A thermal storage assembly and a controller configured to control such an assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current district heating and cooling grids require separate thermal storage accumulator tanks, leading to a large footprint and inefficiencies, as each grid is not optimally functional throughout the year due to seasonal demands for heat and cooling.
Innovation Solution
A thermal storage assembly with a single accumulator tank and controller that can be controllably connected to both district heating and cooling grids via valve arrangements and heat exchangers, allowing for efficient switching between heating and cooling modes and hydraulic separation of the grids, enabling the same tank to be used for both applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate accumulator tanks are used for district heating grid and district cooling grid, then each grid can function optimally, but the footprint becomes relatively large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a single accumulator tank that serves dual purposes for both district heating and district cooling grids. The tank is equipped with multiple thermal connections (first and second thermal connections) that can be selectively connected to different grid components through valve arrangements, allowing one tank to replace what would traditionally require two separate tanks, thereby reducing footprint while maintaining optimal functionality for both grids
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the thermal storage functions for heating and cooling into a single integrated accumulator tank. By combining the storage capacity for both hot and cold thermal energy in one tank, the system reduces the total footprint compared to having separate tanks, while the valve arrangements enable selective connection to heating or cooling grid components as needed
2Area of stationary object
If a single accumulator tank is shared between heating and cooling grids, then footprint is reduced, but the system complexity increases due to valve arrangements and control requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the thermal connections to the accumulator tank into distinct first and second thermal connections, each with dedicated valve arrangements. The first thermal connection with its valve arrangement handles connection to heating grid components, while the second thermal connection with its valve arrangement handles connection to cooling grid components. This segmentation organizes the complexity into manageable, functionally-separated segments rather than a single complex connection system
Solution Approach 2:
The valve arrangements act as intermediaries between the single accumulator tank and the different grid components. These valves mediate the selective connection and disconnection between the tank and heating or cooling grid components, managing the system complexity by providing controlled access points rather than requiring direct, permanent connections to all components
3Adaptability or versatility
If the accumulator tank is connected to both heating and cooling grids simultaneously, then versatility is improved, but hydraulic separation is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic, selective connection between the accumulator tank and grid components through controllable valve arrangements. The valves enable the system to switch between different operational states: connecting to heating grid components, connecting to cooling grid components, or isolating specific connections. This dynamic control maintains hydraulic separation by ensuring that heating and cooling grid fluid paths are not simultaneously open, while still providing versatility to serve both grids as needed
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution allows for the same accumulator tank to be used at peak efficiency throughout the year, reducing the footprint and improving the reliability and efficiency of both district heating and cooling grids by enabling the tank to be connected to the district heating grid during winter and the district cooling grid during summer.
Implementation Method 1
the first thermal connection is controllably connectable to a feed conduit of a district heating grid or to a return conduit of a district cooling grid via a first valve arrangement, and wherein the second thermal connection is controllably connectable to a feed conduit of a district cooling grid or to a return conduit of a district heating grid via a second valve arrangement
Implementation Method 2
the fluid flows e.g. between heat/cooling production, district heating/cooling distribution and the accumulator tank
Implementation Method 3
a first heat exchanger connectable to the feed conduit and/or return conduit of the district heating grid on one side of the heat exchanger and connectable to the feed conduit and/or return conduit of the district cooling grid on the other side of the heat exchanger
Data Source
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AI summary
A thermal storage assembly is provided. The thermal storage assembly comprises: an accumulator tank (1) comprising a first thermal connection (3a) and a second thermal connection (3b); wherein the first thermal connection (3a) is controllably connectable to a feed conduit (42) of a district heating grid (40) or to a return conduit (54) of a district cooling grid (50) via a first valve arrangement (10), and wherein the second thermal connection (3b) is controllably connectable to a feed conduit (52) of a district cooling grid (50) or to a return conduit (44) of a district heating grid (40) via a second valve arrangement (20); and a controller (30) configured to control the first valve arrangement (10) and second valve arrangement (20) such that either: the first thermal connection (3a) and the feed conduit (42) of the district heating grid (40) are in thermal connection with each other and the second thermal connection (3b) and the return conduit (44) of the district heating grid (40) are in thermal connection with each other, or the first thermal connection (3a) and the return conduit (54) of the district cooling grid (50) are in thermal connection with each other and the second thermal connection (3b) and the feed conduit (52) of the district cooling grid (50) are in thermal connection with each other