Storage Tank with Internal Condenser Core to Reduce Volume and Weight
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing storage tanks with condensers require large volumes and excessive weight due to the need for a significant fixed capacity to accommodate the liquid phase working fluid, leading to increased installation space and weight, especially when the working fluid cycle operates in both liquid and vapor phases.
Innovation Solution
The storage tank design incorporates a condenser core installed within the tank body, supported by a plate and connected to a header system, allowing for efficient coolant circulation and phase change management, which reduces the tank's volume and weight by integrating the condenser internally.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the storage tank is designed with a large fixed capacity to accommodate liquid phase working fluid, then the storage capacity is sufficient, but the volume and weight of the storage tank become excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The condenser is integrated into the storage tank by installing the condenser core inside the tank body, merging two separate components (condenser and storage tank) into a single unified structure. This eliminates the need for a separate condenser unit and reduces the overall volume required while maintaining both condensation and storage functions
Solution Approach 2:
The condenser core is nested within the storage tank interior, with the condenser core positioned inside the tank body. The support plate is nested within the storage space to hold the condenser core. This nested arrangement allows the condenser to occupy the internal volume of the storage tank rather than requiring additional external space
2Reliability
If the storage tank is designed as a pressure-resistant container to handle phase changes, then the reliability is improved, but the weight of the storage tank becomes excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The condenser and storage tank are merged into a single integrated structure, eliminating the need for a separate pressure-resistant condenser vessel. The storage tank's pressure-resistant design serves both storage and condensation functions, reducing total weight compared to having separate pressure-resistant containers for each function
Solution Approach 2:
The storage tank is designed to serve multiple functions: storing liquid phase working fluid, housing the condenser core for phase change, and providing structural support. The tank body acts as both the storage container and the outer shell of the condenser assembly, reducing the need for additional weight-bearing structures
3Loss of energy
If the condenser is disposed above the storage tank vertically, then the pressure loss is reduced, but the installation space and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The condenser and storage tank are merged into a single integrated unit with the condenser core installed inside the tank body. This eliminates the need for separate vertical stacking of components and complex interconnections, simplifying installation while maintaining efficient fluid flow paths
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated design allows the working fluid to flow directly from the condenser core into the storage space within the same vessel, eliminating the need for external piping and complex routing. The system serves itself by utilizing the internal volume of the storage tank for condensation operations
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 configuration minimizes the volume and weight of the storage tank while maintaining effective condensation performance, preventing vapor phase fluid from damaging the pump and optimizing space usage by allowing natural fluid flow and reducing pressure losses.
Implementation Method 1
a condenser core (30) installed in the interior of the tank body (11)... vapor phase fluid... condensed by the condenser may be stored in the storage tank
Implementation Method 2
a condenser core connected to a header system, allowing for efficient coolant circulation and phase change management
Implementation Method 3
pressure loss may be reduced by disposing the condenser, the storage tank and the pump along a gravitational, or vertical, direction
Data Source
AI summary
A storage tank includes a condenser, a tank body having a storage space for storing a liquid phase working fluid, and a condenser core disposed in an interior of the tank body, wherein the tank body includes an upper body and a lower body, wherein a support plate is horizontally arranged within the upper body, wherein the condenser core includes a plurality of core elements, wherein each of the plurality of core elements includes upper end coupled to the upper body, lower end coupled to the support plate, and rear end coupled to a support member, wherein the support member extends to cross the upper body in a widthwise direction of the upper body.