FLUID HEATERS, e.g. WATER OR AIR HEATERS, HAVING HEAT-GENERATING MEANS, e.g. HEAT PUMPS, IN GENERAL (steam generation F22)

Description

F24H encompasses fluid heating systems that generate heat through active means such as heat pumps, combustion, or electrical resistance to warm water, air, or other fluids for space heating, domestic hot water, and industrial applications. The subclass covers the overall design, integration, and operation of heater units combining heat sources with heat transfer mechanisms, including heat distribution networks and control systems. This classification excludes specific combustion chamber designs (covered in F23), dedicated heat exchanger elements (F28), and refrigeration cycles when classified outside heating contexts (F25). Related heating technologies employing passive solar collection or waste heat recovery are separately classified in their respective technology areas.

Filing statistics

CPC subclass F24H recorded 49,875 patent applications worldwide between 2013 and 2023. Annual filings grew from 2,814 in 2013 to 4,429 in 2023 (+57%), peaking at 5,973 applications in 2018. The most active applicants in class F24 are GREE ELECTRIC APPLIANCES (11,167 applications), QINGDAO HAIER AIR CONDITIONER COMPANY (9,225 applications) and HAIER SMART HOME (8,998 applications).

Source: EPO PATSTAT, worldwide filings