Fractal Thermal Store Grid Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modular thermal stores face limitations in scalability, efficiency, and cost due to restricted module combination possibilities and excessive insulation usage, leading to reduced usable capacity and increased heat losses.
Innovation Solution
A modular thermal store designed as a three-dimensional grid with permeable and impermeable boundary surfaces between cells, allowing flexible fluid flow paths and reduced insulation needs, enabling scalable and cost-effective construction using standardized elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If modules are connected through fittings on impermeable surfaces, then scalability is achieved, but the number of possible spatial arrangements is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal store is divided into modular cells that can be independently arranged. Each cell can be connected to multiple neighboring cells through permeable boundary surfaces, creating a segmented structure that enables various spatial configurations without being constrained by fixed fitting positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The boundary surfaces between cells are designed to be permeable rather than impermeable, allowing fluid flow across cell boundaries. This dynamic approach enables flexible routing of fluid through the thermal store, permitting multiple spatial arrangements and configurations depending on the specific application requirements.
2Productivity
If through-flow occurs from fitting to fitting, then module connectivity is achieved, but dead volumes reduce usable capacity
Solution Approach 1:
Different boundary surfaces between cells are designed with different permeability characteristics. Some boundary surfaces are permeable to facilitate fluid flow and heat transfer, while others are impermeable to define flow paths and prevent dead volumes. This local differentiation optimizes both connectivity and usable capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid flow path is designed to be continuous through permeable boundary surfaces, eliminating dead volumes where fluid would stagnate. By ensuring continuous flow from cell to cell through strategically placed permeable surfaces, the system maintains useful action throughout the thermal store, maximizing heat transfer efficiency and usable capacity.
3Volume of stationary object
If modules are arranged abutting one another for compact construction, then space requirement is minimized, but insulation material is used unnecessarily
Solution Approach 1:
The unnecessary insulation material is extracted from the design. By arranging modules abutting one another and using impermeable boundary surfaces to define flow paths, the system eliminates the need for insulation on internal surfaces. Insulation is only applied where externally required, reducing material usage while maintaining thermal efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The permeability parameter of boundary surfaces is changed from uniform impermeability to selective permeability. This parameter change allows internal surfaces to be exposed without insulation, as the flow path design naturally prevents heat loss through impermeable surfaces, while still allowing thermal coupling where needed through permeable surfaces.
4Reliability
If impermeable partition walls are used in all modules, then fluid containment is achieved, but heat losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
Boundary surfaces are differentiated into permeable and impermeable regions based on local requirements. Impermeable surfaces are used where fluid containment is critical, while permeable surfaces are used where heat transfer and fluid flow are desired. This local quality differentiation optimizes both containment reliability and thermal efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
Permeable boundary surfaces act as intermediaries between cells, allowing controlled fluid flow and heat transfer while maintaining the structural integrity of the modular system. These intermediary surfaces enable thermal coupling between adjacent cells without compromising fluid containment in the overall system.
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 modular design simplifies planning and reduces costs by allowing adaptable fluid flow paths and optimized insulation, enhancing efficiency and scalability while minimizing heat losses.
Implementation Method 1
at least one, preferably a plurality, of the boundary surfaces between adjacent cells is permeable to a fluid. The boundary surfaces permeable to the fluid between adjacent cells thus form a flow path from cell to cell.
Implementation Method 2
A thermal storage material is typically used, through which a fluid flows. Heat can thus be transferred from the fluid to the storage material or heat can be transferred from the storage material to the fluid depending on the temperature of the fluid and the temperature of the thermal storage material.
Implementation Method 3
Heat can thus be transferred from the fluid to the storage material or heat can be transferred from the storage material to the fluid depending on the temperature of the fluid and the temperature of the thermal storage material.
Implementation Method 4
each module as such has to include partition walls which are impermeable to the fluid and thermally insulated in all directions
Data Source
AI summary
Thermal store, wherein the thermal store includes a basic framework (14) of the thermal store, wherein the basic framework (14) has the form of a three-dimensional grid having a plurality of cells, wherein boundary surfaces between adjacent cells are surrounded by grid lines of the grid, wherein at least one, preferably a plurality, of the boundary surfaces between adjacent cells is permeable to a fluid in order to form a flow path from cell to cell for the fluid.