Spider Diffuser Manifold Layout for Thin TES Thermoclines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current diffuser designs for Thermal Energy Storage (TES) tanks, 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 a manifold structure with internal baffles and apertures that slow fluid velocities to minimize thermocline thickness and enhance stratification, allowing for reduced construction and operational costs while maintaining efficient fluid distribution.
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 the thermocline thickness increases reducing tank capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The diffuser is segmented into multiple radial legs extending from a central manifold, with each leg containing multiple apertures distributed along its length. This segmentation allows fluid to be introduced at multiple locations and angles, improving distribution efficiency while reducing the total volume required for the diffuser structure itself, thereby increasing tank holding capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The diffuser transitions from a planar octagonal configuration to a three-dimensional radial spider-like structure with legs extending in multiple directions from a central point. This dimensional change allows for more efficient spatial utilization of the tank volume, reducing the diffuser's footprint while maintaining effective fluid distribution throughout the tank.
2Ease of operation
If conventional diffusers are used, then fluid is introduced into the tank, but internal mixing occurs resulting in thicker thermoclines
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the diffuser have different aperture distributions and orientations tailored to local flow requirements. The apertures are distributed at varying intervals along each radial leg, with specific aperture sizes and angles optimized for their local position, creating localized flow patterns that collectively minimize mixing and reduce thermocline thickness.
Solution Approach 2:
The diffuser design changes multiple parameters including aperture size, aperture orientation angles, spacing between apertures, and radial leg lengths to optimize fluid introduction characteristics. These parameter variations allow the system to maintain low injection velocities and appropriate flow distribution patterns that minimize internal mixing and thermocline thickening.
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, improving the tank's holding capacity and reducing construction and operational costs by minimizing fluid mixing and optimizing stratification, allowing for efficient load shifting and peak shaving in TES systems.
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
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.