Offset Plate Stratified Storage Tank for Laminar Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stratified storage tanks with horizontal barriers face a challenge in maintaining layer separation both when water is still and when it is circulated, as small openings cause turbulence during circulation while larger openings allow mixing between layers.
Innovation Solution
The use of offset surface elements with a small vertical distance and high flow resistance, forming a meandering flow path that maintains low flow speeds and prevents turbulence, ensuring laminar flow and temperature stratification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If small openings are used in separating plates, then layer separation is improved, but turbulence increases during water circulation
Solution Approach 1:
The separating means is divided into multiple surface elements (first and second surface elements) arranged at different vertical levels, creating a segmented structure that breaks the direct flow path and reduces turbulence while maintaining layer separation
Solution Approach 2:
The separating means extends in the vertical dimension with surface elements at different heights, creating a three-dimensional flow path that forces water to move in a meandering pattern rather than directly through a single plane, thereby reducing turbulence
2Object-generated harmful factors
If large openings are used in separating plates, then turbulence is reduced, but mixing between adjacent storage layers occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The separating means is segmented into multiple surface elements at different vertical levels, providing multiple barriers that prevent mixing between layers while the distributed structure reduces localized turbulence compared to a single large opening
Solution Approach 2:
The gap between the first and second surface elements acts as an intermediary flow path that mediates between the need for separation and the need to reduce turbulence, forcing water through a controlled meandering path
3Stability of the object's composition
If separating plates with small openings are used, then layer separation is improved, but flow resistance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The separating means is segmented into multiple surface elements with gaps between them, distributing the flow resistance across multiple points rather than concentrating it in a single small opening, thereby reducing overall energy loss
Solution Approach 2:
The vertical arrangement of surface elements creates a three-dimensional flow path that, while longer, allows for more gradual pressure equalization and reduces the localized pressure drop associated with small openings
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 configuration effectively separates storage layers during both still and circulating conditions, maintaining temperature stratification and preventing mixing, even during winter heating modes where turbulence is more pronounced.
Implementation Method 1
a laminar flow with a low flow rate is achieved during the follow-up flow, which contributes to maintaining the temperature stratification in the stratified storage tank
Implementation Method 2
turbulence can form within the storage tank in layers, which has a negative effect on the stratification in the storage tank in layers
Implementation Method 3
Stratified storage uses the density differences of water with different temperatures, so that warm water is stored in the upper area and cold water in the lower area
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The storage tank (1) comprises a storage vessel (2) and several water supplying portions (10-15). A horizontal separating element (4) is provided to divide the tank into storage areas (3). The offset surface elements (5,6) of the horizontal separating element are formed mutually at low vertical distance (7).