Labyrinth Thermal Storage Unit for Seasonal Heat Regulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current thermal storage units lack the ability to efficiently utilize ambient temperature fluctuations for temperature regulation in buildings, as they do not effectively store and release thermal energy based on environmental conditions.
Innovation Solution
A hermetically sealed and thermally insulated container with a labyrinth-like interior and temperature-accumulating elements that utilize air flow to transfer and store thermal energy from the environment for heating or cooling purposes, allowing for controlled air circulation to regulate room temperature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If thermal storage units are designed with simple structures, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but thermal energy storage efficiency is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal storage unit is divided into multiple independent panels (2) that can be manufactured separately and then assembled. Each panel contains temperature-accumulating elements (5) arranged in a standardized pattern, allowing for modular production that reduces manufacturing complexity while maintaining high thermal storage efficiency through the combined effect of multiple panels.
Solution Approach 2:
The panels (2) are arranged within a container (1) to form a labyrinthine structure, with temperature-accumulating elements (5) nested within the panels. This nested arrangement maximizes the thermal storage capacity within the available space while maintaining a compact overall structure that is easier to manufacture and install.
2Quantity of substance
If thermal storage units use complex internal structures, then thermal energy storage capacity increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The complex thermal storage function is achieved through multiple simple panels (2) that can be independently manufactured and assembled. Each panel contains temperature-accumulating elements (5) in a regular pattern, avoiding the need for complex monolithic structures while achieving high thermal storage capacity through the cumulative effect of multiple panels.
Solution Approach 2:
The panels (2) serve multiple functions: they provide structural support, contain the temperature-accumulating elements (5), and facilitate air flow through their labyrinthine arrangement. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining high thermal storage capacity.
3Reliability
If thermal storage units are hermetically sealed and thermally insulated, then thermal energy retention is improved, but heat transfer efficiency may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The container (1) is hermetically sealed and thermally insulated to prevent unwanted heat loss to the external environment. However, the panels (2) within the container are designed with temperature-accumulating elements (5) that efficiently exchange heat with the passing air. This local differentiation allows simultaneous thermal retention at the system level and efficient heat transfer at the component level.
Solution Approach 2:
The panels (2) act as intermediaries between the insulated container interior and the air flow. They receive thermal energy from the container environment and transfer it to the air, or vice versa, depending on the temperature differential. This intermediary function allows the hermetically sealed container to maintain thermal energy while still enabling efficient heat transfer to the air stream.
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 thermal storage unit efficiently stores and releases thermal energy, effectively utilizing night-time cool temperatures in summer and daytime heat in winter to regulate room temperature, enhancing energy storage capacity and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
Temperature storage systems make it possible to store thermal energy for later use. This thermal energy can be stored in the form of heat or cold and can be stored using a temperature storage unit.
Implementation Method 2
By flowing through the labyrinth, the cold or warm air from outside transfers its temperature to these elements which, when the thermal conditions change, transfer it back to the air flowing through the labyrinth
Implementation Method 3
a hermetically sealed and thermally insulated container (1)
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The purpose of this invention is a thermal storage unit that uses the environment itself to store the cool night temperatures in summer as well as the maximum heat of the middle of the day in winter. It consists of a hermetically sealed and thermally insulated container (1), inside which there are several panels (2) arranged in a winding pattern to form a labyrinth which connects to the room (6) in which the temperature needs to be regulated.