Composite Hot Water Tank Structure for Corrosion and Pressure Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hot water storage tanks made of metal corrode quickly, leading to premature failure, are energy-intensive to produce, and pose environmental concerns, while polymer tanks are not suitable for high-temperature and pressurized conditions, resulting in a need for a durable, energy-efficient, and lightweight solution.
Innovation Solution
A hot water storage device with a vessel formed from moulded fibre reinforced polyphthalamide resin, comprising two cylindrical sections joined by a collar connector with elastomeric seals and strategically located apertures to manage cyclical temperature and pressure stresses, incorporating a heating element assembly and conduit system for efficient water handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If metal tanks are used for hot water storage, then strength and durability are improved, but corrosion resistance deteriorates and environmental impact increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite structure consisting of a metal outer shell providing mechanical strength and a polymer liner providing corrosion resistance. This combination allows the tank to withstand high temperatures and pressures while preventing water contamination from metal corrosion, effectively resolving the contradiction between strength and corrosion resistance.
2Strength
If metal tanks are used for hot water storage, then strength is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The composite design with a thin metal outer shell and polymer liner reduces overall weight compared to solid metal tanks, while the metal shell maintains structural integrity for withstanding high temperatures and pressures.
3Strength
If metal tanks are used for hot water storage, then strength is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The tank is divided into separate components (metal outer shell and polymer liner) that can be manufactured independently using optimized processes for each material, then assembled together. This segmentation simplifies manufacturing by allowing each component to be produced with appropriate techniques rather than requiring complex integrated metal fabrication.
4Weight of stationary object
If polymer tanks are used for hot water storage, then weight is reduced, but temperature and pressure resistance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The metal outer shell provides the necessary strength to withstand high temperatures and pressures, while the polymer liner provides lightweight construction and corrosion resistance. The composite structure allows the tank to be lightweight yet capable of withstanding hot water storage conditions.
5Reliability
If vitreous enamel lining is applied to metal tanks, then corrosion resistance is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of applying a complex enamel coating process to metal tanks, the patent extracts the corrosion protection function into a separate polymer liner component. This liner can be manufactured independently and installed as a separate element, simplifying the overall manufacturing process while maintaining effective corrosion resistance.
Data Source
AI summary
A hot water storage device having a vessel includes a first section formed from a molded material and a second section formed from a molded material. An open end of the first section is sealingly engaged with an opposing open end of the second section to form the vessel. The first and second sections each have a generally cylindrical body portion and a closed end, comprising a head portion. The vessel includes a water inlet aperture molded into the first or second section and a water outlet aperture molded into the first or second section and wherein the inlet and outlet apertures are located on the body portion proximal to a tangent line between the body portion and the head portion.