Telescopic Floating Diffuser for Thermal Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current thermal energy storage systems face challenges in maintaining thermal stratification within storage tanks, particularly due to convective movements during the injection and withdrawal of heat transfer fluids, which disrupts the temperature gradient and leads to inefficient energy storage and retrieval.
Innovation Solution
A heat transfer fluid distribution system with a mass volume density matching that of the fluid, allowing the distribution system to float at different thermal strata, minimizing disturbance during charging and discharging operations, and featuring a progressive passage section to reduce fluid speed and prevent mixing, thus maintaining stratification without external assistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If heat transfer fluid is injected or withdrawn using conventional fixed distribution systems, then fluid distribution function is achieved, but thermal stratification is disrupted due to convective movements
Solution Approach 1:
The distribution system employs a movable diffuser element that can dynamically adjust its position within the thermal storage tank. The diffuser moves vertically along a guide element to reach different thermal strata, enabling fluid distribution at multiple levels while adapting to changing operational requirements without disrupting thermal stratification.
Solution Approach 2:
The diffuser element utilizes natural buoyancy forces to move autonomously between thermal strata based on temperature differences. By matching the density of the diffuser to that of the heat transfer fluid, the system achieves self-driven movement without external mechanical assistance, allowing the diffuser to automatically position itself at the appropriate thermal level.
2Ease of operation
If conventional fixed distribution systems are used, then fluid injection and withdrawal is enabled, but maintenance complexity increases due to fixed infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces fixed distribution infrastructure with a dynamic, movable diffuser that travels along a simple guide element. This reduces the complexity of fixed piping and distribution networks while enabling the same fluid injection and withdrawal functions through the diffuser's movement to different positions in the tank.
3Productivity
If fluid is injected at high speed, then distribution efficiency is improved, but mixing occurs that disrupts thermal stratification
Solution Approach 1:
The diffuser element features a specific geometric design with multiple outlets arranged to create localized, gentle fluid release. This local quality of the diffuser structure allows efficient fluid distribution while minimizing turbulence and mixing, preserving the thermal stratification in the surrounding regions of the tank.
4Measurement precision
If a telescopic distribution system is used to reach different thermal strata, then temperature control precision is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The telescopic diffuser system achieves precise temperature control by utilizing natural buoyancy-driven movement. The diffuser autonomously positions itself at the appropriate thermal stratum based on temperature and density differences, eliminating the need for complex external actuation mechanisms while maintaining precise temperature control capability.
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 solution effectively prevents thermal destratification, reduces maintenance needs, and enhances the efficiency of thermal energy storage by allowing precise temperature control and distribution within the storage tank, optimizing energy storage and retrieval processes.
Implementation Method 1
A heat transfer fluid distribution system with a mass volume density matching that of the fluid, allowing the distribution system to float at different thermal strata
Implementation Method 2
featuring a progressive passage section to reduce fluid speed and prevent mixing, thus maintaining stratification
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~4B
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention mainly relates to a distribution system (1) for distributing heat transfer fluid for a thermal energy storage device comprising a stratified thermal storage tank, characterised in that the system has a telescopic shape, comprising a plurality of distribution elements (2a-2e) nested inside one another, in order to enable the deployment and/or retraction of the distribution system (1) for distributing heat transfer fluid within a target thermal stratum of the tank having a temperature substantially equal to the temperature of the distributed heat transfer fluid, at least one of the distribution elements (2a-2e) comprising a diffuser element (3), and in that the solid density of the solid part of the distribution system (1) is substantially equal to the fluid density of the fluid part of the distribution system (1) in order to allow floating of said diffuser element (3) at the level of said target thermal stratum.