Parallel Water Thermal Storage Tanks for Stable Stratification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multiple-tank water thermal storage systems face inefficiencies in thermal energy storage and distribution due to high water flow rates, mixing of hot and cold water, and difficulties in synchronous charging and releasing, particularly in parallel-connected tank configurations, which compromise peak-trough electricity usage balancing and cost savings.
Innovation Solution
A multiple-tank water thermal storage system with parallel connection, utilizing level and temperature sensors, flow meters, and control valves to manage water flow and levels, allowing for simultaneous and synchronous thermal energy charging and releasing, thereby maintaining stratification and optimizing thermal storage efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of stationary object
If tanks are connected in series to store thermal energy, then the thermal storage volume capacity is increased, but the water flow rate through each tank becomes relatively high causing undesirable efficacy in water diffusion and mixing of hot and cold water
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the thermal storage system into multiple independent tanks connected in parallel rather than in series. Each tank operates independently with its own diffusers and control systems, allowing simultaneous thermal energy storage in multiple tanks without the cumulative flow rate problems of series connection. This segmentation maintains low flow rates in each tank while achieving the required total storage capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional series connection to multi-dimensional parallel connection architecture. By connecting tanks in parallel and using multiple diffusers (upper and lower) in each tank, the system creates multiple simultaneous thermal storage pathways, effectively adding dimensional complexity to the flow distribution and eliminating the sequential flow bottlenecks of series connection.
2Loss of energy
If tanks are connected in parallel to store thermal energy simultaneously, then the water flow rate to each tank is reduced improving diffusion efficacy, but the water levels in tanks fluctuate intensively during synchronous operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements level sensors in each tank that provide real-time feedback on water levels to a control system. Based on this feedback, control valves automatically adjust the water flow to each tank to maintain stable water levels during synchronous charging and discharging operations, preventing overflow and ensuring proper diffuser submersion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses dynamically adjustable control valves on the water supply and discharge lines of each tank to adaptively balance water levels. These valves can be adjusted in real-time based on operational conditions, allowing the system to maintain stability during varying load conditions while preserving the benefits of parallel connection.
3Productivity
If the power of heat or cool sources is increased to fully load the system, then the thermal storage capability is enhanced, but the water flow becomes relatively big causing undesirable efficacy in water diffusion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the thermal storage load across multiple parallel tanks, allowing the heat or cool source to operate at high capacity while distributing the water flow across several tanks. Each tank receives a portion of the total flow, maintaining low flow rates and effective diffusion even when the overall system is fully loaded.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional system where multiple tanks can simultaneously perform thermal energy storage, and the control system can flexibly allocate flow distribution among tanks based on operational requirements. This allows the system to maintain optimal diffusion conditions while accommodating varying thermal storage demands.
4Volume of stationary object
If frequent tank switching operations are performed to store thermal energy in multiple tanks individually, then the thermal storage volume capacity is increased, but the operational complexity and potential for mistakes increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the thermal storage function across multiple parallel tanks that operate simultaneously rather than sequentially. The control system manages all tanks in unison, eliminating the need for manual switching operations between tanks while achieving the required total storage capacity through coordinated parallel operation.
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 solution enhances thermal storage efficiency and reduces operational costs by minimizing water flow and preventing mixing, allowing for flexible tank positioning and precise control of thermal energy distribution, achieving better peak-trough balancing and cost savings compared to serial or individual tank configurations.
Implementation Method 1
The natural stratification water thermal storage technology makes natural stratification of hot and cold water in the same tank with a very simple structure and without artificial separation devices, by utilizing the principle that water of higher temperatures floats upward with a lower density whereas water of lower temperatures tanks with a higher density.
Implementation Method 2
Water thermal storage technology uses water as a thermal storage medium to store thermal energy utilizing the absorption and releasing of sensible heat during changes of the water temperature.
Implementation Method 3
Apparently, the bigger water flow is, the stronger is water distribution intensity (flow volume per area of water distribution) the easier is to disturb water in tanks and mix hot and cold water together, resulting in lower thermal storage efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A multiple-tank water thermal storage system and its using method belong to energy saving technology. The multiple-tank water thermal storage system includes at least two water tanks. There are an upper diffuser (2) and a lower diffuser (5) provided in each said water tank. The upper and lower diffusers (2, 5) are connected with a chiller (heater) unit (4) and a heat exchanger (11) after connecting in parallel, respectively. Control valves (8) are set on pipes of the upper and the lower diffusers (2, 5), respectively. A thermal energy-charging pump (1) is set on the water-inlet pipe of chiller (heater) unit (4). A thermal energy-releasing pump (10) is set on the water-inlet pipe of the heat exchanger (11), and temperature sensors (6) are set in the water tanks.