Device for introducing a fluid into or for discharging a fluid from a fluid layer accumulator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for fluid stratified storage tanks, such as heating water storage tanks, fail to maintain optimal thermal stratification during fluid introduction and discharge, leading to inefficiencies and disruptions in temperature-controlled fluid extraction.
Innovation Solution
A device with axially adjustable separating device walls and controlled passage openings, facilitated by an actuating mechanism, allows precise control over fluid transfer based on density and temperature, minimizing disturbance to the stratification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If large column-like devices with large openings are used for fluid introduction, then volume flow requirements are met, but stratification is disturbed and distribution is uneven
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the fluid introduction process into multiple segments by using several smaller introduction elements arranged vertically instead of one large opening. Each element introduces fluid at a specific height, distributing the total volume flow across multiple locations to maintain stratification while meeting overall flow requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from horizontal fluid introduction (single level) to vertical distribution across multiple heights. By arranging introduction elements at different vertical positions, the device distributes fluid throughout the storage tank height, preventing disruption of density stratification while accommodating large volume flows.
2Ease of operation
If rotatable pipe-in-pipe device is used to concentrate flow, then flow direction is controlled, but adjustment requires considerable force and robust design
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the mechanical rotatable pipe-in-pipe system with a valve-based flow control mechanism. Instead of physically rotating heavy pipes to change flow direction, the device uses valves to regulate flow distribution, significantly reducing the force required for adjustment while maintaining precise flow direction control.
Solution Approach 2:
The device changes the control parameter from mechanical rotation angle to valve opening degree. By using valves to control flow distribution to different height levels, the system achieves flow direction control through parameter adjustment rather than physical repositioning, reducing mechanical force requirements.
3Measurement precision
If pipe connections at different heights are used for fluid discharge, then specific temperature discharge is achieved, but warmer fluid is drawn than needed reducing energy efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates sensors that detect the actual temperature of discharged fluid and provide feedback to a control unit. Based on this feedback, the control unit adjusts the valve positions to optimize discharge temperature, ensuring that fluid at the precise required temperature is discharged rather than consistently warmer fluid, thereby improving energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from static pipe connections at fixed heights to a dynamic valve system that can adjust opening positions and flow distribution in real-time. This dynamic control allows the system to adapt to changing temperature requirements and discharge fluid at the exact needed temperature, minimizing energy waste from overheating.
4Manufacturing precision
If axially adjustable separating device walls are used, then passage opening height is precisely controlled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses a multi-functional valve system that serves both to control flow distribution and to position passage openings at different heights. The same actuating mechanism that controls valve opening also determines the vertical position of passage openings, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining precise position control.
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
Enables precise introduction and discharge of fluid at desired densities/temperatures, maintaining stratification and enhancing energy efficiency by reducing turbulence and fluid disruption.
Implementation Method 1
the stored fluid exhibits different densities at different levels
Implementation Method 2
heating water as a fluid, which is stored in a temperature-dependent manner
Implementation Method 3
at least one of the separating device walls 2a, 2b is arranged, designed and configured to be axially adjustable – i.e. in the direction of its longitudinal axis – by means of the at least one actuating device 6
Implementation Method 4
the heating water is supposed to stratify itself correctly according to its density, i.e., temperature
Data Source
Figure 1a~1e
Figure 2a~2e
Figure 3a~3d
AI summary
The invention relates to a device or fluid storage unit (10) as a stratified storage unit with a device for introducing a fluid (9) into or removing a fluid (9) from the fluid storage unit (10). In the fluid storage unit (10), the fluid (9) stored therein is stored at different levels depending on its density. The most common application for fluid storage units (10) as stratified storage units is in building heating technology, where heating water storage tanks (10) are used as stratified storage tanks. A device according to the invention enables the introduction of heating water (9) at precisely the level within the heating water storage tank (10) that corresponds to its temperature. Even very large flow rates do not disrupt the thermal stratification within the heating water storage tank (10), thereby significantly increasing the energy efficiency of the heating system.The device according to the invention can react very quickly to changing temperatures of the heating water (9) being introduced or to changes in the temperature distribution in the heating water storage tank (10) and adjust the inlet height using temperature sensors (11) and an electronic control unit (12). For this purpose, inlet openings (5) are controlled at the appropriate height. A small electric motor, controlled by the electronic control unit (12), is sufficient for the necessary adjustment. If a device according to the invention is used to discharge a fluid (9) from a fluid storage tank (10) as a stratified storage tank, fluid (9) with precisely the desired density can be selectively discharged from the appropriate height of the fluid storage tank (10).In the case of a heating water storage tank (10), heating water (9) can be drawn off at precisely the right temperature for heating, thus eliminating the need for the mixing of hot and cooler heating water that is typical in heating systems. If, however, very hot heating water (9) is required, for example, to heat domestic hot water using a plate heat exchanger, the device according to the invention can be adjusted very quickly so that very hot heating water (9) is drawn from further down or from the very top of the heating water storage tank (10). A device according to the invention thus significantly increases the energy efficiency of the heating system, even when used to draw off heating water (9) from a heating water storage tank (10). Advantageous embodiments of the devices according to the invention also include throttling elements (15) to reduce the inflow velocity.Preferably, devices according to the invention are used for both the inlet and outlet processes.