Device for storing temperature-controlled fluids
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for storing temperature-controlled fluids, such as water, face inefficiencies and heat loss issues, particularly when solar radiation is absent, leading to suboptimal energy conversion and temperature maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a Peltier element connected to a container, with the hot side in contact with the container wall and the cold side exposed to ambient air or a heated fluid, utilizing a photovoltaic solar generator and an accumulator to manage energy supply, along with a control unit for optimizing heat transfer and minimizing losses through strategic air flow and insulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the device for conveying ambient air is operated continuously to prevent heat loss, then the fluid temperature is maintained, but energy is wasted during phases when no solar energy is available and the Peltier element cannot actively heat
Solution Approach 1:
The device for conveying ambient air is operated periodically rather than continuously. It is activated during daytime when solar energy is available and the Peltier element is actively heating, and deactivated during nighttime or cloudy periods when the Peltier element cannot compensate for heat loss. This periodic operation maintains fluid temperature during active phases while minimizing energy waste during inactive phases.
2Temperature
If the cold side of the Peltier element is exposed to ambient air without active heating, then passive cooling occurs, but unwanted cooling of the fluid takes place during phases when no solar energy is generated
Solution Approach 1:
During daytime operation, the system uses itself to prevent heat loss. The Peltier element, powered by solar energy, actively heats the fluid to compensate for thermal losses. The device for conveying ambient air creates a self-regulating effect where the temperature difference between the cold side and ambient air drives the convection current that prevents unwanted cooling when the Peltier element is not actively heating.
3Power
If the Peltier element is used for active heating during daytime, then high COP values are achieved, but the system cannot maintain temperature during nighttime without additional energy input
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts its operation mode based on available solar energy. During daytime, the Peltier element operates in active heating mode with high COP values (5-6), converting electrical power from solar panels into thermal energy. During nighttime or when solar energy is insufficient, the system transitions to passive mode where the device for conveying ambient air maintains temperature through natural convection and insulation, reducing active power consumption.
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 device achieves a high Coefficient of Performance (COP) of 2.2 on average, with peak values up to 5-6, ensuring efficient thermal energy conversion and minimizing heat loss, even under unfavorable conditions, by leveraging available heat sources and smart energy management.
Implementation Method 1
The device comprises a Peltier element connected to a fluid container, with the hot side of the Peltier element in contact with at least one wall of the container
Implementation Method 2
The device comprises a photovoltaic solar generator for generating electrical energy from solar radiation
Implementation Method 3
at least one device for conveying warm ambient air and/or a heated fluid to the cold side of the Peltier element
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device for storing temperature-controlled fluids, comprising at least one container (20), a Peltier element (30), the hot side (301) of which is in contact with at least one wall (201) of the container (209), at least one device (40) for delivering ambient air to the cold side (302) of the Peltier element (30), and at least one electrical energy source (50, 501, 502) for supplying the Peltier element (30) and the device (40) for delivering the ambient air. For low-loss storage of the fluid in the container (20), the device (40) for delivering ambient air can be operated according to the temperature of the ambient air and the heating capacity of the Peltier element (30) can be controlled according to the currently produced electrical energy of a photovoltaic solar generator (501) forming an electrical energy source. Preferably, times and/or durations of the heat energy emitted from the Peltier element (30) and/or from an accumulator (502) to the fluid can be controlled by a control appliance (6) on the basis of at least one requirements specification stored in the control appliance (60).