Heat storage device

Abstract

Disclosed is a heat storage device capable of supplying hot water by using heat supplied from an external heat source and stored. The heat storage device comprises: a heat storage tank in which a heat storage material is stored; and a heating heat exchanger disposed inside the heat storage tank so that supplied water is heated by heat exchange inside the heat storage tank, wherein the heating heat exchanger includes: a first inlet-side header to which water to be heat-exchanged is supplied; a first outlet-side header from which heat-exchanged water is discharged; a plurality of first heat transfer tubes connected in parallel between the first inlet-side header and the first outlet-side header; and a first valve installed at a first point between both ends of the first inlet-side header and provided to be capable of closing a flow path in the first inlet-side header at the first point so that water is supplied only to a first heat transfer tube connected from an inlet of the first inlet-side header to the first point from among the plurality of first heat transfer tubes.

Description

Thermal storage device

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a heat storage device capable of supplying hot water using heat accumulated from an external heat source.

[0002] Thermal storage devices are designed to store energy and utilize it when needed, primarily for the storage and utilization of thermal energy. Such systems are used in various industrial and daily life sectors to improve energy efficiency and resolve the imbalance between energy supply and demand.

[0003] A thermal storage device can recycle excess heat generated from heating and cooling systems to store heat inside a thermal storage tank, maintain a thermal storage state, and then supply heat to the outside in the form of hot water when needed.

[0004] In order to provide better heat storage performance and efficiency for such thermal storage devices, there is a need to develop an efficient heat exchange structure and an efficient control method to effectively accumulate heat from a heat source inside the storage tank and dissipate it when necessary.

[0005] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a heat storage device having improved heat exchange efficiency.

[0006] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a heat storage device capable of supplying stable hot water.

[0007] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a heat storage device that can improve energy efficiency.

[0008] The technical problems to be solved in this document are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned technical problems will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which this invention belongs from the description below.

[0009] To solve the above problem, a heat storage device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a heat storage tank in which a heat storage material is stored, and a heat exchanger disposed inside the heat storage tank so that supplied water is heat-exchanged inside the heat storage tank. The heat exchanger may include an inlet header to which water to be heat-exchanged is supplied, a plurality of heat transfer tubes connected in parallel to the inlet header so that water flowing into the inlet header is distributed and flows in, and an inlet valve installed at a first point between both ends of the inlet header, which is configured to close the flow path inside the inlet header at the first point so that water can be supplied only to the heat transfer tube among the plurality of heat transfer tubes connected from the inlet of the inlet header to the first point.

[0010] A heat storage device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a heat storage tank in which a heat storage material is stored, a heating heat exchanger comprising a plurality of first heat transfer tubes disposed inside the heat storage tank so that supplied cold water is heated by heat exchange inside the heat storage tank, a heat storage heat exchanger comprising a plurality of second heat transfer tubes disposed inside the heat storage tank so that hot water for heat storage is supplied and heat exchange with the heat storage material and the first heat transfer tubes, a first valve provided to be able to close the flow path of the heating heat exchanger so that water flows only in a first region which is a part region of the plurality of first heat transfer tubes, a second valve provided to be able to close the flow path of the heat storage heat exchanger so that water flows only in a second region corresponding to the first region among the plurality of second heat transfer tubes, and a control unit for controlling the first valve and the second valve.

[0011] According to the concept of the present disclosure, the heat storage device can have improved heat exchange efficiency.

[0012] According to the concept of the present disclosure, the heat storage device can supply stable hot water.

[0013] According to the concept of the present disclosure, energy usage efficiency can be improved.

[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a disassembled part of a heat storage device according to one embodiment.

[0015] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a heat exchanger according to one embodiment.

[0016] Figure 3 is a front view of the heat exchanger of Figure 2.

[0017] FIG. 4 is a drawing showing a valve according to one embodiment.

[0018] FIG. 5 is a drawing showing a valve according to one embodiment.

[0019] FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the control relationship of a heat storage device according to one embodiment.

[0020] FIG. 7 is a drawing illustrating a heat exchanger according to one embodiment.

[0021] The various embodiments of this document and the terms used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, and should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutions of said embodiments.

[0022] In relation to the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0023] The singular form of the noun corresponding to the item may include one or multiple items, unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0024] In this document, each of the phrases such as "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B or C", "at least one of A, B and C", and "at least one of A, B, or C" may include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase, or all possible combinations thereof.

[0025] The term "and / or" includes a combination of multiple related described components or any of the multiple related described components.

[0026] The terms "part," "module," and "component" may be implemented in hardware or software. Depending on the embodiments, a plurality of "parts," "modules," and "components" may be implemented as a single component, or a single "part," "module," or "component" may include a plurality of components.

[0027] Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used simply to distinguish a component from another component and do not limit the components in other aspects (e.g., importance or order).

[0028] Where any (e.g., 1st) component is referred to as "coupled" or "connected" to another (e.g., 2nd) component, with or without the terms "functionally" or "communicationly," it means that said any component may be connected to said other component directly (e.g., via a wire), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0029] Terms such as "include" or "have" are intended to specify the existence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in this document, and do not preclude the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0030] When it is said that a component is "connected," "combined," "supported," or "in contact" with another component, this includes not only cases where the components are directly connected, combined, supported, or in contact, but also cases where they are indirectly connected, combined, supported, or in contact through a third component.

[0031] When it is said that a component is located "on" another component, this includes not only cases where one component is in contact with the other, but also cases where another component exists between the two components.

[0032] Meanwhile, terms such as "front," "rear," "left," "right," "up," "down," and "vertical direction" used in the following description are defined based on the drawings, and the shape and position of each component are not limited by these terms.

[0033] Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0034] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a part of a heat storage device according to one embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a heat exchanger according to one embodiment, and FIG. 3 is a front view of the heat exchanger of FIG. 2.

[0035] As illustrated in FIG. 1, a heat storage device (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a housing (10) and a heat storage tank (20) disposed inside the housing (10).

[0036] The housing (10) can form the exterior of the heat storage device (1). The housing (10) can accommodate components for operating the heat storage device (1). For example, the housing (10) can accommodate components such as a heat storage tank (20), a tray (15), a filter (not shown), and an auxiliary heater (not shown), and a plurality of connection ports (16) for pipe connection can be arranged on the upper part of the housing (10). The housing (10) may be referred to as a cabinet, a case, a main body, etc.

[0037] The housing (10) can be formed in various shapes to form a space, such as a polyhedral shape or a curved shape. For example, the housing (10) may include a roughly box shape.

[0038] The housing (10) may include a front panel (11). The front panel (11) may form the front surface of the heat storage device (1).

[0039] The housing (10) may include a side panel (12). The side panel (12) may form the left and right sides of the heat storage device (1).

[0040] The housing (10) may include an upper panel (13). The upper panel (13) may form the upper surface of the heat storage device (1).

[0041] The housing (10) may include a base (14). The base (14) forms the lower surface of the heat storage device (1) and can support the heat storage tank (20).

[0042] The heat storage device (1) may include an operating unit (17). The operating unit (17) may be provided on the front panel (11). A user can control the operation of the heat storage device (10) through the operating unit (17). The operating unit (17) may be provided to receive user input. For example, the operating unit (17) may be provided to display information about the heat storage device (10).

[0043] A thermal storage tank (20) may be placed inside the thermal storage device (1). The thermal storage tank (20) may be housed inside the housing (10). The thermal storage tank (20) may be formed as a sealed container, and an insulating material (not shown) may be embedded in the wall forming the thermal storage tank (20) to ensure high thermal insulation.

[0044] A heat storage material may be stored inside the heat storage tank (20). The heat storage material may be a substance that stores heat and releases it when needed. The heat storage material may include a sensible heat storage material and a latent heat storage material.

[0045] For example, the heat storage material may include a sensible heat storage material such as water, or a phase change material (PCM) such as paraffin or salt hydrate.

[0046] The heat storage device (1) may include a heat exchanger (30). The heat exchanger (30) may be placed inside the heat storage tank (20). The heat exchanger (30) may be accommodated in the heat storage tank (20) together with the heat storage material so as to be able to exchange heat with the heat storage material inside the heat storage tank (20).

[0047] The heat exchanger (30) may include a heating heat exchanger (100) and a heat storage heat exchanger (200).

[0048] The heating heat exchanger (100) and the heat storage heat exchanger (200) can be arranged adjacent to each other so as to be heat exchanged with each other, and the heat exchanger (30) can be formed integrally by connecting the heating heat exchanger (100) and the heat storage heat exchanger (200) to each other through heat exchange pins (31).

[0049] A heating heat exchanger (100) may be provided to allow water to be heated inside a thermal storage tank (20) to flow in. For example, water to be supplied as hot water or heating water to be used for heating may flow into the heating heat exchanger (100).

[0050] Water introduced into the heating heat exchanger (100) can be heated by exchanging heat with at least one of the heat storage material and the heat storage heat exchanger (200) inside the heat storage tank (20), and then discharged to the outside of the heat storage device (1) to be supplied as hot water.

[0051] The heat storage heat exchanger (200) may be configured to receive water having heat to be released from the heat storage tank (20). For example, water heated by heat exchange with a condenser (not shown) that releases heat during the liquefaction process of the refrigerant when the heat pump (not shown) is operating may be introduced into the heat storage heat exchanger (200). When the heat pump is operated in cooling mode, the outdoor heat exchanger located in the outdoor unit operates as a condenser, so hot water that has been heat-exchanged with the outdoor heat exchanger may be introduced into the heat storage heat exchanger (200). Conversely, when the heat pump is operated in heating mode, the indoor heat exchanger located in the indoor unit operates as a condenser, so hot water that has been heat-exchanged with the indoor heat exchanger may be introduced into the heat storage heat exchanger (200).

[0052] Hot water flowing into the heat storage heat exchanger (200) can heat the heat storage material through heat exchange with the heat storage material in the heat storage tank (20) so that the heat storage tank (20) becomes a heat storage state, and when water flows into the heating heat exchanger (100), the water flowing into the heating heat exchanger (100) can be heated through heat exchange with the heating heat exchanger (100).

[0053] The heating heat exchanger (100) may include a first inlet header (110) to which water to be heat-exchanged is supplied from outside the heat storage tank (20), a first outlet header (120) to which the heat-exchanged water is discharged, and a plurality of first heat transfer tubes (130) connected in parallel between the first inlet header (110) and the first outlet header (120).

[0054] The first inlet header (110) may be provided to distribute water to be heat-exchanged from outside the thermal storage tank (20) to a plurality of first heat transfer tubes (130). The first inlet header (110) may be formed as a pipe having a cross-section of various shapes. For example, the first inlet header (110) may be formed as a pipe having a circular cross-section, or may be formed as a pipe having a polygonal cross-section. The first inlet header (110) may be arranged along the horizontal or width direction of the heating heat exchanger (100).

[0055] A plurality of first heat transfer tubes (130) may be connected along the longitudinal direction of the first inlet side header (110). According to one illustrated embodiment, the first heat transfer tubes (130) may be formed in 11 numbers. In other words, the heating heat exchanger (100) may have 11 passes distributed by the first inlet side header (110). The number of such first heat transfer tubes (130) may increase or decrease depending on the design heat transfer capacity of the heat exchanger (30) and the heating heat exchanger (100). For example, if the heat transfer capacity is made larger than that of the heating heat exchanger (100) in the illustrated embodiment, the number of heat transfer tubes may increase, and conversely, if the heat transfer capacity is made smaller, the number of heat transfer tubes connected to the header may decrease.

[0056] A plurality of first heat transfer tubes (130) may be connected in a manner such that they are spaced apart from each other at equal intervals along the longitudinal direction of the first inlet side header (110). The first heat transfer tubes (130) may be connected in a manner such that they are arranged perpendicularly to the first inlet side header (110).

[0057] The first inlet header (110) can be positioned higher than the bottom of the heating heat exchanger (100), and a plurality of first heat transfer tubes (130) can be extended downward while connected to the first inlet header (110). Afterwards, the plurality of first heat transfer tubes (130) can be extended by bending so that the extension direction is repeatedly reversed forward and backward from the front and rear of the heating heat exchanger (100) from the bottom to the top of the heating heat exchanger (100).

[0058] The first outlet side header (120) can be placed at the bottom of the heating heat exchanger (100), and a plurality of first heat transfer tubes (130) can be extended forward and then bent downward while connected to the first outlet side header (120).

[0059] Water that has been heat-exchanged in the first heat transfer tube (130) can be discharged into the first outlet side header (120).

[0060] The heating heat exchanger (100) may include a first valve (140). The first valve (140) may be positioned at any point between both ends of the first inlet header (110). The first valve (140) may be configured to block the flow path inside the first inlet header (110) at a point where water can flow only from the inlet end (111) of the first inlet header (110), where the water to be heated first flows in, up to the point where the first valve (140) is positioned.

[0061] For example, as in the illustrated embodiment, 11 first heat transfer tubes (130) are connected along the longitudinal direction of the first inlet header (110) from the inlet end (111) of the first inlet header (110), and the first valve (140) can be placed at a first point (112) on the first inlet header (110) between the sixth first heat transfer tube (1306) and the seventh first heat transfer tube (1307) from the inlet end (111) of the first inlet header (110).

[0062] When the first valve (140) blocks the flow path inside the first inlet side header (110), the flow path inside the first inlet side header (110) leading from the seventh first heat transfer tube (1307) to the eleventh first heat transfer tube (1311) is blocked, and thus the inflow of water from the seventh first heat transfer tube (1307) to the eleventh first heat transfer tube (1311) can be blocked.

[0063] Accordingly, when the flow rate flowing into the heating heat exchanger (100) is constant, water is supplied only to the six first heat transfer tubes (130) as the flow path is blocked by the first valve (130), so the flow velocity within the six first heat transfer tubes (130) to which water is supplied can increase compared to before the first valve (130) blocked the flow path.

[0064] The flow velocity within the first heat transfer tube (130) can be increased or decreased in proportion to the flow rate flowing into the heating heat exchanger (100). When the flow rate flowing into the heating heat exchanger (100) decreases, the flow velocity within the first heat transfer tube (130) also decreases. However, if the flow velocity within the first heat transfer tube (130) falls below a certain level, for example, 1.2 m / s or less, a phenomenon may occur in which the heat transfer rate is significantly reduced compared to the case where turbulent flow is formed, as laminar flow is formed along the inner wall of the first heat transfer tube (130). For example, if the flow rate flowing into the heating heat exchanger (100) decreases to less than 20 L / min and water is distributed to 11 first heat transfer tubes (130) connected to the first inlet side header (110), and the flow velocity within the first heat transfer tubes (130) drops to less than 1.2 m / s, a phenomenon may occur in which the heat transfer rate is significantly reduced. In this case, the flow path is restricted so that water flows only through the 6 first heat transfer tubes (130) located upstream of the first valve (130) by blocking the flow path with the first valve (130), thereby increasing the flow velocity within the 6 first heat transfer tubes (130) through which water flows to 1.2 m / s or more, and the heat transfer efficiency may be improved compared to before the flow path was blocked by the first valve (130).

[0065] The number of first heat transfer tubes (130) according to one embodiment and the number of flow rates flowing into the heating heat exchanger (100) under the condition that the first valve (130) blocks the flow path are merely examples and may vary depending on the heat transfer capacity of the heating heat exchanger (100) and the volume of the flow path.

[0066] The first point (112) of the first inlet side header (110) where the first valve (130) is installed can be determined as a location where the flow velocity in the first heat transfer tube (130) can be maintained at 1.2 m / s or more while the first valve (130) closes the flow path in the first inlet side header (110), taking into account the number of connected first heat transfer tubes (130), the diameter of the first heat transfer tube (130), etc. For example, the first point (112) may be a point where water flows only through the first heat transfer tube (130) connected to the first inlet side header (110), at least 30% and no more than 70% of the first heat transfer tube from the inlet end (111) of the first inlet side header (110), and as described above, it may be determined within the above range by considering the number of first heat transfer tubes (130), the diameter of the first heat transfer tubes (130), etc.

[0067] The heat storage heat exchanger (200) may include a second inlet side header (210) into which water having heat to be dissipated from the heat storage tank (20) is introduced, a second outlet side header (220) into which heat-exchanged water is discharged, and a plurality of second heat transfer tubes (230) connected in parallel between the second inlet side header (210) and the second outlet side header (220).

[0068] The second inlet header (210) may be provided to distribute water to be heat-exchanged from outside the thermal storage tank (20) to a plurality of second heat transfer tubes (230). The second inlet header (210) may be formed as a pipe having a cross-section of various shapes. For example, the second inlet header (210) may be formed as a pipe having a circular cross-section or as a pipe having a polygonal cross-section. The second inlet header (210) may be arranged along the horizontal or width direction of the thermal storage heat exchanger (200).

[0069] A plurality of second heat transfer tubes (230) may be connected along the longitudinal direction of the second inlet side header (210). According to one illustrated embodiment, the second heat transfer tubes (230) may be formed in 11 numbers. In other words, the heat storage heat exchanger (200) may be formed to have 11 passes distributed by the second inlet side header (210) to correspond to the heating heat exchanger (100).

[0070] Water that has been heat-exchanged in the second heat transfer tube (230) can be discharged into the second outlet side header (220).

[0071] Each pass of the heat storage heat exchanger (200) and the heat exchanger (100) can be arranged adjacent to each other for smooth heat exchange.

[0072] The number of second heat transfer tubes (230) can be increased or decreased according to the design heat transfer capacity of the heat exchanger (30) and the heat storage heat exchanger (200), just like the first heat transfer tube (130). For example, if the heat transfer capacity is made larger than that of the heat storage heat exchanger (200) of the illustrated embodiment, the number of heat transfer tubes can be increased, and conversely, if the heat transfer capacity is made smaller, the number of heat transfer tubes connected to the header can be decreased.

[0073] Multiple second heat transfer tubes (20) can be connected in a manner that they are spaced apart from each other at equal intervals along the longitudinal direction of the second inlet side header (210). The second heat transfer tubes (230) can be connected in a manner that they are arranged perpendicular to the second inlet side header (210).

[0074] The second inlet side header (210) can be positioned at the top of the heat storage heat exchanger (200), and a plurality of second heat transfer tubes (230) can be extended forward while connected to the second inlet side header (210) and then bent downward. Afterward, the plurality of second heat transfer tubes (230) can be bent and extended from the top to the bottom of the heat storage heat exchanger (200) so that the extension direction is repeatedly reversed forward and backward from the front and rear of the heat storage heat exchanger (200). The overall structure including the extension direction of such second heat transfer tubes (230) is generally similar to the first heat transfer tube (130), but the internal water flow direction can be formed in the opposite direction. For example, in the case of the first heat transfer tube (130), water may be moved from the bottom to the top of the heat exchanger (30), whereas in the case of the second heat transfer tube (230), water may be moved from the top to the bottom of the heat exchanger (30). In this way, if the direction of water flow within the first heat transfer tube (130) and the second heat transfer tube (230) is reversed, the temperature difference of the water flowing within the first heat transfer tube (130) and the second heat transfer tube (230) is kept low throughout the entire heat exchange area, and high heat exchange performance can be maintained between the first heat transfer tube (130) and the second heat transfer tube (230).

[0075] The heat storage heat exchanger (200) may include a second valve (240). The second valve (240) may be positioned at any point between both ends of the second inlet header (210). The second valve (240) may be configured to block the flow path inside the second inlet header (210) at a point where water can flow only from the inlet end (211) of the second inlet header (210), where the water to be heat exchanged first flows in, up to the point where the second valve (240) is positioned.

[0076] The second point (212) where the second valve (240) is installed may be a location on the second inlet side header (210) corresponding to the first point (112). For example, as in the illustrated embodiment, 11 second heat transfer tubes (230) are connected along the longitudinal direction of the second inlet side header (210) from the outlet end (211) of the second inlet side header (210), and the second valve (240) may be placed at the second point (212) on the second inlet side header (210) between the sixth second heat transfer tube (2306) and the seventh second heat transfer tube (2307) from the outlet end (211) of the second inlet side header (210).

[0077] When the second valve (240) blocks the flow path inside the second inlet side header (210), the flow path inside the second inlet side header (210) leading from the seventh second heat transfer tube (2307) to the eleventh second heat transfer tube (2311) is blocked, and thus the inflow of water from the seventh second heat transfer tube (2307) to the eleventh second heat transfer tube (2311) can be blocked.

[0078] Accordingly, just like the heating heat exchanger (100), as the flow path is blocked by the second valve (240), water is supplied only to the six second heat transfer tubes (230), so the flow rate within the six second heat transfer tubes (230) to which water is supplied can increase compared to before the second valve (240) blocked the flow path.

[0079] The second point (212) of the second inlet side header (210) where the second valve (240) is installed can be determined as a location where the flow velocity in the second heat transfer tube (230) can be maintained at 1.2 m / s or more while the second valve (240) closes the flow path in the second inlet side header (210), taking into account the number of connected second heat transfer tubes (230), the diameter of the second heat transfer tube (230), etc. For example, the second point (212) may be a point where water flows only through the second heat transfer tube (230) connected to the second inlet side header (210), at least 30% and no more than 70% from the inlet end (211) of the second inlet side header (210), and as described above, it may be determined within the above range by considering the number of second heat transfer tubes (230), the diameter of the second heat transfer tubes (230), etc.

[0080] The heating heat exchanger (100) may include a third valve (150). The third valve (150) may be positioned at any point between both ends of the first outlet side header (120).

[0081] The third valve (150), like the first valve (140), can be configured to block the flow path inside the first outlet header (120) at a point where water can flow only from the outlet end (121) of the first outlet header (120) to the point where the third valve (150) is installed.

[0082] The third point (122) where the third valve (150) is installed may be a location on the first outlet side header (120) corresponding to the first point (112). For example, as in the illustrated embodiment, the third valve (150) may be placed at the third point (122) on the first outlet side header (120) between the sixth first heat transfer tube (1306) and the seventh first heat transfer tube (1307) from the outlet end (121) of the first outlet side header (120) corresponding to the first point (112) in the vertical direction.

[0083] When the third valve (150) blocks the flow path inside the first outlet side header (120), the flow path inside the first outlet side header (120) leading from the seventh first heat transfer tube (1307) to the eleventh first heat transfer tube (1311) is blocked, thereby blocking the inflow of water from the seventh first heat transfer tube (1307) to the eleventh first heat transfer tube (1311).

[0084] The third point (122) of the first outlet side header (120) where the third valve (150) is installed can be determined as a location where the flow velocity within the first heat transfer tube (130) can be maintained at 1.2 m / s or more, taking into account the number of connected first heat transfer tubes (130), the diameter of the first heat transfer tube (130), etc., while the first valve (130) and the third valve (150) close the flow path within the first inlet side header (110) and the first outlet side header (120). For example, the third point (122) may be a point where water flows only through 30% or more and 70% or less of the first heat transfer tubes (130) connected to the first inlet header (110) like the first point (112), and as described above, it may be determined within the above range by considering the number of first heat transfer tubes (130), the diameter of the first heat transfer tubes (130), etc.

[0085] The thermal storage heat exchanger (200) may include a fourth valve (250). The fourth valve (250) may be positioned at any point between both ends of the second outlet side header (220).

[0086] The fourth valve (250), like the second valve (240), can be configured to block the flow path inside the second outlet header (220) at a point where water can flow only from the outlet end (221) of the second outlet header (220) to the point where the fourth valve (250) is installed.

[0087] The fourth point (222) where the fourth valve (250) is installed may be a location on the second outlet side header (220) corresponding to the second point (212). For example, as in the illustrated embodiment, the fourth valve (250) may be placed at the fourth point (222) on the second outlet side header (220) between the sixth second heat transfer tube (2306) and the seventh second heat transfer tube (2307) from the outlet end (221) of the second outlet side header (220) corresponding to the second point (212) in the vertical direction.

[0088] When the fourth valve (250) blocks the flow path inside the second outlet side header (220), the flow path inside the second outlet side header (220) leading from the seventh fourth heat transfer tube (2307) to the eleventh second heat transfer tube (2311) is blocked, and thus the flow of water from the seventh second heat transfer tube (2307) to the eleventh second heat transfer tube (2311) can be blocked.

[0089] The fourth point (222) of the second outlet side header (220) where the fourth valve (250) is installed can be determined as a location where the flow velocity in the second heat transfer tube (230) can be maintained at 1.2 m / s or more, taking into account the number of connected second heat transfer tubes (230), the diameter of the second heat transfer tube (230), etc., while the second valve (240) and the fourth valve (250) close the flow path within the second inlet side header (210) and the second outlet side header (220). For example, the fourth point (222) may be a point where water flows only through 30% or more and 70% or less of the second heat transfer tubes (230) connected to the second inlet header (210) like the second point (212), and as described above, it may be determined within the above range by considering the number of second heat transfer tubes (230), the diameter of the second heat transfer tubes (230), etc.

[0090] FIG. 4 is a drawing showing a valve according to one embodiment.

[0091] The valve (400) may be a butterfly valve and may be an example of being used as a first to fourth valve (140, 150, 240, 250).

[0092] The valve (400) may include a ring-shaped body (410), a disc-shaped opening / closing disk (420), a rotating shaft (430), and an operating part (440).

[0093] The opening / closing disk (420) can be rotatably installed within the body (410). The opening / closing disk (420) is coupled to a rotation axis (430) and can be rotatably coupled to the body (410) so as to be rotatable around the rotation axis (430). The rotation axis (430) rotatably supports the opening / closing disk (420) and can be connected to an operating part (440).

[0094] The operating part (440) can provide a driving force to cause the rotation axis (430) to rotate. The operating part (440) may include a motor.

[0095] Accordingly, when the rotation axis (430) is rotated by the operating part (440), the opening / closing disc (420) rotates and rotates between a position that closes the space inside the body (410) and a position that opens the space inside the body (410), thereby opening and closing the flow path, which is the space inside the body (410).

[0096] The valve (400) can open and close the flow path by means of an electrical signal transmitted to the operating part (440).

[0097] FIG. 5 is a drawing showing a valve according to one embodiment.

[0098] The valve (500) may be a solenoid valve and may be an example of being used as a first to fourth valve (140, 150, 240, 250).

[0099] The valve (500) may include a valve body (510) and an operating solenoid (520). An opening / closing member (not shown) operated by the solenoid (520) is disposed inside the valve body (510) so that the flow path inside the valve body (510) can be opened or closed.

[0100] The valve (500) can open and close the flow path by means of an electrical signal transmitted to the solenoid (520).

[0101] FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the control relationship of a heat storage device according to one embodiment.

[0102] The heat storage device (1) may include a control unit (600). The control unit (600) may be provided to control the operation of the heat storage device (1).

[0103] The control unit (600) can be connected to a temperature sensor (610). The temperature sensor (610) can send a signal regarding the temperature of the heat storage material in the heat storage tank (20) to the control unit (600). The control unit (600) can control the opening and closing state of the flow path by the first to fourth valves (140, 150, 240, 250) according to the temperature value of the heat storage material received from the temperature sensor (610).

[0104] The control unit (600) can be connected to a flow sensor (620). The flow sensor (620) can send a signal to the control unit (600) regarding the flow rate of water flowing into the heating heat exchanger (100, see FIG. 2, 3). The control unit (600) can control the opening and closing state of the flow path by the first to fourth valves (140, 150, 240, 250) according to the flow rate of water flowing into the heating heat exchanger (100, see FIG. 2, 3) received from the flow sensor (620).

[0105] The control unit (600) can control the first to fourth valves (140, 150, 240, 250) to close all flow paths when the flow rate of incoming water received from the flow sensor (620) is less than or equal to the first flow rate, which is the set flow rate, and the temperature of the heat storage material in the heat storage tank (20) received from the temperature sensor (610) is less than or equal to the first temperature, which is the set temperature.

[0106] In this case, by closing the first valve (140) and the third valve (150), the flow rate of water flowing into the heating heat exchanger (100) is set to a first flow rate, and the flow velocity within the first heat transfer tube (130) is increased by the amount of the flow path closed by the first valve (140) and the third valve (150), thereby preventing a decrease in heat exchange efficiency due to a decrease in flow velocity.

[0107] Additionally, if the temperature inside the heat storage tank (20) is below the first temperature, which is the set temperature, it may be difficult to expect sufficient heating of the water inside the heat exchanger (100) by the heat stored in the heat storage material. In this case, by closing the second valve (240) and the fourth valve (250), the flow area of ​​the second heat transfer tube (230) flowing into the heat storage heat exchanger (200) is aligned with the flow area of ​​the first heat transfer tube (130) limited by the first valve (140) and the third valve (150), thereby inducing active heat exchange between the first heat transfer tube (130) and the second heat transfer tube (230).

[0108] The control unit (600) can control the flow paths of the first valve (140) and the third valve (150) to be closed and the flow paths of the second valve (240) and the fourth valve (250) to be opened when the flow rate of incoming water received from the flow sensor (620) is less than or equal to the first flow rate, which is the set flow rate, and the temperature of the heat storage material in the heat storage tank (20) received from the temperature sensor (610) exceeds the first temperature, which is the set temperature.

[0109] In this case, as described above, by closing the first valve (140) and the third valve (150), the flow rate within the first heat transfer tube (130) is increased, thereby preventing a decrease in heat exchange efficiency due to a decrease in flow rate. When the temperature of the heat storage material within the heat storage tank (20) exceeds the first temperature, which is the set temperature, the second valve (240) and the fourth valve (250) open the flow path, thereby inducing heat exchange between the heat storage material and the first heat transfer tube (130) without restricting the flow area within the second heat transfer tube (230).

[0110] The control unit (600) can control the first to fourth valves (140, 150, 240, 250) to open all flow paths when the flow rate of incoming water received from the flow sensor (620) exceeds the first flow rate, which is the set flow rate.

[0111] This is because the flow velocity is reached such that no laminar flow occurs in the first heat transfer tube (130), so there may be no need to restrict the flow area of ​​the first heat transfer tube (130) by the first valve (140) and the third valve (150), and when the flow area of ​​the first heat transfer tube (130) is not restricted, there is less need to restrict the flow area of ​​the second heat transfer tube (230) regardless of the temperature of the heat storage material in the heat storage tank (20).

[0112] FIG. 7 is a drawing illustrating a heat exchanger according to one embodiment.

[0113] According to one embodiment, a heat exchanger (40) placed in a thermal storage tank (20, see FIG. 1) may be provided with a structure in which branch heads (42) extending to both sides are connected to an inlet pipe (41) as a branch point, and distribution heads (43, 44) are connected to both ends of the branch heads (42).

[0114] In this case, the first to fourth valves (140, 150, 240, 250, see FIG. 2, 3) as described above may be valves (50) placed in the branch head (42).

[0115] The valve (50) may be positioned at the branching point where the inlet pipe (41) and the branching head (42) meet, or on one side or the other side centered on the branching point.

[0116] According to the concept of the present disclosure, the heat storage device can have improved heat exchange efficiency.

[0117] According to the concept of the present disclosure, the heat storage device can supply stable hot water.

[0118] According to the concept of the present disclosure, energy usage efficiency can be improved.

[0119] The effects obtainable from the present disclosure are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned effects will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure belongs from the description below.

[0120] Specific embodiments have been illustrated and described above. However, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and those skilled in the art may make various modifications without departing from the essence of the technical concept of the invention as described in the following claims.

Claims

1. A thermal storage tank in which a thermal storage material is stored; A heat exchanger disposed inside the thermal storage tank so that the supplied water undergoes heat exchange inside the thermal storage tank; is included. The above heat exchanger is, Inlet header to which water to be heat-exchanged is supplied; A plurality of heat transfer tubes connected in parallel to the inlet header so that water flowing into the inlet header is distributed and flows in; and A heat storage device comprising: an inlet valve installed at a first point between both ends of the inlet header, configured to be able to close the flow path within the inlet header at the first point so as to supply water only to the heat transfer tube among the plurality of heat transfer tubes connected from the inlet of the inlet header to the first point.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above inlet-side header is, A first inlet header into which water to be heated by heat exchange inside the thermal storage tank flows; and A heat storage device comprising a second inlet side header into which hot water for heat storage flows.

3. In Paragraph 2, The above heat transfer tube is, A first heat transfer tube connected to the first inlet side header; and It includes a second heat transfer tube connected to the second inlet side header; and The above inlet valve is, A heat storage device comprising: a first valve installed at a first point between both ends of the first inlet header, configured to be able to close the flow path within the first inlet header at the first point so as to supply water only to the first heat transfer tube among the plurality of first heat transfer tubes connected from the inlet of the first inlet header to the first point.

4. In Paragraph 3, The above inlet valve is, A heat storage device comprising: a second valve installed at a second point corresponding to the first point between both ends of the second inlet side header, configured to be able to close the flow path within the second inlet side header at the second point so that water can be supplied only to the second heat transfer tube connected from the inlet of the second inlet side header to the second point among the plurality of second heat transfer tubes.

5. In Paragraph 3, The above-mentioned first point is a heat storage device that is a point on the first inlet header where water flows only through 30% to 70% of the first heat transfer tubes among the plurality of first heat transfer tubes while the flow path within the first inlet header is closed by the first valve.

6. In Paragraph 4, The above-mentioned second point is a heat storage device that is a point on the second inlet header where water flows only through 30% to 70% of the plurality of second heat transfer tubes while the flow path within the second inlet header is closed by the second valve.

7. In Paragraph 3, The above heat exchanger is, A first outlet side header through which water heat-exchanged in the first heat transfer tube is discharged; A second outlet side header through which water heat-exchanged in the second heat transfer tube is discharged; and A third valve installed at a third point corresponding to the first point between both ends of the first outlet-side header, configured to be able to close the flow path within the first outlet-side header at the third point so that water flows only through the first heat transfer tube among the plurality of first heat transfer tubes connected from the outlet of the first outlet-side header to the third point; and A heat storage device further comprising: a fourth valve installed at a fourth point corresponding to the second point between both ends of the second outlet-side header, configured to close the flow path within the second outlet-side header at the fourth point so that water flows only through the second heat transfer tube connected from the outlet of the second outlet-side header to the fourth point among the plurality of second heat transfer tubes.

8. In Paragraph 7, The above third point is a point on the first outlet-side header where water flows only through 30% to 70% of the plurality of first heat transfer tubes while the flow path within the first outlet-side header is closed by the third valve, and The above-mentioned fourth point is a heat storage device that is a point on the second outlet-side header where water flows only through 30% to 70% of the plurality of second heat transfer tubes while the flow path within the second outlet-side header is closed by the above-mentioned fourth valve.

9. In Paragraph 7, A heat storage device further comprising a control unit for controlling the first to fourth valves.

10. In Paragraph 9, The above control unit is a heat storage device that causes the first to fourth valves to close the flow path when the flow rate of water flowing into the heating heat exchanger is less than or equal to the first flow rate and the temperature of the heat storage material is less than or equal to the first temperature.

11. In Paragraph 9, The above control unit is a heat storage device that causes the first to fourth valves to open the flow path when the flow rate of water flowing into the heating heat exchanger exceeds a first flow rate and the temperature of the heat storage material is below a first temperature.

12. In Paragraph 9, The above control unit is a heat storage device that causes the first valve and the third valve to close the flow path and the second valve and the fourth valve to open the flow path when the flow rate of water flowing into the heating heat exchanger is less than or equal to the first flow rate and the temperature of the heat storage material exceeds the first temperature.

13. In Paragraph 9, The above control unit is a heat storage device that causes the first to fourth valves to open the flow path when the flow rate of water flowing into the heating heat exchanger exceeds the first flow rate and the temperature of the heat storage material exceeds the first temperature.

14. In Paragraph 4, The above-mentioned first to fourth valves are butterfly valves or solenoid valves, forming a heat storage device.

15. In Paragraph 3, The above heat exchanger is, A heat storage device further comprising a heat exchange fin connecting the first heat transfer tube and the second heat transfer tube for heat exchange between the first heat transfer tube and the second heat transfer tube.

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