Stratified Storage Tank Separating Plate Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stratified storage tanks face challenges in maintaining precise stratification without extensive mixing when charging, leading to unwanted turbulence between cold and warm water layers.
Innovation Solution
A stratified storage tank is designed with a separating plate that routes the hot water inlet and outlet pipes through the storage water duct, preventing reverse flow and minimizing turbulence by ensuring a single volume flow from top to bottom, with the upper partial volume accounting for about 10% of the total volume.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple storage water ducts are provided in the separating plate, then water can be routed flexibly, but reverse flow occurs causing turbulence and disrupting stratification
Solution Approach 1:
The separating plate is segmented into multiple functional zones: a hot water inlet zone, a storage water duct zone, and a hot water outlet zone. This segmentation creates unidirectional flow paths that prevent reverse flow while maintaining routing flexibility. The storage water duct is positioned between the inlet and outlet zones, ensuring water flows only from top to bottom through dedicated pathways.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the separating plate are assigned different functions with optimized local structures. The hot water inlet area has a first cross-sectional area, the storage water duct has a second cross-sectional area, and the hot water outlet area has a third cross-sectional area. This local differentiation optimizes flow control at each stage, preventing turbulence while maintaining routing adaptability.
2Ease of manufacture
If hot water inlet and outlet pipes are arranged independently in the upper area, then routing is simple, but turbulence occurs disrupting the stratification between cold and warm water layers
Solution Approach 1:
The storage water duct acts as an intermediary element between the hot water inlet and outlet. Instead of direct connection, water flows through the storage water duct which is integrated into the separating plate. This intermediary structure calms the water flow, preventing turbulence that would occur with direct pipe connections, while still maintaining relatively simple routing through the plate's integrated ducts.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the upper partial volume is small (about 10% of total volume), then turbulence in the upper area is reduced, but the space for hot water storage is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The tank is divided into distinct zones with optimized local volumes. The upper partial volume (about 10%) is designed as a calm water zone with reduced turbulence, while the lower partial volume (about 90%) provides the main hot water storage capacity. This local quality differentiation allows the small upper zone to perform its stratification function effectively while the large lower zone provides sufficient storage volume.
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 achieves precise stratification with reduced turbulence, allowing calm water to flow downwards and enabling effective temperature stratification, which can be intensified by connecting multiple tanks in series.
Implementation Method 1
stratified storage tank is separated into two partial volumes by a separating plate with storage water duct and a turbulent flow of hot water into the cold area is avoided
Implementation Method 2
calmed water flows downwards
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
A separating plate (2) across the whole cross-section of a water storage tank (11) with multiple coats separates the water storage tank into first (12) and second (13) sectional capacities. The separating plate has a storage tank water lead-through as well as lead-throughs for hot water inlet (5) and outlet (6) pipes. An independent claim is also included for a storage tank system with multiple coats or layers.