3D Borehole Thermal Storage System for Dual-Mode Heating and Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solar thermal energy storage systems are limited in their ability to adapt to individual needs, provide both heating and cooling, and are vulnerable to weather conditions, leading to inefficiencies and high maintenance costs.
Innovation Solution
A flexible 3D thermal storage and retrieval system that uses a network of boreholes with a pressurized fluid mattress and insulation layer, allowing for adaptable heat and cold energy collection and storage, capable of operating in both heating and cooling modes, and featuring a snow and ice removal mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional solar thermal energy storage systems are used, then heating functionality is provided, but the system cannot provide cooling functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dual-mode thermal storage system where the same borehole storage facility serves both heating and cooling functions. The system switches between heating mode (using stored thermal energy) and cooling mode (storing cold energy) based on seasonal demands, eliminating the need for separate systems and achieving multi-functionality from a single infrastructure
2Productivity
If thermal collectors are exposed to weather conditions, then energy collection is possible, but snow and ice accumulation reduces efficiency and increases maintenance costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the weight of accumulated snow and ice as a beneficial insulating layer rather than treating it purely as a harmful obstruction. The snow cover provides thermal insulation that reduces heat loss from the collectors during cold periods, while the system includes periodic clearing mechanisms to restore full solar collection efficiency when needed
3Adaptability or versatility
If advanced processing facilities are installed to adapt energy to specific needs, then energy adaptability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-regulating thermal storage system that automatically adapts energy delivery to match demand patterns without requiring complex external processing facilities. The system uses natural thermal stratification in the boreholes and automated pump control to deliver appropriately temperature-adjusted thermal energy, achieving adaptability through simple, autonomous operation
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system provides efficient, adaptable thermal energy management for both heating and cooling, reducing energy consumption and maintenance costs, while maintaining performance in varying weather conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The energy carrier is circulating through the mattress in canals arranged inside the pressurized mattress
Implementation Method 2
The energy carrier will be circulating through the solar collector installation, the piping and the borehole groups
Implementation Method 3
The entire BTES is covered by a layer of insulation
Implementation Method 4
pumping device for controlling the flow of the energy carrier
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to devices and systems for collecting and storage of solar energy, wherein the system for storing and retrieving captured temperature based energy comprising: one or more thermal collectors (5, 60), an energy carrier (29), a piping system (3, 7, 34, 35, 36), pumping device for controlling the flow of the energy carrier (29), and one or more ground thermal storage systems (30).