Sensible Heat Storage Layout With Integrated Thermal Bridges
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sensible heat storage apparatuses suffer from significant heat losses due to multiple thermal bridges, which reduce the storage time of energy and exacerbate the mismatch between energy supply and demand from fluctuating alternative energy sources.
Innovation Solution
A sensible heat storage apparatus with integrated connections forming a single thermal bridge, located in the bottom 75% of the outer container, combined with a vacuum insulation layer and a pipe-in-pipe configuration to minimize heat loss, and a stratification device to maintain temperature gradients.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple separate connections are provided for inlet and outlet piping, then ease of operation is improved, but heat loss increases due to multiple thermal bridges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate connections (inlet and outlet piping connections) into a single integrated connection point that penetrates the insulation layer only once. This merging of multiple thermal bridges into one reduces the total heat loss while maintaining the functional capability of having both inlet and outlet connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated connection serves multiple functions simultaneously - it provides both the cold water inlet and hot water outlet connections through a single penetration point in the insulation layer, making the connection structure multi-functional and reducing thermal bridges.
2Loss of energy
If insulation layers are added around the vessel, then heat loss is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the connection structure with the insulation layer by providing a single integrated connection point that penetrates the insulation, rather than adding separate complex insulation components for each connection. This merging approach reduces heat loss without significantly increasing device complexity.
3Loss of energy
If thermal bridges are minimized, then heat loss is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates due to restricted connection access
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple connection functions into a single integrated connection structure that provides minimal thermal bridges while maintaining operational accessibility. The integrated design allows both inlet and outlet connections to be accessed through one penetration point in the insulation layer.
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 significantly reduces heat loss, allowing for prolonged energy storage and reduced peak loads on the electrical grid, with the stored heat usable in domestic and industrial applications.
Implementation Method 1
The space between an inner and outer vessel is filled with perlite and placed under vacuum
Implementation Method 2
a thermal insulation layer (6) between said inner vessel and said outer container
Implementation Method 3
each form a single thermal bridge (8) between the inner vessel and outer container
Implementation Method 4
a stratification device to maintain temperature gradients
Data Source
AI summary
The present inventions is directed to a sensible heat storage apparatus and use thereof. The apparatus comprises an inner vessel (2) comprising an internal volume (3) adapted to comprise a fluid (4); an outer container (5) enclosing said inner vessel; a thermal insulation layer (6) between said inner vessel and said outer container; and at least two integrated connections (71, 72) to connect the internal volume of said inner vessel to an outer environment through the thermal insulation layer. Said integrated connections are adapted to integrate and accommodate at least two individual sub-connections such that every integrated connection forms a single thermal bridge (8) between the inner vessel and outer container and wherein all thermal bridges are located in the bottom 75% of the total height of said outer container.