Modular Heated-Liquid Storage With Vertical Header Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermal storage systems for district heating plants face challenges such as structural risks, regulatory requirements, large footprint, lengthy construction times, landscaping needs, and logistical complexities due to exceptional transport, leading to inefficiencies and high costs.
Innovation Solution
A modular storage system using container modules with predefined dimensions, arranged vertically and connected via fluid lines, allowing for flexible configuration and rapid installation, reducing seismic risk and eliminating the need for extensive foundations or concealment structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a traditional vertical thermal storage system is used, then the storage capacity is sufficient, but the structural risks and foundation requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The storage system is divided into multiple modular container units (2) that can be arranged horizontally in series. Each container is a self-contained module with its own distributors and headers, allowing the system to achieve large storage capacity without the structural risks of a single tall vertical structure. The containers are connected via fluid lines to form a complete storage system.
2Volume of stationary object
If a vertical storage system with significant height is constructed, then the storage volume is adequate, but the construction time and regulatory permissions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The container modules are manufactured as complete, pre-assembled units with all internal components (distributors, headers, insulation) already in place. This preliminary fabrication allows for rapid on-site assembly where containers are simply positioned on existing foundations and connected via fluid lines, dramatically reducing construction time compared to building a custom vertical structure from scratch.
3Quantity of substance
If a large vertical storage structure is built, then the storage capacity is sufficient, but the area occupation and landscape impact increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of expanding vertically to increase storage capacity, the system expands horizontally by arranging multiple container modules in series. This dimensional shift allows the storage system to achieve large capacity while maintaining a compact footprint that can be configured to fit available space and minimize landscape impact.
4Ease of manufacture
If exceptional transport is used for large storage components, then the storage system can be assembled, but the logistical complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The storage system is segmented into standard-sized container modules that can be transported using conventional transport methods. Each module is self-contained and can be moved independently to the installation site, eliminating the need for exceptional transport arrangements and reducing logistical complexity while maintaining assembly feasibility.
5Productivity
If a modular container system is used, then the construction speed and flexibility improve, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple container modules are merged into a unified storage system through standardized fluid line connections. The modules work together as an integrated system with coordinated distributors and headers, achieving rapid construction through modular assembly while the standardized interfaces keep the overall system complexity manageable.
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 modular system enables quick on-site construction, reduces disruption, enhances thermal stratification, and improves heat distribution, while offering flexibility and resilience against faults, with lower costs and environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
at least one distributor or header located in a vertically lower portion of the storage compartment for supplying the liquid to the container module
Implementation Method 2
at least one header or distributor located in a vertically upper portion of the storage compartment for conveying the liquid outside of the storage compartment
Implementation Method 3
enhances thermal stratification, and improves heat distribution
Data Source
Figure 1A~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5A
AI summary
The present invention relates to a storage system (1) for a heated liquid, comprising a plurality of container modules (2) and wherein: - each container module (2) delimits a storage compartment (4) for a heated liquid; - each container module (2) has a predefined length (L), predefined height (H) and predefined width (W); - said plurality of container modules (2) is arranged in an adjacent or mutually contacting position; - the predefined length (L) of each container module (2) is oriented substantially vertically; - the storage compartments (4) of the container modules are connected together with a fluid connection; - optionally said storage system (1) comprises a filling line (24) for filling said storage system by means of a liquid source (10) and, preferably, a supply line (26) connecting said storage system to a liquid user (12); wherein at least one container module (2) or a plurality of said container modules (2) comprises (a) at least one distributor or a header (32) located in a vertically lower portion (18) of the storage compartment (4) so as to supply the liquid to the container module (2) or convey the liquid outside of the storage compartment; and (b) at least one header or a distributor (34) located in a vertically upper portion (16) of the storage compartment (4) so as to convey the liquid outside of the storage compartment (4) or supply the liquid to the container module. The present invention also relates to a district heating plant, a building method and use of said storage system (1) as a thermal storage system