Spiral Water Heat Exchanger Layout for Compact Energy Storage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing water heat exchangers for energy storage systems require complex bending of lines, leading to significant installation space loss and inefficiency.

Innovation Solution

A water heat exchanger design with conduits extending radially between inner and outer edges, featuring spiral or helical configurations and accessible supply and return lines at the edges, allowing for easy installation and efficient heat transfer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the line is partially spiral-shaped with changing bending direction, then connections can be arranged on the outer edge, but bending the line requires considerable effort and significant installation space is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess to connectionsVSAvoidline bending complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The line is divided into multiple straight sections connected by angular bends at fixed angles (e.g., 90 degrees). This segmentation allows the line to reach outer edge connections without requiring continuous or complex bending, as each section remains straight and is positioned through angular transitions rather than gradual curvature.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The line routing transitions from a two-dimensional planar spiral to a three-dimensional angular path with discrete directional changes. By using angular bends in multiple directions rather than continuous curvature, the line achieves outer edge connectivity while maintaining straight sections that reduce bending complexity and space requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If the line is partially spiral-shaped with changing bending direction, then connections can be arranged on the outer edge, but significant installation space is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess to connectionsVSAvoidinstallation space
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The line is divided into multiple straight sections connected by angular bends at fixed angles (e.g., 90 degrees). This segmentation allows the line to reach outer edge connections without requiring continuous or complex bending, as each section remains straight and is positioned through angular transitions rather than gradual curvature.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The line routing transitions from a two-dimensional planar spiral to a three-dimensional angular path with discrete directional changes. By using angular bends in multiple directions rather than continuous curvature, the line achieves outer edge connectivity while maintaining straight sections that reduce bending complexity and space requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

Facilitates simplified assembly, improved workplace safety, and enhanced thermal efficiency by maximizing contact area and utilizing space effectively.

Implementation Method 1

This arrangement enables efficient heat transfer between the fluid in the vessel and the water heat exchanger

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

The water heat exchanger preferably comprises at least one conduit through which a heat transfer fluid can be transported during normal use. This results in stable and uniform heat transfer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Data Source

PatentEP4656997A1Water heat exchanger and energy store
Publication Date: 2025.12.03 MAX BOEGL WIND
  • EP4656997A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4656997A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4656997A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a water heat exchanger (1) for an energy storage device (2), with at least one line (3) by means of which a heat transfer fluid can be transported in the intended use of the water heat exchanger (1), wherein the at least one line (3) comprises at least one line section (12, 13) extending at least partially along a radial direction (4) between an inner surface (5) and an outer edge (6) of the water heat exchanger (1), and wherein the at least one line (3) comprises a supply line (7) and a return line (8) which are arranged in the region of the inner surface (5) or the outer edge (6).According to the invention, the at least one conduit (3) is wound spirally and/or helically with a constant winding direction (9) and/or the at least one conduit (3) comprises at least two conduit sections (12, 13), wherein the at least two conduit sections (12, 13) are arranged on different levels (10, 11) of the water heat exchanger (1). Furthermore, the invention relates to an energy storage device (2).