Brick Thermal Storage with Radiative Heating for Continuous High-Temp Heat
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current thermal energy storage systems face challenges in efficiently storing and delivering thermal energy from variable renewable electricity sources, particularly due to high costs, thermal runaway issues, and the inability to maintain sufficient outlet temperatures using lower-cost solid media, while also struggling with rapid charging and discharging requirements for industrial applications.
Innovation Solution
A thermal energy storage system that utilizes vertically oriented thermal storage units with stacks of bricks and resistive heaters connected via switching circuitry, employing radiative heat transfer for efficient charging and dynamic insulation to maintain temperature uniformity, coupled with a control system that manages energy based on ambient conditions and forecasts to optimize charging and discharging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If variable renewable electricity sources are used for thermal energy storage, then environmental sustainability is improved, but energy supply 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 unit accumulates heat during periods of high renewable generation, preparing energy reserves before demand occurs, thus bridging the gap between intermittent supply and continuous industrial demand.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces thermal energy storage as an intermediary between variable renewable electricity sources and continuous industrial heat demand. The thermal storage unit acts as a buffer that decouples the intermittent electrical input from the continuous thermal output, converting electrical energy to thermal energy for later delivery.
2Ease of manufacture
If lower-cost solid media are used for thermal energy storage, then system cost is reduced, but outlet temperature maintenance capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional convective heating systems with radiative heating elements. This substitution allows for more efficient and uniform heat distribution throughout the solid storage media, maintaining outlet temperatures even with lower-cost materials. The radiative heating method directly transfers thermal energy without requiring complex fluid circulation systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the heating mechanism parameter from convective to radiative, which fundamentally alters how thermal energy is transferred to the storage media. This parameter change enables better temperature uniformity and maintenance capability, overcoming the limitations of lower-cost solid materials.
3Productivity
If rapid charging and discharging is implemented for industrial applications, then productivity is improved, but thermal runaway risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The replacement of convective heating with radiative heating enables rapid energy input without the thermal gradients and hot spots that cause thermal runaway. Radiative heating distributes energy more uniformly across the storage media surface, allowing fast charging while maintaining thermal stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies local quality by ensuring uniform radiative heating across different zones of the storage unit. Each region receives appropriate thermal energy distribution, preventing localized overheating while enabling overall rapid charging. This spatial uniformity in heat distribution maintains thermal stability during high-rate 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 achieves efficient, long-service-life thermal energy storage and delivery at high temperatures, reducing costs and preventing thermal runaway, while enabling continuous energy supply to industrial processes despite variable renewable energy inputs.
Implementation Method 1
resistive heaters connected via switching circuitry, employing radiative heat transfer for efficient charging
Implementation Method 2
employing radiative heat transfer for efficient charging
Implementation Method 3
A thermal energy storage system that utilizes vertically oriented thermal storage units with stacks of bricks
Implementation Method 4
employing radiative heat transfer for efficient charging and dynamic insulation to maintain temperature uniformity
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.