Rigid Heat Storage Device with Integrated Fluid Interfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heat/cold storage devices are complex, not very robust, and lack flexibility, making them difficult to transport and reuse at different sites, requiring significant handling and limited to the site of generation.
Innovation Solution
A robust heat/cold storage device with a rigid internal container integrated into a sturdy external container, featuring external fluid interfaces for easy connection and reduced handling, allowing for transportation and use in confined spaces, with internal interfaces optimized for efficient heat transfer and insulation to maintain temperature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a heat/cold storage device uses a flexible structure with internal interfaces, then it allows for easier assembly and disassembly, but it becomes less robust and difficult to transport
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the internal interfaces with the external container walls by integrating the fluid passage interfaces directly into the container structure. This integration eliminates separate internal components that would require assembly and disassembly, while maintaining a robust, transportable unit. The container walls themselves serve as both structural elements and fluid interfaces.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a heat/cold storage device has multiple external interfaces for fluid passage, then it allows for flexible connection options, but it increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universal fluid interfaces that can handle both charge fluid and discharge fluid passages through the same container walls. The interfaces are designed to be multi-functional, accommodating different fluid flow directions and temperatures while maintaining a standardized, simple structural approach. This reduces the need for specialized interfaces for each function.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a heat/cold storage device is designed for easy transport, then it becomes more flexible in location, but it requires simplified structure that may compromise heat transfer efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating heat transfer functionality at specific localized interface regions within the container walls, while the rest of the container structure remains simple and transport-friendly. The interfaces are designed with optimized heat transfer characteristics at these specific locations, while the overall container maintains a simple, robust form factor suitable for transport and flexible deployment.
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 device provides enhanced flexibility and robustness for transporting and reusing heat/cold energy, simplifying operations and enabling use in various locations with reduced handling and risk of degradation, while maintaining efficient heat transfer and temperature control.
Implementation Method 1
store heat in order to then restore it later... heat exchange between the fluid and the material with thermal inertia
Implementation Method 2
heat transfer to a target fluid... heat exchange between the fluid and the material
Implementation Method 3
rigid internal container integrated into a sturdy external container... insulation to maintain temperature
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to a device (100) for storing heat/cold, by means of transfer from a fluid, known as a charge fluid, for subsequent re-use by means of transfer to a fluid, known as a discharge fluid, said device (100) comprising: an external rigid container (102) forming the walls (1061;1062;1063;1064;1065, 1066) of the device (100); a rigid storage module (108) arranged inside the external container (102) and comprising an internal rigid container (116) forming the walls of the storage module (108) and a storage assembly (118) arranged inside the internal container (116) for calorie/frigorie storage; a cold external interface (1041) arranged on a wall (1061;1062;1063;1064;1065, 1066) of the external container (102) and in communication with a cold internal interface (1101) arranged on the storage module (108), said cold interfaces (1041, 1101) being used for the passage of so-called cold fluids between the cold external interface (1041) and the storage module (108); and a hot external interface (1042) arranged on a wall (1061;1062;1063;1064;1065, 1066) of the external container (102) and in communication with a hot internal interface (1102) arranged on the storage module (108), said hot interfaces (1042, 1102) being used for the passage of so-called hot fluids having a temperature greater than the temperature of the cold fluids, between the hot external interface (1042) and the storage module (108), said cold and hot external interfaces (1041, 1042) being arranged on a single wall (1061) or on two adjacent walls (106) of the external container (102).