Buffer store for a cooling circuit of a temperature-control device and temperature-control device having a buffer store
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing buffer storage systems for temperature control devices in laboratory and environmental simulation cabinets lack effective temperature regulation, especially when there is no flow through the buffer tank.
Innovation Solution
A buffer storage tank with a heat exchanger integrated within the tank, allowing for the storage and regulation of coolant, including a T-piece for controlling the flow of coolant and ensuring even distribution and temperature regulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a common buffer storage tank with inlet and outlet is used, then the structure is simple, but the temperature control effectiveness is insufficient especially when there is no flow through the buffer tank
Solution Approach 1:
The heat exchanger is merged with the buffer tank by placing it inside the tank's interior space. The heat exchanger's first side cools the buffer fluid directly within the tank, while the second side connects to the cooling circuit. This integration allows the buffer tank to actively regulate temperature even when there is no flow through the tank, resolving the contradiction between simple structure and effective temperature control.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat exchanger acts as an intermediary element between the cooling circuit and the buffer fluid. It transfers thermal energy from the cooling circuit to the buffer fluid stored in the tank, enabling effective temperature control without requiring direct flow through the buffer tank. This mediator allows the system to maintain temperature control effectiveness while keeping the buffer tank structure relatively simple.
2Reliability
If the heat exchanger is placed outside the buffer tank, then the installation is simple, but the temperature regulation capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The heat exchanger is nested within the buffer tank's interior space. The heat exchanger is positioned inside the tank where it can directly interact with the buffer fluid, maximizing thermal contact and temperature regulation capability. This nested configuration allows the smaller heat exchanger component to be housed within the larger buffer tank structure, improving temperature regulation while minimizing additional space requirements.
3Ease of manufacture
If coolant is supplied at the top of the tank, then the installation is easier, but the temperature distribution is less uniform
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of supplying coolant at the top of the tank, the fourth pipe supplies coolant at the bottom region of the tank. This inverted approach allows the cold coolant to rise naturally through the buffer fluid via convection currents, creating more uniform temperature distribution throughout the tank. The bottom supply location leverages natural convection to achieve better thermal homogeneity without complex installation requirements.
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 configuration enables more effective temperature control by allowing the buffer tank to store and regulate coolant, ensuring consistent temperature management even when there is no flow through the tank.
Implementation Method 1
a heat exchanger arranged in the interior space of the tank, having a first side with a first inlet and a first outlet for a first coolant and a second side separated from the first side by a heat-permeable wall, having a second inlet and a second outlet for a second coolant
Implementation Method 2
the buffer tank can be used not only to store cold refrigerant, but also to regulate it
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a buffer storage tank (70) for a cooling circuit (20) of a temperature control device (10) with a tank (71) which has a tank wall (72) enclosing an interior space (73), and a heat exchanger (50) arranged in the interior space (73) of the tank (71), said heat exchanger having a first side (51) with a first inlet (51a) and a first outlet (51b) for a first coolant and a second side (52) separated from the first side (51) by a heat-permeable wall (55) with a second inlet (52a) and a second outlet (52b) for a second coolant, wherein a first pipe (61) is led from outside the tank (71) through the tank wall (72) to the first inlet (51a) and a second pipe (62) is led from the first outlet (51b) through the tank wall (72) to outside the tank (71). wherein a third pipe (63) is led from outside the tank (71) through the tank wall (72) to the second inlet (52a),wherein the second outlet (52b) is connected via a T-piece (68) both to a fourth pipe (64) opening into the interior (72) of the tank (71) and to a fifth pipe (65) leading through the tank wall (72) to the outside of the tank (71), and wherein a sixth pipe (66) is led from the interior (73) of the tank (71) through the tank wall (72) to the outside of the tank (71), and a temperature control device (10) with such a buffer storage (70).