Dual Thermal Storage Tanks for Hot-Cold Fluid Utilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing energy storage facilities are limited by the restriction of using carbon steel or stainless steel tanks based on temperature ranges, which reduces thermal storage capacity and modularity, and lack a system that efficiently utilizes all tanks for both hot and cold fluid storage.
Innovation Solution
An energy storage facility with dual tanks capable of storing both hot and cold fluids, utilizing a piston effect with a pressurized working gas to maximize tank utilization, allowing almost all tanks to be used for thermal energy storage, and incorporating a single dual tank to reduce material and space requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If tanks are defined for low or high temperature with specific material restrictions, then initial investment is reduced, but thermal storage capacity and versatility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dual tanks capable of operating in both cold and hot temperature conditions, allowing the same tank to serve multiple functions. This multi-functionality increases thermal storage capacity and versatility without proportionally increasing the number of tanks, thereby improving adaptability while controlling manufacturing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameter of the dual tanks to stainless steel, which can withstand both high and low temperature conditions. This material parameter change enables the tanks to operate across a wider temperature range, allowing a single tank to replace what would traditionally require multiple specialized tanks, thus increasing thermal storage capacity without linearly increasing investment.
2Productivity
If more tanks are used to increase thermal storage capacity, then energy capacity increases, but facility volume and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
By implementing dual tanks that can store both cold and hot fluids, the patent maximizes the utilization of each tank's volume. Almost all tanks in the facility can be used for thermal energy storage, with only one tank remaining empty. This approach increases energy capacity without requiring a proportional increase in facility volume, as each tank serves multiple purposes throughout the operational cycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuous useful action by maintaining a balanced operational cycle where tanks are alternately filled and emptied. At any given time, nearly all tanks are utilized - either storing hot or cold fluid - maximizing the continuous productive use of facility volume and increasing energy capacity within the existing spatial constraints.
3Productivity
If dual tanks are implemented to maximize tank utilization, then thermal storage capacity increases, but material requirements and cost per tank increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dual tanks made of stainless steel that can operate in both cold and hot conditions, allowing maximum tank utilization. While the material cost per dual tank is higher than single-temperature tanks, the overall cost efficiency is improved because almost all tanks can be used simultaneously, reducing the total number of tanks needed for a given energy capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies homogeneity by making all dual tanks identical in construction and capability. This standardization allows for economies of scale in manufacturing and maintenance, reducing the per-unit cost impact of using expensive stainless steel. The uniform design simplifies fabrication processes and reduces variability in material requirements across the tank fleet.
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
Enhances thermal storage capacity and versatility by allowing almost all tanks to be used, reducing the number of tanks and components, while maintaining high efficiency and ease of scalability through modular design.
Implementation Method 1
the movement of the fluids is carried out by means of a piston effect, using a pressurized working gas
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
Improved energy storage facility, made up of three or more thermal fluid storage tanks, a heat source and recovery equipment, characterized in that at least one of the tanks is a dual tank configured to store hot fluid and cold fluid at different times of operation.