Series Heat Supply Network for Lower Flow in Process Plants
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heat supply networks for process plants, such as painting plants, face inefficiencies due to high volume flows and complex pipework, which lead to increased energy consumption and material costs.
Innovation Solution
A heat supply network design that connects consumers in series, allowing the first consumer's outlet to temporarily connect to the second consumer's inlet, thereby increasing the temperature spread and reducing the required volume flow of heat transfer fluid.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If separate networks with different temperature levels are used, then temperature requirements for different consumers are met, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic temperature control by enabling consumers to be connected in series or parallel configurations that can be adjusted based on demand. The system dynamically adapts the network topology to match varying temperature requirements of different consumers at different times, rather than maintaining fixed separate networks for each temperature level.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat supply network is designed with multi-functional consumers that can operate at different temperature levels and in different configurations (series or parallel). This universal design allows a single network to serve multiple temperature requirements without needing separate dedicated networks, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining flexibility.
2Device complexity
If the consumer with the highest temperature requirements determines the temperature spread for all consumers, then simple and efficient pipework is achieved, but the required volume flow becomes very large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the heat supply network into multiple independent consumers that can be connected in series or parallel configurations. This segmentation allows each consumer to operate with optimized temperature spreads specific to its requirements, rather than being constrained by a single high-temperature consumer's needs. The segmented architecture enables smaller, more efficient pipe diameters for each segment while reducing overall volume flow requirements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If distributors are used to supply heat to consumers, then individual temperature control is possible, but complex pipework and increased material usage are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces static distributor-based systems with dynamic series/parallel consumer connections that can be reconfigured based on real-time temperature demands. This dynamic approach provides individual temperature control flexibility without requiring complex distributor piping, as consumers can be directly connected in optimized configurations that adapt to changing conditions.
4Temperature
If multivalent reservoirs are used, then temperature regulation is improved, but expenditure on pipework increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the temperature regulation function from centralized multivalent reservoirs and distributes it directly to individual consumers through series/parallel connections. This extraction eliminates the need for complex reservoir piping while maintaining improved temperature regulation at each consumer level, as each unit can independently optimize its temperature spread.
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 achieves significant energy savings by reducing the volume flow of heat transfer fluid, allowing for smaller pipe diameters, lower material costs, and the integration of previously unused waste heat sources, while also reducing CO2 emissions.
Implementation Method 1
the first consumer is fluidically connected at least temporarily, by means of its first outlet for the heat transfer fluid, to a second consumer via the second inlet thereof
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a thermal supply network (1000) for a process plant, in particular for a painting plant, comprising a fluid connection for supplying consumers (200, 220; 300, 302, 304, 306; 320, 322, 324) arranged therein with heat and/or cold via a heat transfer fluid in the fluid connection, in which at least two consumers (200, 300, 320; 220, 302, 304, 306, 322, 324) are connected fluidically in series, wherein the first consumer (200, 300, 320) is fluidically connected at least temporarily, by means of its first outlet (205, 305, 325) for the heat transfer fluid, to a second consumer (220, 302, 304, 306, 322, 324) via the second inlet (223) thereof.