Hot Water Storage Tank Cold-Sink Structure for Heat-Loss Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hot water storage tanks experience significant heat losses due to multiple openings that create heat transport paths from the inside to the outside, particularly in vacuum-insulated tanks where additional openings are not feasible.
Innovation Solution
A hot water storage tank design featuring a cold sink at the bottom around the opening, with a peripheral ring shape to extend the insulation distance, combined with a vacuum insulation unit having an evacuated medium and a side wall around the opening to enhance sealing and reduce heat transfer, along with a heating flange device that integrates connections for the heating element, cold water inlet, hot water return, and temperature sensor through a single opening, eliminating the need for separate passages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple openings are provided in the storage tank for separate connections (heating element, cold water inlet, hot water outlet, temperature sensor), then the functional versatility and ease of installation are improved, but heat losses increase due to multiple heat transport paths from inside to outside
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate connections (heating element, cold water inlet, hot water outlet, temperature sensor) into a single integrated flange assembly. This merging approach maintains all required functional connections while reducing the number of openings in the vacuum insulation from multiple separate holes to one consolidated opening, thereby minimizing heat transport paths and reducing energy losses.
Solution Approach 2:
The flange assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, creates a sealed opening for the vacuum insulation, and accommodates all necessary connections (heating element, water inlet/outlet, temperature sensor) through integrated passages. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate openings for each connection type.
2Loss of energy
If a single opening is used with an integrated flange assembly, then heat losses are reduced by minimizing heat transport paths, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The design segments the flange assembly into modular components that can be manufactured separately and then assembled. The flange body, sealing elements, and connection passages are designed as distinct segments that simplify manufacturing while achieving the complex function of providing multiple connections through a single opening in the vacuum insulation.
3Loss of energy
If vacuum insulation is maintained without additional openings, then thermal insulation performance is improved, but the ease of installation and maintenance of heating components is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The flange assembly is pre-designed and pre-assembled with all necessary connections (heating element, water inlet/outlet, temperature sensor) integrated into a single unit before installation. This preliminary preparation allows the entire assembly to be installed through one opening in the vacuum insulation, maintaining thermal performance while simplifying the installation process.
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 design significantly reduces heat losses by minimizing heat transfer paths and maintaining vacuum insulation, while allowing for efficient installation and sealing of the heating flange device, ensuring secure sealing and reduced mixing of water layers.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum insulation unit (16) having an evacuated medium
Implementation Method 2
The hot water storage tank has an inner container (10) and an outer container (20) with a cavity (H) into which fine-pored granules are filled. The cavity is evacuated.
Implementation Method 3
The insulation unit has a cold sink (302) at the bottom, which is arranged around the opening
Implementation Method 4
A gap is provided between the outer container and the inner container between an outer ring and an inner ring, which reduces heat transfer to the outside.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a hot water storage tank (1) with a storage container (3) which has an opening (12) and an insulating unit (2) which surrounds the storage container (3) and has a base (301), the insulating unit ( 2) at the bottom (301) having a cold sink (302, 303, 304, 305, 306, 307) arranged around the opening (12). The invention also relates to a heating flange device (100) for this hot water tank and a hot water tank (1) with a heating flange device (100).