Small hot water storage device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Small hot water storage tanks face challenges in minimizing dimensions while maintaining effective insulation and reducing standby energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A small hot water storage tank design featuring a plastic container with vacuum insulation panels directly on the outside, foamed with EPS, allowing for reduced dimensions and improved insulation by extending the vacuum insulation panels beyond the container's upper portion and leaving access for the electric heating flange.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If vacuum insulation panels are applied directly to the storage tank, then insulation performance is improved and standby energy consumption is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines vacuum insulation panels with EPS foam insulation to create a composite insulation system. The vacuum panels provide primary insulation on the cylindrical surface, while EPS foam supplements insulation on top and bottom surfaces, achieving superior thermal performance through material combination.
Solution Approach 2:
The insulation system is divided into separate segments: vacuum insulation panels for the cylindrical body and EPS foam for the top and bottom surfaces. This segmentation allows each material to be optimally applied to surfaces where it provides the greatest benefit while simplifying the overall installation process.
2Volume of stationary object
If the storage tank dimensions are reduced, then space requirements are minimized, but insulation effectiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By using vacuum insulation panels with extremely low thermal conductivity alongside EPS foam, the system achieves high insulation performance in a compact form factor. The vacuum panels' superior insulation properties allow for reduced tank dimensions without compromising thermal efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
Vacuum insulation panels are strategically applied to the cylindrical body where heat loss is greatest, while EPS foam covers the top and bottom surfaces. This localized quality approach ensures optimal insulation effectiveness throughout the entire tank structure despite reduced overall dimensions.
3Loss of energy
If EPS foam is applied over the entire storage tank, then insulation is improved, but accessibility to the flange is lost
Solution Approach 1:
EPS foam is applied selectively to specific areas of the storage tank (top and bottom surfaces) while deliberately excluding the flange area. This local quality approach maintains flange accessibility for operations while providing insulation where it is most needed for thermal performance.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of applying insulation to the entire tank surface, the solution uses partial action by limiting EPS foam application to areas that do not interfere with flange accessibility, achieving sufficient insulation without compromising operational access.
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 reduced standby energy consumption and smaller device dimensions, enabling increased placement options while maintaining effective insulation and accessibility for components.
Implementation Method 1
at least one vacuum insulation panel is provided directly on the storage tank
Implementation Method 2
which in turn is directly surrounded by EPS foam... reduction in the standby energy consumption
Implementation Method 3
the storage tank with the vacuum insulation panels is then insulated with EPS foam
Implementation Method 4
The small hot water storage tank has an electric heating element for heating the water inside the storage tank
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
Small hot water storage tank with a storage tank with a volume of ≤ 20 liters, an electrically operated heating element, at least one vacuum insulation panel directly on the storage tank and EPS foaming directly on the outside of the vacuum insulation panels.