Water distributor, atmospheric pressure water storage tank and method of use thereof

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of heat storage and energy storage, in particular to a water distributor, a normal-pressure heat storage water tank and a use method thereof. The water distributor comprises oppositely arranged upper and lower discs, the upper and lower discs are arranged at intervals to form a cavity, and the upper or lower disc is provided with an inlet and outlet; a plurality of partitions are evenly arranged in the cavity in a diverging manner, the partitions are arranged perpendicularly to the upper and lower discs to equally divide the cavity into a plurality of fan-shaped spaces; and a blocking structure is arranged at a position away from the center of the water distributor, and the blocking structure is provided with an opening allowing water flow and preventing the passage of a floating ball. The blocking structure is arranged at the outer edge of the water distributor, and the blocking structure is provided with an opening allowing water flow and preventing the passage of a floating ball. When the floating ball enters the cavity through the inlet and outlet of the water distributor, it is blocked by the blocking structure and cannot enter the pipeline connected with the water distributor, thereby avoiding the blockage of the water distributor and the pipeline and reducing the occurrence of safety accidents.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of thermal energy storage technology, specifically to a water distributor, an atmospheric pressure hot water storage tank, and their usage methods. Background Technology

[0002] Atmospheric pressure hot water storage tanks have an open structure, allowing water and atmosphere to interact through vents, overflow ports, and inspection holes. To reduce water contamination caused by this flow and lower the air dissolution rate of the tank, thus minimizing oxygen corrosion of the internal steel structure, a common practice is to place air-insulating floats on the liquid surface to reduce corrosion caused by the dissolution of oxygen, carbon dioxide, and other gases from the air. These air-insulating floats are typically 40mm diameter hollow spheres with edges, made of PP, with an operating temperature <120℃ and a pressure resistance ≤0.4MPa. They feature a stable center of gravity, strong adaptability to changes in liquid surface area, good coverage, and long service life. Operation is simple: just pour the floats into the desired container, and they automatically form a uniform covering layer. Multiple layers can be stacked, with a single layer achieving 92% coverage and a double layer achieving 97% coverage.

[0003] The method for placing air-isolated buoys is as follows: 1) Initial deployment: The floats should be placed after the water level in the hot water storage tank has reached approximately above the upper surface of the water distributor. Approximately 350,000 floats must be placed through the top DN600 manhole, as the manhole at the bottom of the hot water storage tank cannot be opened. Due to the large number of floats, a temporary lifting device needs to be added to the top of the hot water storage tank. Multiple lifting operations are required, and the floats must be manually carried from the lifting point at the top of the tank to the manhole for deployment. This manual operation involves a large workload and carries significant risks due to working at height (40m).

[0004] 2) When emptying the hot water storage tank: When the water level in the hot water storage tank drops to the height within the upper water distributor channel, the float ball can easily enter the upper water distributor and its connecting pipes. Its exact location is difficult to determine, making cleaning inconvenient, and it can easily clog the pipes upon restarting. When the water level in the hot water storage tank drops to the height within the lower water distributor channel, the water pump needs to be turned on to pump water out. The float ball can easily enter the lower water distributor pipes and the water pump. This can easily clog the pipes, and its exact location is difficult to determine, making cleaning inconvenient. If the float ball enters the water pump, failure to remove it promptly upon restarting can easily cause a water pump malfunction.

[0005] 3) After the hot water storage tank is emptied, the float needs to be manually collected and transported to a designated location for storage.

[0006] 4) When the hot water storage tank is put into operation again: After the water level in the hot water storage tank is basically above the upper surface of the water distributor, it is necessary to use the temporary lifting device again to manually lift, move and put in about 350,000 floats multiple times through the top manhole.

[0007] Therefore, existing water distributors are easily clogged by float balls, making them inconvenient to clean and even causing serious safety accidents. Summary of the Invention

[0008] This invention provides a water distributor, an atmospheric pressure hot water storage tank, and a method for using the same, to solve the problem that existing water distributors are easily clogged by float balls, making them inconvenient to clean and even causing serious safety accidents.

[0009] On one hand, the present invention provides a water distributor, comprising: An upper and lower disk are arranged opposite each other, with the upper and lower disks spaced apart to form a cavity, and an inlet or outlet is provided on the upper or lower disk; Several partitions are evenly arranged in a radiating pattern in the cavity. The partitions are also perpendicular to the upper and lower discs to divide the cavity into several fan-shaped spaces. The blocking structure is located in the fan-shaped space away from the center of the water distributor, and the blocking structure has an opening that allows water to flow while preventing the float from passing through.

[0010] Beneficial effects: By incorporating a blocking structure on the outer edge of the water distributor, with openings that allow water flow while preventing the float from passing through, the float entering the cavity through the distributor's inlet and outlet is blocked by the structure, preventing it from entering the pipes connected to the distributor. This avoids blockages in both the distributor and the pipes, reducing the risk of accidents. Furthermore, the baffles also act as zone guides, allowing water to flow smoothly along a predetermined path from the distributor's gaps, preventing localized excessively fast or slow flow rates. This ensures uniform water distribution throughout the distributor, thereby improving heat exchange efficiency.

[0011] In one alternative implementation, the blocking structure is a wire mesh, the side length of which is smaller than the diameter of the float.

[0012] Metal wire mesh possesses both strength and deformation capacity, and will not be damaged even under slightly higher water pressure. It is also relatively inexpensive. In practical applications, different mesh sizes can be selected based on the size of the float, making it more convenient to use.

[0013] In one alternative implementation, the difference between the diameter of the float and the side length of the square grid is 10 mm.

[0014] The aforementioned difference ensures that the float will not pass through the obstruction structure, while also taking into account the strength of the wire mesh itself and the rate of water flow.

[0015] In one alternative embodiment, the wire mesh is welded and fixed to the upper disc, the lower disc, and the partition.

[0016] The wire mesh is fixed to the upper and lower discs and partitions by welding, which is convenient to operate and the connection is reliable.

[0017] In one alternative embodiment, the distance between the blocking structure and the outer edges of the corresponding upper and lower disks is 200mm-300mm.

[0018] The blocking structure is set at a certain distance from the outer edges of the upper and lower discs, which facilitates the installation of the blocking structure and provides a certain degree of protection for it.

[0019] In one alternative implementation, the blocking structure is a rectangular wire mesh.

[0020] Rectangular wire mesh is easy to process, has a lower cost, and is easier to install.

[0021] In one optional embodiment, the upper surface of the upper disk and the lower surface of the lower disk are each provided with a plurality of stiffening plates at intervals.

[0022] Water distributors operate under constant pressure from pressurized water flow and static pressure. If the upper and lower discs are only thin-plate structures, they are prone to deformation, warping, and even cracking. The stiffening ribs act as a "reinforcing skeleton," dispersing the stress from the water flow impact and static pressure, improving the overall load-bearing capacity of the upper and lower discs, and extending the service life of the water distributor. Furthermore, the stiffening ribs further guide and regulate the water flow, breaking up the turbulent eddies formed on the disc surface and allowing the water to flow smoothly out of the distributor gaps along a predetermined path. This prevents localized excessively fast or slow flow velocities, ensuring uniform water distribution throughout the distributor and improving the heat exchange or storage efficiency of the hot water tank.

[0023] On the other hand, an atmospheric pressure hot water storage tank is also provided, including a water distributor and a tank body, with a water distributor provided at the upper and lower parts of the tank body.

[0024] The upper water distributor is responsible for evenly supplying high-temperature water during the heat storage stage or drawing out high-temperature water during the heat release stage, while the lower water distributor supplies low-temperature water during the heat release stage or draws out low-temperature water during the heat storage stage, preventing the mixing of hot and cold fluids caused by a single water distributor. It also allows the water flow to diffuse along the tank wall or horizontally at a gentle flow rate, reducing disturbance to the water body and maintaining a stable temperature gradient.

[0025] In one alternative implementation, the inlet and outlet of the water distributor are connected to an inlet pipe or an outlet pipe.

[0026] External water enters through the inlet pipe or flows out through the outlet pipe, ensuring stable water temperature stratification within the tank.

[0027] Furthermore, a method for using an atmospheric pressure hot water storage tank is also provided, including the following steps: When using it for the first time, first put the float into the tank body, and then fill the tank body with water; When emptying, simply drain the water from the tank body through the drain outlet.

[0028] The above-mentioned atmospheric pressure hot water storage tank float is easier and faster to deploy, and the blocking structure on the water distributor will not clog the pipes and water pump, reducing safety hazards; after the hot water storage tank is emptied, there is no need to remove the float for collection, reducing workload. Attached Figure Description

[0029] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0030] Figure 1 This is a longitudinal cross-sectional schematic diagram of the water distributor according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a top view of the water distributor according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the blocking structure; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of an atmospheric pressure hot water storage tank.

[0031] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 1. Upper disc; 2. Lower disc; 3. Inlet and outlet; 4. Baffle; 5. Blocking structure; 6. Rib; 7. Water distributor; 8. Tank body; 9. Inlet pipe; 10. Outlet pipe; 11. Float. Detailed Implementation

[0032] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0033] The following is combined Figures 1 to 4 Embodiments of the present invention are described.

[0034] According to an embodiment of the present invention, in one aspect, a water distributor is provided, comprising: The upper disk 1 and the lower disk 2 are arranged opposite to each other, and the upper disk 1 and the lower disk 2 are spaced apart to form a cavity. The upper disk 1 or the lower disk 2 is provided with an inlet and outlet 3. Several partitions 4 are evenly arranged in the cavity in a radiating pattern. The partitions 4 are also arranged perpendicular to the upper disk 1 and the lower disk 2 to divide the cavity into several fan-shaped spaces. The blocking structure 5 is located in the fan-shaped space away from the center of the water distributor 7, and the blocking structure 5 has an opening that allows water to flow while preventing the float ball 11 from passing through.

[0035] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the upper disc 1 and lower disc 2 are arranged parallel to each other, with the spacing set according to actual needs. When the water distributor 7 is located on the upper part of the hot water storage tank, the inlet and outlet 3 are located on the lower disc 2. When the water distributor 7 is located on the lower part of the hot water storage tank, the inlet and outlet 3 are located on the upper disc 1. Of course, the inlet and outlet 3 can also be located on the upper disc 1 or the lower disc 2 simultaneously, or their positions can be interchanged. No specific limitation is made here. The partition 4 is arranged vertically and distributed in a radial pattern. One end is located at the center of the water distributor 7, and the other end is located near the outer edge of the upper disc 1 and the lower disc 2, or flush with the outer edge. In this embodiment, 10 partitions 4 are evenly spaced, thus forming 10 fan-shaped spaces. Of course, the number of partitions 4 can be limited according to actual needs, but no specific limitation is made here. The blocking structure 5 is arranged as close as possible to the outer edge of the water distributor 7 so as not to affect the normal function of the water distributor 7.

[0036] Beneficial effects: By setting a blocking structure 5 on the outer edge of the water distributor 7, and having an opening on the blocking structure 5 that allows water flow while preventing the float 11 from passing through, when the float 11 enters the cavity through the inlet / outlet 3 of the water distributor 7, it will be blocked by the blocking structure 5 and will not enter the pipe connected to the water distributor 7, thus avoiding blockage of the water distributor 7 and the pipe and reducing the occurrence of safety accidents. In addition, the baffle 4 can also play a role in zoned flow guidance, allowing the water to flow smoothly out of the gaps in the water distributor along a preset path, avoiding situations where the water flow velocity is too fast or too slow in some areas, thereby ensuring the uniformity of water distribution throughout the water distributor and improving heat exchange efficiency.

[0037] In one embodiment, the blocking structure 5 is a metal wire mesh, and the side length of the square grid of the metal wire mesh is smaller than the diameter of the float 11.

[0038] like Figure 3As shown, in this embodiment, a metal wire mesh is selected as the blocking structure 5. This is because the metal wire mesh has both strength and deformation capacity, and will not be damaged even if the water pressure is slightly high. Moreover, it is low in cost. In practical applications, metal wire mesh with different apertures can be selected according to the size of the float 11, making it more convenient to use. Of course, multiple openings with a diameter smaller than that of the float 11 can also be made on an ordinary thin metal plate or plastic plate, which can achieve the same effect. No specific limitation is made here.

[0039] In one embodiment, the difference between the diameter of the float 11 and the side length of the square grid is 10 mm.

[0040] The aforementioned difference ensures that the float 11 will not pass through the blocking structure 5, while also taking into account the strength of the wire mesh itself and the rate of water flow. Typically, the diameter of the float 11 is 40mm, so the side length of the square mesh of the selected wire mesh is 30mm. Of course, the specifications of the wire mesh can be adjusted according to the size of the float 11, and no specific restrictions are imposed here.

[0041] In one embodiment, the wire mesh is welded and fixed to the upper disc 1, the lower disc 2, and the partition 4.

[0042] Since the upper disc 1, lower disc 2, and partition 4 are all made of metal, the wire mesh is fixed to the upper disc 1, lower disc 2, and partition 4 by welding, which is convenient and reliable. Spot welding can be used, and no specific limitation is made here.

[0043] In one embodiment, the distance between the blocking structure 5 and the outer edges of the corresponding upper disk 1 and lower disk 2 is 200mm-300mm.

[0044] like Figure 2 As shown, the blocking structure 5 is positioned at a certain distance from the outer edges of the upper disk 1 and the lower disk 2, facilitating its installation. Since the blocking structure 5 is hidden inside the upper disk 1 and the lower disk 2, it provides some protection, preventing damage from external forces. Of course, the blocking structure 5 can also be flush with the outer edges of the corresponding upper disk 1 and lower disk 2; no specific limitation is made here.

[0045] In one embodiment, the blocking structure 5 is a rectangular wire mesh.

[0046] Rectangular wire mesh is easy to process, has a lower cost, and is easier to install. The wire mesh can also be curved, polygonal, etc., as long as it can cover the radial openings of the corresponding upper disk 1 and lower disk 2 to prevent the float 11 from leaking out.

[0047] In one embodiment, the upper surface of the upper disk 1 and the lower surface of the lower disk 2 are each provided with a plurality of stiffening plates 6 at intervals.

[0048] The stiffening ribs 6 are welded perpendicularly to the upper surface of the upper disc 1 and the lower surface of the lower disc 2, forming a concentric ring. The water distributor 7 operates under constant pressure from pressurized water flow and static pressure. If the upper disc 1 and lower disc 2 were only thin-plate structures, they would be prone to deformation, warping, and even cracking. The stiffening ribs 6 act as a "reinforcing skeleton," dispersing the stress from the water flow impact and static pressure, improving the overall load-bearing capacity of the upper disc 1 and lower disc 2, and extending the service life of the water distributor 7. Furthermore, the stiffening ribs 6 further guide and regulate the water flow, breaking up the turbulent eddies formed on the disc surface and allowing the water to flow smoothly out of the gaps in the water distributor 7 along a predetermined path. This prevents localized excessively fast or slow flow velocities, ensuring uniform water distribution throughout the water distributor 7 and improving the heat exchange or storage efficiency of the hot water tank.

[0049] On the other hand, an atmospheric pressure hot water storage tank is also provided, including a water distributor 7 and a tank body 8, with a water distributor 7 provided at the upper and lower parts of the tank body 8.

[0050] like Figure 4 As shown, the bottom of the tank body 8 has two manholes for inserting floats 11. The upper water distributor 7 is positioned slightly below the normal liquid level of the tank body 8. The upper water distributor 7 is responsible for uniformly supplying high-temperature water during the heat storage phase or drawing out high-temperature water during the heat release phase, while the lower water distributor 7 corresponds to supplying low-temperature water during the heat release phase or drawing out low-temperature water during the heat storage phase, preventing the mixing of hot and cold fluids caused by a single water distributor 7. It also allows the water flow to diffuse gently along the tank wall or horizontally, reducing disturbance to the water body and maintaining a stable temperature gradient. During heat storage, low-temperature water flows out uniformly from the lower water distributor 7, slowly pushing the low-temperature layer inside the tank body 8 downwards; high-temperature water enters from the upper water distributor 7, spreading evenly on the upper layer of the tank body 8, achieving rapid and efficient heat storage. During heat release, high-temperature water is uniformly drawn out from the upper water distributor 7 to supply the user, while low-temperature replenishment water enters from the lower water distributor 7, without interfering with the high-temperature water in the upper layer, ensuring a stable outlet water temperature. For large hot water storage tanks (such as industrial and district heating tanks), the coverage of a single water distributor 7 is limited, which can easily lead to uneven water flow in local areas. A dual water distributor 7, with both upper and lower sections, can cover the entire height of the tank, ensuring that water in all areas of the tank can participate in heat storage or heat release circulation, thus improving overall utilization.

[0051] In one embodiment, the inlet and outlet 3 of the water distributor 7 are connected to the inlet pipe 9 or the outlet pipe 10.

[0052] like Figure 4 As shown, the inlet and outlet 3 of the water distributor 7 are located at the center, and the inlet pipe 9 and outlet pipe 10 extend all the way to the outside of the tank body 8. External water enters through the inlet pipe 9 or flows out of the tank body 8 through the outlet pipe 10, ensuring stable water temperature stratification inside the tank body 8.

[0053] Furthermore, a method for using an atmospheric pressure hot water storage tank is also provided, including the following steps: When using it for the first time, first put the float ball 11 into the tank body 8, and then fill the tank body 8 with water; When emptying, the water in the tank body 8 is discharged directly through the drain outlet.

[0054] During initial use, when the hot water storage tank is empty and ready to be filled, the float 11 is inserted directly through the two manholes at the bottom of the tank body 8. It can also be inserted through the top manhole, but the bottom manhole is more convenient; no specific limitation is made here. The float 11 can be moved with the aid of a trolley, allowing for safe and quick ground-based operations. After filling begins, the float 11 gradually rises with the increasing water level until the designated level is reached. Even if the float 11 can enter the cavity of the water distributor 7 at this point, it will not clog the pipes or water pump due to the metal wire mesh.

[0055] When the hot water storage tank is emptied, during the process of the liquid level in the tank body 8 dropping, the float 11 is blocked by the metal wire mesh and will not enter the pipes and water pump, thus not affecting the restart.

[0056] Once the hot water storage tank is emptied, it is not necessary to collect the float 11.

[0057] When the hot water storage tank is running again, simply fill it with water. The float 11 will rise as the water level rises until it reaches the designated level.

[0058] The deployment of the float 11 in the aforementioned atmospheric pressure hot water storage tank is more convenient and faster, requiring no additional temporary lifting measures. Ground operation can be carried out using a trolley instead of manual handling, eliminating the risk of working at height. It can be deployed through either the manhole at the bottom or the manhole at the top of the tank, making operation convenient. Furthermore, the obstruction structure on the water distributor 7 prevents blockage of pipes and water pumps, reducing safety hazards and eliminating the risk of reactivation of the hot water storage tank. After the hot water storage tank is emptied, there is no need to remove and collect the float 11. The float 11 remains inside the hot water storage tank after initial deployment, reducing the workload of removal, collection, and re-deployment.

[0059] Although embodiments of the invention have been described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, and such modifications and variations all fall within the scope defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A water distributor, characterized in that, include: An upper disk (1) and a lower disk (2) are arranged opposite to each other, and the upper disk (1) and the lower disk (2) are spaced apart to form a cavity. An inlet and outlet (3) are provided on the upper disk (1) or the lower disk (2). Several partitions (4) are evenly arranged in the cavity in a radiating manner. The partitions (4) are simultaneously arranged perpendicular to the upper disk (1) and the lower disk (2) to divide the cavity into several fan-shaped spaces. The blocking structure (5) is located in the fan-shaped space away from the center of the water distributor (7), and the blocking structure (5) has an opening that allows water to flow while preventing the float (11) from passing through.

2. The water distributor according to claim 1, characterized in that, The blocking structure (5) is a metal wire mesh, and the side length of the square grid of the metal wire mesh is smaller than the diameter of the float (11).

3. The water distributor according to claim 2, characterized in that, The difference between the diameter of the float (11) and the side length of the square grid is 10 mm.

4. The water distributor according to claim 2, characterized in that, The metal wire mesh is welded and fixed to the upper disc (1), the lower disc (2), and the partition (4).

5. The water distributor according to claim 1, characterized in that, The distance between the blocking structure (5) and the outer edges of the corresponding upper disk (1) and lower disk (2) is 200mm-300mm.

6. The water distributor according to claim 5, characterized in that, The blocking structure (5) is a rectangular wire mesh.

7. The water distributor according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The upper surface of the upper disk (1) and the lower surface of the lower disk (2) are provided with a number of ribs (6) at intervals.

8. An atmospheric pressure hot water storage tank, characterized in that, The device includes the water distributor (7) as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, and also includes a tank body (8), wherein a water distributor (7) is provided on the upper part and the lower part of the tank body (8).

9. The atmospheric pressure hot water storage tank according to claim 8, characterized in that, The inlet and outlet (3) of the water distributor (7) are connected to the inlet pipe (9) or the outlet pipe (10).

10. A method of using an atmospheric pressure hot water storage tank as described in claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: When using it for the first time, first put the float (11) into the tank body (8), and then fill the tank body (8) with water; When emptying, the water in the tank body (8) is directly discharged through the drain outlet.

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