A heat medium circulation heat storage regulating device

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of energy storage and heat exchange technology, and more particularly to a heat storage and regulation device for circulating heat medium. The technical solution includes a heat accumulator filled with a heat storage medium; a heat exchange tube is installed through the interior of the heat accumulator; a main heat inlet pipe is fixedly installed on the exterior of the heat accumulator, and several heat inlet branch pipes are alternately installed between the main heat inlet pipe and the heat exchange tubes. This invention achieves the entry of the heat medium into the heat exchange tubes from different heights by setting multiple heat inlet branch pipes at different heights, and using a toothed plate to sequentially drive the opening and closing of control valves on each branch pipe. This changes the release position of heat within the heat accumulator. When the temperature in a certain area reaches a set value, the heat medium is introduced into the next area for heating by switching the heat inlet branch pipes, ensuring uniform heat distribution within the heat accumulator and avoiding problems of localized overheating and insufficient heating.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of energy storage and heat exchange technology, specifically to a heat medium circulation and heat storage regulation device. Background Technology

[0002] When conducting high-temperature hydrogen production operations using solar energy in high-altitude areas, large heat storage devices are generally required to store the heat collected by the solar thermal system, thereby balancing the imbalance between solar energy fluctuations and the heat demand of the hydrogen production reactor. The heat storage device is filled with a heat storage medium (such as ceramic balls, high-temperature molten salt, or phase change material) and is equipped with a heat exchange tube. A heat medium is introduced through the heat exchange tube to heat the heat storage medium.

[0003] In existing thermal storage devices, heat exchange tubes are typically arranged with a single inlet and a single outlet. The heat medium enters from one end of the tube, flows along it, and exits from the other. During the charging process, the heat medium reaches its highest temperature and has the largest temperature difference with the storage medium upon entry, resulting in the most intense heat exchange. This leads to concentrated heating of the storage medium at the inlet, causing a rapid temperature rise. As the heat medium flows along the tube, its temperature gradually decreases, reducing the temperature difference with the storage medium and weakening the heat exchange capacity. Consequently, the storage medium at the outlet is underheated, resulting in a slow temperature rise. This uneven temperature distribution—overheating at the near end and underheating at the far end—reduces the overall thermal storage efficiency of the accumulator. Some areas of the storage medium remain at high temperatures for extended periods, accelerating material aging, while other areas are underutilized, leading to a decrease in effective thermal storage capacity. Therefore, we propose a thermal medium circulation thermal storage regulation device to address these problems. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a heat storage and regulation device for circulating heat medium to solve the problems mentioned in the background art.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: a heat storage and regulation device for circulating heat medium, comprising a heat storage device, wherein the interior of the heat storage device is filled with a heat storage body; The heat accumulator has heat exchange tubes installed through its interior. The heat accumulator is externally fixedly installed with a main heat inlet pipe, and several heat inlet branch pipes are installed alternately between the main heat inlet pipe and the heat exchange pipe. Multiple control valves are fixedly installed on the heat inlet branch pipe, and each control valve has a gear on its valve stem. The heat inlet branch pipe is covered with an insulation shell; A toothed plate is movably mounted on the heat-insulating shell for sequentially meshing with multiple gears. A linear drive mechanism is installed on the heat insulation shell, and the linear drive mechanism is connected to the toothed plate transmission to drive the toothed plate to move. The toothed plate is configured to mesh with the gears above and below it simultaneously during movement, and the two adjacent control valves rotate in the same direction but open and close in opposite directions, so that when the toothed plate moves, one of the control valves opens while the other control valve closes.

[0006] Preferably, the linear drive mechanism includes a lead screw, which is rotatably mounted on the insulation shell. A rotary drive component is mounted on the insulation shell, and the output end of the rotary drive component is connected to the lead screw. A movable block is threadedly connected to the lead screw, and the movable block is fixedly connected to the toothed plate. A guide rail is provided on the insulation shell, and the guide rail is slidably connected to the movable block.

[0007] Preferably, the linear drive mechanism further includes a linear drive member disposed between the movable block and the toothed plate, which is used to drive the toothed plate to move relative to the movable block.

[0008] Preferably, the lead screw has unthreaded sections at both ends, and push plates and elastic elements are also provided at both ends of the lead screw. One end of the elastic element abuts against the heat insulation shell, and the other end abuts against the push plate.

[0009] Preferably, an electrically controlled valve is provided at the tail end of the main heat inlet pipe.

[0010] Preferably, a one-way valve is provided between the heat inlet branch pipe and the heat exchange pipe.

[0011] Preferably, it also includes a locking mechanism, which is disposed on the insulation shell and corresponding to the gear, for locking the position of the gear.

[0012] Preferably, the locking mechanism includes a fixed base, which is fixedly installed on the insulation shell. A movable plate is movably installed inside the fixed base. A second elastic element is installed inside the fixed base, and both ends of the second elastic element abut against the fixed base and the movable plate, respectively. A locking plate is provided on one side of the movable plate. The locking plate is provided with a toothed groove that cooperates with a gear. One end of the locking plate is connected to the movable plate.

[0013] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are: This invention sets multiple heat inlet branch pipes at different heights on the heat exchange tube and uses a toothed plate to sequentially drive the control valves on each branch pipe to open and close, so that the heat medium enters the heat exchange tube from different heights, thereby changing the release position of heat in the heat accumulator. When the temperature of a certain area reaches the set value, the heat medium is introduced into the next area for heating by switching the heat inlet branch pipe, so that the heat is evenly distributed in the heat accumulator and avoids the problems of local overheating and insufficient heating.

[0014] This invention features a toothed plate driven by a linear drive mechanism on an insulation shell. During its movement, the toothed plate sequentially meshes with gears on the control valve stems. Since adjacent control valves rotate in the same direction but open and close in opposite directions, the toothed plate precisely controls the opening of one control valve while the other closes, enabling orderly switching of the heat inlet branch pipes. This ensures the directional transport of the heat medium in different areas, improving the automation and accuracy of heat storage regulation. Furthermore, by covering the heat inlet branch pipes with an insulation shell, heat loss during transport is effectively reduced, ensuring the heat medium enters the heat exchange tubes at a higher temperature, further enhancing heat storage efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a side view of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a front view of the present invention. Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the heat insulation shell of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a partial structural diagram of the linear drive component of the present invention; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the locking plate structure of the present invention.

[0016] In the diagram: 1. Heat accumulator; 2. Heat exchange tube; 3. Main heat inlet pipe; 4. Branch heat inlet pipe; 5. Insulation shell; 6. Linear drive mechanism; 601. Lead screw; 602. Moving block; 603. Rotary drive component; 7. Gear plate; 8. Control valve; 9. Gear; 10. Electrically controlled valve; 11. Check valve; 12. Linear drive component; 13. Push plate; 14. Elastic component one; 15. Locking plate; 16. Fixed base; 17. Moving plate; 18. Elastic component two. Detailed Implementation

[0017] The technical solution of the present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0018] Example 1, as Figure 1 - Figure 6 As shown, the present invention proposes a heat storage and regulation device for circulating heat medium, including a heat storage device 1, wherein the interior of the heat storage device 1 is filled with a heat storage body; A heat exchange tube 2 is installed through the interior of the heat accumulator 1; The heat accumulator 1 is externally fixedly installed with a main heat inlet pipe 3, and several heat inlet branch pipes 4 are installed alternately between the main heat inlet pipe 3 and the heat exchange pipe 2. Multiple control valves 8 are fixedly installed on the heat inlet branch pipe 4, and each control valve 8 has a gear 9 on its valve stem. The heat inlet branch pipe 4 is covered with an insulation shell 5. A toothed plate 7 is movably mounted on the heat-insulating shell 5 for sequentially meshing with a plurality of gears 9; A linear drive mechanism 6 is installed on the heat insulation shell 5, and the linear drive mechanism 6 is connected to the toothed plate 7 for driving the toothed plate 7 to move. The toothed plate 7 is configured to mesh with the gears 9 above and below it simultaneously during movement, and the two adjacent control valves 8 rotate in the same direction but open and close in opposite directions, so that when the toothed plate 7 moves, one of the control valves 8 opens while the other control valve 8 closes. The heat accumulator 1 is filled with a heat storage body, which can be ceramic balls or phase change material. The heat exchange tube 2 is installed inside the heat accumulator 1 in a serpentine tube bundle arrangement, distributed from top to bottom along the heat accumulator 1, and is used to introduce heat medium to charge the heat storage body. The heat inlet main pipe 3 is set outside the heat accumulator 1 and is arranged in a vertical direction. Multiple heat inlet branch pipes 4 are respectively connected between the heat inlet main pipe 3 and the heat exchange tube 2 at different heights. Each heat inlet branch pipe 4 corresponds to a height position of the heat exchange tube 2 and is used to transport the heat medium in the heat inlet main pipe 3 to the corresponding height of the heat exchange tube 2. Both ends of the heat inlet main pipe 3 are provided with connecting flanges for connecting external collector pipes. Each heat inlet branch pipe 4 is equipped with a control valve 8. The control valve 8 can be a ball valve or a plug valve. A gear 9 is fixedly installed on the upper end of the valve stem of each control valve 8. The gear 9 rotates synchronously with the valve stem. The heat insulation shell 5 is covered on the outside of the heat inlet branch pipe 4 and the control valve 8 to protect the internal components and reduce heat loss. The toothed plate 7 is a long strip-shaped plate structure with a rack on one side for meshing with the gear 9. The toothed plate 7 is movably mounted on the insulation shell 5 and is arranged vertically. The length of the toothed plate 7 is set so that it can mesh with the gear 9 of the adjacent control valves 8 at the same time during the movement. The two adjacent control valves 8 rotate in the same direction but open and close in opposite directions. That is, when the toothed plate 7 moves in the same direction, the two adjacent gears 9 rotate in the same direction. However, since the opening and closing directions of the control valves 8 are opposite, when the valve stem of one control valve 8 rotates in the opening direction, the valve stem of the other control valve 8 rotates in the closing direction. The linear drive mechanism 6 is mounted on the insulation shell 5 and is connected to the toothed plate 7 for transmission. The linear drive mechanism 6 includes a lead screw 601, a rotary drive component 603, and a movable block 602. The lead screw 601 is vertically arranged and rotatably mounted on the insulation shell 5. The rotary drive component 603 is mounted on the insulation shell 5, and its output end is connected to the lead screw 601. The rotary drive component 603 can be a motor. The movable block 602 is threadedly connected to the lead screw 601 and fixedly connected to the toothed plate 7. The insulation shell 5 is provided with a guide rail, and the movable block 602 is slidably connected to the guide rail to limit the circumferential rotation of the movable block 602, so that it can only move along the axial direction of the lead screw 601.

[0019] Furthermore, the linear drive mechanism 6 includes a lead screw 601, which is rotatably mounted on the insulation shell 5. A rotary drive component 603 is mounted on the insulation shell 5, and the output end of the rotary drive component 603 is connected to the lead screw 601. A movable block 602 is threadedly connected to the lead screw 601, and the movable block 602 is fixedly connected to the toothed plate 7. A guide rail is provided on the insulation shell 5, and the guide rail is slidably connected to the movable block 602.

[0020] Furthermore, the linear drive mechanism 6 also includes a linear drive member 12, which is disposed between the movable block 602 and the toothed plate 7, and is used to drive the toothed plate 7 to move relative to the movable block 602.

[0021] Furthermore, the lead screw 601 has unthreaded sections at both ends, and push plates 13 and elastic members 14 are also provided at both ends of the lead screw 601. One end of the elastic member 14 abuts against the heat insulation shell 5, and the other end abuts against the push plate 13.

[0022] Furthermore, an electrically controlled valve 10 is provided at the tail end of the main heat inlet pipe 3.

[0023] Furthermore, a one-way valve 11 is provided between the heat inlet branch pipe 4 and the heat exchange pipe 2.

[0024] The linear drive 12 can be a cylinder or an electric push rod. One end is connected to the movable block 602, and the other end is connected to the gear plate 7. The linear drive 12 is used to drive the gear plate 7 to move relative to the movable block 602, so that the gear plate 7 disengages from the gear 9. When the gear plate 7 moves to the lowest position and the last control valve 8 is fully opened, if the next round of sequential heating is required, the linear drive 12 can be activated to drive the gear plate 7 to move backward, so that the gear plate 7 disengages from all gears 9. Then the rotary drive 603 rotates in the opposite direction, driving the movable block 602 to move upward to the initial position. After reaching the initial position, the linear drive 12 drives in the opposite direction, pushing the gear plate 7 to move forward, so that the gear plate 7 re-engages with the gear 9 of the uppermost control valve 8, and the next round of sequential heating can begin. By setting the linear drive 12, the gear plate 7 can disengage from the gear 9 and reset, realizing the repeated cycle of the sequential heating process and meeting the need for multiple heat charging of the heat accumulator 1.

[0025] Furthermore, it also includes a locking mechanism, which is disposed on the insulation shell 5 and corresponding to the gear 9, for locking the position of the gear 9.

[0026] Furthermore, the locking mechanism includes a fixed base 16, which is fixedly installed on the insulation shell 5. A movable plate 17 is movably installed inside the fixed base 16. An elastic element 18 is installed inside the fixed base 16, and both ends of the elastic element 18 abut against the fixed base 16 and the movable plate 17, respectively. A locking plate 15 is provided on one side of the movable plate 17. The locking plate 15 is provided with a toothed groove that cooperates with the gear 9. One end of the locking plate 15 is connected to the movable plate 17.

[0027] The locking mechanism includes a fixed base 16, a movable plate 17, a second elastic element 18, and a locking plate 15. The fixed base 16 is fixedly mounted on the insulation shell 5 and located next to the gear 9. The movable plate 17 is movably mounted inside the fixed base 16 and can move along the guide direction of the fixed base 16. The second elastic element 18 is mounted inside the fixed base 16, and its two ends abut against the fixed base 16 and the movable plate 17, respectively. The second elastic element 18 can be a compression spring. The locking plate 15 passes through the fixed base 16 and has a toothed groove that mates with the gear 9. One end of the locking plate 15 is connected to the movable plate 17.

[0028] In its natural state, the second elastic element 18 pushes the movable plate 17, causing the locking plate 15 to move towards the gear 9. The teeth of the locking plate 15 mesh with the gear 9, thereby locking the position of the gear 9 and preventing the control valve 8 from rotating accidentally due to vibration or other reasons. When the toothed plate 7 moves to mesh with the gear 9, the toothed plate 7 pushes the locking plate 15 to move backward against the elastic force of the second elastic element 18, causing the locking plate 15 to disengage from the gear 9. At this time, the gear 9 can rotate freely, and the toothed plate 7 can drive the control valve 8 to open and close. When the toothed plate 7 leaves the gear 9, the locking plate 15 is reset under the action of the second elastic element 18 and re-meets with the gear 9, locking the position of the control valve 8. By setting a locking mechanism, the position of the control valve 8 is automatically locked when the toothed plate 7 is not meshed with the gear 9, preventing the valve from malfunctioning due to vibration or external force, thus improving the reliability of the equipment.

[0029] The solenoid valve 10 is located at the end of the main heat inlet pipe 3 to control whether the heat medium continues to be transported downstream. The check valve 11 is located on the connecting pipe between each heat inlet branch pipe 4 and the heat exchange pipe 2, allowing the heat medium to flow from the heat inlet branch pipe 4 to the heat exchange pipe 2 and continue to flow downward along the accumulator 1 until the outlet end of the heat exchange pipe 2, preventing the heat medium from flowing backward. For scenarios where multiple accumulators 1 are used in series, after the accumulator 1 of this equipment has completed heat storage, it is necessary to transport the heat medium to the next stage accumulator 1 for further heat charging. At this time, the controller closes all control valves 8, cuts off the heat inlet passage of each heat inlet branch pipe 4, and opens the solenoid valve 10. The heat medium flows out from the end of the main heat inlet pipe 3 and enters the main heat inlet pipe 3 of the next stage accumulator 1 through the connecting flange, realizing the sequential heat charging of the multiple accumulators 1. The check valve 11 can prevent the heat medium from flowing backward from the heat exchange pipe 2 into the heat inlet branch pipe 4 during valve switching, avoiding pressure fluctuations and heat loss.

[0030] Working principle: In the initial state, the uppermost control valve 8 is in the open state, and the heat medium enters the heat exchange tube 2 from the heat inlet main pipe 3 through the uppermost heat inlet branch pipe 4 to heat the upper part of the heat accumulator 1. The other control valves 8 are in the closed state. The temperature value of the area is detected by the temperature sensor. When the temperature of the upper area of ​​the heat storage unit 1 reaches the set value, it is necessary to switch to the next area for heating. At this time, the rotary drive 603 is started, which drives the lead screw 601 to rotate. The lead screw 601 drives the movable block 602 to move downward, and the movable block 602 drives the toothed plate 7 to move downward synchronously. As the toothed plate 7 moves downward, it first meshes with the gear 9 of the uppermost control valve 8 and the gear 9 of the adjacent control valve 8 below it. Since the two adjacent control valves 8 rotate in the same direction but open and close in opposite directions, when the toothed plate 7 moves downward, the gear 9 of the uppermost control valve 8 rotates in the closing direction, and the control valve 8 gradually closes. At the same time, the gear 9 of the adjacent control valve 8 below it rotates in the opening direction, and the control valve 8 gradually opens. As the toothed plate 7 continues to move downward, the uppermost control valve 8 gradually closes, and the adjacent control valve 8 below it gradually opens. When the uppermost control valve 8 is completely closed, the adjacent control valve 8 below it is completely open. At this time, the heat medium enters the heat exchange tube 2 from the heat inlet main pipe 3 through the heat inlet branch pipe 4 to heat the middle area of ​​the heat accumulator 1. The toothed plate 7 continues to move downwards. When it meshes with the gear 9 of the second control valve 8 and the gear 9 of the third control valve 8 simultaneously, the above process is repeated. The second control valve 8 gradually closes and the third control valve 8 gradually opens. The heat medium is switched to the lower heat inlet branch pipe 4 and enters the heat exchange tube 2 to heat the lower area of ​​the heat accumulator 1. In this way, the toothed plate 7 moves from top to bottom in sequence, switching the control valves 8 on each heat inlet branch pipe 4 in sequence, so that the heat medium enters the heat exchange tube 2 from different height positions in sequence, thereby realizing the sequential heating of each area of ​​the heat accumulator 1.

[0031] Example 2 differs from the above example in that the two ends of the lead screw 601 are provided with unthreaded sections, and are provided with push plates 13 and elastic elements 14.

[0032] The two ends of the lead screw 601 are respectively provided with a section without threads, that is, the lead screw 601 has no threads within a certain length range at both ends. The two ends of the lead screw 601 are also provided with a push plate 13 and a spring element 14. The spring element 14 can be a compression spring. One end of the spring element 14 abuts against the heat insulation shell 5, and the other end abuts against the push plate 13. The push plate 13 can move along the axial direction of the lead screw 601.

[0033] In this embodiment, when the rotary drive 603 malfunctions or misoperates, causing the movable block 602 to move to the end of the lead screw 601, the threaded connection between the movable block 602 and the lead screw 601 disengages because the end is an unthreaded section. The movable block 602 stops moving, and at the same time, the movable block 602 pushes the push plate 13 to compress the elastic element 14, which stores elastic potential energy. When the rotary drive 603 returns to normal, the lead screw 601 rotates in the opposite direction, and the elastic element 14 releases its elastic potential energy, pushing the push plate 13 and the movable block 602 to move towards the threaded section of the lead screw 601, so that the movable block 602 re-engages with the thread of the lead screw 601, restoring normal transmission.

[0034] This embodiment, by setting a threadless section and an elastic element 14, prevents the movable block 602 from exceeding its stroke range and causing damage when the rotary drive 603 malfunctions, and automatically resets after the fault is recovered, thus improving the reliability and safety of the equipment.

[0035] The above specific embodiments are merely several preferred embodiments of the present invention. Based on the technical solutions of the present invention and the relevant teachings of the above embodiments, those skilled in the art can make various alternative improvements and combinations to the above specific embodiments.

Claims

1. A heat storage and regulation device for circulating heat medium, comprising a heat accumulator (1), characterized in that: The heat storage device (1) is filled with heat storage material; A heat exchange tube (2) is installed through the interior of the heat accumulator (1); The heat accumulator (1) is fixedly installed with a main heat inlet pipe (3), and several heat inlet branch pipes (4) are installed alternately between the main heat inlet pipe (3) and the heat exchange pipe (2). Multiple control valves (8) are fixedly installed on the heat inlet branch pipe (4), and each control valve (8) has a gear (9) on its valve stem. The heat inlet branch pipe (4) is covered with an insulation shell (5); A toothed plate (7) is movably mounted on the heat-insulating shell (5) for sequentially meshing with multiple gears (9); A linear drive mechanism (6) is installed on the heat insulation shell (5), and the linear drive mechanism (6) is connected to the toothed plate (7) for driving the toothed plate (7) to move. The toothed plate (7) is configured to mesh with the gears (9) above and below it during movement, and the two adjacent control valves (8) rotate in the same direction but open and close in opposite directions, so that when the toothed plate (7) moves, one of the control valves (8) opens while the other control valve (8) closes.

2. The heat storage and regulation device for circulating heat medium according to claim 1, characterized in that: The linear drive mechanism (6) includes a lead screw (601), which is rotatably mounted on the insulation shell (5). A rotary drive component (603) is mounted on the insulation shell (5). The output end of the rotary drive component (603) is connected to the lead screw (601). The lead screw (601) is threadedly connected to a movable block (602), and the movable block (602) is fixedly connected to the toothed plate (7). A guide rail is provided on the insulation shell (5), and the guide rail is slidably connected to the movable block (602).

3. The heat storage and regulation device for circulating heat medium according to claim 2, characterized in that: The linear drive mechanism (6) further includes a linear drive member (12), which is disposed between the movable block (602) and the toothed plate (7) and is used to drive the toothed plate (7) to move relative to the movable block (602).

4. The heat storage and regulation device for circulating heat medium according to claim 2, characterized in that, The lead screw (601) has unthreaded sections at both ends. The lead screw (601) also has a push plate (13) and an elastic element (14) at both ends. One end of the elastic element (14) abuts against the heat insulation shell (5), and the other end abuts against the push plate (13).

5. The heat storage and regulation device for circulating heat medium according to claim 1, characterized in that: An electrically controlled valve (10) is provided at the tail end of the main heat inlet pipe (3).

6. The heat storage and regulation device for circulating heat medium according to claim 1, characterized in that: A one-way valve (11) is provided between the heat inlet branch pipe (4) and the heat exchange pipe (2).

7. The heat storage and regulation device for circulating heat medium according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a locking mechanism, which is disposed on the heat insulation shell (5) and corresponding to the gear (9), for locking the position of the gear (9).

8. The heat storage and regulation device for circulating heat medium according to claim 7, characterized in that: The locking mechanism includes a fixed base (16), which is fixedly installed on the insulation shell (5). A movable plate (17) is movably installed inside the fixed base (16). An elastic element (18) is installed inside the fixed base (16), and the two ends of the elastic element (18) abut against the fixed base (16) and the movable plate (17) respectively. A locking plate (15) is provided on one side of the movable plate (17). The locking plate (15) is provided with a tooth groove that cooperates with the gear (9). One end of the locking plate (15) is connected to the movable plate (17).

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