Hot water tank
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hot water storage tanks combined with heat pumps require complex installation systems due to mismatched manufacturing standards, leading to cumbersome adaptation processes.
Innovation Solution
A hot water storage tank design featuring a vertical cylindrical tank with an integrated exchanger, insulated with a foamed sheath, and a modular cladding system using magnetic fasteners and mechanical connections for easy assembly and adaptation to heat pump housings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a metal frame with cladding walls is used to adapt hot water tanks to heat pumps, then the tanks can be combined with heat pumps from different manufacturers, but the installation system becomes complicated and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The cladding is divided into separate modular elements (front cladding, rear cladding, side claddings) that can be independently assembled and attached to the tank, simplifying the overall installation process while maintaining adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The cladding elements are pre-assembled with integrated fastening systems (clips, channels, and attachment mechanisms) before installation, allowing for quick and simple assembly on-site without requiring complex installation procedures
2Adaptability or versatility
If a metal frame with cladding walls is used to adapt hot water tanks to heat pumps, then the tanks can be combined with heat pumps from different manufacturers, but the installation process becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The cladding is segmented into multiple independent elements that can be quickly assembled and attached, reducing the overall installation time compared to a monolithic cladding system
Solution Approach 2:
Fastening elements and connection mechanisms are pre-integrated into the cladding design, enabling rapid assembly without requiring time-consuming on-site fabrication or complex fastening procedures
3Strength
If traditional cladding systems are used, then structural strength is maintained, but the ability to easily adapt to different heat pump environments is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The cladding is divided into modular elements that can be independently configured and attached to tanks of different sizes and shapes, providing both structural integrity and adaptability to various heat pump environments
Solution Approach 2:
The cladding elements are designed with universal attachment mechanisms that can accommodate different tank configurations and heat pump models, making the system multi-functional and highly adaptable while maintaining structural strength
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 solution enables straightforward and quick assembly of the storage tank with its cladding, facilitating easy adaptation to various heat pump environments while maintaining thermal efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an insulating sheath foamed directly onto the tank to form a rectangular module
Implementation Method 2
said side panels being connected to the module by magnetic fasteners, which are integrated into the upper part of the insulating shell of the side panels of the module
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
Storage (RECS), comprising a module (M) consisting of a container (1) and an insulating shell (2) foamed directly onto the container (1), and provided with recesses for routing lines along the outside in the casing (3). Two side panels (CG, CD) of the module are provided with magnetic fasteners (FA) in their upper part, which are integrated into the insulating shell (2), and the base (31) is provided with mechanical connections (LM) to the two side panels. The casing (3) covers the two side panels (CG, CD) of the module (M) with two walls (32) and the top (DN). The lower edge (321) of the walls (32) is provided with mechanical connections (LM) and their upper edge (322) with mechanical fasteners (FM). The walls (32) are held at the side parts of the base (31) by their lower edge (321) and in the upper part by their holding at the magnetic attachment point (FA).The edges (331, 332) of the upper part (33) are provided with fastening elements by snapping the mechanical fastenings (LM) of the upper edge (322) of the walls (32).