Box-Like Heat Storage Modules for Flexible Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Heat exchange apparatuses with cylindrical tanks face challenges in installation flexibility and durability due to tap water pressure, making them less adaptable to rectangular spaces and potentially less durable.
Innovation Solution
A heat exchange apparatus comprising two box-like heat storage modules and a housing, where the modules are oriented in the same direction, allowing for flexible installation and improved durability by avoiding direct contact with tap water pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a cylindrical tank is used to withstand tap water pressure, then durability is improved, but installation flexibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The heat storage function is segmented from the pressure-containing function. The heat storage tank stores heat storage material that does not contact tap water, while a separate heat exchanger handles the pressurized tap water. This segmentation allows the tank to use a box-like shape for better installation flexibility without compromising durability, as the heat exchanger rather than the tank itself withstands the tap water pressure.
2Reliability
If a cylindrical tank is used, then durability against tap water pressure is improved, but effective use of rectangular installation space deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the heat storage tank from the pressure-containing function, the tank can be designed with a box-like shape that efficiently utilizes rectangular installation spaces. The heat exchanger, which must withstand pressure, is a separate component that can be positioned independently, allowing the overall system to fit better in standard rectangular mounting locations.
3Productivity
If direct heat exchange with tap water in a tank is used, then heat exchange efficiency is improved, but the tank must withstand tap water pressure increasing structural complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the heat storage tank from the heat exchange function by introducing a separate heat exchanger. The heat storage material in the tank exchanges heat with the heat exchanger, which in turn exchanges heat with the tap water. This segmentation maintains effective heat exchange while simplifying the tank's structural requirements, as it no longer needs to withstand high tap water pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat exchanger acts as an intermediary between the heat storage material and the tap water. It mediates the heat exchange process, allowing thermal energy transfer without direct contact between the heat storage material and pressurized tap water. This intermediary approach maintains heat exchange efficiency while reducing structural complexity of the tank.
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
The apparatus achieves increased installation flexibility and durability by using box-shaped modules that are not directly exposed to tap water pressure, enabling efficient heat exchange and easier assembly in various spaces.
Implementation Method 1
a heat exchange apparatus that exchanges heat between a heat storage material and a fluid
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein are a heat exchange apparatus intended to achieve compatibility between installation flexibility and durability and a method of manufacturing the heat exchange apparatus. The heat exchange apparatus is a heat exchange apparatus that exchanges heat between a heat storage material and a fluid. The heat exchange apparatus includes a first heat storage module and a second heat storage module, each having the heat storage material and a box-like shape, and a housing containing the first heat storage module and the second heat storage module. The first heat storage module is disposed in the same orientation as that of the second heat storage module.