Thermal Energy Storage Diffuser Insert for Stratification Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermal energy storage systems face challenges in achieving ideal stratification and efficient loading/unloading due to turbulence and mixing effects, leading to suboptimal charging and discharging processes.
Innovation Solution
A loading and unloading system with a radial diffuser and a bi-directional Borda estuary insert that generates a defined flow resistance, creating a stable and non-rotating liquid jet, ensuring even distribution and stratification within the thermal energy store.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If liquid is conducted into the liquid container through a radial diffuser, then the liquid distribution is improved, but turbulence and mixing effects occur that disrupt thermal stratification
Solution Approach 1:
The diffuser is divided into multiple radial diffuser outlets arranged around the central axis. By segmenting the single inlet flow into multiple smaller outlet streams, the liquid is distributed more evenly across the liquid container while reducing the velocity and momentum of each individual jet, thereby minimizing turbulence and mixing effects that would disrupt thermal stratification.
Solution Approach 2:
The radial diffuser outlets are positioned at specific radial distances from the central axis, creating localized flow patterns that optimize liquid distribution. The outlets are arranged to direct liquid flow in specific directions that promote even distribution while avoiding regions that would generate excessive turbulence or mixing with the stratified thermal layers.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If the diffuser outlet cross-section is increased to reduce fluid velocity, then mixing is minimized, but the system becomes unsuitable for variable flow and temperature conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The radial diffuser design allows the system to dynamically adapt to variable flow and temperature conditions. The multiple radial outlets automatically adjust the flow distribution pattern based on the incoming liquid flow rate and temperature, maintaining effective stratification charging without requiring fixed geometric configurations. The system responds dynamically to changing operating conditions while preserving the low-mixing benefit.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple diffusers are used to distribute volume flow, then the distribution network becomes complex, but ideal charging and discharging can be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple diffuser functions are merged into a single radial diffuser structure. Instead of using separate diffusers distributed throughout the system, the radial diffuser integrates multiple outlet positions and flow distribution functions into one compact component, achieving ideal charging and discharging performance while significantly simplifying the distribution network.
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 allows for efficient and defined loading and unloading of thermal energy, maintaining good thermal stratification by minimizing turbulence and convective mixing, particularly suitable for large-scale cold storage systems.
Implementation Method 1
the flow of the liquid being resisted by at least one insert (18) in a central area of the diffuser (6), and wherein the flow resistance in the central area of the diffuser (6) is higher than the flow resistance of the liquid line (2, 3)
Implementation Method 2
generates a defined flow resistance, creating a stable and non-rotating liquid jet
Implementation Method 3
a main or distribution line, which opens into a radial diffuser, through which liquid is conducted into or out of the liquid container, and wherein the diffuser has a centrally arranged diffuser connection area connected to the liquid line and radially extending from the diffuser connection area, from each other having spaced diffuser plates
Implementation Method 4
Attempts are being made to achieve thermal stratification in the thermal energy storage device using special charging systems, so that, for example, liquid with a low temperature is present in the lower area of the thermal energy storage device and liquid with a high temperature is in the upper area of the energy storage device
Implementation Method 5
Existing thermal energy storage systems face challenges in achieving ideal stratification and efficient loading/unloading due to turbulence and mixing effects
Implementation Method 6
minimizing turbulence and convective mixing
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4
Figure 5
AI summary
Charging and/or discharging system comprises an insert arranged in a diffuser connecting region and having a flow resistance which is higher than the flow resistance of a liquid line (10, 11, 12, 13). An independent claim is also included for a method for charging and/or discharging a thermal energy storage unit. Preferred Features: The diffuser connecting region has a cylindrical flange for joining the diffuser (5, 6) to the liquid line. The insert is arranged in the flange. The insert comprises a bidirectional mouth.