Spider Diffuser Manifold for Thin Thermocline TES Tanks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermal energy storage (TES) tank diffuser designs, such as octagonal diffusers, are costly due to the large quantities of piping and pressure fittings required, and they often result in thicker thermoclines, which reduce the tank's holding capacity and increase operational costs.
Innovation Solution
A novel spider diffuser system with a decagonal manifold structure and radially extending diffuser legs, featuring internal baffles and slotted apertures, is designed to minimize fluid mixing and thermocline thickness by maintaining low fluid exit velocities and controlling Froude and Reynolds numbers, allowing for reduced component counts and construction costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional octagonal diffusers are used, then fluid distribution is achieved, but the quantity of piping and pressure fittings increases construction cost and device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The manifold structure merges multiple pipe functions into a single integrated component with radial legs, eliminating the need for numerous separate piping sections and pressure fittings. The manifold body with integrated radial legs creates a unified structure that distributes fluid through multiple outlets without requiring complex joint connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The manifold is segmented into multiple radial legs extending from a central body, allowing fluid distribution to be achieved through a modular radial configuration. This segmentation enables efficient fluid distribution to multiple zones while maintaining a compact, low-component-count structure.
2Volume of stationary object
If standard diffusers are used, then fluid introduction is achieved, but thermocline thickness increases reducing tank holding capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The diffuser legs feature locally optimized geometry with specific aperture distributions along their lengths. The apertures are strategically positioned and sized to create controlled flow patterns that minimize mixing at the thermocline interface, achieving thin thermocline thickness through localized flow management rather than uniform diffuser design.
Solution Approach 2:
The diffuser design utilizes parameter optimization including aperture size, aperture distribution, leg length, and radial positioning to control fluid exit velocities and flow patterns. By adjusting these parameters, the system achieves minimal thermocline thickness and optimal stratification.
3Productivity
If high fluid velocities are used, then flow rate increases productivity, but internal mixing increases reducing stratification quality
Solution Approach 1:
The diffuser system dynamically adapts flow distribution through its radial leg configuration and aperture distribution. The design allows different flow rates to be delivered to different radial zones, creating dynamic flow patterns that maintain low velocities at the thermocline interface while achieving high overall productivity through parallel flow paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from single-point or linear diffuser designs to a three-dimensional radial configuration. By distributing flow outlets in multiple directions from a central manifold, the system achieves high flow rates through volumetric distribution while maintaining low local velocities that preserve stratification quality.
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 spider diffuser system achieves minimal thermocline thickness, enhancing stratification and tank capacity while reducing construction and operational expenses, and can be adapted for various temperature stratifiable liquids.
Implementation Method 1
Naturally stratified TES tanks take advantage, for example, of the normal differences in the density of water at different temperatures to separate chilled water from warmer water returning from an air handling system
Implementation Method 2
By limiting the inlet and outlet velocities of the water, internal mixing may be minimized whereby buoyancy forces dominate, thus allowing the water to stratify
Implementation Method 3
The arrangement of the manifold structure is such that the water entering each diffuser leg therefrom has a velocity of no more than about 1 ft/sec
Data Source
AI summary
A thermal energy storage installation including a thermal energy storage tank and a spider diffuser system mounted in said tank. The TES tank comprises an outer wall having a generally cylindrical inner surface surrounding a hollow internal space in the tank. The spider diffuser system comprises a centrally disposed manifold structure that is disposed in vertically spaced relationship relative to a thermocline formed in a temperature stratifiable liquid in the space during operation of the tank. The manifold structure has an internal chamber and includes an opening for introduction of a said liquid into the chamber or discharge of a said liquid from the chamber. The spider diffuser system also includes a diffuser pipe assembly comprising a plurality of elongated diffuser legs. Each of the legs is attached to the manifold structure so as to extend generally radially outwardly from the structure and toward the inner surface of the tank. Each of the legs has an internal channel in fluid communication with the chamber. Each leg also has a plurality of apertures distributed along the length thereof, which apertures intercommunicate the channel with the space.