Multi-Circuit Heating Layout With Buffer Tank and Mixing Valve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-circuit heating and cooling systems lack integration of a buffer tank for efficient energy storage and management, particularly in domestic hot water systems, and are often complex and costly to implement.
Innovation Solution
A multi-circuit heating or cooling system utilizing a multi-way mixing valve with at least five connections to connect heat sources and sinks, including a buffer circuit for energy storage, allowing for efficient distribution and regulation of energy-transporting medium, enabling integration of solar thermal sources and simplifying the system's structure and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a buffer tank is integrated into a multi-circuit heating system, then energy storage capability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the buffer tank integration with the existing multi-way mixing valve into a single unified component. The buffer tank is not added as a separate complex subsystem but is merged with the mixing valve functionality, allowing energy storage while maintaining simple system architecture. The mixing valve serves dual purposes: circuit mixing and buffer tank integration control.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-way mixing valve is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a mixing device for different heating circuits and as a control device for the buffer tank integration. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated components, reducing overall system complexity while providing energy storage capability.
2Ease of operation
If a multi-way mixing valve with at least five connections is used, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve is segmented into multiple independent connections (at least five ports) that can be independently controlled. This segmentation allows different circuits (heat source, buffer, mixed heating, etc.) to be connected and controlled separately, simplifying operation by enabling selective activation of specific circuits without affecting others.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-way mixing valve employs dynamic switching capability with at least five connections that can be actively configured. The valve can dynamically route the energy-transporting medium to different circuits based on operational requirements, providing ease of operation through flexible, active control rather than fixed static connections.
3Manufacturing precision
If the heat source is adjusted according to the demand of the heating circuit with higher temperature, then temperature control precision is improved, but energy efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer tank stores thermal energy in advance during periods when heat demand is low or when excess heat is available. This preliminary energy storage allows the heat source to operate efficiently at higher temperatures without immediate demand, and then supply stored heat during peak demand periods, maintaining temperature control precision while improving overall energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the heat source by decoupling its temperature output from immediate circuit demands. The heat source can maintain higher temperatures for efficient operation, while the buffer tank and mixing valve adjust the delivered temperature parameters to match circuit requirements, resolving the contradiction between temperature precision and energy efficiency.
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 system provides a structurally simple and cost-effective solution for managing heat demands across multiple circuits, allowing for efficient operation and reduced control effort, with the ability to set various operating states and integrate solar thermal sources, thereby enhancing energy efficiency and reducing heat losses.
Implementation Method 1
a buffer tank for storing heat can be integrated
Implementation Method 2
a distribution device with hydraulic means for distributing an energy-transporting medium
Implementation Method 3
at least one heat source that is part of a heat source circuit, HK, with a heat source circuit flow, HK-VL, with a HK-VL temperature
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a
Figure 2b
AI summary
The invention relates to a multi-circuit heating or cooling system (100), a device for open-loop and/or closed-loop control for multi-circuit heating or cooling systems (100), and a method for operating a multi-circuit heating or cooling system (100). The multi-circuit heating or cooling system (100) has a mixed heating circuit (105), such that a buffer store (103a) for storing heat is integrated and the mixed heating circuit (105) can be operated with heat from the buffer store or from a heat source (101a). A priority circuit for the buffer store (103a) charges the buffer store with heat from the heat source (101a), and the buffer store (103a) is integrated into a hot potable water processing means (107). In addition, solar thermal heat sources (157, 159) can be integrated, and the multi-circuit heating or cooling system (100) has an especially simple design and is also economically constructed.