Patent ID: 9316445
Filing Date: 2016-04-19
CPC Classification: F15B,F16L,F24S,F28D,Y02E,Y10T

Claim Text:
1. A spider diffuser system for use in a thermal energy storage tank, said tank comprising an outer wall having an inner surface surrounding a hollow internal space in the tank, said spider diffuser system comprising: a centrally disposed manifold structure, said spider diffuser system being arranged for mounting in the space with said manifold structure in vertically spaced relationship relative to a thermocline formed in a temperature stratifiable liquid in the space during operation of the tank, said manifold structure having: an internal chamber, an opening for introduction of the liquid into said internal chamber or for discharge of the liquid from said internal chamber, and an internal baffle arrangement in said internal chamber, wherein said internal baffle arrangement comprises a plurality of attached upright partitions that divide said internal chamber into multiple, separate chamber sections, causing the liquid moving through said opening to be divided into said chamber sections and reduced in velocity as the liquid enters said chamber sections during operation of the tank; a diffuser pipe assembly configured to promote temperature stratification of the liquid during operation of the tank, said diffuser pipe assembly comprising a plurality of elongated diffuser legs, said diffuser legs being attached to said manifold structure, so as to extend generally radially outwardly from said manifold structure, wherein each diffuser leg has an internal channel in fluid communication with said manifold structure and a plurality of apertures distributed along the length of said diffuser leg, said apertures intercommunicating with said internal channel.