NO20120449A1 - Insulation structure and method for insulating a structure - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an insulation structure (21, 31) comprising an inner shell (2) for surrounding a material to be adapted in the insulation structure and at least two insulation volumes (5.1, 5.2, 5.3) with a controllable thermal conductivity for a medium arranged on the outside of the inner shell. The invention also relates to a method for insulating a structure (21, 31), the structure comprising an inner shell (2) intended to surround a material to be adapted to the structure, the method comprising regulating the thermal conductivity of at least two insulation volumes arranged on the outside of the inner shell.

Description

INSULATION STRUCTURE AND PROCEDURE FOR INSULATING A STRUCTURE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to an insulation structure and a method for insulating a structure. In particular, but not exclusively, the invention deals with an insulated tank and/or warehouse and a method for regulating the insulation capacity of a tank and/or warehouse.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

As is known, solid insulators are used as thermal insulators of bearings and tanks. Typically, solid materials, such as fiber insulators or solidifying insulating foam, are used as insulating material in such structures. The insulating effect of fixed insulation is dimensioned for the intended purpose of use.

The patent application publication US 2007/0181583 shows a removable fuel tank comprising an inner shell and an outer shell. The purpose of the double wall structure of the tank is to make the tank safer in a forest environment.

SUMMARY

In accordance with a first aspect of the invention, there is provided an insulating structure comprising an inner shell to surround material to be accommodated in the insulating structure. The insulation structure comprises at least one insulation volume which has adjustable thermal conductivity for a medium, arranged on the outside of the inner shell.

Preferably, the insulation structure comprises an inner shell which surrounds a receiving volume intended for a material to be adapted in the insulation structure, and the insulation structure comprises at least two insulation volumes for a medium separately from each other and which has separately adjustable thermal conductivity, the at least two insulation volumes are arranged on the outside of the inner shell so that the impact of the at least two insulation volumes is conducted at significantly different locations of the same receiving volume.

In accordance with a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for insulating a structure, the structure comprising an inner shell which is intended to surround a material to be adapted in the structure. The method comprises regulating the thermal conductivity of at least one insulating volume arranged on the outside of the inner shell.

Preferably, a method for insulating a structure is provided, the structure comprises an inner shell surrounding a receiving volume intended for a material to be accommodated in the structure, and the method comprises arranging at least two separate insulating volumes on the outside of the inner shell so that the impact of the at least two insulation volumes is conducted at significantly different locations of the same receiving volume and separate regulation of the thermal conductivities of the at least two insulation volumes.

Preferably, the insulation structure comprises devices for regulating the thermal conductivity of the insulation volume. The insulation structure can comprise several separate insulation volumes which can be separately controllable.

In accordance with some embodiments, an apparatus comprises an insulating structure comprising an inner shell to surround a material to be accommodated in the insulating structure. The insulation structure comprises at least one insulation volume which has adjustable thermal conductivity for a medium, arranged on the outside of the inner shell. The apparatus may include devices for regulating thermal conductivity. The apparatus may comprise a control device. The apparatus can include temperature sensors for measuring a temperature externally and/or internally to the insulation structure.

Preferably, an inner surface of the inner shell opens in the direction of the material intended to be stored within the insulating structure.

Preferably, the insulating structure comprises an outer shell which is fitted to the outside of the inner shell and has an outer surface. Preferably, a space formed between the outer surface of the inner shell and the inner surface of the outer shell will be at least partially formed as an insulating volume. Preferably, the insulation volume is at least partially adapted around the inner shell.

Preferably, an outer surface of the insulating volume is formed at the outer surface of the outer shell. Preferably, the outer surface of the insulation volume is at least partially arranged within the area of influence of the varying temperature in the environment. Preferably, the outer surface of the insulation volume is at least partially arranged within the influence area of the temperature in a soil layer. In many cases, the temperature is uniform within the soil layer. In some cases, the temperature in a soil layer is uniformly cool. In some cases, the temperature of a soil layer is uniformly warm or hot. Preferably, the outer surface of the insulation volume is at least partially arranged within the area of influence for the temperature in groundwater. In some cases, the temperature in groundwater is uniformly cool. The heat transfer for the insulation structure can be improved by locating at least part of the insulation volume in the area of flowing groundwater. At least part of the isolation volume or volumes may be located in the area of influence of a water system or source. The source can be a cold or a hot source.

Preferably, the outer surface of the insulation volume is arranged at least partially in the open air. Preferably, a collector of thermal radiation, such as a solar collector, is arranged on the outer surface of or on the outside of the insulating volume to improve heat transfer. The insulation structure can also be heated by other devices, such as electrical resistors or circulation of liquid. Circulation of liquid can also be used for cooling. The outer surface of the insulating volume may comprise a color or surface roughness that improves heat transfer. The outer surface of the insulating volume may be mat-like.

Preferably, a mixing device for mixing the contents of the insulation structure is arranged inside the insulation volume to improve heat transfer. The mixing device may comprise a rotatable propeller or a pump.

In accordance with some embodiments, the insulation structure is adapted in a tank and/or warehouse. The tank and/or storage can be of the self-supporting type. The tank and/or storage may be movable. The tank and/or storage can be of the container type. The tank and/or the bearing may comprise a cylindrical, spherical or angular shape and a combination of at least some of these.

The tank and/or warehouse may be at ground level. The tank and/or storage may be partially or completely underground. Preferably, at least part of the portion of the insulation structure above ground is equipped with an insulation volume that has adjustable thermal conductivity for a medium, adapted to the outside of the inner shell. Part of the insulation structure below ground can be equipped with a fixed insulator. One end or both ends of a cylindrical tank may be fitted with a fixed insulator. If there is an instrumentation cabinet or the like in connection with the end or shell of the tank, this area of the outer shell is not in direct connection with open air. The area of the outer shell of the tank and/or bearing that is not directly in the area of influence of the varying temperature in the environment can be equipped with a fixed insulator.

Preferably, the insulation structure comprises a wall that surrounds the material to be stored. The insulation structure may comprise an insulation volume which has adjustable thermal conductivity for a medium, arranged in a wall on the outside of the inner shell of the wall directed towards the material to be stored. Preferably, the wall comprises an outer shell, and the insulation volume is adapted between the inner and outer shell of the wall.

The device for regulating thermal conductivity may comprise at least one of the following: a medium pressure control device, a medium density control device, a medium quantity control device, a control device for leading the medium into and/or out of the insulation volume, a control device for adding the medium to the insulation volume and/or reduce the medium in the insulation volume, a pressure measuring device, a temperature measuring device.

The device for regulating thermal conductivity may comprise at least one of the following: a vacuum pump, a vacuum pump, a material transfer pump, a pressure pump, a pressurized gas source, a pressurized gas tank, a filling valve, a drain valve.

Preferably, the insulation structure comprises a control device. The control device makes it possible to control the device to regulate thermal conductivity. The control device makes it possible to feed the medium into and out of the insulation volume. The temperature inside the tank/storage can be measured. The temperature on the outside of the tank/storage, i.e. the temperature in the environment can be measured. One or more temperature sensors may be arranged to measure the temperature on the outside of the insulation structure. One or more temperature sensors may be arranged to measure the temperature inside the insulation structure. The temperature sensor(s) can be connected to the control device. The pressure in the insulation volume can be measured. One or more pressure sensors can be arranged in the insulation volume as a pressure measuring device.

The measured temperature and/or pressure values can be processed in the control device. A regulation value for controlling a regulation device can be determined in the control device on the basis of the measured temperature and/or pressure values. The control device can be used to direct the medium into or out of the insulation volume depending on the temperature in the environment and/or the contents of the insulation structure.

Preferably, the insulation structure comprises a control device for controlling a regulation device so that when the temperature in the environment is lower than that in the contents of the tank, the gaseous medium is reduced in volume to cool the contents.

Preferably, the insulation structure comprises a control device for controlling a regulation device so that when the temperature in the environment decreases, a gaseous medium is reduced in volume.

Preferably, the insulation structure comprises a control device for controlling a regulation device so that when the temperature in the environment is higher than that in the contents of the tank, a gaseous medium is reduced in volume to heat the contents.

Preferably, the insulation structure comprises a control device for controlling a regulation device so that when the temperature in the environment increases, a gaseous medium is reduced in volume.

Preferably, the insulation volume is pressure-resistant. In accordance with some embodiments, the insulation structure comprises a pressure-resistant volume arranged on the outside of an inner shell for a medium to be pressurized and a control device for the adjustable pressurization of the medium to be adapted in the pressure-resistant volume.

Preferably, the control device comprises a vacuum pump for pressurizing a gaseous medium. Preferably, the control device comprises a pressure pump for pressurizing a gaseous medium.

Preferably, the tank comprises an outer shell, and the insulating volume is fitted between an inner and outer shell.

Preferably, the medium is adapted to be moved into and out of the insulation volume depending on the temperature of the environment. In accordance with some embodiments, the medium is adapted to be moved into and out of the isolation volume depending on the direction of a change in temperature in the environment.

The medium to be accommodated in the insulating volume having adjustable thermal conductivity may comprise at least one of the following or a mixture of any of the following: a gas, a liquid, a pumpable medium, a viscous medium, air, water, a refrigerant, a component of crude oil, a hydrocarbon.

Two media can be adapted in the insulation volume. Liquid and gaseous media can be adjusted in the insulation volume. A gasifiable medium (e.g. a hydrocarbon, a refrigerant) can be adapted in the insulation volume. Changes in the thermal conductivity of the insulation volume can be caused by changing the pressure and/or the amount of the medium. Typically, liquids have a higher thermal conductivity than gases. To increase the thermal conductivity of an insulator, the volume fraction of liquid in the insulation volume can be increased at the expense of the volume fraction of gas. The thermal conductivity of the insulation volume can be increased or improved by circulating liquid in the insulation volume. In order to reduce the thermal conductivity of the insulator, the volume fraction of gas in the insulation volume can be increased at the expense of the volume fraction of liquid. In accordance with some embodiments, when low insulating capacity is required, liquid is placed in the insulating volume, and when higher insulating capacity is required, the liquid or some liquid is removed from the insulating volume and a vacuum is drawn into the insulating volume. The amount of vacuum can be regulated.

In order to increase the thermal conductivity, the density of the medium adapted in the insulation volume, such as a gas or a gas mixture, can be increased by increasing the pressure on the medium. Typically, the thermal conductivity of the medium increases as the density of the medium increases. Similarly, conversely, to reduce the thermal conductivity of the insulator, the density of the medium accommodated in the insulating volume can be reduced by increasing the pressure on the medium, whereby the thermal conductivity of the medium decreases.

A heat-conducting/insulating medium can be replaced in the insulation volume to regulate the thermal conductivity of the insulating/heat-conducting structure. The heat-conducting/insulating medium in the insulating volume can be completely replaced with another medium to regulate the thermal conductivity of the insulating/heat-conducting structure.

Preferably, the insulating capacity of the insulation of the tank is regulated by changing the thermal conductivity of the insulating volume on the outside of the inner shell.

Preferably, the insulating capacity of the insulation of the tank is regulated by changing the pressure of the insulating volume on the outside of the inner shell. A pressure corresponding to that in the environment can be arranged in the isolation volume.

Preferably, the insulating capacity of the insulation is increased by reducing the pressure on the medium in the insulation volume. According to some embodiments, an overpressure on the medium in the isolation volume is reduced. The isolation volume may be pressurized. The negative pressure in the insulation volume can be increased. A vacuum can be arranged in the isolation volume.

The value of the pressure arranged in the insulation volume, e.g. negative pressure, depends on, among other things, the thickness and shape of the wall of the insulating volume, such as the distance between the inner and outer shell of the insulating volume.

Preferably, the insulating capacity of the insulation is reduced by increasing the pressure on the medium in the insulation volume. According to some embodiments, the pressure of the medium in the isolation volume is reduced. The isolation volume may be overpressurized. The overpressure in the insulation volume can be increased.

The contents of the insulation structure can be cooled by reducing the insulating capacity of the insulation volume when the temperature of the environment is lower than that of the contents of the insulation structure.

The contents of the insulation structure can be heated by increasing the insulating capacity of the insulation volume when the temperature in the environment is higher than that of the contents of the insulation structure.

The isolation structure can be adapted as part of a tank or warehouse.

The warehouse and/or tank may be intended for the storage of people, animals or goods. Equipment that produces heat can be stored in the warehouse and/or the tank. The warehouse and/or tank can be a warehouse for the processing and/or food industry or a warehouse for agriculture. The warehouse and/or tank may contain, for example, equipment for energy distribution, electricity distribution, water distribution, sewage, waste management, fuel distribution, data transmission or telecommunications networks.

By means of the adjustable insulation, the temperature of the material stored in the tank or warehouse can be regulated. The temperature of the material being stored can be increased and/or decreased. The temperature of the material to be stored can be kept constant. The temperature of the environment, for example, the temperature prevailing in nature, can be used to increase and/or decrease the temperature of the material being stored. The variation in temperature in the environment, for example, variation in daily temperature or seasonal variation in temperature can be utilized in the insulation of the tank. In accordance with some embodiments, by utilizing the daily temperature variation in the environment in the tank, the need for heating and/or cooling can be reduced. Adjustable insulation allows to save energy. The thermal expansion and/or thermal contraction of the material in the tank or storage can be reduced. Changes in the stress state of the structure of the tank can be reduced.

The principle of adjustable insulation, the insulation structure and the method presented in this specification can be applied within the scope of, among other things, the process industry and the food industry, as well as agriculture. With the help of the insulation structure, the temperature of the stored material, the material supplied to the process or that is processed in the process, can be reduced, maintained and increased in an energy-efficient way.

According to some embodiments, the tanks can be used as a tank for decomposition, composting and fermentation processes. Thereby, the heating and cooling capacity obtained from the environment can be used in an energy-efficient way in such biological processes. In a biological process, heat obtained from outside the tank can be used to activate a process such as activating bacterial action. Once the process has been activated, the temperature of the contents of the tank can be cooled to maintain a suitable operating temperature for the process by transferring heat to the outside of the tank if the temperature of the process rises too much, for example, too much for the action of the bacteria used in the process .

The heat energy available in the environment in the tank/storage can be allowed to be transferred in an improved way into the tank and to increase the temperature of the contents of the tank so that the thermal conductivity of the insulation of the tank is regulated to be higher. The heat energy available within the tank/storage can be allowed to be transferred in an improved way to the outside of the tank and to reduce the temperature of the contents of the tank so that the thermal conductivity of the insulation of the tank is regulated to be lower.

For example, the shelf life of perishable goods can be improved. The variation in temperature of material to be stored can be reduced. The gasification and/or evaporation of gasifiable or vaporizable materials, such as fuels or waste, can be reduced or increased depending on the application. When one reduces the generation of outgassing, undesirable emissions to the environment in the tank can be reduced.

The pressure of a gaseous medium can be increased to increase the thermal conductivity of the insulator, and the pressure of the gas can be decreased to decrease the thermal conductivity of the insulator. Reducing the pressure of the insulating gas to a level lower than the atmospheric pressure is particularly preferred, since even small pressure differences can make it possible to achieve significant differences in the thermal conductivity of the insulator. Heat can be received from the environment to the insulation volume in a controllable manner and/or heat can be transferred to the environment outside the insulation volume in a controllable manner.

As an example, an insulating structure by which the contents of a tank or warehouse are insulated against the effects of cold may be regulated so that the insulator allows the transfer of external heat to the contents. Correspondingly, an insulating structure that insulates against the influence of heat can be regulated so that the insulator allows the transfer of the heat of the contents in an improved way to the outside of the tank. Known fixed insulation also prevents the transfer of heat when it would be more sensible not to insulate.

Other advantages will be apparent from the following description and claims.

Various embodiments of the present invention will only be or have only been described in connection with one or some of the aspects of the invention. One skilled in the art will recognize that any embodiment of an aspect of the invention may be used in the same aspect and other aspects alone or in combination with other embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The invention will be described below by way of example with reference to the attached schematic drawings, where: Figure 1 shows a tank in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention; and Figure 2 shows a warehouse that is partially surrounded by a layer of soil; Figure 3 shows a warehouse comprising two separately adjustable insulation volumes; and Figure 4 shows a tank comprising separately adjustable insulation volumes, one of which is arranged in the area of influence for the temperature in groundwater.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, like references indicate like parts. It must be stated that the figures are not true to scale in all cases and that they mainly serve the purpose of illustrating embodiments of the invention.

Figure 1 shows a tank 1, comprising an inner shell 2 and an outer shell 3 adapted to the outside of the inner shell. An inner surface 2' of the inner shell 2 defines a receiving volume 4 of the tank 1 for the material to be stored. The inner surface 2' of the inner shell 2 opens in the direction of the material intended to be stored within the tank 1. The material to be stored can be any

substance or material, preferably flowing material, such as a gaseous, liquid, semi-solid, pumpable, viscous, powdery or granular material. The material to be stored is not, as such, intended to be limiting of the invention. Figure 1 does not show the opening of the tank to transfer the material between

the inside and outside of the tank 1. Figure 1 also does not show connections, e.g. for the material to be stored, measuring devices for material quantities, a service door or the like, which typically belong to tanks. Metal and plastic materials have been used as the material for the tank.

In Figure 1, the space is defined by an outer surface of the inner shell and an inner surface of the outer shell formed as an insulating volume 5, which completely surrounds the inner shell. More or less of the medium has been adapted to be located in the insulating volume 5 through a channel 6. The insulating capacity of the tank 1 is arranged to be adjustable so that the thermal conductivity of the insulating volume 5 can be regulated.

In Figure 1, an outer surface 3 of the tank has been arranged within the influence area of the varying temperature of the environment, preferably in the open air.

In the tank 1, an insulating structure comprises a double-shell structured wall 2, 3, which surrounds the material to be stored. The insulation volume 5, which has adjustable thermal conductivity, is fitted between the shells 2, 3.

In connection with the tank 1, which is presented as an example of the insulation structure, a vacuum pump 7, suitable for regulating the pressure of the medium, the density of a medium and the amount of the medium, is arranged as a regulation device 7 for the thermal conductivity of the insulation volume 5. The operation of the vacuum pump 7 is controlled by means of a control device 8. The communication between the vacuum pump 7 and the control device 8 is indicated by 8'.

Optionally, the internal temperature of the tank 1 can be measured with a first temperature sensor 9, which is preferably located within the inner shell 2 and the measurement information from this is communicated to the control device 8 (dashed line 9'). Optionally, the temperature external to the tank 1, i.e. the temperature in the environment, can be measured with a second temperature sensor 10, which is preferably located on the outside of the outer shell 3 and the measurement information from this is communicated to the control device 8 (dashed line 10') . The measured temperature values can be processed in the control device 8.1 the control device, a control value for controlling the vacuum pump 7 can be determined on the basis of measured temperature values. The control device makes it possible to feed the medium into and out of the insulation volume 5 depending on the temperature in the environment.

The pressure information of the insulation volume 5 is communicated from a pressure sensor 14 located in the insulation volume 5 to the control device 8 (dashed line 14').

The medium can be fed into and out of the insulation volume 5, depending on the temperature in the environment. When the temperature in the environment is lower than that of the contents of the tank 1, a gaseous medium can be reduced in the insulation volume 5 to cool the contents. When the temperature in the environment decreases, the gaseous medium can be reduced in the insulation volume 5. When the temperature in the environment is higher than that of the contents of the tank 1, the gaseous medium can be reduced in the insulation volume 5 to heat the contents. When the temperature in the environment increases, the gaseous medium can be reduced in the insulation volume 5.

The tank 1 comprises a vacuum-proof insulation volume 5 arranged on the outside of the inner shell for a gaseous medium to be pressurized. The medium to be accommodated in the isolation volume 5 can be pressurized in an adjustable manner by means of the vacuum pump 7.

In order to increase the thermal conductivity of the insulation volume 5, the density of the medium adapted in the insulation volume, such as a gas or a gas mixture, can be increased by increasing the pressure on the medium. Correspondingly, conversely, in order to reduce the thermal conductivity of the insulator, the density of the medium adapted in the insulating volume 5 can be reduced by increasing the pressure on the medium, whereby the thermal conductivity of the medium decreases.

The insulating capacity of the insulation of the tank can be regulated by changing the pressure of the insulating volume 5. A pressure corresponding to that of the environment can be arranged in the insulating volume. The insulating capacity of the insulating volume 5 can be increased by reducing the pressure on the medium in the insulating volume. The isolation volume may be pressurized. The negative pressure in the insulation volume can be increased. A vacuum can be formed in the insulation volume.

Preferably, the insulating capacity of the insulation is reduced by increasing the pressure on the medium in the insulation volume. According to some embodiments, a negative pressure of the medium in the isolation volume is reduced. The isolation volume may be overpressurized. The overpressure in the insulation volume can be increased.

The thermal conductivity of the insulation volume can be increased by circulating liquid in the insulation volume.

What was presented in the general section of this description can be used for the regulation of the thermal conductivity of the insulating volume 5 of the tank 1.

Figure 2 shows a bearing 11, comprising an inner shell 2 and an outer shell 3 adapted to the outside of the inner shell. An inner surface 2' of the inner shell 2 defines a receiving volume 4 of the tank 1 for the material to be stored. The inner surface 2' of the inner shell 2 opens in the direction of a material intended to be stored within the storage 11. As for the tank 1, the material to be stored may be any substance or material, preferably flowing material, such as gaseous, liquid, pumpable, viscous, powdery or granular material. The material to be stored is not, as such, intended to be limiting of the invention. Figure 2 does not show an opening for transferring the material between the inside and outside of the bearing 11.

In Figure 2, the space is defined by an outer surface of the inner shell and an inner surface of the outer shell between them designed as an insulation volume 5, which partially surrounds the inner shell 2. The insulation volume 5 is defined by a partition wall 15, which is fitted in a pressure-resistant manner between the inner and outer shell. The space between the inner shell and the outer shell is divided so that the insulation volume 5 which has adjustable thermal conductivity is on one side of the partition wall 15, on the upper side in the case of Figure 2, and on the other side is a compartment with fixed insulation 13 More or less of the medium has been adapted to be located in the insulating volume through a channel 6. The insulating capacity of the tank 1 is arranged to be adjustable so that the thermal conductivity of the insulating volume 5 can be regulated.

In Figure 1, an outer surface 3 of the tank has been arranged within the influence area of the varying temperature in the environment, preferably in the open air.

The warehouse 11 is located partly within the ground level 12, surrounded by a soil layer 16. The part of the warehouse 11 above the ground is equipped with an insulating volume 5 which has adjustable thermal conductivity for a medium, adapted to the outside of the inner shell 2. The shell part of the warehouse 11 below ground level 12, which is not directly within the range of influence of the varying temperature in the environment, is equipped with a fixed insulator 13.

A vacuum pump 7 suitable for regulating the pressure of the medium, the density of the medium and the amount of the medium has been arranged as a regulating device 7 for the thermal conductivity of the insulating volume 5 in connection with the bearing 11 presented as another example of the insulating structure; the operation of the vacuum pump 7 is controlled by a control device 8 as in Figure 1.

The pressure information for the insulation volume 5 is communicated from a pressure sensor 14 to the control device 8 (dashed line 14').

What was presented in the general section of this description and in connection with the description of Figure 1 can be used for the regulation of the thermal conductivity of the insulation volume 5 of the bearing 11 according to Figure 2.

The temperature on the inside of the bearing 11 can be measured with a first temperature sensor 9, and the temperature on the outside of the bearing, i.e. the temperature in the environment, can be measured with a second temperature sensor 10. The measured temperature values can be processed in the control device 8. In the control device , a control value for controlling the vacuum pump 7 can be determined on the basis of the measured temperature values. The control device makes it possible to feed the medium into and out of the insulation volume 5 depending on the temperature in the environment. Figure 3 shows a warehouse 21, which comprises two insulation volumes 5.1 and 5.2 separated from each other by a partition wall 15, the thermal conductivity of the insulation volumes 5.1 and 5.2 is adjustable. The bearing 21 differs from the bearing 11 according to Figure 2 in that the insulation volume 5.2 which has adjustable thermal conductivity has been adapted instead of the fixed insulator 13. A first pressure sensor 14.1 is arranged in the first insulation volume 5.1, from which the pressure information of the insulation volume 5.1 is communicated, to a control device 8 (dashed line 14.1'). A second pressure sensor 14.2 is arranged in the second insulation volume 5.2, from which the pressure information of the insulation volume 5.2 is communicated to the control device 8 (dashed line 14.2').

The control device 8 can control a vacuum pump 7 to separately regulate the first insulation volume 5.1 through a first channel 6.1 and the second insulation volume 5.2 through a second channel 6. 2. As an example of the operation of the warehouse, heat energy can be supplied to the contents of the warehouse 21 from the environment above ground level 12 during hot weather, advantageously enhanced by solar radiation (for example, by reducing the insulating capacity of the insulation volume 5.1), and uniform coolness can be obtained from the soil layer 16 to cool the contents (for example, by reducing the insulating capacity of the insulating volume 5.2). As another operational example for the warehouse, heat energy can be conducted from the contents of the warehouse 21 to the environment above ground level 12 during cold weather, preferably winter (eg by reducing the insulating capacity of the insulating volume 5.1). Therefore, the temperature of the contents of the warehouse 21 can be controlled in an energy-efficient manner.

Figure 4 shows a tank 31 comprising three separately adjustable isolation volumes 5.1, 5.2 and 5.3. The structure which has adjustable insulating capacity shown in Figure 4 comprises a cylindrical tank 31 installed in a vertical position. In connection with the first insulation volume 5.1 and the second insulation volume 5.2, reference is made to the description of Figure 3. A third insulation volume 5.3 is arranged below the second insulation volume, separated by a second partition wall 15' and arranged within the area of influence for the temperature of groundwater in a groundwater layer 18 The boundary between a soil layer 16 closer to ground level 12 and the groundwater layer 18 is highlighted with a dashed line 17. A third pressure sensor 14.3 is arranged in the insulation volume 5.3, from which the pressure information for the insulation volume 5.3 is communicated (dashed line 14.3') to a control device 8, which is not shown in Figure 4.

The control device 8 can control a vacuum pump 7 to separately regulate the first isolation volume 5.1 through a first channel 6.1, the second isolation volume 5.2 through a second channel 6.2 and the third isolation volume 5.3 through a third channel 6.3.

As an example, in some conditions, the temperature may be about +6-+25°C in the above-ground environment of the tank 31, about +6°C in the soil layer 16, and about +4°C in the groundwater layer 18. The contents stored in the tank may be a milk product. The contents of the tank 31 can be maintained at the temperature of around +6-8 °C as follows: a) when the temperature decreases, the contents are heated by means of the insulation volume 5.1 by increasing the thermal conductivity of the insulation volume 5.1 (possibly,

the thermal conductivity of the third insulation volume 5.3 also reduced),

b) the temperature is maintained by means of the second insulating volume 5.2, and c) when the temperature of the tank contents increases, the contents of the tank are cooled by

using the third insulation volume 5.3 by increasing the thermal conductivity of

the insulation volume 5.1 (optionally, the thermal conductivity of the first insulation volume 5.1 is also reduced).

A mixing device 19 can be arranged in the receiving volume 4 of the tank 31 to mix the contents of the insulation structure and to improve the heat transfer between the contents and the outside of the tank. The mixing device may comprise a rotatable propeller. Doors in the tank are indicated by reference number 20.

A temperature sensor or sensors may be arranged in connection with the soil layers in Figures 3 and 4, which may be used to measure measurement information to be communicated to the control device 8 and to be processed by the control device 8 to generate an operating signal for a control device 7.

At least two insulation volumes arranged to be separate from each other and having separately adjustable thermal conductivity can be arranged in an insulation structure to be modernized. The insulators or any of the insulators in an insulating structure that has been in use (e.g., a tank, warehouse, or container) may be replaced by the insulating volumes presented in this specification, arranged to be separate and having separately adjustable thermal conductivity.

As an example of arranging an insulating structure on the outside of the inner shell, there may be mentioned at least two flexible insulating bags or covers, arranged to be separate from each other, having separately adjustable thermal conductivity, arranged on the outside of the insulating structure and shaped in accordance with the shape of the insulation structure. The insulation wrap or bag has preferably an adjustable insulation volume arranged between two walls. The insulation bag or cover may be filled with a medium. The insulation bag or wrap may be installed around a tank or container. Insulation bags or covers can be installed side by side so that the impact of at least two insulation volumes is taken to significantly different places of the receiving volume of the insulation structure intended for a material to be adapted in the insulation structure.

In accordance with some preferred embodiments, at least two insulation volumes are arranged to be separate from each other and have separately adjustable thermal conductivity arranged in at least two different environments so that significantly different temperatures are maintained at the insulation volumes in the different environments. Thereby, the temperature in the material to be adapted in the insulation structure can be regulated between the (extreme) temperatures of the aforementioned at least two different environments. In this way, the temperature in the material inside the insulation structure can be regulated even without external energy. The regulation of the temperature in the material to be stored can be effected very cost-effectively by utilizing the adjustable thermal conductivities of the insulation volumes located within the influence area for different environments.

The description given above provides non-limiting examples of some embodiments of the invention. It is obvious to those skilled in the art that the invention is not limited to the details presented above, but that the invention can also be implemented in other equivalent ways.

Some characteristics of the presented embodiments can be utilized without using other characteristics. The description above must be regarded as an exemplary overview which describes the principles according to the invention and not as limiting the invention. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is only limited by the appended claims.

Claims (15)

1. Insulation structure (1,11,21,31) comprising an inner shell (2) which surrounds a receiving volume (4) intended for a material to be adapted in the insulation structure, characterized in that the insulation structure comprises at least two insulation volumes (5, 5.1, 5.2 , 5.3) for a medium separate from each other and which has separately adjustable thermal conductivity, which at least two insulating volumes are arranged on the outside of the inner shell (2) so that the impact of the at least two insulating volumes is conducted at significantly different locations of the same receiving volume (4). 2. Insulation structure according to claim 1, characterized in that the insulation structure comprises a device for regulating the thermal conductivity of the insulation volume (7). 3. Insulation structure according to claim 2, characterized in that the device for regulating the thermal conductivity (7) is selected from the group: a medium pressure control device, a medium density control device, a medium quantity control device, a control device for leading the medium into and/or out of the insulation volume, a regulating device for adding the medium to the insulation volume and/or reducing the medium in the insulation volume, a pressure measuring device (14), a temperature measuring device (9, 10), a vacuum pump, a vacuum pump, a material transfer pump, a pressure pump, a pressurized gas source, a pressurized gas tank, a filling valve, a drain valve. 4. Insulation structure according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the insulation structure comprises a control device (8) for controlling the thermal conductivity regulation device. 5. Insulation structure according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the space formed by an outer surface of the inner shell (2) and an inner surface of an outer shell (3) between them is at least partially formed as an insulating volume. 6. Insulation structure according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the insulation structure comprises at least two insulation volumes separately from each other which are separately controllable. 7. Insulation structure according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that at least one of the following is adapted in the insulation volume (5, 5.1, 5.2, 5.3) as a medium: a gas, a liquid, a pumpable medium, a viscous medium, air, water, a cooling device, a component of crude oil, a hydrocarbon, and, preferably, the medium is suitable to be replaced to replace another medium in the isolation volume. 8. Insulation structure according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the insulation structure is adapted in a tank and/or a warehouse. 9. Method for insulating a structure (1,11,21,31), the structure comprising an inner shell (2) which surrounds a receiving volume (4) intended for a material to be adapted in the insulating structure, characterized in that the method comprises arrange at least two isolation volumes (5, 5.1, 5.2, 5.3) which are separate from each other on the outside of the inner shell (2) so that the impact of the at least two isolation volumes is conducted at significantly different locations of the same receiving volume (4) and separately regulate the thermal conductivities of the at least two insulation volumes (5, 5.1, 5.2, 5.3). 10. Method according to claim 9, characterized in that the thermal conductivity of the insulation volume is regulated by changing at least one of the following properties for a medium adapted in the insulation volume: density, pressure, thermal conductivity. 11. Method according to claim 9 or 10, characterized by fitting a gaseous medium in the insulation volume and reducing the thermal conductivity of the insulation volume by reducing the pressure in the insulation volume. 12. Method according to any one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that a negative pressure, preferably a vacuum, is formed in the insulation volume. 13. Method according to claim 9 or 12, characterized by fitting a gaseous medium in the insulation volume and increasing the thermal conductivity of the insulation volume by increasing the pressure in the insulation volume. 14. Method according to any one of claims 9 to 13, characterized in that the method comprises receiving heat from the environment in a controllable manner on the inside of the insulation volume and/or transferring heat in a controllable manner to the environment on the outside of the insulation volume. 15. Method according to any one of claims 9 to 14, characterized in that the medium or part of the medium is replaced by another medium in the insulation volume in order to regulate the thermal conductivity of the structure.