Latent Heat Accumulator With Decentralized Collector Flow Control
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing energy supply systems with latent heat stores face inefficiencies in heat management and operational flexibility, particularly in high-performance systems, due to reliance on central pumps and limited control over collector units, which affects thermal yield and regeneration efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A method and system featuring a collector array with decentralized, controllable delivery units that adjust mass flow based on operating parameters, allowing simultaneous operation of multiple collector units with independent control, enabling flexible heat absorption and emission, and optimizing regeneration of latent heat stores without the need for a central pump.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a central pump is used to deliver heat transfer fluid through collector units, then the system structure is simplified, but the operational flexibility and control over individual collector units is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the collector field into multiple independently controllable collector units, each with its own delivery unit. This segmentation allows individual control of heat transfer fluid flow through each collector unit, enabling flexible adaptation to varying thermal conditions without requiring a complex central control system for the entire field.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control capabilities by equipping each collector unit with adjustable delivery units that can modify the mass flow of heat transfer fluid in real-time. This allows the system to adapt to changing environmental conditions and thermal demands, optimizing performance while maintaining a relatively simple overall system structure.
2Productivity
If the mass flow of heat transfer fluid is increased through collector units, then the thermal yield is improved, but the risk of blockages and system failures increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamically adjustable delivery units at each collector unit that can modulate the mass flow of heat transfer fluid based on actual thermal conditions and system state. This dynamic control allows the system to operate at optimal flow rates that maximize thermal yield while preventing conditions that lead to blockages, thereby maintaining both high productivity and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor operating parameters and adjust the mass flow of heat transfer fluid accordingly. This feedback control ensures that collectors operate within safe flow ranges that prevent blockages while maintaining high thermal efficiency, resolving the contradiction between productivity and reliability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If collector units are operated simultaneously with independent control, then the operational flexibility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the collector field into independently controllable units, each with its own delivery mechanism. This segmentation provides operational flexibility to control individual collectors based on their specific thermal conditions while keeping the control logic for each unit relatively simple, avoiding the need for a complex centralized control system.
Solution Approach 2:
Each collector unit is equipped with its own delivery unit that can autonomously adjust the heat transfer fluid flow based on local conditions. This self-service capability allows simultaneous operation of multiple collectors with independent control while minimizing the complexity of external control systems, as each unit manages its own 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
This approach enhances the operational efficiency and flexibility of energy supply systems by optimizing thermal performance, improving heat yield, and allowing for dynamic adjustment to environmental conditions, reducing the risk of blockages, and increasing the overall performance potential of collector units.
Implementation Method 1
collector units (10) which are in heat exchange with the ambient air surrounding them
Implementation Method 2
latent heat storage device (212) in which phase change material filled in containers is in contact with heat conducting plates
Implementation Method 3
latent heat storage device (212)
Implementation Method 4
extraction heat exchanger, which extracts heat from the storage medium, for example water, which is cooled in the process
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for operating an energy supply system (200), a collector array (100) for an energy supply system (200), and an energy supply system which comprises at least one latent heat store (212) and a collector array (100) of collector units (10) coupled to one another , and a hydraulic circuit (240), which connects the collector field (100) to a common device (210), which mainly serves as a heat sink and/or at least temporarily as a heat source and which includes the latent heat storage device (212), with two or more collector units (10) of the collector field (100) are traversed by a mass flow of a heat transfer fluid of the hydraulic circuit (240) conveyed by a conveying device with conveying units (110), with at least two of the collector units (10) each being supplied by a conveying unit assigned to the respective collector unit (10). (110) with a mass flow of the heat carrier fluid ds are simultaneously acted upon at least at times, the mass flow of the heat transfer fluid conveyed by at least one of the conveying units (110) being adjusted as a function of at least one operating parameter of the collector unit (10) influencing a thermal yield of the respective collector unit (10).