Method and device for internal accumulation and circulation of thermally treated fluid
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermal fluid accumulation systems face issues with thermal inertia, stratification, and turbulence, leading to slow temperature reach and inefficient energy use, particularly in devices with single-chamber geometries.
Innovation Solution
A device with a containment chamber divided by vertical separators creating a cross-rotatory fluid motion, using an asymmetric thermal exchange system to enhance mixing and temperature uniformity, regardless of heating or cooling, thus reducing turbulence and flow resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of stationary object
If the volume of the accumulation device is increased, then the capacity to store thermally treated fluid is improved, but the time required to reach the suitable temperature increases due to thermal inertia
Solution Approach 1:
The accumulation device is divided into multiple compartments by vertical separators, creating independent zones that can be thermally treated separately. This segmentation allows the thermal exchange system to heat or cool smaller volumes simultaneously, reducing the overall time to reach the suitable temperature while maintaining the total accumulation capacity.
2Device complexity
If the accumulation device operates with conventional single-chamber geometry, then the structure is simple, but thermal stratification occurs causing temperature gradient in vertical direction
Solution Approach 1:
Vertical separators divide the single chamber into multiple compartments, preventing large-scale thermal stratification. Each compartment develops its own circulation pattern, ensuring more uniform temperature distribution throughout the accumulation device while maintaining relatively simple structural construction.
3Device complexity
If conventional accumulation devices are used, then the device structure is simple, but high internal turbulence develops during thermal accumulation slowing down the process
Solution Approach 1:
The vertical separators create multiple smaller circulation zones that reduce internal turbulence within each compartment. The asymmetric positioning of thermal exchange elements further optimizes flow patterns, enabling faster thermal accumulation while keeping the device structure relatively simple.
4Volume of stationary object
If the accumulation device has large volume, then the storage capacity is improved, but the energy efficiency decreases due to thermal inertia and turbulence
Solution Approach 1:
Dividing the large volume into multiple compartments through vertical separators allows the thermal exchange system to operate more efficiently on smaller zones. This reduces the energy required to heat or cool the total volume, eliminating the penalty of thermal inertia associated with large single-chamber devices while maintaining high storage capacity.
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
The solution achieves faster and more efficient heat exchange, maintaining uniform temperature throughout the volume, reducing thermal decay, and resulting in significant energy savings by minimizing turbulence and maximizing energy efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The asymmetric thermal exchange system creates convection currents that generate cross-rotatory fluid motion
Implementation Method 2
the fluid being able to pass through it in order to determine a rotatory circulation of the fluid in the cross direction in said chamber
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~7
AI summary
A device adapted to accumulate the thermally treated fluid is described, comprising: a containment chamber of said thermally treated fluid (1), at least one separator (4) arranged with a substantially vertical development in the containment chamber, said at least one separator being adapted to divide said chamber in at least two parts, and to leave openings at the opposite upper (6) and lower (7) end of said chamber, by means of which the fluid can pass in order to determine a rotatory circulation of the fluid in the cross direction in said chamber.