Water Tank Diffuser with Radial Outlets to Maintain Stratification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing diffusers for hot water storage tanks often disrupt stratification by creating vortices when water is introduced, which can mix different water layers and reduce energy efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A diffuser design featuring a deflecting element with vertically extending arms and a shrouding bowl that allows water to enter the tank as a thin layer near the top or bottom, minimizing vortex formation and maintaining stratification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If water is introduced into the tank at high flow rates, then productivity is improved, but vortices are formed that disrupt stratification
Solution Approach 1:
The diffuser divides the water flow into multiple separate streams using radially arranged outlets around the perimeter, rather than a single central outlet. This segmentation of the flow reduces the formation of large vortices while maintaining high total flow rates, as each smaller jet creates less disturbance to the stratification.
Solution Approach 2:
The diffuser creates different flow conditions at different locations: the central region has a lid blocking direct vertical flow, while the perimeter region has radially arranged outlets that discharge water horizontally or at angles. This local variation in flow quality allows high productivity while minimizing vortex formation that would disrupt stratification.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a box like construction is used to disrupt water flow, then vortex formation is reduced, but water exits in vertical direction creating drafts that disturb stratification
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of having outlets on the top and bottom surfaces that discharge water vertically, the diffuser places outlets on the vertical cylindrical surface, discharging water horizontally or at angled directions. This inversion of the outlet orientation prevents vertical drafts that would disrupt stratification, while still achieving vortex mitigation through the distributed radial outlet arrangement.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a deflecting element with vertical arms is used, then vortex mitigation is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cylindrical diffuser body serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the structural framework, holds the radially arranged outlets, supports the central lid, and creates the flow disruption pattern. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity compared to separate components for each function, while still achieving effective vortex mitigation.
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 diffuser effectively reduces vortices and maintains stratification within the tank, allowing for high flow rates without disrupting the temperature layers, thus enhancing energy efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a deflecting element with vertically extending arms
Implementation Method 2
configured to receive water having a velocity and for introducing said water near the bottom or the top of a water tank
Implementation Method 3
introducing said water as a thin layer along an inner wall of the water tank
Data Source
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AI summary
A diffuser configured to receive water having a velocity, and for introducing said water near the bottom or the top of a water tank, said diffuser comprising a plurality of central outlets, central deflection element with radially distributed outlets in fluid connection with a volume shrouded by a bowl. Said diffuser is further configured to reduce the velocity of said water and to uniformly dispense said water around the perimeter said bowl.