Thermal energy network
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional district heating and cooling networks face high capital and running costs due to the need for thermal insulation and suffer from low thermal efficiency and utilization rates, especially in mild climate regions, where the heating demand is limited.
Innovation Solution
A thermal energy network with a single primary circuit loop connected to energy units capable of functioning as both a heat source and sink, utilizing a control system to maintain a preselected temperature range and redistribute thermal energy between thermal loads, allowing for efficient heating and cooling operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If high-temperature fluid is used in district heating networks, then heating capability is improved, but capital costs increase due to thermal insulation requirements and running costs increase due to thermal losses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional district heating approach by using low-temperature fluid (5-15°C) instead of high-temperature fluid. The system achieves heating by capturing waste heat from data centers and other thermal sources, reversing the conventional temperature gradient and eliminating the need for expensive thermal insulation while reducing thermal losses.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the temperature parameter of the fluid from traditional high temperatures (70-90°C) to low temperatures (5-15°C). This parameter change fundamentally alters the system requirements, eliminating thermal insulation needs and reducing thermal losses while maintaining heating capability through waste heat recovery.
2Productivity
If district heating networks are installed, then heating demand during intensive heating season is met, but utilization rate remains low due to limited active heating season in mild climates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the thermal energy network multi-functional by enabling it to provide both heating and cooling services. During heating season, it provides heating to buildings; during cooling season, it provides cooling by circulating cold fluid. This universality allows the network to be utilized year-round, dramatically increasing the utilization rate in mild climates.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous useful action by operating the thermal energy network throughout the entire year. Instead of being idle during non-heating periods, the system continuously circulates fluid to provide cooling services, ensuring year-round utilization and eliminating the low utilization rate problem in mild climates.
3Area of stationary object
If extensive district heating networks are installed, then heating coverage is improved, but ongoing maintenance costs increase due to low utilization of the extensive asset
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the extensive network multi-functional, allowing it to provide both heating and cooling services. This dual functionality ensures that the extensive infrastructure is utilized year-round for cooling during warm months, spreading the maintenance costs over a longer operational period and reducing the per-unit maintenance burden.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous operation of the extensive network throughout the year. By providing cooling services during non-heating periods, the system maintains continuous useful action, maximizing the utilization of the extensive infrastructure and amortizing maintenance costs over more operational hours.
4Adaptability or versatility
If parallel cooling network is added to district heating network, then cooling capability is improved, but capital costs increase due to separate piping loops and thermal insulation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the heating and cooling networks into a single unified thermal energy network. Instead of maintaining separate piping loops for heating and cooling, the system uses one shared network that circulates fluid for both functions, eliminating redundant infrastructure and reducing capital costs while maintaining both heating and cooling capabilities.
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 solution reduces capital and running costs while enhancing thermal efficiency by allowing the network to function effectively as both a heating and cooling system, optimizing energy distribution and utilization across multiple thermal loads.
Implementation Method 1
a primary circuit loop for working fluid connected to the energy unit, the primary circuit loop comprising an upstream outflow line and a downstream return line
Implementation Method 2
a control system in the energy unit, the control system being adapted to control the temperature of the working fluid within the primary circuit loop within a preselected target range
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A district energy network interconnecting a plurality of thermal loads and for redistributing thermal energy therebetween, the network comprising: a primary circuit loop for working fluid, at least two thermal loads thermally connected to the primary circuit loop, at least one of the thermal loads being capable of taking heat from the primary circuit loop and at least one of the thermal loads being capable of rejecting heat into the primary circuit loop, an energy centre connected to the loop and capable of acting as a heat source or a heat sink, and a control system adapted to provide to the primary circuit loop a positive or negative thermal input from the energy centre as a balancing thermal input to compensate for net thermal energy lost to or gained from the at least two thermal loads by the primary circuit loop.