Bidirectional Thermal Stations for Distributed Heat Load Balancing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current thermal energy network systems are inefficient in utilizing distributed heat sources and transporting thermal energy, particularly due to limitations in transportation and storage technology, which hinders the adoption of low-temperature renewable energy sources in urban areas.
Innovation Solution
A thermal energy network system comprising two thermal stations, one for residential/commercial and one for industrial demand, that manage base loads and allow bidirectional thermal energy transfer, reducing transportation costs and enhancing efficiency by utilizing adjacent installations and district heating equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If distributed heat sources are utilized in thermal energy networks, then renewable energy adoption increases, but transportation and storage technology limitations reduce system efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the thermal energy network into multiple independent thermal stations, each capable of storing and managing thermal energy locally. This segmentation allows distributed heat sources to be utilized effectively while reducing transportation losses by enabling local energy management and bidirectional energy exchange between stations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces thermal energy storage systems as intermediaries between distributed heat sources and demand points. These storage systems buffer thermal energy, allowing efficient transportation and management while overcoming the limitations of direct thermal energy transfer over long distances.
2Adaptability or versatility
If bidirectional thermal energy transfer is implemented between thermal stations, then thermal energy availability improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each thermal station is designed with multi-functional capabilities, including thermal energy storage, bidirectional energy transfer, and autonomous management. This universality allows the system to achieve high thermal energy availability through standardized modules, reducing overall system complexity despite the sophisticated bidirectional operations.
3Loss of energy
If thermal stations are installed adjacent to demand sources, then transportation costs reduce, but land use requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal stations are designed to be integrated into or adjacent to existing demand source facilities, nesting the thermal energy infrastructure within or near the buildings that consume the energy. This approach minimizes land use by utilizing existing facility spaces while achieving the benefit of reduced transportation distances.
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
This configuration improves thermal energy availability, reduces transportation costs, and efficiently utilizes distributed heat sources, including low-temperature renewable energy, by enabling bidirectional energy movement and managing base and partial loads within the network.
Implementation Method 1
a first thermal station that stores first thermal energy using a first heat source and supplies the first thermal energy to a first demand source
Implementation Method 2
the first thermal energy and the second thermal energy are transferred between the first thermal station and the second thermal station
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
Provided is a thermal energy network system including: a first thermal station that stores first thermal energy using a first heat source and supplies the first thermal energy to a first demand source used for residence or commerce; and a second thermal station that stores second thermal energy using a second heat source and supplies the second thermal energy to a second demand source used for industry, wherein the first thermal station and the second thermal station manage a base load of a thermal energy network, and the first thermal energy and the second thermal energy are transferred between the first thermal station and the second thermal station as needed. Thus, each of the first thermal station and the second thermal station can supply necessary thermal energy to each of the first demand source and the second demand source, and bidirectional thermal energy movement between the first thermal station and the second thermal station can be performed so that thermal energy availability can be improved.