Buffer tank assemblies for climate control systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional buffer tanks in climate control systems are often undersized due to installation constraints, leading to poor performance in moderating temperature fluctuations, which can result in reduced heating or cooling efficiency and occupant discomfort.
Innovation Solution
A buffer tank assembly with a dynamic flow control system that includes a buffer tank, a first flow path through the tank, and a second bypass flow path, along with sensors and a controller to adjust the flow rates based on temperature readings, allowing for effective thermal energy storage and distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a conventional buffer tank is used with fixed size, then installation is simple, but temperature fluctuation moderation performance is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer tank system transitions from a static, fixed-size design to a dynamic system with variable flow paths. The flow control device dynamically redirects fluid flow between the primary circuit and the buffer tank based on real-time temperature conditions, enabling the system to adaptively moderate temperature fluctuations without requiring a larger fixed tank capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The buffer tank acts as an intermediary thermal storage element between the heat source and the distribution system. By introducing this intermediate component with controlled flow paths, the system can buffer temperature variations without directly modifying the primary heat exchange circuits, thus improving temperature moderation while maintaining relative system simplicity.
2Temperature
If a larger buffer tank is used to improve thermal energy storage, then temperature fluctuation moderation improves, but installation space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of increasing buffer tank volume statically, the system uses dynamic flow control to maximize the utilization of the existing tank capacity. The flow control device ensures that the buffer tank is actively engaged during periods of temperature fluctuation, extracting maximum thermal buffering performance from a smaller volume through optimized flow management rather than relying on sheer volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the flow rate parameter dynamically based on temperature differential detection. By adjusting the flow rate through the buffer tank according to real-time conditions, the system optimizes thermal energy transfer efficiency, allowing a smaller tank to provide equivalent temperature stabilization that would otherwise require a larger static tank capacity.
3Temperature
If a buffer tank assembly with dynamic flow control is used, then temperature fluctuation moderation improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow control device operates based on feedback from temperature sensors that monitor the fluid temperature in the primary circuit. When temperature deviations are detected, the controller automatically adjusts the flow paths to redirect fluid through the buffer tank for thermal buffering, and returns to normal operation when temperature stabilizes. This feedback-based automation achieves intelligent temperature regulation without requiring complex manual control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The buffer tank system is designed to self-regulate temperature fluctuations without external intervention. The flow control device and temperature sensors work together to automatically detect temperature deviations and redirect flow through the buffer tank as needed, enabling the system to service its own temperature stabilization needs without requiring continuous external control or complex operational procedures.
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 dynamic buffer tank assembly effectively counteracts temperature fluctuations in the fluid circuit, enhancing the overall performance and efficiency of the climate control system while allowing for a smaller tank size without compromising performance.
Implementation Method 1
store thermal energy in or distribute thermal energy from the buffer tank
Implementation Method 2
exchanging heat between an ambient environment and a fluid with a first heat exchanger assembly
Implementation Method 3
a flow control device actuatable to control fluid flow along the first flow path and the second flow path
Implementation Method 4
one or more sensors configured to detect a temperature of fluid in the fluid circuit
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment of a buffer tank for a hydronic climate control system includes a buffer tank including an inlet port and an outlet port, an inlet line connected to the inlet port, and an outlet line connected to the outlet port. In addition, the buffer tank assembly includes a bypass line connected to the inlet line and the outlet line so that the buffer tank assembly defines a first flow path from the inlet line to the outlet line through the buffer tank and a second flow path from the inlet line to the outlet line through the bypass line. Further, the buffer tank assembly includes a flow control device in fluid communication with the buffer tank and the bypass line, wherein the flow control device is actuatable to control fluid flow along the first flow path and the second flow path.