Method and apparatus for charging and/or discharging a thermal energy storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermal energy storage systems face challenges in minimizing radial velocities and mixing during charging and discharging, leading to inefficiencies and internal losses due to turbulence.
Innovation Solution
A device and method utilizing radially outward guide elements to generate a swirling flow, which influences the flow course both radially and tangentially, reducing high radial velocities and mixing by creating a more uniform velocity profile and minimizing impulse reduction to the vicinity of the feed device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If radial diffusers are used for charging and discharging thermal energy storage, then the charging and discharging process can be carried out, but high radial velocities and vertical deflection of the jet at the wall occur, leading to intensive mixing within the storage tank
Solution Approach 1:
The diffuser is divided into multiple sections with different outlet orientations. Some outlets are arranged radially for direct charging/discharging, while others are arranged tangentially to generate swirling flow. This segmentation allows the system to simultaneously achieve high productivity through radial flow and reduce mixing losses through tangential swirling flow that creates a more uniform velocity profile.
2Volume of moving object
If the diffuser opening is positioned close to the storage tank side wall, then the tank design is compact, but high radial velocities and vertical deflection of the jet occur, causing intensive mixing
Solution Approach 1:
The diffuser outlets are not uniformly arranged but are asymmetrically positioned and oriented. By strategically positioning outlets at different locations and angles (radial and tangential), the system maintains compact tank design while creating asymmetric flow patterns that reduce vertical jet deflection and minimize disruption to thermal stratification.
3Loss of energy
If guide elements are added to reduce turbulence, then mixing losses are reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The diffuser structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it distributes fluid uniformly through radial outlets, generates controlled swirling flow through tangential outlets, and regulates flow velocity through its geometric design. This multi-functionality reduces turbulence and mixing losses without requiring additional separate guide elements or complex mechanisms.
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 significantly reduces mixing and internal losses, achieving a high degree of utilization (over 90%) by maintaining the discharge temperature close to the loading temperature, thereby enhancing the efficiency of thermal energy storage.
Implementation Method 1
A device and method utilizing radially outward guide elements to generate a swirling flow, which influences the flow course both radially and tangentially
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 1c~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for charging and/or discharging a thermal energy store, in the case of which device the thermal energy store can be charged with at least one fluid as a storage medium by means of a feed apparatus, wherein: the feed apparatus has at least two or more guide elements pointing radially outward in an arcuate shape for producing a swirling flow, and/or two or more guide elements pointing radially outward in an arcuate shape adjoin the feed apparatus, which guide elements influence the flow pattern in the radial direction, and/or the energy store has at least one assembly for producing a swirling flow, such that the feed is arranged tangentially to the store wall and the flow pattern is influenced in the tangential direction. The invention further relates to a method for charging and/or discharging a thermal energy store, wherein the thermal energy store is charged with at least one fluid as a storage medium by means of a feed apparatus, and the flow pattern of the fluid flowing into the energy store via the feed is influenced radially and/or tangentially. A swirling flow and an advantageous velocity distribution with little mixing of the flow profile in the energy store take effect, the swirling flow being radially produced by means of at least two or more guide elements pointing radially outward in an arcuate shape, and/or the feed occurring tangentially to the store wall and influencing the flow pattern in the tangential direction.