Modular microwave heating calcium hydroxide thermo-chemical energy storage reactor

Abstract

The utility model relates to the field of building energy and energy storage technology discloses a modular microwave heating formula calcium hydroxide thermochemical energy storage reactor, including metal reflection shell, top cap, flange, steam pipeline, heat exchange fluid pipeline, go through the pipe, reaction module and the interchangeable microwave heating pipe and hollow heat pipe of installation, top cap is connected with metal reflection shell sealedly through flange, and the closed microwave reflection cavity is formed in the metal reflection shell inside, the sealing structure of flange and metal reflection shell includes the combined sealing of high temperature -resistant metal sealing washer and flexible steam -resistant sealing washer, and sealing washer adopts fluorine rubber or silicon rubber material made of water vapor corrosion resistance. The utility model has the advantages compared with prior art: solve the existing CaO / Ca (OH) 2 thermochemical energy storage reactor's heating uniformity difference, heat transfer path length, structure complexity, energy utilization rate is low and the mode switching inconvenient problem.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of building energy and energy storage technology, specifically to a modular microwave-heated calcium hydroxide thermochemical energy storage reactor. Background Technology

[0002] Thermochemical energy storage technology, based on reversible chemical reactions, enables high-density, long-term storage and release of heat, offering significant advantages such as high energy density, long storage time, and the ability to retain heat intact at room temperature for extended periods. Among these, the CaO / Ca(OH)2 reaction system is widely considered the most promising thermochemical energy storage material for building-integrated energy storage and renewable energy coupling systems due to its moderate reaction temperature, high enthalpy, good cycle stability, and inexpensive and non-toxic reactants.

[0003] However, existing CaO / Ca(OH)2 reactors generally have the following problems: long heat transfer paths and uneven temperature distribution, which restricts heat and mass transfer in the deep reaction region; slow reaction rate and low energy utilization, making it difficult to meet the application requirements of rapid energy storage and release; and complex mode switching, requiring different thermal management systems for energy storage and release stages, resulting in complex structures and difficult maintenance.

[0004] Traditional external heating methods (such as resistance heating and thermal oil heat exchange) mainly rely on an outside-to-inside heat conduction mechanism, resulting in high thermal inertia and significant temperature differences within the bed. In contrast, microwave heating technology has volumetric heating characteristics, allowing direct coupling of electromagnetic energy within the reaction particles and rapid conversion into thermal energy, achieving rapid heating and high energy efficiency. Furthermore, existing reactors have a simple structure, making it difficult to simultaneously handle the switching between energy storage and energy release, and lack modular design to adapt to applications of different scales.

[0005] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a CaO / Ca(OH)2 thermochemical energy storage reactor with a detachable, scalable, and stackable structure that can switch between "microwave heating and fluid heat conduction" modes, in order to improve reaction rate, energy utilization and engineering maintainability. Utility Model Content

[0006] (I) Technical problems to be solved The technical problem to be solved by this utility model is to overcome the above difficulties and provide a modular microwave-heated calcium hydroxide thermochemical energy storage reactor that solves the problems of poor heating uniformity, long heat transfer path, complex structure, low energy utilization rate and inconvenient mode switching of existing CaO / Ca(OH)2 thermochemical energy storage reactors.

[0007] (II) Technical Solution To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the technical solution provided by this utility model is as follows: a modular microwave-heated calcium hydroxide thermochemical energy storage reactor, including a metal reflective shell, a top cover, a flange, a steam pipeline, a heat exchange fluid pipeline, a through pipe, a reaction module, and interchangeable microwave heating tubes and hollow heat-conducting tubes; The top cover is sealed to the metal reflective shell via a flange, forming a closed microwave reflective cavity inside the metal reflective shell; The sealing structure between the flange and the metal reflector shell includes a combination seal of a high-temperature resistant metal gasket and a flexible steam-resistant gasket. The gasket is made of fluororubber or silicone rubber material that is resistant to water vapor corrosion. The reaction module is a detachable, expandable, and stackable rectangular unit structure, filled with composite calcium hydroxide reaction particles. The reaction module has through holes into which microwave heating tubes or hollow heat-conducting tubes can be inserted. The reaction module is equipped with a heat-conducting mesh to enhance the lateral thermal conductivity of the bed.

[0008] As an improvement, the metal reflective shell is made of a highly conductive metal, and its inner wall forms a microwave reflective cavity to create a uniform electromagnetic field. The microwave heating tube can be detachably inserted into the through tube and is coaxially arranged with the through hole; The microwave heating tube has a microwave cutoff structure inside to prevent microwaves from leaking to the outside of the cavity.

[0009] As an improvement, the steam pipeline includes a steam distribution / collection pipe and a steam branch pipe, used to discharge water vapor during the energy storage stage and to introduce water vapor with controlled temperature and flow rate during the energy release stage. The steam branch pipes are arranged in the gaps between adjacent modules to form a gas distribution channel to improve gas phase mass transfer.

[0010] As an improvement, the heat exchange fluid pipeline includes a low-temperature manifold, a low-temperature branch pipe, a high-temperature branch pipe, and a high-temperature manifold.

[0011] As an improvement, multiple reaction modules are arranged in a detachable and expandable stacked manner, with gas flow channels formed between the modules through gaps. The reaction module can be expanded or replaced along the shell direction to adapt to different energy storage scales or heat exchange requirements; Each module has a positioning and sealing structure at its end to ensure airtightness and thermal conductivity stability between modules.

[0012] As an improvement, the composite calcium hydroxide reactive particles consist of a particle microwave absorbing layer, a particle thermally conductive layer, and a particle reactive layer from the outside to the inside. The particle absorbing layer is made of silicon carbide or ferrite-doped absorbing material, the particle thermally conductive layer is made of graphite or aluminum nitride with high thermal conductivity, and the particle reaction layer is calcium hydroxide. The three layers are made into a composite structure by coating or sintering.

[0013] As an improvement, the microwave heating tube and the hollow heat-conducting tube array are arranged and can be interchanged through a quick-release sealing interface. During the energy storage stage, the microwave heating tube is inserted for heating. The microwave heating tube and the hollow heat-conducting tube are interchangeable in structure, realizing easy switching between "heating-heat conduction" dual modes.

[0014] As an improvement, the through pipe and the microwave heating pipe or hollow heat-conducting pipe adopt a threaded quick-connect sealing connection structure to achieve rapid switching between different working modes.

[0015] (III) Beneficial Effects The advantages of this utility model compared with the prior art are as follows: 1. This invention applies microwaves directly to the interior of the calcium hydroxide thermochemical reaction bed, ensuring uniform heat distribution and significantly improving the reaction rate, thereby greatly enhancing the energy storage and release rate and the system's energy utilization efficiency.

[0016] 2. The reactor consists of multiple rectangular modules, and its detachable and expandable stackable structure facilitates system expansion and unit maintenance as needed.

[0017] 3. The gas distribution channels between modules can achieve uniform distribution of reactant gases, which helps to improve mass transfer efficiency and thus enhance gas-solid reactions.

[0018] 4. The reactor can quickly switch between microwave heating mode and fluid heat conduction mode via a quick-release interface.

[0019] 5. The reactor has a compact structure, low heat loss, and the microwave cutoff structure effectively prevents energy leakage and improves energy utilization. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the modular microwave-heated calcium hydroxide energy storage reactor of this utility model; Figure 2 for Figure 1 Sectional view of AA; Figure 3 for Figure 1 BB section view; Figure 4 This is a front view of the heat exchange fluid pipeline of this utility model; Figure 5 This is a side view of the heat exchange fluid pipeline of this utility model; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the reaction module structure of this utility model; Figure 7 for Figure 6 CC section view; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the internal heat-conducting mesh of the reaction module; Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly of the microwave heating tube and the hollow heat-conducting tube. Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the composite reactant particles of this utility model.

[0021] The diagram is labeled as follows: 1. Metal reflective shell; 2. Top cover; 3. Flange; 4. Steam pipeline; 41. Steam distribution / collection pipe; 42. Steam branch pipe; 5. Heat exchange fluid pipeline; 51. Low temperature manifold; 52. Low temperature branch pipe; 53. High temperature branch pipe; 54. High temperature manifold; 6. Through pipe; 61. Microwave heating tube; 62. Hollow heat conducting tube; 7. Reaction module; 71. Reaction module through hole; 72. Reaction particle bed; 73. Heat conducting mesh; 8. Composite calcium hydroxide particles; 81. Particle microwave absorbing layer; 82. Particle heat conducting layer; 83. Particle reaction layer; 9. Microwave cutoff structure. Detailed Implementation

[0022] The embodiments of this utility model are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain this utility model, and should not be construed as limiting this utility model.

[0023] like Figures 1 to 10 As shown, this utility model provides a modular microwave-heated calcium hydroxide energy storage reactor, including a metal reflective shell 1, a top cover 2, a flange 3, a steam pipeline 4, a heat exchange fluid pipeline 5, a through pipe 6, a reaction module 7, a microwave heating tube 61, a hollow heat-conducting tube 62, and a microwave cutoff structure 9. The top cover 2 is sealed to the metal reflective shell 1 through the flange 3, forming a closed microwave reflective cavity inside.

[0024] The metal reflective shell 1 is made of a highly conductive metal material, and its inner wall forms a microwave reflective cavity. This cavity allows microwaves to be reflected and interfered with multiple times, forming a stable and uniform electromagnetic field distribution, thereby achieving volumetric heating of the reaction module 7. This reflective shell effectively limits the range of electromagnetic wave energy, prevents leakage, and improves microwave heating efficiency.

[0025] like Figure 6 and Figure 7As shown, reaction module 7 is a detachable rectangular structural unit, internally equipped with reaction module through-holes 71, a reaction particle bed 72, and a heat-conducting mesh 73. The reaction module is filled with composite calcium hydroxide reaction particles 8, and the module shell is made of high-temperature resistant stainless steel or ceramic material to ensure mechanical strength and airtightness. The heat-conducting mesh 73 is arranged laterally along the module to enhance the thermal conductivity of the bed, improve temperature uniformity, and prevent particle settling.

[0026] like Figure 7 and Figure 10 As shown, the composite calcium hydroxide reactive particles 8 consist of, from the outside in, a particle absorbing layer 81, a particle thermally conductive layer 82, and a particle reactive layer 83. The particle absorbing layer 81 is made of silicon carbide or ferrite-doped absorbing material to absorb microwave energy; the particle thermally conductive layer 82 is made of graphite or aluminum nitride, a high thermal conductivity material, to achieve rapid heat diffusion; and the particle reactive layer 83 is calcium hydroxide, which undergoes an endothermic and exothermic reaction. The three layers are combined through coating or sintering to form a composite structure that combines microwave absorption and thermal conductivity.

[0027] like Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, the steam pipeline 4 includes a steam distribution / collection pipe 41 and a steam branch pipe 42. During the energy storage phase, the steam pipeline 4 is used to discharge the water vapor generated by the reaction; during the energy release phase, it is used to introduce water vapor with controllable temperature and flow rate to drive the reaction between CaO and H2O. The steam branch pipe 42 is arranged in the gaps between adjacent modules, forming a uniform gas distribution channel to enhance gas diffusion and mass transfer efficiency.

[0028] like Figure 1 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the heat exchange fluid pipeline 5 includes a low-temperature manifold 51, a low-temperature branch pipe 52, a hollow heat-conducting pipe 62, a high-temperature branch pipe 53, and a high-temperature manifold 54. The low-temperature fluid enters the low-temperature branch pipe 52 from the low-temperature manifold 51 and then flows into the hollow heat-conducting pipe 62. After absorbing the heat released by the reaction inside the pipe, it flows through the high-temperature branch pipe 53 into the high-temperature manifold 54 and is then output to the external heat exchange device, achieving energy recovery. Quick-release sealing joints are used at both ends of the hollow heat-conducting pipe 62 to connect it to the fluid pipeline, allowing for interchangeability with the microwave heating tube 61.

[0029] like Figure 9 As shown, the microwave heating tube 61 and the hollow heat-conducting tube 62 can be inserted into the through-tube 6, which is coaxially arranged with the through-hole 71 of the reaction module. The microwave heating tube 61 has a microwave cutoff structure 9 inside to block microwave leakage, ensuring the concentration of electromagnetic energy within the reflection cavity and improving the system's heating efficiency and electromagnetic safety. The hollow heat-conducting tube 62 is used to introduce a low-temperature fluid during the energy release stage, realizing the heat transfer and output of the exothermic reaction.

[0030] During the energy storage phase, a microwave heating tube 61 is inserted into the conduit 6. The microwave heating tube 61 is electrically connected to an external microwave source. Microwaves are emitted from the microwave heating tube 61 and enter the reflective cavity, where they are reflected by the inner wall of the shell to form a uniform electromagnetic field. The microwave absorbing layer 81 in the reaction module 7 absorbs the microwaves and converts them into heat energy, which is then transferred to the reactants 83 via the heat-conducting layer 82. This causes Ca(OH)2 to decompose and generate CaO and H2O, thus achieving energy absorption and storage. The generated water vapor is promptly discharged through the steam pipe 4 to avoid inhibiting the reaction rate.

[0031] During the energy release phase, the microwave heating tube 61 is removed and the hollow heat-conducting tube 62 is inserted. At this time, the external heat exchange fluid enters the hollow heat-conducting tube 62 from the low-temperature manifold 51 via the low-temperature branch pipe 52, absorbs the heat released by the reaction of CaO and H2O, and then flows to the high-temperature manifold 54 via the high-temperature branch pipe 53, realizing energy output. Simultaneously, temperature-controlled steam is introduced into the reaction module through the steam pipe 4, which promotes the reaction of CaO and H2O to generate Ca(OH)2 and release heat, completing the energy release process.

[0032] Throughout the energy storage and release cycle, the modular design of reaction module 7 allows for the addition, removal, or replacement of reaction units as needed, adapting to different energy storage scales. The quick-release interface design enables efficient and rapid switching between microwave heating and fluid heat conduction modes. Through the synergistic design of microwave absorption, heat conduction, and reaction, this invention achieves uniform temperature distribution and rapid response characteristics in the reaction bed, effectively improving the system's energy density, thermal efficiency, and cycle stability.

[0033] In summary, this invention significantly improves the heat transfer and reaction rate issues in the thermochemical energy storage process of the CaO / Ca(OH)2 system through modular structural design and dual-mode energy conversion, achieving rapid, stable, and efficient operation of the energy storage and release process. The device is compact, easy to maintain, and suitable for applications such as building energy storage, industrial waste heat recovery, and renewable energy utilization.

[0034] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described above, it is understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make changes, modifications, substitutions, alterations, deletions of some features, additions of features, or recombinations of features to the above embodiments within the scope of the present invention without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention. Any simple modifications, equivalent changes, and alterations made to the above embodiments based on the innovative principles of the present invention shall still fall within the scope of the technical solutions of the present invention.

Claims

1. A modular microwave-heated thermochemical energy storage reactor for calcium hydroxide, characterized in that: It includes a metal reflective shell (1), a top cover (2), a flange (3), a steam pipe (4), a heat exchange fluid pipe (5), a through pipe (6), a reaction module (7), and interchangeable microwave heating tubes (61) and hollow heat-conducting tubes (62). The top cover (2) is sealed to the metal reflective shell (1) through the flange (3), forming a closed microwave reflective cavity inside the metal reflective shell (1); The sealing structure between the flange (3) and the metal reflective shell (1) includes a combination seal of a high-temperature resistant metal sealing gasket and a flexible steam-resistant sealing gasket. The sealing gasket is made of fluororubber or silicone rubber material that is resistant to water vapor corrosion. The reaction module (7) is a detachable and expandable stackable rectangular unit structure, filled with composite calcium hydroxide reaction particles (8). The reaction module (7) has a through hole (71), into which a microwave heating tube (61) or a hollow heat-conducting tube (62) can be inserted. The reaction module (7) is equipped with a heat-conducting mesh (73) to enhance the transverse heat conduction performance of the bed.

2. The modular microwave-heated calcium hydroxide thermochemical energy storage reactor according to claim 1, characterized in that: The metal reflective shell (1) is made of highly conductive metal, and its inner wall forms a microwave reflective cavity to form a uniform electromagnetic field. The microwave heating tube (61) is detachably inserted into the through tube (6) and is coaxially arranged with the through hole (71); The microwave heating tube (61) is provided with a microwave cut-off structure (9) inside to prevent microwave leakage to the outside of the cavity.

3. The modular microwave-heated calcium hydroxide thermochemical energy storage reactor according to claim 1, characterized in that: The steam pipeline (4) includes a steam distribution / collection pipe (41) and a steam branch pipe (42), which are used to discharge water vapor during the energy storage stage and to introduce water vapor with controlled temperature and flow rate during the energy release stage. The steam branch pipe (42) is arranged in the gap between adjacent modules to form a gas distribution channel to improve gas phase mass transfer.

4. The modular microwave-heated calcium hydroxide thermochemical energy storage reactor according to claim 1, characterized in that: The heat exchange fluid pipeline (5) includes a low-temperature manifold (51), a low-temperature branch pipe (52), a high-temperature branch pipe (53), and a high-temperature manifold (54).

5. A modular microwave-heated calcium hydroxide thermochemical energy storage reactor according to claim 1, characterized in that: Multiple reaction modules (7) are arranged in a detachable and expandable stacked manner, with gas flow channels formed between the modules through gaps; The reaction module (7) can be expanded or replaced along the shell direction to adapt to different energy storage scales or heat exchange requirements; Each module has a positioning and sealing structure at its end to ensure airtightness and thermal conductivity stability between modules.

6. The modular microwave-heated calcium hydroxide thermochemical energy storage reactor according to claim 1, characterized in that: The composite calcium hydroxide reactive particles (8) consist of a particle absorbing layer (81), a particle thermally conductive layer (82), and a particle reactive layer (83) from the outside to the inside. The particle absorbing layer (81) is made of silicon carbide or ferrite-doped absorbing material, the particle thermal conductive layer (82) is made of graphite or aluminum nitride high thermal conductivity material, and the particle reaction layer (83) is calcium hydroxide. The three layers are made into a composite structure by coating or sintering.

7. A modular microwave-heated calcium hydroxide thermochemical energy storage reactor according to claim 1, characterized in that: The microwave heating tube (61) and the hollow heat-conducting tube (62) are arranged in an array and can be installed interchangeably through a quick-release sealing interface. During the energy storage stage, the microwave heating tube (61) is inserted for heating. The microwave heating tube (61) and the hollow heat-conducting tube (62) are interchangeable in structure, realizing a simple "heating-heat conduction" dual-mode switching.

8. A modular microwave-heated calcium hydroxide thermochemical energy storage reactor according to claim 1, characterized in that: The through pipe (6) and the microwave heating tube (61) or the hollow heat-conducting tube (62) adopt a threaded quick-connect sealing connection structure to achieve rapid switching between different working modes.

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