Submerged Heat Exchanger Casing for Compact Thermal Storage Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing energy storage devices face challenges in ease of installation and require complex assembly processes, leading to potential damage and inefficiencies in heat transfer and storage.
Innovation Solution
An energy exchanger unit with a casing and support structure that allows for easy installation and assembly, featuring a heat exchanger submerged in a liquid medium, such as water, with a compact design that prevents damage and optimizes heat transfer through modular components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complex assembly process is used to ensure proper installation, then installation reliability is improved, but installation time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The energy exchanger unit is divided into modular components (casing, support structure, heat exchanger) that can be assembled in a simplified sequence. The support structure is designed as a separate module that interfaces with the casing through standardized connection elements, reducing assembly complexity while maintaining installation reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure is pre-configured with connection elements and positioning features that enable straightforward assembly with the casing. Pre-drilled holes, pre-attached mounting brackets, and pre-assembled heat exchanger units allow for quick installation without complex alignment procedures, reducing both time and complexity.
2Volume of moving object
If components are tightly assembled to maximize compactness, then space utilization is improved, but mechanical stress on components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure incorporates localized reinforcement elements at critical stress points such as connection interfaces and mounting areas. These localized strengthening measures allow tight overall compactness while protecting specific vulnerable areas from mechanical stress and damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The design includes built-in stress distribution features such as padded connection interfaces, flexible mounting elements, and shock-absorbing structures that cushion mechanical stresses before they can cause damage. This allows compact assembly while protecting components from excessive mechanical stress.
3Volume of moving object
If the support structure is placed inside the casing for compactness, then space utilization is improved, but access for maintenance becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is designed with movable or removable components that can be accessed, removed, or adjusted through designated access points in the casing. This dynamic design allows the support structure to remain inside the casing for compactness during operation while enabling easy maintenance access when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure incorporates removable sections or modular components that can be extracted through access openings in the casing. This allows the majority of the support structure to remain inside for compactness while enabling easy removal of specific maintenance-critical components without disassembling the entire unit.
4Power
If the heat exchanger is submerged in liquid for optimal heat transfer, then heat exchange efficiency is improved, but risk of liquid damage to heat exchanger increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heat exchanger is protected from liquid damage through pre-installed protective features such as corrosion-resistant coatings, protective shields, or isolation barriers between the heat exchanger surface and the liquid. This allows optimal submersion for heat transfer while cushioning against potential liquid-induced damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat exchanger is constructed from composite or corrosion-resistant materials that can withstand prolonged submersion in liquid without degradation. This allows the heat exchanger to be fully submerged for optimal heat transfer efficiency while maintaining reliability through material resistance to liquid damage.
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 quick and secure installation, reduces mechanical stress on components, enhances heat exchange efficiency, and ensures reliable operation with minimal assembly requirements.
Implementation Method 1
With the help of this heat exchanger, heat can be transferred to or extracted from the liquid
Implementation Method 2
the heat extracted from the liquid can be used to heat a building
Implementation Method 3
the water can freeze when heat is extracted for heating, which provides a high amount of latent heat
Implementation Method 4
the water can freeze when heat is extracted for heating, which provides a high amount of latent heat
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an energy exchanger unit (1) for an energy storage device (18) comprising at least one casing (2) that defines an interior space (3) and can hold a liquid, at least one heat exchanger (5, 6), and at least one support structure (4) for supporting at least the casing (2) and/or the heat exchanger (5, 6). Furthermore, the support structure (4) is at least partially located within the interior space (3). The invention also relates to a use of the casing (2). Finally, the invention relates to the energy storage device (18) comprising an energy exchanger unit (1) and a container (19) in which the energy exchanger unit (1) is at least partially located.