Thermostatic Fluid Distribution for Thermal Storage Stratification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermal energy storage devices face challenges in maintaining thermal stratification when dealing with variable temperature heat sources, leading to inefficient energy storage and retrieval, particularly in systems like solar panels where temperature fluctuations affect the distribution and withdrawal of heat transfer fluids.
Innovation Solution
A heat transfer fluid distribution system utilizing thermostatic elements that allow for precise injection and withdrawal of heat transfer fluid at the correct thermal stratum, minimizing thermal destratification and enabling operation with strong temperature gradients without the need for actuators or sensors, and allowing independent control of each thermal stratum.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If hot heat transfer fluid is injected into the upper part of the storage device, then the injection system is simple, but thermal stratification is degraded and energy storage density is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The storage device is divided into multiple thermal strata with different temperature zones. The injection system is segmented into multiple injection levels corresponding to different thermal strata, allowing hot fluid to be injected at the appropriate temperature level rather than always at the top, thus maintaining stratification while keeping the system relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The injection system uses movable injection means that can dynamically adjust their position along the storage device height. This dynamic adjustment allows the injection level to adapt to varying hot fluid temperatures, ensuring optimal injection depth and maintaining thermal stratification without requiring a complex fixed multi-level system.
2Device complexity
If the injection level is fixed at the upper part, then the device complexity is low, but the system cannot adapt to variable temperature heat sources
Solution Approach 1:
The injection means are made movable rather than fixed, allowing them to adjust their position along the storage device. This dynamic capability enables the system to adapt to variable temperature heat sources by injecting at the appropriate thermal stratum level, while avoiding the complexity of multiple fixed injection systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The injection system utilizes the temperature difference between the hot fluid and the storage device contents to automatically determine the appropriate injection level. The system self-adjusts by allowing the hot fluid to naturally rise or be injected at the level where it matches the thermal stratum temperature, eliminating the need for complex external control mechanisms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If movable injection means are used to adapt to variable temperatures, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The movable injection means are designed to automatically position themselves based on temperature gradients without requiring external actuators or sensors. The system uses natural convection and temperature-driven fluid dynamics to self-regulate the injection level, achieving adaptability while minimizing added complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces complex mechanical actuation systems with thermal-driven natural convection mechanisms. Instead of using motors, sensors, and control systems to move injection points, the system relies on temperature differences to naturally position the injection flow at the correct thermal stratum, significantly reducing mechanical complexity.
4Ease of operation
If hot water is injected into the hot zone, then injection is simple, but thermal stratification is disturbed and high temperature energy is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The storage device is segmented into distinct thermal strata, and the injection system is correspondingly segmented into multiple injection levels. This segmentation allows hot water to be injected at the appropriate temperature level rather than always at the top, preventing mixing with colder zones and preserving high-temperature energy while maintaining operational simplicity.
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 ensures high thermal energy storage density by accurately distributing heat transfer fluid during charging and discharging phases, preventing thermal stratification disturbance and optimizing energy recovery while reducing costs and complexity.
Implementation Method 1
each thermostatic system (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e and 3f) comprises a first thermostat (4a) in contact with the heat transfer fluid of the thermal stratum and a second thermostat (4b) in contact with the heat transfer fluid (F) to be distributed... each thermostat (4a, 4b) comprises an expansion material, able to expand bijectively depending on the temperature applied to the thermostat with which it is associated
Implementation Method 2
a stratified thermal storage tank comprising a heat transfer fluid for the storage of thermal energy... allowing the distribution of the heat transfer fluid (F) within a target thermal stratum of the thermal storage tank (51) of substantially equal temperature
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~4B
Figure 5A~5I
AI summary
The main object of the invention is a heat transfer fluid (F) distribution system (1) for a thermal energy storage device (50) comprising a stratified thermal storage tank (51), characterized in that it comprises: a heat transfer fluid (F) distribution support (2); at least two thermostatic systems (3a-3f) located at thermal strata having different temperatures, each comprising first and second thermostats, respectively in contact with the heat transfer fluid of the thermal stratum where the thermostatic system (3a-3f) is located and in contact with the heat transfer fluid (F) to be distributed, and passively controlling at least one hydraulic system to allow the distribution of heat transfer fluid (F) within a target thermal stratum of the thermal storage tank (51) of temperature substantially equal to the temperature of the heat transfer fluid (F) intended to be distributed.