Storage device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a storage device comprising a plurality of storage modules (2) in a stacked state, each of the plurality of storage modules (2) having at least one storage container (10) and at least one heat transfer medium flow path (22) adjacent to the outer wall of the storage container (10), and the heat transfer medium flow paths (22) of the plurality of storage modules (2) are connected via at least one heat transfer medium connection line.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a storage device designed to store energy in the form of heat and / or hydrogen. [Background technology]

[0002] It is known to store thermal energy in a heat accumulator, such as a latent heat accumulator. It is also possible to store hydrogen in a metal hydride accumulator. In the case of a heat accumulator, for example, a storage container is provided that is filled with a latent heat accumulator material that can be heated via a heat transfer medium and release the heat back into the heat transfer medium. Metal hydride hydrogen accumulators contain a metal hydride in the storage container to which hydrogen is bonded. When the hydrogen is bonded, heat is released, but heat must be supplied to desorb the hydrogen. Suitable heat transfer media can be used for this purpose. Summary of the Invention

[0003] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a modular storage device that can be manufactured cost-effectively and whose size and storage volume can be easily adjusted. [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] This problem is solved by a storage device having the features of claim 1. Preferred embodiments emerge from the dependent claims, the following description and the accompanying drawings.

[0005] The storage device according to the invention is designed in particular to store energy in the form of heat and / or hydrogen. The storage device according to the invention has a modular structure, i.e., it is composed of a plurality of storage modules. The storage modules are stacked, each lying on top of the other storage modules or arranged side by side. The storage modules are designed to be substantially independent of each other, i.e., each storage module has a closed storage volume. Preferably, the storage modules are separated from each other in such a way that, even when stacked, no fluid communication is provided between the individual storage modules in the area of ​​the installation surface. This facilitates assembly, since no seals are required between the storage modules. A modular structure has the advantage that storage devices of different sizes can be built cost-effectively using standardized modules, in particular because the number of storage modules in the storage device can be easily changed.

[0006] Each of the storage modules includes at least one storage container. The storage container is a substantially closed container, the necessary walls of which are part of the associated storage module. That is, each storage container is entirely part of the individual storage module and forms a closed volume within the individual storage module. Each of the storage modules also includes at least one heat transfer medium flow path adjacent to the outer wall of the storage container. The heat transfer medium, particularly a liquid heat transfer medium, flowing through the heat transfer medium flow path can temperature-condition the storage container, i.e., heat or cool the storage container, depending on the application. The heat transfer medium flow path is preferably arranged to ensure good heat transfer between the heat transfer medium inside the heat transfer medium flow path and the outer wall of the storage container. Preferably, the heat transfer medium flows directly over the outer wall of the storage container, or the heat transfer medium flow path is connected to the outer wall of the storage container in a manner that ensures good heat conduction. The heat transfer medium flow paths of the storage modules are connected to each other. For this purpose, at least one heat transfer medium connection line is provided, which is connected to the heat transfer medium flow paths of the individual storage modules or is connected in fluid communication with them. Since the heat transfer medium connecting lines are designed separately from the heat transfer medium modules, the heat transfer medium modules do not have to be directly connected to one another in fluid communication, but rather the heat transfer medium flow paths of the individual storage modules are connected to one another and to the heat source and / or cooling device via at least one separate heat transfer medium connecting line. Valves may be arranged in at least one heat transfer medium connecting line and / or in the connections of the heat transfer medium connecting lines with the heat transfer medium flow paths, making it possible to regulate or control the flow of the heat transfer medium.

[0007] At least one heat transfer medium connecting line is preferably designed as an external piping for the storage modules. The heat transfer medium connecting line is preferably designed to be connected to the storage modules after they are stacked and secured to one another. The storage modules can have suitable connectors, such as connecting pieces, to which such external piping can be connected. The heat transfer medium connecting line connects the heat transfer medium channels of the storage modules to one another and to external components. The storage modules can be designed so that each of their heat transfer medium channels has two connectors, preferably an inlet and an outlet. In this case, for example, the inlet can be connected to the heat transfer medium inlet line and the outlet can be connected to the heat transfer medium outlet line. In this way, the heat transfer medium channels of the individual storage modules are connected in parallel. However, other connections or interconnections are also possible, such that the flow of the heat transfer medium channels is, for example, arranged in opposite directions or in a meandering overall direction.

[0008] Each storage container of the storage modules has an outer wall, which, according to a possible embodiment, has a first wall surface and a second wall surface extending parallel to and spaced apart from each other. The first and second wall surfaces may be firmly connected to each other in their edge regions via a peripheral wall. The first and second wall surfaces and the peripheral wall define the volume of the storage container. At least one heat transfer medium flow channel is preferably adjacent to the first and / or second wall surface. This allows for good heat transfer from the heat transfer medium flow channel or the heat transfer medium flowing therethrough to the adjacent wall surface. Heat can be introduced into or removed from the interior of the storage container via the wall surface.

[0009] According to another preferred embodiment, each of the plurality of storage containers has a first heat transfer medium flow path adjacent to the first wall surface and a second heat transfer medium flow path adjacent to the second wall surface. In this manner, the storage container is temperature-regulated on opposite sides by the heat transfer medium flowing through the heat transfer medium flow path. This allows for uniform temperature control over a wide area.

[0010] According to another embodiment of the present invention, at least one heat transfer medium channel extends flat along at least one wall surface of the associated storage container, thereby allowing the heat transfer medium in the heat transfer medium channel to flow over a larger area of ​​the storage container. Preferably, such heat transfer medium channel is arranged on two walls, i.e., on the first wall surface and the second wall surface, as described above.

[0011] The heat transfer medium channels may be directly defined by the outer wall of the associated storage container. Preferably, a channel wall is provided that is connected to the wall and is spaced apart from the wall in at least some areas, thereby forming a free space between the wall and the storage container, which defines the heat transfer medium channel. More preferably, the channel wall extends parallel to the outer wall of the storage container in at least some areas, thereby forming a flat heat transfer medium channel between the channel wall and the wall. The channel wall is preferably connected to the wall in its peripheral area. Furthermore, connections or connecting passages may be provided in the inner area. Such connections may be formed, for example, by appropriately shaping the channel wall, which may have, for example, a recess exposed to the wall, or more preferably connected to the wall.

[0012] The channel walls can be formed, for example, by sheet metal elements and are preferably tightly connected to a wall surface which is also formed from sheet metal. Preferably, the channel walls can be welded to the wall surface.

[0013] Suitable materials for both the channel walls and the outer wall of the storage vessel include, for example, aluminum and aluminum alloys, but also steel, particularly preferably stainless steel and / or austenitic steel.

[0014] The storage container of the storage module is preferably made of sheet metal, in particular metal sheet. The aforementioned materials can be preferably used here as well. Preferably, at least one wall surface of the outer wall, preferably the two wall surfaces adjacent to the two heat transfer medium channels, is a sheet metal (metal sheet) member. These can be cut to the desired shape at low cost and, if necessary, can be formed into the desired shape by deformation. The metal sheet member also allows for good heat transfer from the heat transfer medium channels to the interior of the storage container. The two wall surfaces made of sheet metal are preferably connected to each other at a distance via a peripheral wall. Such a peripheral wall can be made of one or more metal sheet members and can be welded to the aforementioned wall member, for example. The peripheral wall can be integrally formed with the two wall surfaces of the outer wall or at least one of them. The three-dimensional shape required to form a cavity inside the storage container can be achieved, for example, by deforming the sheet metal member.

[0015] Each storage module is preferably stacked between two support elements and pressed or held by the two support elements. The individual storage modules are preferably arranged parallel to one another so that the aforementioned walls with the heat transfer medium channels of the individual storage modules extend parallel to one another. The support elements can be designed as support plates. The two support elements are arranged at opposite ends of the module stack and are connected to one another via clamping elements. The clamping elements preferably extend laterally from the storage modules. The clamping elements can be designed, for example, as bolts or threaded rods, and can apply the required pressure between the support elements and the storage modules arranged therebetween via a threaded connection. The clamping elements can, for example, extend through the support elements as bolts and be fixed on the side away from the storage modules by nuts or screws. If the clamping elements are designed as rods or threaded rods, they can be easily provided with the desired length to accommodate the number of storage modules to be stacked. This is advantageous for modular structures in which different numbers of storage modules can be stacked as needed. Rods or threaded rods as standard parts can be easily cut to the desired dimensions.

[0016] Preferably, the individual storage modules have a support structure that carries or supports the storage containers. The support structure is, for example, placed on at least one support surface, and each storage module is directly supported on the support surface. The support structure can, for example, be designed as a frame that surrounds the storage container, and this frame is force-transmittingly connected, for example welded, to the outer wall of the storage container.

[0017] When the storage device is used as a heat storage device, a heat storage material, particularly a latent heat storage material, is arranged inside at least one storage container of at least one storage module. This can be, for example, wax or paraffin. However, any other suitable latent heat storage material can be arranged inside the storage container depending on the desired temperature level. After the latent heat storage material is introduced into the storage container, the storage container is closed. A filling opening for introducing the heat storage material can also be provided, which is closed after filling. The closing can be performed, for example, by a plug and can be designed as a permanent or releasable closing. Alternatively, the heat storage material can be introduced before the storage container is permanently closed, for example, by closing one of the wall elements, for example, one of the aforementioned wall surfaces or a portion of the peripheral wall. Therefore, the latent heat storage material is preferably arranged in the closed volume defined by the storage container. In this case, heat exchange can be carried out only with the heat transfer medium flowing through one heat transfer medium flow path or multiple heat transfer medium flow paths. In this application, no connections between the storage containers or between the interior spaces of the storage containers are necessary. The storage device may comprise a number of such storage modules designed as heat accumulators.

[0018] When the storage device is used as a hydrogen reservoir, a metal hydride designed or suitable for storing hydrogen is arranged inside at least one storage vessel of at least one storage module. Basically, any suitable metal hydride can be used for this purpose. In this application, the storage vessel has a corresponding connection or connection opening so that hydrogen can be introduced into the storage vessel and removed from it again. The supplied hydrogen combines with the metal hydride inside the storage vessel, and some of the hydrogen remains gaseous inside the storage vessel. The storage device may have multiple such storage modules designed as hydrogen reservoirs. Preferably, each storage vessel has at least one line connection, and the line connections of the individual storage vessels of the multiple storage modules are preferably connected to one another via at least one storage vessel connecting line. In this case, the storage vessel connecting line is also preferably a separate line connection that is made outside the storage module. This means that the multiple storage modules are not directly connected to one another when stacked or arranged, so no seals are required between the individual storage modules. This simplifies assembly.

[0019] A storage device comprising multiple storage modules according to the present invention can be designed exclusively as a heat accumulator or exclusively as a hydrogen accumulator. If the storage device is designed exclusively as a heat accumulator, the storage containers of all storage modules are preferably filled with a heat storage material. If the storage device is designed exclusively as a hydrogen accumulator, the storage containers of all storage modules are preferably filled with a metal hydride. Furthermore, in certain embodiments, it is also possible to combine a hydrogen accumulator and a heat accumulator into a single storage device. For this purpose, at least one storage module in the storage device can be designed as a heat accumulator and at least one storage module can be designed as a hydrogen accumulator. Thus, in the case of multiple storage modules, some of the storage modules can be designed as heat accumulators and others as hydrogen accumulators. For example, different modules can be arranged alternately, or similar storage modules can be arranged in the form of a block. Combining a heat storage module and a hydrogen storage module in a storage device has the advantage that the heat released from the metal hydride during charging can be stored in the heat storage module in the storage device and later fed back to the hydrogen storage module to release hydrogen from the metal hydride. In that case, heat transfer takes place via a heat transfer medium flowing through the heat transfer medium flow passages and at least one heat transfer medium connection line.

[0020] The at least one storage container connection line is preferably designed as an external pipe of the storage modules connecting the storage containers of the storage modules, the pipe preferably running along the side of the storage modules, and is conveniently attached after the storage modules have been assembled into a module stack, i.e., after the storage modules have been stacked one on top of the other.

[0021] According to a further preferred embodiment, the storage containers each have at least two line connections, for example an inlet connection and an outlet connection, which are preferably arranged on opposite sides or on opposite sides of the storage container, In such a case, at least two storage container connection lines may be provided, i.e. an inlet line connecting the inlet connections to one another and an outlet line connecting the outlet connections to one another.

[0022] The metal hydride is preferably arranged in the form of blocks in at least one storage container with spacer elements between the blocks, although it can also be introduced as granules or powder. These blocks are placed in the storage container before the storage container is closed, e.g., before the final side wall or wall is attached, which is then welded to the periphery. The spacer elements are used to position the metal hydride blocks in place inside the storage container before the storage container is initially filled with hydrogen. The metal hydride expands when hydrogen is first introduced. To ensure uniform expansion, clearances are provided by the spacer elements during installation. The spacer elements and blocks are preferably designed and dimensioned so that the metal hydride completely fills the storage container after initial hydrogen absorption, i.e., in particular contacts the inside of the aforementioned storage container wall, thereby ensuring optimal heat transfer through the wall to the interior of the metal hydride. However, at the same time, further expansion that would deform the storage container should be avoided, e.g., to prevent deformation or damage to the heat transfer medium flow paths.

[0023] In a module stack, intermediate plates can be arranged between adjacent or neighboring storage modules. This can ensure uniform force transmission between the individual storage modules and play-free installation of the storage modules and / or thermal isolation between the storage modules. The intermediate plates can be made of a heat-insulating material and / or an elastic material that can absorb deformations due to, for example, thermal expansion. For thermal isolation or insulation between adjacent storage modules, the intermediate plates are preferably made of a material with suitable heat-insulating properties or a material with low thermal conductivity, such as plastic.

[0024] According to another preferred embodiment, the entire storage device can be enclosed in a housing that particularly preferably includes or is formed by a thermal insulating material, such as, for example, rock wool, mineral wool, or foamed plastic material, suitable for the intended purpose. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0025] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a storage device according to the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a side view of the storage device according to FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a plan view of a storage module of the storage device. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0026] The invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: The storage device according to the invention is designed as a hydrogen storage vessel and comprises a number of storage modules, here five storage modules 2. The storage modules 2 are stacked parallel to one another and arranged between two support plates 4 connected to one another via rods or bolts 6. The rods 6 form clamping elements and extend through the support plates 4. On the side of the support plates 4 facing away from the storage modules 2, the rods 6 are screwed in place by nuts 8. A compressive force is thus applied between the plates 4 via the nuts 8 and the rods 6, which holds the storage modules 2 in contact and resists the compressive forces occurring in the storage modules 2.

[0027] The storage modules 2 are identically designed and each include a storage container 10, which, in the case of a hydrogen storage device, is filled with a metal hydride (not shown). The storage container 10 has an outer wall formed by two spaced-apart parallel walls 12 and 14. The walls 12 and 14 are formed as thin metal plates and are connected to each other at their periphery by a peripheral wall 16. The peripheral wall 16 can be formed as a bent thin metal strip, which is formed into a closed ring and welded. Alternatively, it can be formed from multiple welded thin metal elements. The walls 12 and 14 are also welded to the peripheral wall 16. The storage container 10 thus formed is inserted into a surrounding frame 18, which can also be made of a thin metal member. Therefore, the frame 18 protrudes transversely from the peripheral wall. The frame 18 has multiple through-holes 20 through which multiple rods 6 extend. The frames 18 are therefore guided on the rods 6 or arranged transversely to the rods 6. This allows multiple storage modules 2 to be threaded onto the rods 6, ensuring that multiple storage modules are arranged between the support plates 4. The frames 18 are each welded to the adjacent peripheral wall 16, but may also be connected to the peripheral wall 16 by another force-transmitting method, such as by screwing or riveting. The frames 18 preferably serve as a support structure for the storage modules 2, with each frame standing on a ground surface or support element, thereby transmitting the force of the weight of the associated storage module 2 directly to the ground surface or support element.

[0028] In each of the storage modules 2, a heat transfer medium flow path 22 is formed on the outer side of the wall surface 12 or 14, i.e., on the side opposite to the interior space of the storage container 10. The heat transfer medium flow path 22 is defined between the wall surface 12 or 14 and a flow path wall 24 attached from the outside. The flow path wall 24 is formed as a thin plate component, and its main portion is formed to extend substantially parallel to the wall surface 12 or 14. It is formed so that individual regions, i.e., the majority of its portion, are separated from the wall surface 12 or 14, resulting in the formation of free spaces that define the flat heat transfer medium flow path 22. At the periphery, the flow path wall 24 is formed to contact the wall surface 12 or 14 and is firmly welded thereto. In the central region, the channel wall 24 has a recess 26 facing inward, i.e., toward the wall surfaces 12 and 14, the bottom of which is designed as a hole, and the peripheral wall of the recess 26 contacts the adjacent wall surfaces 12 and 14 and is likewise firmly welded. The heat transfer medium channel 22 has an inlet 28 and an outlet 30, which are arranged on opposite sides of the heat transfer medium channel 22. The inlet 28 can be connected to an inlet line, and the outlet 30 can be connected to an outlet line, for receiving and delivering the liquid heat transfer medium. The heat transfer medium then flows through the heat transfer medium channel 22 to regulate the temperature of the storage container 10, in particular to cool the storage container 10 when absorbing hydrogen, and to heat the storage container 10 when releasing hydrogen. In this case, it is important that the corresponding connecting lines and connections of the heat transfer medium channel 22 of the individual storage modules 2 are made by external piping outside these storage modules 2, i.e., the heat transfer medium channel 22 of the individual storage modules 2 are not directly connected to each other when the modules are arranged.

[0029] In this exemplary embodiment, when multiple storage modules 2 are arranged, the flow path walls 24 of adjacent storage modules 2 do not directly abut each other, but intermediate plates 32 are arranged between the individual storage modules 2 and between the storage modules 2 and the support plate 4. These plates are used to thermally isolate adjacent storage modules 2 and are made of a material with low thermal conductivity, such as plastic. Preferably, the material of the intermediate plates 32 also has elastic properties, allowing for uniform force transmission and the ability to compensate for, for example, thermal expansion.

[0030] Each of the plurality of storage containers 10 further has at least one line connection 34. In this exemplary embodiment, each of the plurality of storage modules has two line connections 34 formed on opposing sides (opposite sides) of the peripheral wall 16. The line connections 34 are used to introduce hydrogen into the storage container 10 and to remove hydrogen from the storage container 10. Each of the line connections 34 is connected to a storage container connection line 36 outside the storage module 2, i.e., outside the storage container 10. This means that, again, external piping is provided, and connections between the storage containers 10 are established after the modules are stacked or arranged. This means that there are no direct connections between the storage containers 10.

[0031] With some modifications, the modular storage device described above can also be used as a heat accumulator, in particular a latent heat accumulator, rather than as a hydrogen accumulator. In such a case, the line connections 34 are used to fill the storage container 10 with a heat storage material, in particular a latent heat storage material, such as wax. The line connections 34 are then blocked, for example, by plugs. These blockages can be designed to be permanent or releasable. This can also be done via the storage container connection lines 36, which are then blocked or removed. Alternatively, the storage container connection lines 36 can be omitted for use as a heat accumulator, and the storage container 10 can be filled, for example, separately. Heat is supplied to and removed from the accumulator by a liquid heat transfer medium guided by the heat transfer medium channels 22.

[0032] In certain embodiments of the storage device, a hydrogen storage device and a heat accumulator can be combined, so that the heat generated when hydrogen is absorbed by the metal hydride can be stored by the heat accumulator and later reused to release the hydrogen. This can be done in such a way that at least one storage device designed as a hydrogen storage device operates in combination with at least one storage device designed as a heat accumulator. However, in certain embodiments, it is also possible for some storage modules 2 within the storage device to be designed as hydrogen storage devices and other storage modules 2 to be designed as heat accumulators. In that case, different storage modules 2 can be arranged, for example, alternately, or several storage modules 2 of the same type can be combined to form a block. [Explanation of symbols]

[0033] 2 Storage Module 4 Support Plate 6 rods 8 nuts 10 Storage Containers 12, 14 Wall 16 Peripheral wall 18 frames 20 through holes 22 Heat transfer medium flow path 24 Channel wall 26 Depression 28 Entrance 30 exit 32 Intermediate plate 34 Line connection 36 Storage vessel connection line

Claims

1. A storage device comprising a plurality of storage modules (2) in a stacked state, The storage device is characterized in that each of the plurality of storage modules (2) has at least one storage container (10) and at least one heat transfer medium flow path (22) adjacent to the outer wall of the storage container (10), and the heat transfer medium flow paths (22) of the plurality of storage modules (2) are connected via at least one heat transfer medium connection line.

2. 2. The storage device according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one heat transfer medium connection line is designed as an external piping of the plurality of storage modules (2) and connects the heat transfer medium flow paths (22) of the plurality of storage modules (2).

3. 3. The storage device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the outer wall of the storage container (10) has a first wall surface (12) and a second wall surface (14) extending parallel to and spaced apart from each other, and the at least one heat transfer medium flow path (22) is adjacent to the first wall surface and / or the second wall surface (12, 14).

4. 4. The storage device of claim 3, wherein the storage vessel (10) has a first heat transfer medium flow path (22) adjacent to the first wall surface (12) and a second heat transfer medium flow path (22) adjacent to the second wall surface (14).

5. 5. The storage device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one heat transfer medium flow path (22) extends flat along at least one wall surface (12, 14) of the outer wall of the associated storage container (10).

6. 6. The storage device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one heat transfer medium flow path (22) is defined by a wall surface (12, 14) of the outer wall of the associated storage container (10) and a flow path wall (24) connected to the wall surface (12, 14).

7. 7. A storage device according to claim 6, characterized in that the channel walls (24) are formed by sheet metal elements and are tightly connected, preferably welded, to the wall surfaces (12, 14).

8. 8. The storage device according to claim 1, wherein at least one wall surface (12, 14) of the outer wall, preferably at least the wall surface (12, 14) adjacent to the heat transfer medium flow path (22), is a thin plate member.

9. 9. A storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the stacked storage modules (2) are arranged between two support elements (4), the two support elements (4) being preferably connected to each other via clamping elements (6) extending laterally of the storage modules (2).

10. 10. Storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that a heat storage material is arranged inside at least one storage container (10) of at least one storage module (2).

11. 11. The storage device according to claim 1, wherein at least one storage container (10) of at least one storage module (2) is arranged with a metal hydride designed to store hydrogen.

12. 12. The storage device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one storage container (10) each has at least one line connection (34), and the line connections (34) of the storage containers (10) of the plurality of storage modules (2) are preferably connected via at least one storage container connection line (36).

13. 13. The storage device according to claim 12, characterized in that the at least one storage container connection line (36) is designed as an external piping of the plurality of storage modules (2) and connects the storage containers (10) of the plurality of storage modules (2).

14. 14. Storage device according to any one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that the metal hydride is arranged in the at least one storage vessel (10) in the form of blocks arranged between spacer elements, the spacer elements and the blocks being preferably designed and dimensioned so that the metal hydride completely fills the storage vessel (10) after first absorbing hydrogen.

15. Storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that intermediate plates (32) are arranged between adjacent storage modules (2).

Images