Overflow Element Layout for Thermal Stratification in Fluid Reservoirs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid reservoirs face challenges in maintaining thermal stratification when introducing or removing heat transfer fluids, as conventional overflow elements can disturb the layering process, leading to inefficient energy storage and retrieval.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a flow guide body within the storage cavity, surrounded by a closed wall, with overflow openings limited to a vertical area not exceeding the maximum inner diameter of the external connection, helps to accelerate and direct thermal rise, minimizing flow dynamics and preserving stratification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If conventional overflow elements with vertically arranged overflow openings are used, then the structure is simple, but the thermal stratification in the storage cavity is severely disturbed
Solution Approach 1:
The overflow openings are arranged in a horizontal plane rather than vertically stacked, changing the spatial dimension of the overflow structure. This horizontal arrangement minimizes vertical disruption to thermal layers while maintaining effective overflow function.
Solution Approach 2:
The overflow element is designed with differentiated regions: the overflow openings are localized in a horizontal plane at a specific height, while the external connections are positioned separately. This local optimization allows the overflow function to be performed without broadly affecting the entire storage cavity stratification.
2Stability of the object's composition
If overflow openings are arranged in a horizontal plane, then thermal stratification is improved, but the vertical area occupied by overflow openings must be precisely controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The design specifies that the vertical distance between the highest and lowest overflow openings must not exceed the maximum inner diameter of the external connection. This parameter constraint transforms the overflow element into a self-regulating structure where the geometric relationship between components automatically ensures proper stratification without requiring high-precision manufacturing.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the vertical distance between overflow openings is minimized, then stratification is preserved, but the flow dynamics of heat transfer fluid must be carefully managed
Solution Approach 1:
The overflow element acts as an intermediary structure between the external connection and the storage cavity. It mediates the heat transfer fluid flow by distributing it through multiple horizontal overflow openings, thereby calming the flow dynamics and preventing direct disruption of thermal stratification while maintaining operational effectiveness.
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 design ensures that thermal stratification is maintained undisturbed, allowing for efficient storage and retrieval of heat or cold, reducing energy losses and enhancing the consistency of heat transfer fluid temperature.
Implementation Method 1
The flow guide accelerate and direct the thermal rise of warm heat transfer fluid in the storage cavity
Implementation Method 2
the heat transfer fluid is horizontally stratified in their storage cavity, i.e. stored in horizontal layers of different temperatures
Data Source
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AI summary
Fluid reservoir (1) for storing at least one heat transfer liquid in layers in a storage cavity (2) of the fluid reservoir (1), wherein in the storage cavity (2) of the fluid reservoir (1) there is at least one overflow element (3) for introducing and/or removing heat transfer liquid into and/or or from the reservoir cavity (2) and the overflow element (3) has at least one external connection (4) for connecting the overflow element (3) to lines located outside the reservoir cavity (2), in particular outside the fluid reservoir (1), and the overflow element (3) additionally has a large number of overflow openings (5) for introducing the heat transfer fluid from the overflow element (3) into the accumulator cavity (2) and/or for removing the heat transfer fluid from the accumulator cavity (2) into the overflow element (3), the Overflow openings (5) open into the accumulator cavity (2), wherein, seen in an operating position of the fluid accumulator (1), all e Overflow openings (5) of the overflow element (3) are arranged between two horizontal planes (6, 7), the vertical distance (8) between these two horizontal planes (6, 7) being at most as large as the maximum inner diameter (23 ) of the external connection (4) of the overflow element (3).