Decoupling Tank with Integrated Heating to Reduce System Asymmetry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing domestic heating systems, such as heat pump systems, face challenges in improving the reliability and functionality of decoupling tanks used for managing liquid flows in primary and secondary circuits, often requiring separate installation of heating means in either the primary or secondary circuits, leading to asymmetry and increased complexity.
Innovation Solution
A decoupling tank with integrated heating means that allows for symmetrical installation, reducing thermal and pressure losses by directly heating liquids in both circuits, and enabling flexible operation modes to manage temperature and flow demands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If heating means are installed separately in primary or secondary circuits, then heating function is provided, but system asymmetry and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the heating means with the decoupling tank to create an integrated heating unit. The tank serves as both a hydraulic decoupling device and a heating chamber, eliminating the need for separate heating installations in primary or secondary circuits. This merging resolves the asymmetry problem while maintaining reliable heating functionality for both circuits.
Solution Approach 2:
The decoupling tank is designed to perform multiple functions: hydraulic decoupling between primary and secondary circuits, liquid storage, and heating. By making the tank universal and multi-functional, the patent eliminates the need for circuit-specific heating installations, reducing system complexity and asymmetry while maintaining heating reliability.
2Reliability
If separate heating means are installed in primary or secondary circuits, then heating is provided, but thermal and pressure losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the heating means with the decoupling tank, the patent creates a centralized heating source that can serve both primary and secondary circuits directly. This eliminates the need for separate heating installations and associated piping, thereby reducing thermal losses through minimized pipe length and pressure losses through direct heating at the decoupling point.
Solution Approach 2:
The decoupling tank acts as an intermediary that receives liquid from the primary circuit, heats it centrally, and distributes heated liquid to both primary and secondary circuits. This intermediary heating approach minimizes thermal losses by heating liquid at a central location rather than at multiple distributed points, and reduces pressure losses by eliminating additional heating components and piping.
3Reliability
If heating means are installed as individual entities in primary or secondary circuits, then heating function is achieved, but installation flexibility and symmetry are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the heating function into the decoupling tank, creating a single integrated unit that can be installed in a standardized location. This eliminates the need to choose between installing heating means in primary or secondary circuits, providing installation symmetry and flexibility while maintaining reliable heating functionality for both circuits.
Solution Approach 2:
By designing the decoupling tank as a universal multi-functional component that incorporates heating capability, the patent enables standardized installation locations and configurations. This universal design provides installation flexibility and symmetry, as the same integrated unit serves both heating and decoupling functions regardless of circuit configuration.
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 integrated heating system enhances system performance by reducing material and energy consumption, minimizing thermal losses, and providing versatile installation options while ensuring efficient thermal management and reduced risk of leakage.
Implementation Method 1
heating means, optionally electrical heating means, for heating liquid in the tank
Data Source
Figure 1(a)~1(b)
Figure 2(a)
Figure 2(b)
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a (decoupling) tank for accommodating liquid for heating and/or cooling appliances, in particular in a heat pump system and comprises: a tank reservoir for receiving liquid, an upper and a lower region, when the tank is installed on site, wherein the upper and lower regions are located basically opposite to each other, wherein the tank is configured for liquid connection to at least a first primary and a first secondary liquid circuit external to the tank, the tank further comprising at least a first upper inlet port and a first upper outlet port located in the upper region, wherein the first upper inlet port is for liquid connection to the first primary liquid circuit, and the first upper outlet port is for liquid connection to the first secondary liquid circuit, at least a first lower inlet port and a first lower outlet port located in the lower region, wherein the first lower inlet port is for liquid connection to the first secondary liquid circuit, and the first lower outlet port is for liquid connection to the first primary liquid circuit, the tank further comprising heating means, optionally electrical heating means, for heating liquid in the tank, optionally at least in the upper region of the tank, wherein the tank is configured to flow liquid at least in parts, in a first operational state, from the first upper inlet port to the first upper outlet port and from the first lower inlet port to the first lower outlet port; in a second operational state, from the first upper inlet port to the first lower outlet port; and, in a third operational state, from the first lower inlet port to the first upper outlet port, for establishing a liquid flow at a desired liquid temperature in the first primary and/or first secondary liquid circuits.