Collector-Distributor Buffer Chamber for Thermal Stratification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing buffer storage systems in heating and cooling systems fail to achieve optimal temperature stratification, leading to inefficiencies in heat transfer and requiring larger volumes of heat transfer fluid to reach desired temperatures.
Innovation Solution
A collector and distributor system with an integrated buffer chamber, where the buffer chamber communicates with adjacent connection chambers via gap spaces between intermediate walls, preventing direct connections for heat transfer fluid introduction or removal, allowing for efficient loading and unloading in layers and minimizing disturbances in heat transfer fluid stratification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If buffer storage systems use direct connections for heat transfer fluid introduction and removal, then heat transfer efficiency is improved, but temperature stratification is disturbed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediate buffer chamber that mediates between the connection chambers and the heat transfer fluid flow. This buffer chamber allows heat transfer fluid to be introduced and removed without directly disturbing the stratified temperature layers, as the fluid mixes in the buffer chamber before entering the connection chambers. The intermediate buffer chamber thus resolves the contradiction by enabling heat transfer while protecting temperature stratification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the internal structure into distinct functional zones: buffer chambers for mixing and connection chambers for distributed temperature levels. This segmentation allows the system to handle heat transfer fluid flow separately from the stratified temperature storage, enabling efficient heat transfer through multiple connection chambers while maintaining stable temperature stratification in the buffer chambers.
2Productivity
If buffer storage systems aim for optimal temperature stratification, then energy storage efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves multi-functionality by having the buffer chambers serve both as mixing zones for incoming heat transfer fluid and as storage zones for stratified temperature layers. The connection chambers simultaneously provide distributed temperature levels for multiple consumers and facilitate heat transfer. This universal design improves energy storage efficiency without proportionally increasing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested structure where buffer chambers are positioned between connection chambers, creating a hierarchical arrangement. The buffer chambers are nested within the overall tank structure, and connection chambers are arranged around them. This nested doll approach allows efficient temperature stratification and heat transfer while maintaining a compact and relatively simple overall system structure.
3Temperature
If buffer storage systems use larger volumes of heat transfer fluid, then desired temperatures are achieved, but system inertia increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing different temperature levels at different locations (connection chambers) rather than requiring uniform temperature throughout a large volume. Each connection chamber maintains a specific temperature level suitable for its connected consumers, allowing the system to achieve desired temperatures for multiple consumers simultaneously with smaller overall fluid volume, thus reducing system inertia while meeting temperature 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 design enhances temperature stratification, enables direct supply of required heat or cold to consumers, and reduces system inertia by integrating a highly efficient buffer storage, allowing for optimized heat distribution and reduced energy storage needs.
Implementation Method 1
the temperature stratification of the hot water in the buffer tank is supported
Implementation Method 2
thermal energy obtained via a solar system can be stored during high-performance times and released again during lower-performance times
Implementation Method 3
the heat generated by the at least one heat source can be evenly distributed and dissipated
Implementation Method 4
Two intermediate walls are arranged between adjacent connection chambers, between which there is a gap space via which the adjacent connection chambers are connected to one another. In this way, the temperature levels of the individual chambers are well separated
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
In a collector and distributor for a heating or cooling system, which comprises at least two connection chambers (2, 3, 4), each of which has at least one connection (5) for connecting a line (18, 19; 20, 21) for supplying or To dissipate heat transfer fluid into or out of the collector and distributor, a buffer chamber (12, 12 ') is arranged at least between two of the connection chambers (2, 3, 4), which only communicates with the connection chambers (2, 3, 4). , between which it is arranged. This buffer chamber (12, 12') is connected to these two connection chambers (2, 3, 4) via a gap space (8) which lies between two intermediate walls (6, 7), which are between the buffer chamber (12, 12'). and the respective adjacent connection chamber (2, 3, 4) are arranged.