Method for operating an energy system

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing energy system operation methods fail to detect defects that prevent heat from being removed or supplied via the energy carrier medium in storage tanks, leading to reduced system efficiency.

Innovation Solution

Monitoring the temperature gradient of the energy carrier medium within a specified period and generating information if the gradient does not reach a specified limit, thereby detecting issues with heat dissipation or supply.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If heat is supplied to and removed from an energy carrier medium in a storage tank using conventional operation methods, then the energy system can store and transfer thermal energy, but defects preventing heat removal or supply are not detected timely, leading to reduced system efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem efficiencyVSAvoidtime to detect defects
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by proactively monitoring the temperature gradient in the storage tank before defects cause significant efficiency loss. The system continuously measures temperature differences between upper and lower regions of the storage tank, enabling early detection of potential heat transfer issues before they develop into major problems that would reduce system efficiency or require time-consuming repairs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If conventional operation methods are used without temperature gradient monitoring, then the system operation is simple, but defects are only noticed after a long time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedefect detection capabilityVSAvoidmonitoring system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses temperature gradient monitoring as an intermediary parameter to indirectly detect heat transfer defects. Instead of directly monitoring complex heat transfer processes or installing sensors throughout the entire system, the invention measures the temperature difference between the upper and lower regions of the storage tank, which serves as a simplified indicator of heat transfer effectiveness. This intermediary approach enables reliable defect detection without requiring complex monitoring infrastructure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Early detection of reduced heat dissipation from storage tanks, allowing for timely intervention to maintain system efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a temperature gradient of the energy carrier medium in the storage container is monitored

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTemperature gradient measurement: Temperature Gradient

Implementation Method 2

heat is supplied to an energy carrier medium located in a storage tank and removed from it at the same time

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP3953773B1Method for operating an energy system
Publication Date: 2025.06.18 VIESSMANN HOLDING INTERNATIONAL GMBH
  • EP3953773B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3953773B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for operating an energy system, wherein heat is supplied to and removed from an energy carrier medium in a storage container (1). According to the invention, a temperature gradient of the energy carrier medium in the storage container (1) is monitored within a defined monitoring time period and information is produced if the magnitude of the temperature gradient within the monitoring time period does not reach a defined limit magnitude.