Multi-Temperature Supply Pipe for Bilateral Heat Trade Networks

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional thermal energy network systems are inefficient as they supply thermal energy at a single temperature, making it difficult to utilize thermal energies of different temperatures generated by heat sources using fossil fuels and renewable energy sources simultaneously.

Innovation Solution

A supply pipe system with multiple internal pipes of different temperatures within an external pipe, along with a filler for insulation, allows for the simultaneous accumulation and efficient distribution of thermal energies of varying temperatures, driven by an operation system that controls pressure and flow to optimize energy exchange.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single temperature supply method is used, then the supply pipe structure is simple, but thermal energies of different temperatures cannot be accumulated simultaneously

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to accumulate thermal energies of different temperaturesVSAvoidsupply pipe structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The supply pipe is segmented into multiple internal pipes (first internal pipe for high-temperature thermal energy, second internal pipe for low-temperature thermal energy) within a single external pipe. This segmentation allows different temperature zones to be maintained independently while using a unified external structure, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple internal pipes carrying different temperature thermal energies are nested within the external pipe. The first internal pipe and second internal pipe are disposed inside the external pipe in a nested configuration, enabling the system to accumulate and transport multiple temperature levels simultaneously without requiring separate external pipe systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Productivity

If thermal energy is supplied at a single temperature, then the supply system is simple to operate, but energy efficiency is reduced due to inability to match user temperature requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoidtemperature control flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically selects which internal pipe (first or second) to supply based on real-time temperature requirements. The operation can switch between high-temperature supply mode, low-temperature supply mode, or combined supply mode, providing dynamic adaptability that improves energy efficiency while maintaining operational simplicity through automated control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Different parts of the supply system (different internal pipes) are assigned different temperature qualities to match specific user needs. The first internal pipe provides high-temperature thermal energy for industrial uses, while the second internal pipe provides low-temperature thermal energy for residential uses, optimizing energy efficiency for each application.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Loss of energy

If surplus heat is not utilized, then the system operation is simple, but energy waste increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurplus heat utilizationVSAvoidheat exchange system

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of discarding surplus heat from the first internal pipe, the system recovers it by enabling heat exchange with the second internal pipe. The operation system facilitates heat transfer from the high-temperature first internal pipe to the low-temperature second internal pipe, recovering energy that would otherwise be wasted and improving overall system efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

Solution Approach 2:

The operation system acts as an intermediary that coordinates heat exchange between the first and second internal pipes. It monitors temperature conditions and activates heat transfer mechanisms when surplus heat is detected, enabling automated energy recovery without requiring complex manual intervention or additional hardware.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Enables the simultaneous use of thermal energies of different temperatures, improving energy efficiency by allowing users to receive thermal energy at desired temperatures and reusing surplus heat through multi-step heat exchange, thereby enhancing overall heat utilization.

Implementation Method 1

a filler that fills the external pipe inside which the at least two internal pipes are disposed

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Data Source

PatentUS10344989B2Supply pipe and pipe system for thermal energy network based on bilateral heat trade

Publication Date: 2019.07.09 KOREA INST OF ENERGY RES

AI summary

Provided are a supply pipe and a pipe system that may simultaneously accumulate a plurality of thermal energies having different temperatures in a thermal energy network based on bilateral heat trade. The supply pipe is driven by an operation system, supplies a thermal energy to a user or a heat source, and includes an external pipe, at least two internal pipes that are disposed inside the external pipe and accumulate a thermal energy having a predetermined temperature, and a filler that fills the external pipe inside which the at least two internal pipes are disposed, wherein the at least two internal pipes have thermal energies having different temperatures.