating device according to the invention.

Figure 8 schematically shows a cross-sectional view of a building, in particular a house, comprising an embodiment of a heating system according to the invention comprising a heating device according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Figures 1 to 7 show different embodiments of a heating device 1 according to the invention for heating a fluid 2 or a solid 3. The heating device 1 comprises at least one wall 4. The wall 4 has a first side 5 and an opposite, second side 6. The first side 5 is configured to be in contact with a fluid 2 to be heated or a solid 3 to be heated.

The at least one wall 4 comprises a first layer 7 comprising a magnetocaloric material with electrical conductive properties.

The first layer 7 is a solid.

The magnetocaloric material comprises a magnetocaloric powder that is applied as a coating on the second layer 8. The magnetocaloric material may also or instead comprise a solidified mixture of the magnetocaloric powder and an adhesive. The mixture can for example be applied on the second layer 8 via spraying, rolling, dipping or brushing. After application of the mixture, the mixture solidifies.

The magnetocaloric powder may comprise powdered coal and/or powdered graphite. Coal and graphite are widely available and relatively cheap, adding to the advantage of easier and cheaper manufacturing.

The magnetocaloric powder comprises a potassium silicate, in particular K2SiO4. The potassium silicate provides beneficial internal and/or mixture binding properties and is suitable for high temperatures. The magnetocaloric powder comprises glass powder and/or ceramic powder. Glass powder and ceramic powder improve the stability and strength of the magnetocaloric material.

The adhesive may comprise water, in particular may consist of water. An advantage of water is that it is cheap and widely available.

The adhesive may comprise, or consist of, an aqueous dispersion of a polymer based on acrylic ester and/or acrylonitrile. Said aqueous dispersion improves the adhesive capabilities of the magnetocaloric material for in particular the application thereof on smooth surfaces, like glass, metal, paint, or plastics. Said aqueous dispersion is also suitable for high temperatures and is less prone to shrinking effects due to its crosslinking properties.

The at least one wall 4 comprises a second layer 8 that is located between the first layer 7 and the fluid 2 to be heated or the solid 3 to be heated. The second layer 8 comprises a second material that is different from the magnetocaloric material.

For improving the heat transfer the second material may have a thermal conductivity of at least 100 W*m’ ¹ *K’ ¹ , preferably at least 200 W*m’ ¹ *K’ ¹ .

Figures 5 and 6 show exemplary embodiments of the heating device 1, wherein the second layer 8 comprises a metal. Metals, like for example copper and aluminium, have a relatively high thermal conductivity and may improve the efficiency of the heating device 1. An electrically-insulating first intermediate layer 20 is provided between the first layer 7 and the second layer 8.

In the embodiments shown in figure 1 to 6 the second layer 8 is configured to be in contact with the fluid 2 or the solid 3. When for example the second layer 8 comprises a second material with a relatively high thermal conductivity, like for example copper or aluminium, the heating of a fluid 2 flowing along the second layer 8 can be improved via convection.

The heating device 1 comprises an electric connector 9 that is in electrical conductive connection with the magnetocaloric material of the first layer 7. The electric connector 9 is configured and intended to be connected to an electrical current supply device 10 for supplying an electrical current to the first layer 7 via the electric connector 9. When the first layer 7 is subjected to electricity via the electric connector 9 the magnetocaloric material generates heat 11. The heat 11 generated by the first layer 7 heats the fluid 2 or the solid 3. Figures 2, 4 and 6 show embodiments of the heating device 1 comprising an insulation layer 12 that is provided at a side of the first layer 7 that is opposite the second layer 8. Preferably, the insulation layer 12 is a glass coating.

The insulation layer 12 reflects, or directs, the heat 11 generated by the first layer 7 towards the fluid 2 when the electrical current is supplied to the first layer 7.

The insulation layer 12 may enclose the first layer 7, such as shown in figures 4 and 6. The first layer 7 may enclose the second layer 8, such as shown in figures 3 to 6. This is for example an efficient embodiment for conduits 19, or tubes.

Turning to the embodiments of figures 3 to 7, the at least one wall 4 defines at least one channel 13 having an entry 14 and an exit 15. The at least one channel 13 defines a flow path 16 from the entry 14 to the exit 15 along which the fluid 2 to be heated is configured to flow. The heating device 1 is configured to let the fluid 2 flow through the channel 13, wherein at the entry 14 the fluid 2 has a first temperature 17, and wherein at the exit 15 the fluid 2 has a second temperature 18. The second temperature 18 is higher than the first temperature 17.

The first layer 7 and second layer 8 may extend from the entry 14 to the exit 15 of the at least one channel 13. It may also be possible to have the first layer 7 extend partially, or in parts, over the second layer 8, for example when the dimensions of the second layer are too large. This also applies to more flat surfaces. The first layer 7 could for example be applied on the second layer as adjacent strips, with a space between adjacent strips without the magnetocaloric material.

The at least one wall 4 forms at least one conduit 19, or tube, through which the fluid 2 is configured to flow. In the embodiment of figure 7 the heating device 1 comprises a plurality of conduits 19 through which the fluid 2 is configured to flow. One or more of the conduits 19, or tubes, may comprise the wall 4 comprising the first layer 7 and second layer 8.

The at least one conduit 19, or tube, is shown in figures 3 to 6 having a circular crosssection. Other cross-sectional shapes are also possible, such as square or rectangular crosssections. The cross-sectional shape and dimensions may be chosen on desired specifications, such as for example a larger contact surface with the fluid to be heated.

The heating device 1 as shown in figure 7 comprises a liquid conduit system connector 21 for connecting the heating device 1 to a liquid conduit system, such as a liquid conduit heating system in a building 25. The fluid 2 to be heated may for example be water. Turning to figure 8, a building 25 is shown schematically in cross-section. The building 25 comprises a plurality of heating systems comprising a heating device 1 according to the invention. The heating devices 1 are connected to an electric current supply device 10 via the electric connector 9 (not shown). The heating systems are provided in contact with and under a floor 22, behind a wall 23, and under a roof 24 of the building 25 for respectively heating the floor 22, wall 23, and roof 24.

The heating system in contact with and provided under the roof 24 may be beneficial for melting snow or ice that could be located on the roof 24. The heating system under the floor 22 and behind the wall 4 provide efficient heating of the inside of the building 25, here a house.

The invention further provides a method for heating a fluid 2 or a solid 3, the method comprising the steps of: a) providing a heating device 1 for heating a fluid 2 or a solid 3, the heating device 1 comprising o at least one wall 4 having a first side 5 and an opposite, second side 6, wherein the first side 5 is in contact with a fluid 2 to be heated or with a solid 3 to be heated, and wherein the at least one wall 4 comprises:

■ a first layer 7 comprising a magnetocaloric material with electrical conductive properties,

■ a second layer 8 configured to be located between the first layer 7 and the fluid 2 or solid 3 to be heated, b) providing the fluid 2 to be heated or the solid 3 to be heated in contact with the first side 5 of the at least one wall 4. c) heating the fluid 2 or the solid 3 by supplying an electrical current through the first layer 7, thereby generating heat 11 with the first layer 7 for heating the fluid 2 or the solid 3.

The heating device 1 according to the invention may be beneficially used to perform the method.

The method comprises reflecting the heat 11 generated by the first layer 7 towards the fluid 2 to be heated or the solid 3 to be heated. In the shown embodiments this is achieved by the insulation layer 12 as shown in figures 2, 4, and 6. For embodiments of the heating device 1, wherein the at least one wall 4 defines at least one channel 13 along which the fluid 2 flows, the first layer 7 heats the second layer 8, and wherein the fluid 2 is heated by the second layer 8 via convection, with or without direct heating of the first layer 7.

The heating device 1 is suitable for heating a fluid 2 or solid 3 when a direct current is applied to the first layer 7. The heating efficiency is further improved when supplying an alternating current 26 to the first layer 7 via the electric connector 9.

The invention yet further provides a method of manufacturing a heating device 1 , the method comprising the steps of: a) providing a second layer 8 of at least one wall 4, b) applying a first layer 7 to the second layer 8, wherein the first layer 7 comprises a magnetocaloric material with electrical conductive properties.

Step b) may comprise spraying, brushing, dipping, rolling, or powder coating the magnetocaloric material on the second layer 8. It may also be possible to sprinkle or scatter the powdered magnetocaloric material on a previously applied adhesive layer.

Step b) may comprise applying a magnetocaloric powder as a coating on the second layer 8. The magnetocaloric powder may also be mixed with an adhesive and applied as mixture on the second layer 8 via for example spraying, rolling, dipping or brushing. The coating, or mixture, solidifies after application thereof on the second layer 8.

When the second layer 8 comprises a metal, a non-electrically-conductive, or electrically insulating first intermediate layer 20 is applied to the second layer 8 prior to applying the first layer 7 to the second layer 8. The first layer 7 is then applied to the first intermediate layer 20.

The method of manufacturing may comprise the step of applying an insulation layer 12 to the first layer 7, wherein the insulation layer 12 is preferably a glass coating.

The method may further comprise connecting an electric connector 9 to the magnetocaloric material, preferably after solidification thereof.

As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting, but rather, to provide an understandable description of the invention.

The terms "a" or "an", as used herein, are defined as one or more than one. The term plurality, as used herein, is defined as two or more than two. The term another, as used herein, is defined as at least a second or more. The terms including and/or having, as used herein, are defined as comprising (i.e. , open language, not excluding other elements or steps). Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims or the invention.

The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.