Ice thermal storage tank and water cooler having the same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ice thermal storage tanks with stirrers suffer from noise generation, ineffective ice convection, incomplete melting of ice on the evaporator surface, and increased device size, which hinder efficient cold water generation and energy savings.
Innovation Solution
A micro-ice thermal storage tank employing a circulation system without a stirrer, utilizing a jetting unit and pump to circulate ice storage liquid, and a thermoelectric cooling device to enhance latent heat utilization, with a spiral-shaped injection nozzle for efficient heat exchange, and a temperature sensor for controlled cooling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a stirrer is installed in the ice thermal storage tank to circulate ice storage liquid, then ice melting and heat convection are enhanced, but device size increases and noise is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the stirrer component from the ice thermal storage tank, extracting the noise-generating and space-consuming mechanical circulation device while maintaining ice melting efficiency through alternative means (natural convection and optimized tank geometry)
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes natural convection currents generated by temperature differences within the tank to circulate ice storage liquid, eliminating the need for external mechanical stirring while still achieving effective heat transfer and ice melting
2Productivity
If a stirrer is used to circulate ice storage liquid, then heat convection is improved, but noise is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the stirrer component from the ice thermal storage tank, extracting the noise-generating and space-consuming mechanical circulation device while maintaining ice melting efficiency through alternative means (natural convection and optimized tank geometry)
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes natural convection currents generated by temperature differences within the tank to circulate ice storage liquid, eliminating the need for external mechanical stirring while still achieving effective heat transfer and ice melting
3Productivity
If a stirrer is installed to melt ice on evaporator surface, then ice melting is enhanced, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the stirrer component from the ice thermal storage tank, extracting the noise-generating and space-consuming mechanical circulation device while maintaining ice melting efficiency through alternative means (natural convection and optimized tank geometry)
4Reliability
If conventional ice thermal storage tank is used with stirrer, then structure is complete, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the stirrer component from the ice thermal storage tank, extracting the noise-generating and space-consuming mechanical circulation device while maintaining ice melting efficiency through alternative means (natural convection and optimized tank geometry)
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs simpler, more cost-effective materials and construction methods for the tank body and internal components, prioritizing functional adequacy over premium materials, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining reliable operation
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 reduces noise, enhances cold water generation efficiency, minimizes device size, and achieves cost-effective manufacturing while effectively controlling cooling systems to produce desired cold water temperatures and conserve energy.
Implementation Method 1
a cooling device (120) connected to the tank body (110) to cool the ice storage liquid accommodated in the tank body (110)
Implementation Method 2
ice formed on a surface of the evaporator 30 by using a flow of the ice storage liquid. Here, as ice formed on the surface of the evaporator 30 is melted, it absorbs latent heat
Implementation Method 3
a jetting unit for jetting the ice storage liquid to the tank body
Implementation Method 4
a cold water generation unit heat-exchanging introduced water with the cooled ice storage liquid to generate cold water
Data Source
AI summary
There are provided an ice thermal storage tank having excellent cold water generation efficiency and having a considerably reduced size, and a water cooler having the same. The ice thermal storage tank includes: a tank body accommodating an ice storage liquid cooled according to an ice thermal storage scheme; a cold water generation unit heat-exchanging introduced water with the cooled ice storage liquid to generate cold water; and a circulation unit extracting the ice storage liquid accommodated in the tank body to circulate it within the tank body. The water cooler includes: the thermal storage tank cooling water supplied from the outside; and a water dispensing unit dispensing cooled water from the ice thermal storage tank. Since an ice storage liquid is circulated without using a stirrer, the size of an ice thermal storage tank can be remarkably reduced, and thus, a water cooler is reduced in size.