Hot Water Tank Diffuser with Deflectors to Preserve Stratification
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing diffusers for hot water storage tanks often disrupt stratification by creating vortices, especially at high flow rates, which can mix hot and cold water layers, reducing energy efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A diffuser design featuring deflection elements, such as cylindrical rings or pins, encased in two disks, which redirect and dampen the momentum of incoming water, minimizing vortex formation and maintaining stratification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If water is introduced at high flow rates into the tank, then productivity is improved, but vortices are formed that disrupt stratification
Solution Approach 1:
A diffuser device is introduced as an intermediary component between the water inlet and the tank interior. The diffuser includes a diffuser body with inlet and outlet openings, and a diffuser element positioned within the outlet opening to control water discharge. This intermediary structure breaks up the direct high-velocity water jet into a distributed flow pattern, allowing high flow rates to be maintained while preventing vortex formation and stratification disruption.
Solution Approach 2:
The diffuser element modifies the physical parameters of the water flow at the outlet. By changing the flow distribution pattern, velocity profile, and discharge direction through the diffuser element geometry, the system maintains high overall flow rates while localizing and controlling the flow characteristics to prevent vortex formation that would disrupt thermal stratification.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a box like construction is used to disrupt water flow, then vortex formation is reduced, but water exits in a vertical direction that creates drafts and disturbs stratification
Solution Approach 1:
The diffuser body is segmented into multiple openings distributed across its surface, rather than a single large outlet. The diffuser element further segments the water flow by creating multiple discharge streams through its geometry. This segmentation distributes the water introduction points throughout the tank cross-section, eliminating concentrated vertical jets that create drafts, while maintaining effective flow disruption to prevent vortices.
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 diffuser effectively reduces water velocity and prevents vortex formation, allowing for efficient introduction of water into the tank without disturbing the stratified layers, thus enhancing energy efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
redirect and dampen the momentum of incoming water, minimizing vortex formation
Implementation Method 2
effectively reduces water velocity and prevents vortex formation
Implementation Method 3
stratification is understood as the occurrence and maintenance of adjacent, vertically distributed masses of water of different temperature and density
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A diffuser for hot water storage tanks comprising a first disk equipped with one substantially centered opening and a second opposing disk, wherein a plurality of deflector elements are attached to at least one of the disks. The diffuser can be provided with either cylindrical or pin deflector elements attached to one or more of said disks. The combined effect of the deflectors and the shrouding provided by the two opposing disks integral to the diffuser permit the introduction and extraction of water to and from a water tank without compromising stratification.