Solar Thermal Tank Control for Heat Stratification and Leak Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solar thermal systems have low use efficiency, frequent overheating issues, inadequate heat source utilization, lack of leakage detection, and increased power consumption due to inefficient heat management and design flaws.
Innovation Solution
A solar thermal system with variable flow rate control, temperature-sensitive diffuser placement, pressure sensors, check valves, and a solar PV-powered heat radiator for stable operation, along with a mixing valve for temperature regulation and auxiliary boiler control, to optimize heat usage and reduce power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If heating return water is introduced into the heat storage tank without temperature control, then the system structure is simple, but temperature stratification is scattered and use efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a diffuser at the return water inlet that creates localized high-velocity jets to disrupt temperature stratification patterns. This local modification improves heat distribution and use efficiency without requiring complete system redesign, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and operational effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements variable flow rate control on the heating circulation based on temperature differentials. By dynamically adjusting the circulation flow rate to maximize temperature difference between supply and return water, the system optimizes heat extraction efficiency while maintaining simple operational control.
2Productivity
If the circulation pump operates at high flow rate continuously, then heat exchange is intensive, but power consumption increases and overheating occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The circulation pump operates with variable flow rate control that adjusts based on real-time temperature differentials between heating supply and return water. The system maximizes circulation when temperature difference is high and reduces or stops circulation when the difference is small, optimizing heat exchange intensity while minimizing power consumption and preventing overheating.
Solution Approach 2:
Temperature sensors continuously monitor the heating supply and return water temperatures, providing feedback to the control system. This feedback enables automatic adjustment of the circulation pump flow rate to maintain optimal heat exchange conditions while avoiding excessive power consumption and overheating scenarios.
3Device complexity
If the system lacks leakage detection and temperature monitoring, then the system structure is simple, but operation stability is poor and safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates automatic leakage detection through pressure sensors and temperature monitoring that triggers alarms and protective actions without requiring external intervention. The self-monitoring capabilities detect anomalies such as heat medium leakage and excessive temperature buildup, automatically notifying users and preventing unsafe operations while maintaining relatively simple system architecture.
4Ease of operation
If heating return water temperature is high, then the system operates simply without active control, but the stored heat value is not sufficiently utilized
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the heating circulation flow rate based on the temperature differential between heating supply and return water. When return water temperature is high (indicating low temperature difference), the system increases circulation to maximize heat extraction from the heat storage tank. This dynamic control maintains operational simplicity while significantly improving heat source utilization efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system modifies the circulation flow rate parameter in response to changing temperature conditions. By changing the flow rate parameter based on real-time temperature measurements, the system optimizes heat extraction efficiency without requiring complex mechanical modifications, resolving the contradiction between operational simplicity and energy utilization.
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
Enhances system efficiency by maximizing heat source utilization, rapid responsiveness to heating and hot water demands, detects heat medium deficiencies, maintains proper hot water supply temperatures, and minimizes auxiliary boiler activation and power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
a solar heat collector that absorbs solar heat and heats a heat medium received therein
Implementation Method 2
a heat storage tank that contains heating water, includes a first heat storage exchanger and a second heat storage exchanger connected to the solar heat collector through an heat storage pipe at the upper and lower portions therein respectively
Implementation Method 3
include a diffuser that diffuses heating return water to the inside
Implementation Method 4
a press sensor sensing the pressure in the heat storage pipe and a circulation pump pressing and circulating the heat medium that are connected to the heat storage pipe
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a solar thermal system which has improved use efficiency, enables heat acquired in a heat-collecting unit to be quickly used for a heating and hot water supply load, and can be operated in a stable manner. A solar thermal system comprises: a solar heat collector that absorbs solar heat and heats a heat medium received therein; a heat storage tank that contains heating water, includes a first heat storage exchanger and a second heat storage exchanger connected to the solar heat collector through an heat storage pipe at the upper and lower portions therein respectively, and includes a diffuser that diffuses heating return water to the inside; a press sensor sensing the pressure in the heat storage pipe and a circulation pump pressing and circulating the heat medium that are connected to the heat storage pipe; a heat medium supplementary water tank that is connected to the heat storage pipe through a pressing pump to supplement the lack of the heat medium; an auxiliary boiler that has a heating water outlet connected to a heating water supply pipe of the heat storage tank through a 3-way valve for controlling the heating water supply, and a heating water return port connected to the diffuser of the heat storage tank through a 3-way valve for controlling the heating water return, a check valve that is connected between the 3-way valve for controlling the heating water supply and the heating water return port of the auxiliary boiler; and a heating load that is connected to the heating water outlet of the auxiliary boiler and the 3-way valve for controlling the heating water return.