Structure for stabilizing thermal stratification of thermal storage tank

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of heat storage tanks, and discloses a structure for stabilizing heat stratification of a heat storage tank, which comprises a tank body, a cold water return port, a heat compensation outlet, a heat compensation inlet and a hot water supply port are arranged on the outer surface of the tank body, and the cold water return port is arranged at the lower end of the heat compensation outlet. The cold water return port and the heat compensation outlet are formed in the same side, a splitter plate is arranged in the tank body and arranged between the cold water return port and the heat compensation outlet, one end of the splitter plate is close to the cold water return port and connected with the inner surface of the tank body, the other end of the splitter plate inclines downwards, and the cold water return port is communicated with the heat compensation outlet. An arc-shaped slope is formed in the tank body; the equipment solves the problem that in the prior art, due to the fact that water and inlet water are needed, the original temperature gradient is disturbed by water flowing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of heat storage tank technology, specifically a structure for stabilizing thermal stratification in a heat storage tank. Background Technology

[0002] A thermal storage tank is a specialized device that cleverly utilizes the density difference of water to achieve natural stratification of hot and cold water. During the heat storage process, the less dense hot water naturally rises to the top of the tank, while the denser cold water sinks to the bottom, spontaneously forming a stable thermal stratification structure. This structure allows for the efficient storage of thermal energy and its rapid and orderly release when needed, meeting the requirements of thermal energy management and utilization.

[0003] However, in actual use, due to the need for water and water intake, the water flow inside the heat storage tank will be affected. The flow of water may not only directly cause the mixing of hot and cold water, but also disrupt the original temperature gradient distribution, causing damage to the thermal stratification structure. The disorderly mixing of hot and cold water means uncontrolled supply of heat energy, resulting in unnecessary losses and waste, affecting the heat energy storage effect inside the heat storage tank and reducing the overall heat utilization efficiency of the system. Summary of the Invention

[0004] (I) Technical problem to be solved: In view of the shortcomings of the prior art, this utility model provides a structure for stable thermal stratification of a heat storage tank, which has the advantages of effectively reducing the impact of water flow on thermal stratification and being able to adjust the stratification height autonomously. It solves the problem in the prior art that the flow of water will disrupt the original temperature gradient due to the need for water and water inlet.

[0005] (II) Technical Solution: To achieve the above-mentioned goal of effectively reducing the impact of water flow on thermal stratification and being able to autonomously adjust the stratification height, this utility model provides the following technical solution: A structure for stabilizing thermal stratification in a heat storage tank, comprising a tank body, wherein a cold water return port, a heat replenishment outlet, a heat replenishment inlet, and a hot water supply port are provided on the outer surface of the tank body, the cold water return port is located at the lower end of the heat replenishment outlet, the cold water return port and the heat replenishment outlet are located on the same side, a flow divider is provided inside the tank body, the flow divider is located between the cold water return port and the heat replenishment outlet, one end of the flow divider is close to the cold water return port, and this end is connected to the inner surface of the tank body, the other end of the flow divider is inclined downwards, forming an arc-shaped slope inside the tank body.

[0006] Preferably, a support adjustment column is provided below the end of the diverter plate away from the cold water return port. The lower end of the support adjustment column is connected to the inner surface of the tank, and the upper end is in contact with the lower surface of the diverter plate. The length of the support adjustment column in the vertical direction is adjustable.

[0007] Preferably, the support adjustment column includes a fixed column and a movable rod. The movable rod is hollowed out in the middle and is sleeved on the upper end of the fixed column. The outer surface of the movable rod has an adjustment groove with four height settings. An adjustment rod is slidably connected inside the adjustment groove. One end of the adjustment rod is fixedly connected to the fixed column. The movable rod can move up and down on the outer surface of the fixed column through the cooperation of the adjustment rod and the adjustment groove.

[0008] Preferably, the support adjustment column includes a fixed column and a movable rod. The fixed column is fixedly connected to the lower inner surface of the tank. The fixed column has a slot designed with a hollow center and a threaded structure on its inner surface. The outer surface of the fixed column is provided with an external thread. The fixed column is connected to the movable rod through the threaded structure, and the length in the vertical direction can be adjusted through the threaded structure.

[0009] Preferably, the hot water supply port is located at the top of the side surface of the tank, and the heat replenishment inlet, the heat replenishment outlet, and the cold water return port are distributed downwards in sequence.

[0010] Preferably, the upper end of the tank is provided with an air outlet, which is located at the top.

[0011] (III) Beneficial Effects: Compared with the prior art, this utility model provides a structure for stabilizing thermal stratification in a heat storage tank, which has the following beneficial effects:

[0012] 1. This stable thermal storage tank structure for thermal stratification involves installing a flow divider inside the tank and positioning it between the cold water return port and the heat supply outlet. This separates the water flow at the cold water return port from the heat supply outlet, preventing disruption of the upper thermal stratification when water enters through the cold water return port. Since substances expand when heated and contract when cooled, the volume change directly affects density while maintaining constant mass. Therefore, water at different temperatures inside the storage tank will stratify, with hot water above cold water. This invention reduces the impact of water flow on stratification by adding a flow divider inside the tank, preventing cold water at the bottom from entering the upper hot water layer. Compared to existing technologies, this reduces the energy required to heat the hot water layer. By effectively separating hot and cold water, the stratified thermal storage technology ensures maximum utilization of thermal energy during storage and release.

[0013] 2. This stable thermal storage tank's thermal stratification structure, by adding a supporting adjustment column below the diversion plate, allows for flexible adjustment of the diversion plate's height. Adjusting the diversion plate's height allows for the adjustment of the hot and cold water stratification positions to adapt to different operating conditions and heat load requirements. This flexibility helps ensure the thermal storage tank maintains efficient operation under various conditions, and adjusting the diversion plate's height also optimizes heat energy utilization. For example, when more hot water is needed, the diversion plate can be lowered to increase the hot water storage capacity; conversely, when more cold water is needed, the diversion plate can be raised. This adjustment method helps ensure that the heat energy in the thermal storage tank is fully utilized, avoiding energy waste. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of the interior of the box and a schematic diagram of the thermal layer structure of this utility model;

[0015] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the support and adjustment column part of this utility model;

[0016] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the support adjustment column in another embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] In the diagram: 1. Tank body; 11. Cold water return port; 12. Heat replenishment outlet; 13. Heat replenishment inlet; 14. Hot water supply port; 2. Diverter plate; 3. Support adjustment column; 31. Fixed column; 32. Movable rod; 321. Adjustment groove; 322. Adjustment rod; 4. Air outlet. Detailed Implementation

[0018] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0019] Please see Figure 1A stable thermal stratification structure for a heat storage tank, applicable in agricultural insulation, includes a tank body 1 connected to a heater and a heat exchange plate. The outer surface of the tank body 1 is provided with a cold water return inlet 11, a heat replenishment outlet 12, a heat replenishment inlet 13, and a hot water supply outlet 14. The hot water supply outlet 14 is located at the top, with the heat replenishment inlet 13, heat replenishment outlet 12, and cold water return inlet 11 arranged sequentially downwards. The heat replenishment inlet 13 and heat replenishment outlet 12 are connected to a water heater. The heat replenishment outlet 12 transports unheated water located at the lower part of the heat storage tank to the heater, and then returns it to the upper part of the heat storage tank through the heat replenishment inlet 13. The hot water supply outlet 14 at the top of the heat storage tank transports heated hot water to the heater, forming a hot water layer from top to bottom inside the tank body 1. The system consists of a heat exchange layer and a cold water layer. In this embodiment, the heater utilizes this heat to heat agricultural fields. Finally, the cold water, after the heat is consumed, returns to the bottom of the heat storage tank through the cold water return port 11. The cold water return port 11 and the heat replenishment outlet 12 are located on the same side. A flow divider 2 is installed inside the tank body 1, positioned between the cold water return port 11 and the heat replenishment outlet 12. One end of the flow divider 2 is close to the cold water return port 11, and this end is connected to the inner surface of the tank body 1. The other end of the flow divider 2 is inclined downwards, forming an arc-shaped slope inside the tank body 1, conforming to the shape of the water flow and minimizing disruption of the heat stratification. An air outlet 4 is provided at the top of the tank body 1, which facilitates the discharge of excess gas inside the tank body 1, adjusting the internal air pressure, and stabilizing the internal structure.

[0020] Please see Figure 1-3 A support adjustment column 3 is provided below the end of the diversion plate 2 away from the cold water return port 11. The lower end of the support adjustment column 3 is connected to the inner surface of the tank body 1, and the upper end is in contact with the lower surface of the diversion plate 2. The length of the support adjustment column 3 in the vertical direction is adjustable.

[0021] Please see Figure 2 The support adjustment column 3 includes a fixed column 31 and a movable rod 32. The movable rod 32 is hollowed out in the middle and is fitted onto the upper end of the fixed column 31. The outer surface of the movable rod 32 has an adjustment groove 321 with four height settings. An adjustment rod 322 is slidably connected inside the adjustment groove 321. One end of the adjustment rod 322 is fixedly connected to the fixed column 31. Through the cooperation of the adjustment rod 322 and the adjustment groove 321, the position of the movable rod 322 inside the adjustment groove 321 is changed, realizing the lifting and lowering movement of the movable rod 32 on the outer surface of the fixed column 31. This changes the overall height of the support adjustment structure, pushes the diverter plate 2 upward, and changes the shape and position of the diverter plate 2.

[0022] In another embodiment of this utility model, please refer to Figure 3The support adjustment column 3 includes a fixed column 31a and a movable rod 32a. The fixed column 31a is fixedly connected to the lower inner surface of the tank body 1. The main structural difference between Embodiment 2 and Embodiment 1 is that the fixed column 31a has a slot designed with a hollow center and a threaded structure on its inner surface. The outer surface of the fixed column 31a is provided with an external thread. The fixed column 31a is connected to the movable rod 32a through the threaded structure, and the length in the vertical direction can be adjusted by rotating the threaded structure, so that the movable rod 32a can be adjusted to any height in a more detailed and flexible manner.

[0023] In summary, this stable thermal stratification structure for a thermal storage tank, by installing a diversion plate 2 inside the tank body 1 and positioning it between the cold water return port 11 and the heat supply outlet 12, separates the water flow at the cold water return port 11 from that at the heat supply outlet 12. When water enters the cold water return port 11, it does not disrupt the upper thermal stratification, ensuring maximum utilization of thermal energy during storage and release. Furthermore, by adding a support adjustment column 3 below the diversion plate 2, its height can be flexibly adjusted. Adjusting the height of the diversion plate 2 allows for the adjustment of the stratification position of hot and cold water to adapt to different operating conditions and heat load requirements. This flexibility helps ensure the thermal storage tank maintains efficient operation under various conditions. Adjusting the height of the diversion plate 2 also optimizes thermal energy utilization; for example, when more hot water is needed, the diversion plate 2 can be lowered to increase the hot water storage capacity, while when more cold water is needed, the diversion plate 2 can be raised. This adjustment method helps ensure the full utilization of thermal energy in the thermal storage tank and avoids energy waste.

[0024] It should be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.

[0025] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A structure for thermal stratification of a stable heat storage tank, comprising a tank body (1), wherein the outer surface of the tank body (1) is provided with a cold water return port (11), a heat replenishment outlet (12), a heat replenishment inlet (13), and a hot water supply port (14), wherein the cold water return port (11) is located at the lower end of the heat replenishment outlet (12), and the cold water return port (11) and the heat replenishment outlet (12) are located on the same side, and a flow divider (2) is provided inside the tank body (1), characterized in that: The diversion plate (2) is located between the cold water return port (11) and the heat replenishment outlet (12). One end of the diversion plate (2) is close to the cold water return port (11), and at the same time, the end of the diversion plate (2) is connected to the inner surface of the tank body (1). The other end of the diversion plate (2) is inclined downward, forming an arc-shaped slope inside the tank body (1).

2. The structure of a stable thermal storage tank with thermal stratification according to claim 1, characterized in that: A support adjustment column (3) is provided below the end of the diversion plate (2) away from the cold water return port (11). The lower end of the support adjustment column (3) is connected to the inner surface of the tank (1), and the upper end is in contact with the lower surface of the diversion plate (2). The length of the support adjustment column (3) in the vertical direction is adjustable.

3. The structure of a stable thermal storage tank with thermal stratification according to claim 2, characterized in that: The support adjustment column (3) includes a fixed column (31) and a movable rod (32). The movable rod (32) is hollowed out in the middle and is sleeved on the upper end of the fixed column (31). The outer surface of the movable rod (32) is provided with an adjustment groove (321) with four height settings. An adjustment rod (322) is slidably connected inside the adjustment groove (321). One end of the adjustment rod (322) is fixedly connected to the fixed column (31). The movable rod (32) achieves lifting and lowering movement on the outer surface of the fixed column (31) through the cooperation of the adjustment rod (322) and the adjustment groove (321).

4. The structure of a stable thermal storage tank with thermal stratification according to claim 2, characterized in that: The support adjustment column (3) includes a fixed column (31) and a movable rod (32). The fixed column (31) is fixedly connected to the lower inner surface of the tank (1). The fixed column (31) has a slot designed in the middle and a threaded structure on the inner surface. The outer surface of the fixed column (31) is provided with an external thread. The fixed column (31) is connected to the movable rod (32) through the threaded structure, and the length in the vertical direction is adjusted through the threaded structure.

5. The structure of a stable thermal storage tank with thermal stratification according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that: The hot water supply port (14) is located at the top of the side surface of the tank (1), and the heat replenishment inlet (13), the heat replenishment outlet (12), and the cold water return port (11) are distributed downward in sequence.

6. The structure of a stable thermal storage tank with thermal stratification according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that: The upper end of the tank (1) is provided with an air outlet (4), which is located at the top.

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