Brick Thermal Storage Cavities for Stable 1000°C Heat Output
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current thermal energy storage systems face challenges in efficiently storing and delivering thermal energy, particularly when using variable renewable electricity (VRE) sources. These systems struggle with high costs, thermal runaway, and the inability to maintain consistent outlet temperatures using lower-cost solid media.
Innovation Solution
The proposed thermal energy storage system employs a design that includes vertically oriented thermal storage units with stacks of bricks and heaters, utilizing radiative heat transfer for efficient charging and convective discharge for efficient energy delivery. This system also incorporates a dynamic insulation design to minimize energy losses and a control system that manages energy storage and release based on weather and energy demand forecasts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If thermal energy storage systems use variable renewable electricity sources, then energy sustainability is improved, but system reliability deteriorates due to variability and intermittency
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by storing thermal energy in advance when renewable electricity is available. The thermal storage units accumulate heat during periods of high renewable generation, preparing energy reserves before demand occurs, thus bridging the gap between intermittent supply and continuous demand.
Solution Approach 2:
Thermal energy serves as an intermediary medium between variable renewable electricity and continuous industrial heat demand. The system converts electrical energy to thermal energy for storage, then releases it on demand, acting as a buffer that decouples the variability of renewable sources from the continuity requirements of industrial processes.
2Ease of manufacture
If lower-cost solid media are used for thermal energy storage, then cost is reduced, but temperature consistency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal storage system is divided into multiple independent thermal storage units, each containing stacks of solid media. This segmentation allows individual units to be optimized and controlled separately, improving overall temperature consistency while using cost-effective solid materials like rocks or ceramics.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions within the thermal storage system are assigned different functions: some areas focus on heat absorption, others on heat storage, and others on heat release. This spatial differentiation of quality ensures consistent outlet temperature while using simple, low-cost solid media throughout the system.
3Duration of action of moving object
If thermal energy is stored and delivered continuously, then energy availability is improved, but thermal runaway risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
A thermal fluid acts as an intermediary between the solid storage media and the external environment. This fluid mediates heat transfer in a controlled manner, enabling continuous energy availability while preventing direct thermal contact that could lead to runaway conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback control mechanisms that continuously monitor temperature and adjust heat transfer rates. When temperature thresholds are approached, the system automatically reduces charging or increases discharge, preventing thermal runaway while maintaining continuous energy availability.
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 effectively stores electrical energy as thermal energy, enabling continuous delivery of high-temperature heat for industrial applications. It reduces costs by using lower-cost solid media and minimizes thermal runaway through balanced temperature management. The dynamic insulation enhances energy efficiency, and the smart control system optimizes energy use based on forecasted conditions.
Implementation Method 1
heaters attached thereto, utilizing radiative heat transfer for efficient charging
Implementation Method 2
utilizing radiative heat transfer for efficient charging and convective discharge for efficient energy delivery
Implementation Method 3
incorporates a dynamic insulation design to minimize energy losses
Data Source
AI summary
An energy storage system converts variable renewable electricity (VRE) to continuous heat at over 1000° C. Intermittent electrical energy heats a solid medium. Heat from the solid medium is delivered continuously on demand. An array of bricks incorporating internal radiation cavities is directly heated by thermal radiation. The cavities facilitate rapid, uniform heating via reradiation. Heat delivery via flowing gas establishes a thermocline which maintains high outlet temperature throughout discharge. Gas flows through structured pathways within the array, delivering heat which may be used for processes including calcination, hydrogen electrolysis, steam generation, and thermal power generation and cogeneration. Groups of thermal storage arrays may be controlled and operated at high temperatures without thermal runaway via deep-discharge sequencing. Forecast-based control enables continuous, year-round heat supply using current and advance information of weather and VRE availability. High-voltage DC power conversion and distribution circuitry improves the efficiency of VRE power transfer into the system.