Cooling Water Level Leak Detection for Energy Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current leak detection methods in cooling systems of energy storage systems, which rely on pressure changes, are ineffective at detecting minor leaks due to the low pressure operation, posing a risk of undetected leaks leading to potential fires.
Innovation Solution
A leak detection method that determines the operating mode of the cooling system, calculates a reference level, and compares it with real-time cooling water levels, using a leak detection device with a level measurement system and a controller to provide accurate leak notifications, minimizing the impact of temperature changes and flow limitations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If pressure change detection is used to detect leaks in the cooling system, then the detection method is simple, but the measurement precision is insufficient for minor leaks due to low pressure operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the detection parameter from pressure to cooling water level. By monitoring the level of cooling water in the storage tank, the system can detect leaks with high precision even during low pressure operation. The level measurement allows for accurate detection of minor leaks that pressure-based methods cannot detect.
2Loss of energy
If the cooling system operates at low pressure, then the system is simple and energy-efficient, but leak detection capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the pressure-based mechanical detection system with a level-based detection system. By using level measurement instead of pressure measurement, the system maintains low pressure operation for energy efficiency while achieving reliable leak detection through level changes in the cooling water storage tank.
3Measurement precision
If real-time level monitoring is implemented, then leak detection precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service monitoring approach where the cooling water level naturally indicates leak conditions. The system uses the existing cooling water circulation and storage tank structure to enable level-based detection without requiring complex additional equipment. The level change itself serves as the detection signal, eliminating the need for sophisticated sensors or systems.
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 method allows for precise and quick detection of leaks, reducing the risk of accidents by using a reliable reference level and correcting for temperature-induced level changes, thereby enhancing the safety of the energy storage system.
Implementation Method 1
a level measurement means coupled to the cooling water storage tank in which cooling water is stored, and measuring the cooling water level in the cooling water storage tank
Data Source
AI summary
Proposed is a leak detection method including a mode determination step of determining, by a mode determination part, an operating mode of a cooling system on the basis of information received from the cooling system, a reference level determination step of determining, by a reference level determination part, a reference level in a cooling water storage tank in the operating mode determined in the mode determination step, a leak determination step of determining, by a leak determination part, whether a leak has occurred by comparing the reference level determined in the reference level determination step and a cooling water level in the cooling water storage tank measured in real time, and a notification step of providing, by a leak notification part, leak information to a set terminal when it is determined that the leak has occurred in the leak determination step.